Five things you need to know about Triumph’s 2018 Bonneville Speedmaster

• Published On: 26 February 2018
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Here are five essential things you need to know about the Bonneville Bobber-based cruiser.

The history

The Speedmaster name isn’t new to the brand, it made its debut in 2002. While the previous Speedmaster wasn’t sold in India, the new one will be. Triumph says the Speedmaster is for owners who want a bike like the Bonneville T120, but who want a more laidback appearance as well as some touring capability. The practicality of its twin seat setup is another pull.

Underpinnings

This bike is based on the Bobber platform and shares the same wheelbase. The bike uses a different steering geometry with a slightly smaller rake angle. The Speedmaster has the same wheel and tyre size as the new Bobber Black - a fat 130/90-section front tyre and a 150/80-section at the rear by Avon. Twin 310mm discs and dual piston Brembo calipers take care of braking duties on the bike.

Powertrain

The 1,200cc parallel-twin engine is tuned just like it is in the Bobber. The bike makes slightly more torque, and while it sacrifices 3hp of power to the T120, it makes more mid-range grunt. Maximum power is 77hp, while peak torque is 106Nm. The company says it makes 10 percent more power and torque than the Bonneville T120. At 245.5kg, the Speedmaster is 8kg heavier than the Bobber Black and it weighs around 21.5kg more than the Bonneville T120.

Equipment

There are two riding modes, ABS and switchable traction control. The bike also comes with cruise control as standard. There are three colours on sale - Jet Black, Cranberry Red and Fusion White/Phantom Black with twin-coach line. There are also two ‘Inspiration packs’ on offer – which is a collection of accessories to mod the bike. The 'Highway' kit gets you a large, adjustable windscreen, leather panniers, comfort seats and a smattering of chrome trim. The second kit, which is called the 'Maverick’, features a single seat, flatter and lower handlebars and a blacked-out Vance & Hines exhaust system.

Launch date and pricing

The company had first unveiled the Bonneville Speedmaster at India Bike Week 2017 and will launch the bike here on February 27. Expect prices to be around Rs 10.5 lakh (ex-showroom).