2022 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster Review

This Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster harks back to a simpler, slower pace of life. Older generations aren’t out of line in telling younger ones how much easier it is these days, but ‘easy’ often leads to a more complicated, less rewarding way of life. The days of oily Brit bikes might be something many folk are happy to see behind us – or at least not rely on as an everyday ride – but there is just something about those bikes that gets the juices flowing.

Nostalgia can make us feel many things, with many claiming that clinging to the past can hold you back and give you the blues. But it also evokes warm and fuzzy feelings, like a cosy blanket on a cold day. To quote the late US journalist, Doug Larson: “Nostalgia is a file that removes the rough edges from the good old days”. This sums up why modern classic (or neo retro) motorcycles are so good at evoking positive emotions. You get the uncomplicated, effortlessly cool vibe of the bygone era paired with high performance, reliability, and a sprinkling of technology.

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Proven pedigree

When it comes to pedigree, Triumph has it in spades. The Bonneville is named in celebration of Triumph’s 1956 land speed record on the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. It was the original straight-out-of-the-crate race-winning British superbike, and Triumph continues to successfully emulate this era with its modern Bonneville range.

The current Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster is a stalwart member of Triumph’s current Modern Classic line-up. Priced from $22,490 ride away it sits mid-range, above the T100 and T120 ($18,290 and $20,890 respectively), and below the Thruxton (from $25,990).

The new Speedmaster has the same frame and engine as the Triumph Bonneville Bobber, and is best described as a custom or American-style cruiser. It received a modest package of upgrades in 2021, spanning a new 47mm Showa fork (previously 41mm), new-look instrument display, and a noticeably improved seat, offering separate lumbar support and 11mm thicker foam on the pillion seat. Several internal changes mean the engine is more responsive, with reduced inertia, while also now meeting Euro 5 compliance.

The Speedmaster’s powerplant is a liquid-cooled, eight-valve, 1200cc parallel-twin. It humbly claims 76.9bhp at 6100rpm but gets its bragging rights from an abundance of readily available torque, with a claimed 106Nm on tap at 4000rpm.

Classic styling finishes include, but are not limited to, the black rubber fork boots, the sculpted tank with retro tank badge, the battery box with stainless steel strap, the side-mounted ignition barrel, and (my favourite) the twin throttle bodies with covers that mimic AMAL carburettors. Chrome mirrors, low swept-back twin chromed exhausts, and a chrome pillion handrail contribute to the heritage cruiser feel, while the 32-spoke, 16-inch front and rear wheels shod with bulbous tyres round the look off with a punch.

There are also myriad (over 75) genuine parts and accessories available to customise and personalise your Bonneville Speedmaster, including heated grips ($375), a long-haul adjustable screen ($768), waxed cotton/leather panniers ($940 for both, including mounting hardware), and a pillion backrest ($437), among others.

Now for the modern side of things… technology comprises a ride-by-wire throttle, a choice of Road and Rain ride modes, switchable traction control, ABS, cruise control, a key with integrated ignition immobiliser, and full LED lighting with LED daytime running light.

On the road

The first thing I noticed on hopping aboard the Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster was its swept-back bars. Their location places everything well within reach, and I’m sure riders of a range of heights and sizes would agree. The low (705mm) saddle is both attractive and comfortable, and I was thankful for the not-too-far-forward location of the forward controls (although taller riders might appreciate a touch more leg room). The tank is aesthetically pleasing, but with a modest 12-litre capacity an extra few litres wouldn’t go astray.

The action of the ‘torque assist’ clutch is light as a feather. Ride-by-wire technology means throttle response is instant, and gear selection is silky smooth. With its characterful 270-degree crank, the twin chromed stainless-steel exhausts give off a mellow rumble which, under acceleration, turns to a growl rich enough to grab the attention of sleepy city commuters. The Speedmaster proved to be a very capable city bike thanks especially to that super-light clutch and its easy-going ergonomics.

The wide open road is where it feels most at home though. Cracking the throttle open reveals plenty of useable torque from as low as 2500rpm and right through to 4000rpm, from where it peaks but continues to pull hard until you hit the limiter. Power delivery is linear, and oh-so smooth. I wouldn’t class the engine as thrilling but it’s got plenty of spunk for a laid-back cruiser. Engine performance is one piece of the pie, but the responsive throttle, light clutch and slick gearbox are all big contributors to this very user-friendly ride.

The handlebars and forward controls encourage a relaxed riding style, but the Speedmaster can be a dynamic machine when negotiating twisty roads. The front end feels stable and the fat 16-inch tyres hang on well through the bends and respond nicely to changes of direction.

The braking package comprises twin 310mm discs up front with twin-piston Brembo calipers, and a 255mm disc with a single-piston Nissan caliper at the rear. Combined with ABS, and they are more than capable.

The rear suspension is entirely proficient when the road is smooth, although I was completely punched out of the seat a few times when things got a little bumpy. The rear monoshock is secretly housed within a hardtail-look rear end, and without rebound or compression adjustment big bumps and potholes are best avoided. This might just be the bike’s Achilles’ heel, but a forgivable one for those who lust over the Speedmaster’s appearance.

Summing up

Triumph says the Speedmaster has been designed to be as easy to ride as it is beautiful to look at, and they ain’t lying! Then again, $22,490 is a fair outlay for any bike, let alone one that isn’t bursting with high performance and the latest tech. But what the Speedmaster lacks here, it makes up for with its exquisite build quality and user-friendly nature. Pure nostalgic joy!

Specifications: 2022 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster

ENGINE
Type: Liquid-cooled, eight-valve, SOHC, parallel-twin
Capacity: 1200cc
Bore x stroke: 97.6mm x 80.0mm
Compression ratio: 10.0:1
Fuel system: Electronic fuel injection

PERFORMANCE
Claimed maximum power: 76.9hp (57.5kW) at 6100rpm
Claimed maximum torque: 106Nm at 4000rpm

TRANSMISSION
Type: Six-speed
Final drive: Chain
Clutch: Wet multi-plate with torque assist

CHASSIS AND RUNNING GEAR
Frame type: Tubular steel twin cradle
Front suspension: 47mm Showa fork, non-adjustable
Rear suspension: Monoshock, adjustable for preload
Front brakes: Twin 310mm discs with twin-piston Brembo calipers
Rear brakes: 255mm disc with single-piston Nissin caliper
Tyres: Avon Cobra; front 130/90-16, rear 150/80-16

DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES
Rake: 23.5 degrees
Trail: 91.4mm
Claimed wet weight: 263kg
Seat height: 705mm
Wheelbase: 1500mm
Fuel capacity: 12 litres

OTHER STUFF
Price: $22,490 ride away
Colours: Jet black, Red Hopper (add $400), or Sapphire Black/Fusion (add $600)
Bike supplied by: Triumph Motorcycles Australia
Warranty: 24 months, unlimited kilometres