Triumph Speedmaster experience anyone?

[tspivey]

For some inexplicable reason I’m currently fancying a Triumph 1200 Speedmaster, along side my R1300GS or maybe even as an alternative. Must be my age (66) or something.
I’m thinking it could slow me down a bit, the 1300 encourages a little too much exuberance sometimes, though I could still have the exuberance and the Speedmaster may not be up to it, which could be worse.
Anyone got a Speedmaster and come from a GS or similar?

 

[Nice 'n' Fat]

I’m thinking it could slow me down a bit

It will certainly do that all right especially when you go round corners and everything grounds out. Watch out for the very poor rear suspension too !

 

[tspivey]

It will certainly do that all right especially when you go round corners and everything grounds out. Watch out for the very poor rear suspension too !

That’s the trouble with the whole idea, I love the way my R1300GS handles and the 1250 before it, I know I’d just end up going too fast on a Speedmaster, rather than it slowing me down.

 

[Nice 'n' Fat]

The Speedmaster is nowhere near as quick as a 1250/1300 but my point is that you won't be able to ride it as quick as a GS due to the Speedmaster's suspension/handling compromises. To have it as your only bike (if you ride all year round) is just plain barmy as it will fall apart and corrode away in front of your very eyes.

Having it as a second bike makes perfect sense

 

[PembsGSA]

I too had the Speedmaster 1200 itch... Seduced by the beautiful design & styling of the bike, which (like yourself) I thought would be great addition to the stable (currently occupied by R1200GSA & K1600GTL).

So, a couple of months ago, off I trot to Bevan's Cardiff Triumph (who were very accommodating with test rides).

Demo's tried out in this order:

1) Triumph Speedmaster 1200,
2) Triumph Speed Twin 1200,
3) Triumph T120 Bonneville 1200

Conclusions....
Although the same engine on all three of these bikes, the riding experience/ergonomics I found quite different;

1) Speedmaster... Ergonomics not good for me (6'1"), and the cruiser foot forward style of riding wasn't for me. As others have mentioned, grinds out early on cornering. Lots of low down power though. Beautiful bike, but sadly not for me,

2) Speed Twin... Again, ergonomics not good (bit cramped)... felt very fast, and I can see why reviewers rave about them, but alas, not for me,

3) T120 Bonneville.... Surprise of the day.... loved it.... ergonomics, comfort, power, handling... shortisted for the next addition to the stable.

Moral is .... Go test ride

 

[beemerboy9]

I too had the Speedmaster 1200 itch... Seduced by the beautiful design & styling of the bike, which (like yourself) I thought would be great addition to the stable (currently occupied by R1200GSA & K1600GTL).

So, a couple of months ago, off I trot to Bevan's Cardiff Triumph (who were very accommodating with test rides).

Demo's tried out in this order:

1) Triumph Speedmaster 1200,
2) Triumph Speed Twin 1200,
3) Triumph T120 Bonneville 1200

Conclusions....
Although the same engine on all three of these bikes, the riding experience/ergonomics I found quite different;

1) Speedmaster... Ergonomics not good for me (6'1"), and the cruiser foot forward style of riding wasn't for me. As others have mentioned, grinds out early on cornering. Lots of low down power though. Beautiful bike, but sadly not for me,

2) Speed Twin... Again, ergonomics not good (bit cramped)... felt very fast, and I can see why reviewers rave about them, but alas, not for me,

3) T120 Bonneville.... Surprise of the day.... loved it.... ergonomics, comfort, power, handling... shortisted for the next addition to the stable.

Moral is .... Go test ride

I have a T120 - set up for solo touring in the UK - in addition to my 1250RT.

I was looking at a big, 1600 - 1700 cc cruiser, but the T120 sounds and feels like an upright cruiser and is sooo much lighter. It is definitely a bike to relax into - and it looks properly retro.

 

[AdrianS]

I had a Triumph Speed Twin 1200. Previously had a 1150 BMW.

They both complemented each other.
The Speed Twin I found easy to ride, great hooning around the lanes and put a grin on my face. But it was pretty much useless for doing anything else. Poor range of practical accessories. I sold it after 2 years.
The BM, great for touring and comfortable over long distances. Very solid and far more durable than the Speed Twin. But not a bike I would take out for a blast around the lanes or for a cafe to cafe ride.
On a Triumph Tiger now.