Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster or Bonneville Bobber?

In this video John Oakes and Dave Mitchell were posed the question: Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster or Triumph Bonneville Bobber? Both John and Dave typically ride classic bikes but Triumph kindly offered us some bikes to ride and of course we accepted.
// FOR ALL CHANNEL ENQUIRIES (INCLUDING SPONSORSHIP AND ADVERTISING) please contact Alex Rollings - [e-mail]
// ABOUT THE CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE CHANNEL
The Classic Motorcycle Channel is for people who love classic, vintage and antique motorcycles. We are passionate about classic motorcycles and produce high quality motorcycle profile videos, restoration videos, restorer profile videos and also anything that takes our interest.
// CHANNEL PARTNERS
Dave Mitchell. Dave owns and runs a classic motorcycle workshop called Mitchell's Classics.
Website: www.mitchellsclassics.co.uk
John Oakes. John is a classic motorcycle enthusiast, rider and restorer and works closely with us on all our video content.
Instagram: @classicbikeman
// A BIG THANK YOU TO
John Oakes and Dave Mitchell for their time on this project.
Sahra and the team at Triumph for arranging the bikes to be delivered and picked up from us.
#triumph
#triumphmotorcycles
#theclassicmotorcyclechannel

[@keithstewart1979]

I've had Harleys, I went with the Speedmaster because I feel it's a better looking/riding bike. Thats also why i chose it over the bobber.. Fyi there is a Rev counter, it's digital so you have to scroll through on the speedo to find it.

[@Burzurk1987]

I really like the Speedmaster. I almost bought one. I winded buying a Harley Fat Bob 114 with a Stage 1. I love it. But I often wonder how the Speedmaster is. How are you liking your Speedmaster? How would you compare the Speedmaster’s 1200cc and the Harley 114? I imagine the Speedmaster is quite a bit lighter.

[@keithstewart1979]

@@Burzurk1987 no experience with the 114, my Harley was an 88, but yeah its definitely a lighter and better handling bike then my old soft tail Duce was.

[@jonno94]

My bobber has the Triumph optional comfort seat, the one with the diamond quilted leather and it's night and day better than the original seat, i also have the optional triumph mini apes and barrel grips, i know the looks divide opinion, but wow it's so comfortable to ride, i love it. Definately worth a try if you are undecided about the bobber.

[@Rubuz]

I love the look of a bobber with mini apes. Extra coolness on already very cool bike. I would get in a second. But sadly chain drive is a deal breaker for me. Just the thought of maintaining chain on a bike with spokes, makes me sick. I know that there is a thrid party belt conversion available, but that probably voids your warranty.

[@udodonald]

No problem with the choice for me, I have both ;-)

[@erwinballings9155]

A tough question, if I had to choose between the two. They are both beautiful motorcycles, but I would still go for the Speedmasters comfort. Thanks gentlemen for posting this video.

[@gsdfan8455]

That bobber haunts my dreams, I hope to get one someday. I would take the seat and get it redone with more padding.

[@kevinpick194]

Love my 2018 Speedmaster. Looks great, turns heads with all that chrome (on the black/white version). Different with the swept back bars and forward controls, but it is a cruiser and that's how I ride it. My Triumph Tiger 900 is my all-year-rounder. Speedie is for spring-summer-autumn cruising and coffee meet-ups.

[@del5.0]

You guys do exceptional reviews on bikes. That's why I like this channel so much. As a RE owner, I've been wanting a Speedmaster, and now after this fantastic review, I'll have to get one. Thank John for a great video.

[@del5.0]

@@katana258 yes they do, you must be from America. A radiator is a heat exchanger, weather it's oil or water. In a house the radiator is the old heaters....oil cooler is an American term.

[@rabukan5842]

Bought a 2022 Goldline Speedmaster and love it, but I would have loved a Bobber as well. I liked the comfort of the Speedmaster and touring capabilities. I’ve added saddlebags, windscreens, rear seat pad, floorboards, USB, phone mount, but all easily quick disconnected to bring it to Bobber style if I want. It’s a very flexible bike, and super smooth to ride.

[@jodlen49]

Thanks, guys - I owned a Harley and am now looking at purchasing a new Speedmaster :)

[@davidkeep6526]

40 years ago my ultimate bike would have been a Kawasaki powered Bimota or Rickman or an exotic like a Laverda Jota or 900 Ducati SS. 20 years ago a Suzuki 750 GSX or Honda 900 Fireblade got the juices flowing ! 2022 at 64 a Triumph Speedmaster resplendent in black ( sorry a bit of boy remains ! ) would be perfect for more leisurely couple of hour weekend rides to a pint and a burger at a country pub not many have heard of ! 😎👍

[@Caballero_Corazon_de_Plata]

I own a bobber I love my 2022 cordovan red bobber the gentleman who did the review of the bobber is completely right , I have drove 250 miles a couple times what I do is every hour and a half or every time I fill my tank I stop to stretch my legs for a couple minutes I received a lot of compliments from old foxes and people who don’t like Harley’s because here in north California the Hartley control the market of the cruisers . I think that if you like long rides or have back problems then probably the speed master is a better option . Both bikes are great but my heart ❤ is with the bobber

[@82000andymac]

Bought the Speedmaster and did the Bar and footpeg swap! Perfect bike now👍

[@colindebourg9012]

I put the mid foot control kit from the Bobber on my Speedmaster, it's so much better now.

[@SimonPass230267]

I've had a Tiger 800 XR for sometime and during a service they gave me a loaner. It was the Bobber. I had no interest in that style of bike until then. But I fell in love with it. Lovely bike and will add it as bike 2 shortly. Love the detail and that wall of torque. Tiger is much better for big distances but Bobber has the looks and that Sunday stroll vibe

[@andrewbalfour9373]

Super Video..I'm fortunate to have both bikes and its not an easy decision..👍

[@rustybuckets07]

Bought a Speedy in July. No complaints. Also I have the same red/black Dickies padded shirt ,so that's nice and probably answers the question ''what sort of person would buy this type of bike?''😉

[@kev.j.goodwin8612]

I don't understand the fashion for having minimal mudguards on many modern bikes, especially those with exposed and vulnerable radiators right in the line of water spray, mud and stone chippings. might be OK in sunny and dry California but not brilliant in most other places. I have a T100 myself but wouldn't mind the Speedmaster as well!

[@Farweasel]

Its a bit cruel to say it but ~ How often would you see these bikes out in the wet anyway? GSs, Teneres, Pans ........... sure. But these not so much. [Nah I'm not claiming any moral high ground - I've ridden in snow, I've ridden in rain, I've ridden in sleet ......... And I've found they're all wet & bloody cold and frankly fkit I'm too old to freeze off the remaining bits].

[@phillee3117]

I have had both 2017 bobber with soft luggage pannier so no issue with carrying stuff. Only changed as my wife decided to take a liking so needed a pillion seat. Still have my 2018 speedy love it… only issue is passenger comfort on long journeys…. The pad is just that !!! Would benefit from an after market king/ queen seat. However for single riders the pad can be replaced with a small rack for additional luggage and the soft panniers are the same as those fir the bobber! Great bikes and a marked change from the zzr1400 I had previously.

[@MargusMoto]

I configured the Speedmaster on Triumph's homepage and once I had finished, I realised I had just created a bobber.. So yeah, that's when I realised I need that Bobber in my life!

[@习近平-m5l]

I am riding a harley 48, I like the siting position of speedmaster, it is so comfortable

[@grahamholland7931]

I have a speedmaster and put the bobber foot pegs on, I don't like the forward pegs. This transformed the bike and riding position

[@babboon5764]

I believe you! I *really* don't like forward pegs - You sacrifice too much control.

[@stuartstibbs2069]

Yep. Good advice! So many great bikes out there, and theyve got the forward pegs and controls.. No normal human being rides feet forward. Haha.

[@DrHakennase]

i got the Speedtwin ;) I really like the Triumph bikes

[@jamestonguet1737]

Love the Bobber , but the Speedy is more comfy and would be my choice between the two. I ride a Thruxton TFC , it would be a lovely addition

[@marcverdi665]

Excellent review! Thank you! Going with the Speedmaster! I’m a bit nervous about the forward controls, but I hear you get used to them pretty quickly, and if I end up not liking them, I can always get mid controls. Cheers!

[@Nifilheimur]

Tried both bikes and really like them. Speedmaster would be the logical choice if it was my only bike or main bike for the comfort but for looks definitely the Bobber. My only gripe with them coming off my Road King is they felt small but thats probably more to the RK being big

[@fantomas3066]

Salut, j'ai un Road King Spécial et je commence à vieillir (comme tous), j'hésite à vendre ma Harley pour le Speedmaster 😎 qui est plus léger.

[@Dave-sw2dm]

If I am going to buy a cruiser it is going to have a shaft or belt drive. I sat on both Triumphs and the Bobber seat is as hard as a rock. I like the idea of the speedmaster. I used to ride Japanese Cruisers and then I could finally afford a Harley and haven't looked back when it comes to cruisers. There are just so many accessories available to make it your own. They are also very low maintenance.

[@juliojames5986]

I can not warm up to the bobber seat, looks or feel. Great reliable machines. Thanks

[@MOTOUK1]

Both great bikes 👍 5:33 radiator 6:02 oil cooled 😉

[@elietarazi8401]

I own a Bonneville Speedmaster. Although I would have both in my garage any day. So good to hear your thoughts on these new Triumphs. My favourite channel.

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Hey Elie, thanks for your nice feedback!

[@brownco_customs]

Calm and relaxing grunt, nice!

[@domsbits3922]

Got myself the bobber and have zero complaints about the seat. Surprised how well it works for my body shape/tail bone. I’m 110kg

[@blueyondermoto]

Fab video, perfect length to be informative. I must be getting old as I quite like these bikes 😃

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Hey, thanks for saying this, this is good feedback to us and thanks for watching the videos.

[@ThePhotofit]

I know this is a comparative vid of the two bikes but I’d also suggest buying a used Victory. I have a 2006 Bonneville and a 2016 Victory Judge (106 cubic inch engine). Best of both worlds right there! I really liked your test and commentary on the two bikes though.

[@threepot]

I've heard that Victory parts will no longer be available in a few years??

[@ThePhotofit]

@@threepot I think, but I’m not sure, that Polaris had guaranteed parts will be available for another 22 years.

[@ohdirtracer]

Bobber for me out of the two, but I went speed twin 👍

[@DexterDexter123]

Bobber is my first bike. at 53. i absolute love it. the only other designs i like are royal enfield but i’m pretty sure i’ve spoilt myself with this one.

[@colingoldthorpe5918]

I bought the Bonneville T120 gold line, love it. The speedmaster is too small for me at 6ft, i look like an elephant on a trike!!! I wish Triumph would make this like 25% larger and it would find more homes in North America. It's just too small for North American roads. if your shorter in size these look OK but anyone over 5ft 6 ish you look just kind of silly. The T120 is the best of all their models in my belief !!!!

[@richard66754]

My coworker owns the Bobber. He loves it! We all like it as well.

[@babboon5764]

"If you've tried a Harley ..........." Through no fault of my own (it was a competition) yes, yes I have. The *only* one I thought pleasant to ride was the 'FatBoy' (and if you can tell folk face to face that you do like a ride on a fat boy you're one up on me already), they all seemed a bit ponderous except the Nightrod. Fair play that would have made a half decent drag bike *but* in corners it felt like the fastest bathchair on earth. Hell all the ones with forward footrests - banking it with your hips is a nightmare and you just can't hang off. So, Purely on the strength of this video ........... I'd rather have the Triumph Bobber.

[@davidyersz8668]

These are 2 stunning looking bikes great reviews on both these bikes too, the SPEEDMASTER out for a test in 2018 and loved it its got all the power you will ever need and was super comphy too the only let down was the fuel tank its only 12Ltrs but it would not stop me buying it

[@truethought369]

Yep, I agree the Speedmaster is the one to have here. All that's needed is some revers con megs and a re tune. Nice one.

[@arinkromas]

Great comparison thank you

[@gzk6nk]

There IS a rev counter - it's one of the selectable items in the speedo display. I leave my Speedmaster on that as default most of the time.

[@marcusvinicius4227]

Sem dúvida nenhuma a Bobber triumph, que máquina , linda demais .

[@grantkokich6906]

Both sound good. Prefer the mid controls to forward and pillion seat to the single.

[@bigdavedogdad]

Pyramid plastics do a fender extender. One of the first things I got for mine hehe.

[@gautamasakyamuni6688]

Speedmaster, with the bobber handlebar, foot commands pulled back like normal bikes and removable pillion "on demand"..😎 Otherwise the Speedmaster handling is very poor.

[@neonwilliams5300]

Bobber!

[@smartje268]

Hello there. Many thanks for the great review. Maybe I missed it, but did you mention how tall the riders are ? I'm 1m88 (think 6'3 ) and I'm wondering if I would sit comfortable on the Speedmaster. Love this bike , and would use it , like someone said, for cruising in the summer and getting a coffee. Daily bike is a BMWF900XR. :o)

[@RVRCloset]

Awesome bikes both of them, but Speedmaster for me. Will be easier to take the wife with me on that one.😁

[@maxgood4361]

Nice bikes, but for me I would spend my money on a 1965 to 1980 / 500cc to 650cc / carburetor / points, put-put

[@Farweasel]

Spoil yourself - Go deeper. You *know* you want something with girder forks. I really would anyway - They just have a certain .... I dunno, but they do.

[@maxgood4361]

@@Farweasel I agree, got a dream of a copy of the Zundapp KS600 but going to have to use a 650 boxer.

[@Farweasel]

@@maxgood4361 The Telelever forks if you can grab an old enough one are still going to be a give away ..... But its a worthy plan, good luck with it.

[@JP-tx7du]

Speedmaster is good looking belt drive would be great also mid controls guess ill keep looking

[@woodcutter2479]

i have the bobber black ....the best advice to give any one who is thinking of buying one of these bikes or to anyone that owns one is upgrade the rear suspension ASAP ! and the bike is transformed ...why triumph dont do this as standard god only knows ! big mistake by triumph .

[@WornGlobe]

What did you change to?

[@RichardParsons65]

What are they like for taller riders? Say 6'2", or thereabouts?

[@chrisneed_for_speed851]

What about gearbox issues? Some say that is very often in BNonnevile family included T120 and T100 engine. Any information about it because official Triumph web side and dealers keeps shut.

[@GixxerZilla]

Nice comparison, thanks for sharing

[@thatmanstumototours2270]

Feet forward and low to the ground are minuses that can't be overlooked.

[@johnroll513]

I love the sound

[@charliedrake247]

If you get a speedmaster get the wheels in black the chrome is crap it rusts fast .

[@cleophusA]

Yeah, you'll like the fuel injection until it starts getting a little age on it and all that electronic wiring, computer and associated circuitry starts going wrong, (and it will), and leaves you on the side of the road. A carb and points for me, every time.

[@Farweasel]

My ZX6 R J2 was lovely - But on a damp day between 4 & 0 degrees Centigrade carb icing was a regular problem. My ancient R1s injected and side-steps this totally. And why would I want points? I'm not running a Railway ;-p

[@davidjones-vx9ju]

points?

[@cleophusA]

@@Farweasel Wow, your arguments are so fact filled and compelling that you've persuaded me to completely change my point of view! I will never ride a bike with a carb again because of the icing problem at 4 & 0 degrees Centigrade, knowing how much of a problem that is for me here in Southern Alabama. And your argument regarding points vs. electronic ignition, well, who could dispute such mental acuity and mechanical acumen? I think it was the railroad analogy that really brought the whole debate into crystal clear focus for me! I'm going outside right now and set fire to my 1960 Harley Duo Glide and order up that Triumph Bobber right away! Damn! What have I been thinking for the past 50 years?

[@Farweasel]

@@cleophusA A wise man once said (no - really, but being slightly senile I've forgotten which one) in reply to the question 'What would make you change your mind'? Replied 'New evidence'. So, on the one hand that's a wise move. But don't just buy the Bobber, keep the Harley too .(Bound to be someone needs something to pull a plow in Southern Alabama - You can make a mint in rentals). ;-p

[@whatsstefon]

I love points, condensers, carbies and so on. But I can’t agree with you. 100,000km and riding in snow, in 45°C weather, drag racing at lights, and more. I love my EFI equipped bike. Not a single issue.

[@mdog1615]

i'd be happy with either seeing as i'll probably never have neither 😆😢

[@davidmacgregor5193]

Only 80 bhp from a modern 1200cc motor, my 42 year old Benelli 900 Sei produces 80 bhp, it's motor was deived from the early 1970's Honda CB500 Four. So much for progress.

[@bigdavedogdad]

Good thing progress isn't just about peak power and top speed. These engines deliver a lovely long flat power curve and suit relaxed cruising or you can be a bit of a hooligan if you like. Yeah, they would be crap on a track day, but that kind of 'progress' on road bikes has always been a bit of a pointless waste or even dangerous to use, no?

[@Farweasel]

@@bigdavedogdad Honestly? No. Ride a 125 in traffic - If you survive comeback and tell us lots of Power isn't wonderful ;-p

[@bigdavedogdad]

@@Farweasel I rode a 125 in London rush hour traffic just fine for about a year. My 125 (a scooter, too!) would accelerate away from cars at the lights and stay up with most any traffic flow. So, yeah, the obsession with high BHP is a bit silly when even a 125 scooter is capable and fun on public roads. As for the Speedmaster, at has more than enough, especially for something intended as a retro classic riding experience.

[@valentinrizvan1870]

I own a Bobber Black and pulls harder than a older Honda CBR600. The Honda will eventually get in front due to higher top speed but don't kid yourself, Bobber has loads of power. Don't forget, this is a bike without any fairings or screen, it's not fun from 80mph onwards, I think they did an excellent work with this engine. And just to mention it, I also had a Hayabusa a few years ago but I prefer the Bobber

[@Farweasel]

@@bigdavedogdad I'm 90kg before I put my leathers & armour on. You?

[@dr.fruityboots4706]

iysa tough choice for me. u wish you could get the speedmasters solo seat bars and front fender and it would be perfect for me. i really dont like harlets or the feet forward peg position.

[@crtventurez1162]

Bobber over Speedmaster..... Speedmaster is just another cruiser like any Harley.... Bobber doesn't care about anyone or any ride....

[@joemann3536]

love them both... I will take that bobber all day long.

[@HaNguyen-yj2vl]

The passenger seat on Speedmaster is so much unpleasant, uncomfortable, even with the comfort seat. I think triumph has to do something to improve it

[@storm-sf5rj]

the thing that lets both bikes down is the pathetic 12 liter tanks so i will stick with my Thunderbird 1700 LT, i was thinking of getting the speedmaster but having to fill up every 100 miles is a no no

[@raylocke282]

Ride this bike and you will feel like one of the ton up lads from the mod vs rocker era.

[@robertmatetich2898]

How about range and American sort of freeway speed?

[@skymningforelsket1302]

There's 2 directions the styling for this platform could've gone: in the direction of a 1952 6T , or Harley. My eyes tell me Triumph tilted the styling needle distinctly in the Harley direction. ie, Harley "Softail' instead of Triumph sprung hub Nacelle, all silver engine but the barrels, 50's looking badges instead of 70s badges, triangular tool box, springer seat, light blue solid color, full ridged fenders, 19 front wheel...WHERE ARE YOU???

[@kevinburk7861]

You can get saddle bags from a company La Rosa

[@roberthambly9926]

Great review

[@ruahinesrider]

Bonneville Speedmaster all day everyday.

[@betruly7894]

I know the Triumph bikes are high quality and finish. However they don't come close to Harley when it comes to styling. Harley have that eyes catching magical feeling when you see one. Triumph for me look great but if you look at the Royal Enfield you will mistake it for Triumph and the other way around is true. Triumph pricing is way high thus Harley too. Me I would go Harley instead if I'm ready blow the bank. Or go economic Royal Enfield are wonderful chose over the exaggerating expensive Triumph old looking bikes with spoked wheels. Good luck if you have a puncture.

[@big500]

Oil cooled?? Come on if you’re doing a review at least get the basics right.

[@TheTestride]

Agree . Hard to take him seriously when he can’t get that right .

[@chromagraphphotoart]

Nice ride by B-roll, but I think you could have checked some facts before making this video as for example pannier rails for the Bobber.

[@twistedturtle6654]

I really like the bobbers style before they put the fat front tire on it.

[@infj_messiah]

I have a sv650x and the speedmaster is screaming out to me????

[@franktreadwell3442]

For some reason Triumph doesn't seem to understand what 'mudguards' are for. The clue is in the name

[@davidrichards6718]

lost interest when you said oil cooled, wtf, you where just talking about the radiator, the water radiator

[@azmike3572]

Wish they were belt-drive though.

[@Norton731]

Sorry neither,I'll stick with my 73 Norton 850 Commando thanks ha.

[@craigpennington1251]

The Bobber: The seating is all together wrong on this & so is the exhaust. Looks like two big diesel truck exhaust cans that are way too low on the end of the down pipe. Blacked out engines are a No No/looks like crap. So tired of the (one size fits most) on manufacturing. Even the Rocket III isn't completed before they put it out for the public. However, I do like the chrome laced wheels. They should be on the Bobber also. All of the new bikes look like total plastic models to me. Doesn't matter what brand it is with the exception of Royal Enfield & the H.D. Delux of which is not produced any more. Pity. Such a nice machine. Best looking bike on the planet. Royal Enfield bikes look great but too small. A good town bike. Oh yah, trash that LED headlight/ it's awful. P.S. the closest Triumph dealer is 130 miles from my house. You rarely see a Triumph out here or any other than a Harley. In any direction of 50 miles you can find a H.D. dealership.

[@frankmlchaelglasscock6539]

Speed master all day long end of

[@loop1479]

Speedmaster. Sadly neither can go round corners like a Triumph should

[@winner1338]

Speedmaster or R nine T ?

[@robertadams4415]

Sorry Dave I've heard it's liquid cooling

[@tombryan1]

watercooled

[@alexmorgan3435]

I would definitely NOT call either of these engines powerful or particularly smooth. They run out of breath quite quickly. I would not want to ride either of them much above 70-75 mph for any length of time. Both engines become quite ragged above these speeds and are certainly not smooth the faster you take the bikes. You will need a proper screen to prevent being blown off the back of either on the motorway unless you want to potter along at 55-60mph? Motoways are not the best type of roads to ride them. quiet back roads and faster A roads are their preferred surface or parked outside a chip shop.

[@TheTestride]

Agree . Own a 1400 Guzzi California as well and that is smooth. I find the bobber a bit vibey by comparison.

[@MichaelLawrence-rc3cj]

It is what it is with a 270 crank and it moves. Global wack regulations have killed them.

[@stugg]

I love you UK, but holy hell why are your bike license plates so ridiculously huge? Fix that.

[@maximXX]

Typical a Volvo nearly takes out the Bobber!🙄

[@EARP87]

Starbucks 🤘

[@charleswindsor1184]

Speedmaster

[@fausto3504]

Ma il passeggero sta comodo su questa sella? Sembra stretta.. Quanto misura?

[@albertorudi5168]

the Speedmaster handlebar forces your wrists into a forced and unnatural position relative to your arms

[@asacarrick1385]

It's plain stupid to call these bikes ' Bonnevilles ' They are a speedmaster and a Bobber. the Bonneville is T100 and T120

[@R3RLEE]

Thats what triumph call em so its gpod enough for me!

[@chiefkikyerass7188]

Ove owned 3 sportsters ( Harley's)..they ride like crap...these bikes ride better imo

[@wetluv4]

Can you fit the speed master seat on the bobber?

[@patheally]

Definitely the Speedmaster

[@Metalignant]

Goddamn, those UK plates are obnoxious