Triumph's new Speedmaster is part of the Bonneville family; lower geared for better acceleration, with a 270 degree twisted crankshaft to give that essential burble-burble exhaust note, a black painted engine, high bars, forward pegs, low seat and minimalist pillion pad.
It's the British-made interpretation of the "All-American Cruiser", right down to the ignition switch hidden low down below the seat, the rev counter and warning lights set into the tank top. The very British classic ancestry is clear from the 790 cc parallel twin engine. This engine layout, once the "signature" layout for Triumphs, is distinctly classic in outward appearance, looking much the same as Dad's Tiger 100.
The all-black engine, instead of polished alloy, reminds one of the Vincent Black Shadow, as does the massive, large diameter speed-ometer. There the resemblance ends. The model tested had been treated by its owner to a really effective cruiser-style screen, twin fog-lights either side of the headlamp, leather pannier bags, backrest and rear carrier and an aftermarket exhaust system which will appeal to the "loud pipes save lives" school of riding.
The twin 310 mm front disk brakes give excellent stopping power - not always the case with American dream machines. The flat bars, mounted on risers, felt about right but we found the reach for a six-foot rider slightly on the long side. So, too, was the reach on the rear brake pedal. Unless you are wearing size-12s, you would end up operating the rear brake with your toe and not the ball of your foot.
This machine had also been fitted with an aftermarket rocker-type gear change lever, but the standard foot pegs have been retained. This made gear-changes somewhat more awkward than would be the case if footboards had also been fitted; something on the owner's list of things to be done. The clutch is cable operated and, given the substantial torque produced by the engine, needs careful adjustment.
There is no centre-stand, typical of the cruiser layout. Very well-placed mirrors give a first rate view.
It's part of the written-in-stone gospel of American-style cruisers that the ignition switch must be placed in the most illogical, inaccessible position. Here Triumph have excelled themselves. The switch is low down, below the rider's seat and recessed into a panel. Putting in the key almost demands getting down on hands and knees.
The chrome centre panel on the fuel tank houses a minuscule rev counter, so small and so far below the natural line of sight as to be only decorative. With the distinctly audible exhaust note it's almost superflous. A clock is available as an option. The rear wheel is solid alloy.
In terms of looks this machine rates high - it looks right. There is plenty of chrome to offset the black engine and frame parts and to complement the red fuel tank. The rider's seat is generous and comfortable, but not the traditional cruiser-style pillion "pad" which really would be suitable only for a short distance or an anaethetised passenger, but such things are de rigueur when it comes to this style of cruiser.
Cruiser-style machines are not intended to have cutting edge, precision handling. The concern is much more with looks and lifestyle. The Speedmaster handles very well indeed, much better than the machines which inspired this layout. It's entirely forgiving, pleasingly stable at low speed. Turn on the power and, thanks to low gearing and good torque, it accelerates briskly enough.
Despite its small size, the screen proved highly effective. Top speed is claimed to be 108 mph, though it is doubtful many owners would want to push it that far.
We found the five-speed box somewhat crude. Silent changes could be achieved, more by good luck than good management, and the resounding clunk going from neutral to first was inescapable. The 16.6 litre fuel tank should give a range of around 160 miles or more if not pushed too hard.
Throughout its history since the early 1950s, Triumph has had a serious following in North America, and this machine should be well received there - and on this side of the Atlantic by those who dream of the Route 66 lifestyle.
Thanks to Shay Cahill for lending his machine for this test.