Triumph Motorcycles expanded their cruiser portfolio in India by launching the new Bonneville Speedmaster, today. The new Triumph Speedmaster has been priced at Rs 11,11,500 (ex-showroom, India), including the recent 5 percent hike for CKD bikes. The new Triumph offering is based on the Triumph Bonneville Bobber, which was launched in India at Rs 9.56 lakh (ex-showroom, India), last year. While the Bobber is more suited for urban environment, the Speedmaster is a traditional cruiser and it features curved back handlebars and forward-set pegs for a comfortable riding posture. Its fuel tank capacity has also been bumped – from the 9.1-litre tank seen on the Bobber – to a 12-litre tank, for better range, while touring. As the Bobber was only available as a single-seater, another thoughtful addition to the Speedmaster is a pillion seat. To accommodate a pillion seat, Triumph engineers had to employ a completely redesigned subframe while maintaining the ‘hard-tail’ styling. The Speedmaster also holds the distinction of being the first Bonneville offering in India to go on sale with an all-LED headlamp.
Powering the cruiser is the same 1,200cc parallel-twin powerplant seen on the Bobber, which delivers 77hp at 6,100rpm and peak torque of 106Nm at 4,000rpm. In comparison, the Bonneville T120’s motor pumps out 80hp and 105Nm of torque whereas the Thruxton R’s engine produces 97hp and 112Nm of torquw. The engine is mated to a 6-speed gearbox. Talking about electronics, the Speedmaster features two power modes (Road and Rain), switchable traction control, ride-by-wire, and is also the first Bonneville motorcycle to get Cruise Control.
Suspension duties are handled by telescopic front forks and a rear monoshock which is adjustable for preload; but suspension travel is just 73mm. The new Triumph motorcycle gets 16-inch spoke wheels on both ends and Avon tyres – a fat 130/90-section at front and a 150/80-section at the rear. Stopping power is provided by 310mm twin disc front brakes setup with two twin-piston Brembo callipers and a single 255mm dia disc at the back, while ABS is standard.
Talking about competition, the new Speedmaster will lock horns against the Indian Scout Sixty and the Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 Custom.
Azaman Chothia
Vishal Venugopal
