TRIUMPH SPEEDMASTER (2011 - 2017) Review

Version: 865cc

Year: 2014

Stock seat on mine was poor for pillion so replaced with a Norman Hyde. Rear shocks to get upgrade too. OK solo but a bit uncomfortable for pillion on our poor roads (potholes).

Buying experience: Private purchase

Version: 865

Year: 2016

Annual servicing cost: £180

After a year of riding the best Bonnevillle and a few long trips it’s unquestionably one of the most unique bikes I’ve ridden. Most people say ‘it’s a beast’ or ‘that’s a proper bike’. Its looks stand out. Huge comfortable seat. Riding position with feet forward takes a while to get used to but never getting cramp again. Acceleration for a 250kg bike up to 60mph feels quick. Brakes are good which is surprising for just a single front disc. Handling for a bike that’s made for 50mph straight roads is good. Stock exhaust good but shorter sounds much better. Only a few things to consider… Clearance is low so fast cornering and roundabouts you will scrape the pegs. Rear shocks do not handle potholes well and you feel it more because 90% of your weight is on your rear. It’s performance tops out at 75 although it will go higher slowly. But these are minor to a brilliant ride.

Buying experience: Bought from a dealer online with just a video. Scary way to buy but it was lockdown. All went well and bike better than expected.

Year: 2014

Annual servicing cost: £5

good all rounder, low so both feet on the ground ? very good on bends for a big bike, very fast on take off and very good at cruising speed, comfortable seat position, iv got a after market one seater, sounds great with after market exhausts fitted, good on petrol, not to bad at short stopping distance but could do with two discs on front instead of one, change pads frequently for better stopping power, no petrol gauge so its a red light means find petrol,

Buying experience: private, he wanted 5500 but got him down to 5000,

Year: 2015

Annual servicing cost: £150

comfortable riding postion for riders of all size's

Buying experience: Dealer Ex Demo

Year: 2012

Great ride, my first custom bike. been riding for40 years and this with foot pegs forward takes some getting used to. once you get the position right and taking the courage on cornering its is one good bike. Very comfortable over distance , and getting around 60mpg....probably my slow riding, but cruising is made for this bike, only need to stop to fill up.

Buying experience: Bought from dealer

The only things I want to change on my bike are the indicators too big and the huge great big rear light. Would be nice if you could get a twin headlamp setup.

The bikes slow and heavy, the rear suspension is rock hard. It has poor ground clearance but I love it to bits. Why might you ask? I bought the bike to save my licence and health. It has worked a treat. Instead of riding balls out just looking for the next braking point I now watch the world go by and just tootle along at 55-60mph. The bike is so relaxed to ride fuelling is spot on. Its comfortable, handles well for what it is. doesnt vibrate, sounds terrific with race cans. stops reasonably well, looks brilliant and above all it has character by the bucket loads. If like me you get frustrated when your out on your sports bike with cyclists, cars, Trucks always in the way on your favourite stretch of road buy a speedmaster and chill

I've bought my Triumph Speedmaster, March 1st. I traded my Suzuki GSX750F and said goodbye to sports bikes. All I can say is that this bike is a dream. It looks great, handles well and is not only easy to ride but it's a joy to ride. Not only is it British but it's good value for money too. I'm really happy.

I'm probably safe in assuming I've owned more bikes than anyone else commenting and it's a dynamite bike. I moved up to it after riding a Vulcan 1600 for about 8 years. I can't think of anything about it I don't prefer over the Vulcan and I liked the Vulcan. It's true, it's not a noisemaker like a Harley but I'm a grownup so I don't need to make noise to draw attention to myself. Triumph has come from out of the blue to make the best bikes in a broad range of categories.

Superb bike.. it has looks.. it is easy to ride.. and the exhaust sound is glorious. Taking it past 90 can take planning, but it is no fun trying push it, the bike feels better when it is understressed. It is more than quick enough to get you out of trouble though. It is solid enough for commuting, and I have enough confidence in it to take it through winter. Polish the chrome, and find a way of lubing the chain, and it is the only bike you will ever want.

Weird that this review in particular has hit a seam of Triumph hatred... I'll try to add some balance as an owner of a Speedmaster. Frankly my experience matches the review pretty well, I use the bike everyday for both work and pleasure and it does both extremely effectively. It's happy nipping about in city traffic and will make short work of the bits of motorway I need to deal with. And being mid-sized means the fuel consumption doesn't wipe me out! For me moving from a v to a parallel twin has meant a slight change in focus and riding style, so if you are completely wedded to just one engine layout it may not be for you. Conversely, if you like the cruiser/custom riding position and grew up wanting a Triumph, as I did, then aesthetically this bike is perfect! I agree that the standard cans are too quiet though.

So you sell these, for a living, but honestly they're the best thing since automatic bobbin winding? Wow! There's a surprise!