★ 2021 TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE SPEEDMASTER REVIEW ★

[@donaldaltman8474]

I bought my 2021 new, and it's been a fantastic bike for day riding and light touring. It's very stable on the highway, as Mark said. And the torque is great, as is the handling. With over 4000 miles, the bike's suspension is even better and cushy. The preload adjustment is easy to change for the rear shock. I put on the Corbin dual seat that is flush with the frame and softer for my wife. The seat is dished out so you sit further back, plus I raised the bars up and back 1" with Motone risers-- the result of these changes effectively transformed the Speedmaster into a much larger bike for a tall rider. If you're over 6'1" or have an inseam 32" or more, you definitely won't feel cramped. If you're shorter, just leave it as-is. I'm a cruiser guy, and this bike feels cruiser-sporty. You can run in higher revs 3,700-5,700 RPM to unleash that power, or just cruise at 2,500-3.,000 and enjoy the scenery. There's a lot of customization available for this bike... but the brass bits added to the Speedmaster Mark rode didn't do it for me;) Mark, thanks for an excellent review for those who aren't familiar with this bike!

[@markpulling12]

Many thanks Donald:)

[@paulyflyer8154]

Previous owner must have spent loads on the Motone bling but then got shot of it after the 1st service. My bet is he felt like me. I fell for the looks and seating position as soon as I first saw and sat on the Speedmaster. I bought a new one and its the only bike my wife has loved. It really is a beautiful thing. However, riding it leaves me cold, and does nothing for me. My go to bike if I want to go on a trip or pop to the shop is still the GS. I've never been as disappointed in a bike ever, and I can't put my finger on one thing. I find the ride on my lumpy welsh roads is harsh, the engine is uncomfortably hot on my legs at low speed, and it just feels so cumbersome. I thought my GS was heavy to move around but it's a doddle compared to this. I'm desperately trying to like it, riding it as often as I can, but it's just not working. The only reason I've still got it is because the wife adores the looks and she hates being on the back of the GS because it's so high. I really must be the odd one out because everyone else loves it.

[@johndon7384]

Awesome review. Enjoyed watching very much. Ty!

[@peetee5229]

I had one but couldn’t get on with the forward controls and very low to the ground I was always scraping the underneath on roundabouts, also always looking for a fuel station.

[@simongilbert2704]

nice one mark , its good to see a review on a real world used bike , if i was not so harleyfied i would put in an offer on that bike ,

[@chrisbolton5461]

Another great review. Always positive and clear.,,,,,,

[@leemartin-hine1598]

Another great review Mark, always liked this speedmaster, you can keep the gold bling though.

[@markpulling12]

Thanks Lee...yes I'd definitely buy one or maybe the speed twin ...yes the gold bling is horrible. :) Cheers mark

[@norsehall309]

G'day Mark from Australia, another great review, l personally think this bike like most cruiser's Heavey and cumbersome, but each to their own, cheers mate Neil 🤠.

[@markpulling12]

Thanks again Neil 😊

[@arenalife]

Awesome, thanks Mark. the little bling bits might be the popular aftermarket brass fittings, not cheap

[@markpulling12]

Many thanks for the comment 😃👍

[@gwynnromano5881]

They look like the bits from Motone. High quality, definitely not cheap.

[@jedw9983]

No need to apologise for rain spots. Solid review, thanks Mark

[@markpulling12]

Many thanks Jed 😊

[@itssmehere]

I've owned a 2020 Speedmaster since new, the more I ride the bike the more I like it, I feel the rear brake being a single piston job isn't all that great, it's adequate, so I changed the rear brake pads over to the EBC FA140HH rear brake pads which did improve the braking....Great review on this bike, I thought it to be on the money....Cheers

[@stevecalovich3682]

In 1969, I had money to buy a burger, a Beatles album and a bike mag. I had two loves, a Triumph Bonneville and a Norton Commando. The gold bits would have to go.

[@Terence-e5k]

?? English.

[@-JSLAK]

Great review as always.

[@steveh7823]

Thanks for the review. I find the large see-through gap between the seat, frame and tank visually painful. I guess it's for adjustment of the shock. Honda Rebel seems like a better cruiser option, hopefully it will be updated for '23.

[@donaldaltman8474]

I got a 2021 Speedmaster and it's a fantastic bike. I put on the Corbin seat which is flush with the frame and makes it even more day long comfortable in my opinion. For taller riders, the Corbin let's you sit back a couple inches further so if you have a 32-33" inseam at 6'1" or taller, it will give you an ideal seating position. I find the controls to be mid-forward, not as far forward as on many cruisers.

[@godzillasuzuki2374]

The brass bits are foul

[@markpulling12]

Yes I agree 👍👍

[@leighpickett9725]

great bike great video thanks mark

[@markpulling12]

Thanks Leigh 😀

[@tompeter7326]

Just lately I was checking this bike on German Triumph site. Yes impressive, good engine and power, true forward controls, with me being 5.9 thats what I like, (anyone who once sat on a Rebel 1100 knows exactly what I am talking about...). To me the rear end could have a little slimmer look like on a Honda Shadow Phantom 750, which is only available in Amerika. The fuel consumption sounds good with 4.5 Liters a 100 km, even the tank volume is under my expectations. Last not least the weight and the price of about 14.500,- Euros is something everybody must fight out with himself.

[@evemariedumais1461]

Great review! The only down side is the chain drive. Belt drive would be perfect.

[@markpulling12]

Yes I agree a belt would be better than a heavy shaft drive best regards mark

[@donaldaltman8474]

There is a belt conversion kit for the Speedmaster from FreeSpirits. I had a belt on my last bike, so this is a little more of a hassle, so I'm looking into low maintenance endurance chains. BMW makes the "M endurance chain" that I think will fit the Speedmaster. I may put it on when this chain needs replacement. Apparently, if you don't ride in rain (I don't) this chain can be lubed and adjusted once a year--during the yearly maintenance-- and should last. If you do ride in the rain, you'll need to do more maintenance or the chain will degrade. The downside--it's more expensive, of course!

[@evemariedumais1461]

@@donaldaltman8474 I have 60000 milles so far on my Roadking. Luv the belt drive. zero maintenance.

[@1990-t1j]

This does look superb, but I can't get on with the feet-forward position. I love torque. My favourite engines are where the torque figure is bigger than the bhp one. 81 mph at 3,000 rpm in top [5th] on my MT-01 back in Portugal. I agree; low-revving engines are relaxing. I bet the Speedmaster looks better withe the rear seat removed. Excellent review, Mark.

[@markpulling12]

Thanks Nick because of this ride I'm thinking about a speed twin 1200 for myself for the future cheers mark

[@1990-t1j]

@@markpulling12 I think that is a REALLY good idea.

[@colindebourg9012]

I had the mid foot controls kit fitted, it's brilliant.

[@jamesprice7470]

Great review mark as always.its a gorgeous bike,sounds amazing.

[@markpulling12]

Thanks James ....yes awesome sound :)

[@splodge57]

The gold bling would go straight on the Christmas tree. Has no place on a motor bike.🌲

[@markpulling12]

Haha yes...it's a bit lairey lol 😂

[@malcolmemsley7176]

Gold bling 🤣....its brass and there used to be plenty of it on old classics years ago. I have the Monza brass fuel cap on mine and they are around £180 it isn't gold painted plastic. Some people put tail tidies on their bikes so they can get a good soaking in the rain....but each to their own.

[@reljoy]

What about speed humps Mark? I'm used to standing up over them. Do you get jolted of the seat?

[@markpulling12]

Possibly roger if you went a bit fast lol .. the feet forward position would make it tricky to stand up I guess:)

[@johnmoore4577]

Nice bike good review,shame someone's put a load of those cheap looking xmas decorations all over it..just hope they kept the orig parts

[@markpulling12]

Thanks John ....yes they weren't to my taste either but they might be brass so maybe pricey ???

[@johnmoore4577]

@@markpulling12 yeh motone custom parts I should think,so yes brass perhaps if they were allowed to tarnish might be more fitting...but as it stands looks out of place..once again though great review

[@drdoolittle5724]

Wow Mark, wet with you, wet with me but that ray-of-sunshine from Triumph you kindly showed us made my morning! It really looks the business and definitely would persuade me towards cruisers if I didn't already have the king of tourers, the NC700D!

[@markpulling12]

Yes thanks for the comment...when will this rain ever stop ...it makes bike reviews very tricky :) Cheers mark

[@athomewiththeandersons231]

Great review Mark hopefully you made it to the garage for petrol 😃

[@markpulling12]

Haha yes 15 miles left in the tank !!!

[@GBMatthew07]

Hideous previous owner's bling. So sad when people ruin the classic looks of bikes.

[@RichardWilliams-kf5vw]

Needs black engine covers if going with the motone customs brass accessories.

[@malcolmemsley7176]

Its Motone Brass parts not bling and very well engineered. I have it on my gold line and it matches really well with the silver black and gold lining. Nothing wrong with stock though but to call this hideous is a bit of an over the top reaction....peoples taste differs and its up to the owner.

[@cdnrider6200]

did you feel like you were reaching for the bars ? i ask because im about the same height and weight

[@markpulling12]

Hi no I didn't plus they can always be moved backwards to you a bit by undoing the top clamp Best wishes mark

[@markmath2883]

Ground clearance and handling?

[@markpulling12]

Hi mark it's a long low cruiser but it handles very nicely... fantastic engine and I had no problems with ground clearance Many thanks

[@markmath2883]

@@markpulling12 Thanks for the info! I have a 2014 T100, a couple BMWs and a Honda Valkyrie, but turning 70 has me thinking of downsizing from the Valk.

[@robertcrooks9275]

You like the way the fuel injectors are made to look like fake carbs and the bike is made in Taiwan

[@mikeguilbault1795]

Does that wind screen do much at higher speeds?

[@markpulling12]

Hi Mike not really it's more for looks Best wishes mark

[@alexmorgan3435]

I pretty much agree with everything you say. I had another ride like you on one of these about one month ago at the Triumph dealer in Stratford-upon-Avon. They adjusted the foot controls for me this time (the last Triumph dealer couldn't be bothered) and I found it to be very comfortable this time. A lot easier to change gear and brake. Not earth shattering performance if you come from sports bikes or super naked bikes, but it's respectably quick none the less. In any case if you are looking at this bike for earth shattering power you miss the point I think. The engine as you say is the star although I wish Triumph had given it a tad more say 100hp as they have their Speed Twin or Thruxton RS. The sound of it is glorious. By all accounts it's even better once a decat pipe is fitted. The brakes are ok but again as you say they aren't pull your teeth out sharp as some bikes are. Like you I am not into cruisers, not remotely, but this Speedmaster just does it for me. I think it's a gorgeous looking bike. My preference is for the two tone black and cream fuel tank. Love it. So much so, I almost bought the one save for one thing. I found Triumph's comfort seat with the supposedly 'improved' lumbar support rather uncomfortable, but the riding position with the swept back beach bars I love. Such a relaxing bike to ride with your legs stretched out front. My only other concern would be ground clearance, scraping the pegs leaning it over as you ride through bends or around roundabouts. But I guess it's not a bike for laying over and trying to get your knee down. Plus I don't ride in winter so really don'y want a new to me bike sitting unused in my garage until next spring. This is a bike I was hoping you would get to ride at some point as I value your thoughts. Been patiently waiting. I haven't come across any unhappy Speedmaster owners. They don't seem to exist. Everyone seems to have nothing but praise for them. Btw the two modes are road and rain. I think rain just softens the throttle even more. Shaft drive would have been nice, but I guess this would have substantially bumped up the cost and something Triumph just didn't want to do. The build quality is fantastic as far as I can see. Anyway, many thanks for taking this out and giving us your thoughts. Shame the weather wasn't better. ATB.

[@markpulling12]

Thanks Alex as soon as Poole Moto offered me this to ride I thought of you ....as I remembered you wanted me to ride one :) I'm not into cruisers but I would get this ...so it says how good it is Cheers mark

[@alexmorgan3435]

@@markpulling12 Thanks for your reply. Yes same here, so not into cruisers too, but I like this bike a lot just for the enjoyment of riding it. Totally different to riding most higher powered bikes these days and an experience I quite like. They seem to sell quite quickly whether new or used. Thanks again. ATB. Btw I am having terrrible problems with the Speed Triple 1050RS I bought back in the spring. It only had 1150 miles on it like new but straight away from the very start I had lots of problems. Unfortunately now I think the gearbox is shredded as it will just not stay in 4th gear. Keeps jumping out/in, out/in, out/in when rolling on the throttle anything from 2.5k revs up to 6.5/7k revs. It's pretty much unrideable and dangerous unless you miss out 4th gear altogether. Apparently it is a known problem with this gearbox also Tiger 1050s as well. I know you have your Yamaha Tracer 9 GT now. Anyway having a battle to get my Speed Triple RS repaired. The dealer I got it from 110 miles away said it would be 6 weeks before they can even look at it and others not until mid december back in early october. It is supposed to have a 12month Triumph Approved warranty only it is run by an aftermarket insurer who are being rather awkward despite this being known fault with this bike. Sadly I didn't know about it otherwise I would never have bought one. Would have bought a SDR 890 or 1290 instead as my local KTM dealer is excellent or indeed a Speedmaster. When it's fixed I might well trade it in for a Speedmaster. Shame as I love it, but I've only ridden it just over 400 miles this summer and this was to and from my local Triumph dealer several times to try to sort out all the false neutrals I had been getting with it. At the start the only way to select neutral was to turn the engine off and then it clicked into neutral no problem. As far as I am concerned Triumph Approved Used and their after sales SUCKS! Something which is uppermost in my mind if I were to buy a Speedmaster and it subsequently developed problems. The Triumph dealer I have been recommended to far up north in Yorkshire has quoted around £2k to fix it. They have had to do several of these repairs before so at least hopefully know what they are doing. Hopefully it will be covered under warranty. If not have to sue the original dealer to get my money back. ATB.

[@garrypepperman]

Hi Mark, great review of the Speedmaster which is a bike I’ve owned for just over a year now. On the dual carriage way how did you find the wind blast with added benefit of the fly screen? It’s an optional extra which looks lovely, but I still remain doubtful over fitting one. I know you’ve probably not ridden the bike without it, but maybe with your riding experience you can tell the difference.

[@markpulling12]

Hi Garry ....I didn't feel like it made any difference it still felt windy like a naked street bike ....so personally I wouldn't bother unless it's for looks Cheers mark

[@garrypepperman]

@@markpulling12 thanks Mark👍

[@thepodbaydoorshal]

I had the same dart flyscreen on mine. Made little difference except sending the wind directly into my helmet. Better off getting the huge highway screen or nothing at all.

[@colindebourg9012]

I've got a MRA Vario screen on mine and it works well.

[@grahamtricker4103]

You need to be keeping the engine over 2000rpm for smooth running. It's not a heavy bike. Heavy is a Harley Davidson Softail and above. Those are heavy bikes at 300+kgs.

[@hogster5935]

I heard the bike dies once out of power band forcing a shift. Did you see that? Does that small shield help? Nice review, I am buying one.

[@colindebourg9012]

Every engine dies when out of the power band that's why we have a gearbox.

[@ccooper8785]

Now there is a bike that deserves to be shaft driven.

[@jefflambert8603]

Its Nice to have these Long Service Intervals ,but the Annual service Comes Round way Before 10.000 miles for most Riders Fantastic Bike lovely Engine Who would want to Replace that With an Electric Motor !?

[@markpulling12]

Thanks Jeff yes it's an epic motor :)

[@Fishing8136]

Yeah Baby😎🇨🇦

[@Nickbaldeagle02]

Nice bike but I'd rather have a Speed Twin.

[@markpulling12]

Now that's a great bike 🙂👍

[@colindebourg9012]

I had a Speed Twin which is a fantastic bike but it killed my wrists and backside on a ride over an hour, so I traded it for a Speedy and couldn't be happier.

[@Show_what_I_Love]

Great bike but way too expensive. Justified for 1200cc but i wont ever need that much power.

[@nomdeplume798]

At last, a 'bike reviewer the same height, inside leg and weight as me.....although obviously not as handsome, suave, sophisticated and debonair as me. Suppose I'd better subscribe now.

[@markpulling12]

Haha 😂....many thanks for the sub 😀

[@gzk6nk]

Was that owned by a magpie? Those bits of sparkly bling look awful on such a nice bike!

[@philcrawford7942]

Buy a Royal Enfield and save yourself a stack of money !

[@markpulling12]

Haha Phil ...I might just do that and get the new hunter 350 !!!

[@philcrawford7942]

@@markpulling12 Or if you’re into cruiser’s go for the new 650 Super Meteor. For me though, I’ll stick with my Royal Enfield 650 Interceptor, I love it !

[@walkinginiran.]