TRIUMPH SPEEDMASTER COMPLETE REVIEW

[@AV-108]

The Triumph Speedmaster is a pure British old-school classic, the most beautifully designed and best cruiser out there :)

[@fozbox]

Absolutely agree

[@peterford9369]

You and the Capt. Birds of a feather? He loves his Merlin. Thanks for the description and ride around. ✌️

[@fozbox]

Any time! Yea, I’ve seen a few of his videos. I should probably try to arrange a meet sometime 👍🏻

[@rabukan5842]

Best review I’ve seen yet on the Speedmaster. Very spot on and honest. Thanks! Keep them coming. Oh, just bought the 2022 Goldline LE. Definitely a keeper!

[@fozbox]

Thanks! Yea definitely a keeper 👍🏻

[@AV-108]

Hi FozBox, around 7:30 on where is this beautiful country lanes you are riding in the UK? Absolutely wonderful and perfect for easy motorcyclist's nirvana :) BTW Stonehenge is perhaps the world's most famous prehistoric monument. It was built in several stages: the first monument was an early henge monument, built about 5,000 years ago, and the unique stone circle was erected in the late Neolithic period about 2500 BC. Stonehenge was already 500-1,000 years old before the first pyramid was built.

[@fozbox]

So I'm fairly sure that is in the Woodford Valley north of Salisbury in Wiltshire

[@AV-108]

@@fozbox Absolutely stunning country lanes - enjoy them on your SM :)

[@fozbox]

Thanks 👍🏻

[@whitbythegoth]

A well rounded review on the Triumph Speedmaster. I never seem to get the issue with wind blast while riding. Maybe it's something to do with stature. Me being short and reasonably built, top end, I could cruise all day @ 80 mph on a German autobahn for hour after hour, no screen, open face helmet....... with visor. I have mid controls because I'm only 27 inch inside leg...ie....short arse. Still have the beach bars, they are on Motone risers now, perfect for me. 15, 000 miles on speedo touring Europe and Scotland. I've had some great bikes over the years, but for me, this Speedmaster top's them all. Keep posting FoxBox, we are all here to get some valuable tips.

[@fozbox]

Cheers for the comment! There is definitely a major difference for the small vs tall riders. I reckon that the instrument panel almost acts like a screen for short riders pushing the airflow higher (and straight into the faces of the taller riders haha)! The triumph high bars 'ape hangers' just look a bit weird to me so I like the idea of the beach bars on risers.

[@phillnelson4715]

Great review. Like you, I traded in a Vulcan (mine was a 900) in on the Speedmaster last September, here in western Canada, and even though i enjoyed the Vulcan, it had little character compared to the Speedmaster. I agree with nearly everything in your review, what's not to like and enjoy about the Speedmaster? My wife no longer wanted to ride pillion on my Vulcan, but I can hardly keep her off the Triumph! My bike does not have the beach bars or the forward controls, so is not at all like a cruiser. I have the Maverick version, and it is wonderful. Thanks for your candid and friendly videos!

[@fozbox]

Thanks. Glad you enjoyed it! And indeed that your wife enjoys the Triumph - she doesn't find the pillion seat too small?

[@phillnelson4864]

@@fozbox Yes! She does, of course that is not too say that her posterior is overly large! Heavens forbid! She has however suggested that we might find a gel seat cover to ease some of the discomfort of a long ride.

[@fozbox]

Heaven forbid!!! hahaha. Gel cover is a good idea though.

[@lonerider3774]

Hi Phil, was your Speedmaster with the Maverick kit a special order to your Triumph dealer ? Thanks,

[@tomcatmur940]

Loving your Winnie the Pooh audiobooks; 2 pages in and I'm fast asleep, must be your soothing voice...

[@fozbox]

Thanks very much!

[@rudisaggener6538]

Great Video. Finally got mine. I agree in all points, as well as my wife does.

[@fozbox]

Hope you have fun on it!

[@martafernandezpena6387]

Great video sir, im one spanish you gave me class the last year.

[@ДжонниГенриУорд]

Was that at woodcote house?. Because taught my back in 2013

[@hogwylde]

Nice review and I liked seeing Stonehendge "Live". I'll be coming coming from a '99 Sportster (keeping the bike) but after everything you gave a dislike for on the SpeedMaster, all I could think was, "Shit, try my Sportster!" With my suspension alone, I can jump and bounce on the bike that has the stock suspension and it does not budge! You feel everything!

[@fozbox]

Yea it would be very different from a ‘99 sportster, just in terms of a modern build with newer tech in the shocks and frame it’ll feel super smooth in comparison

[@rickjones507]

as for the DRL green light going out when you put the actual beams on; it does seem counter-intuitive, until it's dark and you want to use the headlight. if that green dash light was on, it would be pretty distracting glaring at you.

[@fozbox]

True but if you use the cruise control at night you get another green light coming on so…😂

[@laikatravels]

Good vid. I’ve had mine since Oct 18. Got round to fitting a decat pipe during lockdown and took it for a 180 mile round trip to the Lake District yesterday. I have to say I can’t recommend the decat pipe enough - sounds better, goes faster and the best bit is the fuel economy has shot up. Happy days. Thinking of fitting the mid controls next

[@fozbox]

Really? Most people seem to say that the decat makes the sound better but the fuel economy worse?

[@laikatravels]

@@fozbox Well I've only done the one run so far, about 180 miles, but that my impression. Further investigation required perhaps!

[@fozbox]

Interesting....do let me know once you've done further testing! All in the name of science obviously - not because you love the noise!

[@johnhewson8478]

Great vid mate ! and a Great bike ! The set up of the lights I like having the green light on with the day light running is a good idea ,who the green light on at night to tell you your headlights on I have three things I don't like when I first got the bike 1 When changing into third gear I would always clunk the gear, till I was told to change the gears using two fingers on the grip two on the clutch lever and now I get smooth gear changes 2 The mono suspension ,first long 400km got home didn't ride it bike for 3 weeks with a sore back set the preload to setting to 3 a much better ride but I will replace with an aftermarket rear suspension very soon 3 The carbon build up on the on the racing stand spindles on the swing arm ,I now know this is normal for the bike My last bike was a Tiger XRt but glad I've got the Speedmaster and yes the ground and the footpegs meet often at a 100 still has plenty more

[@fozbox]

I might try fiddling with the shock and just seeing what differences it makes at either extremity!

[@phillnelson4864]

@@fozbox you can certainly feel the difference when you have a pillion! Not that I'm saying that she is too weighty!

[@fozbox]

Certainly not within earshot anyway!!

[@epiac9367]

I think the reason why the light in the clock for DLR goes off when you switch to dipped headlight is so that it won't annoy you when you are riding in the dark. Also it reminds you to switch to dipped headlight in not so well lit situations ;)

[@fozbox]

Yea I think you’re probably right

[@Mpp31provo]

I have the 2020 T120 and I enjoy Rain mode when in town. Less torque with short streets with stop signs every 15 seconds.

[@fozbox]

Yea it works so well for that doesn’t it 👍🏻

[@westenbergerstephan5955]

Very nice review, I liked it very much. I've bought a Bobber Black nearly a year ago and I have driven (until today) ~12.500 Kilometers. :-) Out of the figures you might see already that I love the Bobber Black. However there are some smaller downsides I want to share with you... some you have mentioned already others I do not agree with. So here we go...The tank volume is even less in the Bobber, it's only 9 liters. But I live in middle europe (Germany) where you'll find anywhere a filling station. More frustrating for me is the suspension. Though it works fine on good road conditions but once you'll drive over e.g. a transverse joint or a badly fitted manhole the suspension simply cannot cope with it. There were a lot of ... let's call it "sudden strikes" that shook the whole bike several times. Last, and you've mentioned this as well... the food-pegs are rather low. Driving in the alps having really narrow curves, you will end up the food-pegs to scratch... Overall, still the Bobber Black is a beautiful and nice bike. I do enjoy every ride on it.

[@fozbox]

The Bobber Black is such an attractive bike!

[@firmbutton6485]

The key to bobber suspension is to spring mount the seat.

[@westenbergerstephan5955]

@@firmbutton6485 saw your short video/thoughts... Solution sounds sensefull. However the parts are to be fully build by your own and DE regulation will for sure not allow any "home made" changes to the frame... I must admit.

[@GordonHunter]

Scenery looks familiar, Woodford valley? I have the bike, the Highway edition with the screen, is it easy to put on and off? Often thought of taking it off for local rides.

[@fozbox]

Yup, good spot! If it’s the big touring screen then unbelievably easy to take off...just four screws. The café screen is harder to take on and off.

[@paulkinsella6172]

Approx 3000 b.c. Speedmaster tank 13 litre Bobber tank 9 litre Love my speedmaster to bits. Best bike I've ever owned, and I've had a few over the years. Good video once again. Bring back Winnie the pooh!

[@fozbox]

Yea sorry bit of an error there with the bobber tank size. Pretty sure Speedmaster is 12l though. Pooh has got stuck in the honey temporarily but Danny the Champion of the World is in development!

[@paulkinsella6172]

I stand corrected good Sir. The speedy is, indeed, a 12 litre tank. I was getting confused with how much it always seemed to cost to fill up, 13 of my finest English pounds. Although with the current fuel prices, that has reduced significantly, more smiles per pound!

[@fozbox]

1:1 in the fuel tank challenge! Without sport to watch that’s about as good as it gets 😂

[@frslas]

I have the same bike and color. Did de-cat, and BC turn outs lowered weight and improved acceleration a bit. Obviously sound is louder and fantastic. I'm thinking about the handle bars - perhaps a change, but not the tracker bar option. We'll see. Overall, I love the bike.

[@fozbox]

British customs is definitely the way to go rather than the Vance and Hines which really don't make much of a difference.

[@stevengodfrey891]

Nice review.... does one ever get used to cables attached by rubber bands to the bars? Why not hide/run them through the handle bars?

[@fozbox]

Such a pain when you need to fix something or replace cables. I agree it looks better though.

[@mauricehodgdon1885]

I have yet to see a review on slow speed maneuvers for this bike. My concern is lean angle as well as turn radius. Great review none the less. Ride safe.

[@fozbox]

Good idea for a video...maybe I’ll do one! Turn radius is definitely not small. Lean angle is ‘ok’ for a cruiser.

[@whittlad]

Apologies if already mentioned in your vlog but any thoughts on what is the comfort level for tall riders?

[@fozbox]

Comfort is fine, i'm 6ft3 - you get a bit more wind though

[@CaledoniaKeys]

Great review. You may have convinced me to consider one of these in spite of the smaller tank. Ride on!

[@fozbox]

Thanks. You should! At least test ride one and see how it feels.

[@CaledoniaKeys]

I have it on my “to do” list as soon as the snow is gone...it’s pretty cold in Canada these days! LOL

[@fozbox]

Haha...I bet! What sort of temperatures have you got at the moment?!

[@CaledoniaKeys]

FozBox The snow is just starting to melt. In all fairness it has been a mild winter but if I could go south I would! Just above 0 degrees Celsius (32 Fahrenheit)

[@fozbox]

It's going back down to 0 here again this weekend...typical! Got the bike out in the sunshine last Sunday though which was great!

[@rabbidbabies4094]

I just test rode a Speedmaster. Forward control would take some getting used to. My biggest concern is I have a bad lower back and if it would be comfortable for long rides. Also, I have been reading a lot in triumph gearbox issues. Other than that, I really can’t stop thinking about this bike.

[@fozbox]

Gearbox issues are quite rare and mainly found in the T100/120 group, I believe they’ve now been sorted but ask the dealer. As for the back...upright position put less pressure on back but more on bum/tailbone - I’d say 1hr30 before needing a stretch.

[@NattyDreaddy]

Corbin 😉

[@stanleylawson9015]

just looking at these , what made you choose a 2018, was looking at a 2020 in the lovely blue but need to check out the 2021 upgrades any be it they have dropped the blue damn, advise most welcome, yes a bigger tank would have been so much better

[@fozbox]

No difference from '18 to '20 really apart from the colour. I got an '18 because it's when the new model replaced the old speedmaster.

[@DarkCharles]

How do you think the bike is for taller riders?

[@fozbox]

I’m 6ft3 and it’s fine but it’s probably better suited to those who are slightly smaller

[@DarkCharles]

@@fozbox Mine arrives in a day or 2 and I’m 6’2”. Looking forward to it Thanks for the response.

[@fozbox]

@@DarkCharles that’s so exciting! Hope you love it...let me know.

[@zhouyi2885]

The speedmaster's chassis looks low, is it easy to hit the ground ?

[@fozbox]

It is quite low which makes it great for smaller riders but yes you can hit the ground in a tight turn as I show by mistake in this vid kzbin.info/www/bejne/d6HVnKOMjtatl6s

[@zhouyi2885]

​@@fozbox T120 and speedmaster, which one is worth buying ?

[@brutusvk2]

Bought one. Waiting for it to arrive. Cannot wait. First cruiser. I think my zx14r will be jealous and get far less use.

[@fozbox]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@michaelrullis7501]

How are the brakes compared to other cruisers?

[@fozbox]

Twin 310mm Brembo 2-piston callipers. With ABS front and back. Back is 255mm.

[@dmytrostepaniuk7255]

Hi)! Can you please tell what helmet do you wear? Something retro looking, like a bike, or modern model?

[@fozbox]

I wear a Shoei RYD, so modern but not like a race helmet. If you’re looking for retro then Bell do loads, though the visor fit isn’t great sometimes. Or the new Shoei Glamster.

[@ferociousfrankie]

I'm surprised at the rust on the brake discs. Lot of salt on those British roads?

[@fozbox]

Yea a fair amount in winter and then just quite salty air because of being an island

[@NicePantsLance]

I thought the Speedmaster and Bobber have different sized tanks? Love the videos mate, keep up the good work

[@fozbox]

Thanks. Yea sorry I made a mistake there. Bobber has slightly smaller tank. I’d still like the Speedmaster’s to be a bit bigger though.

[@johnhewson8478]

9 lt for the bobber 12 lt for the speedmaster

[@zhouyi2885]

@@fozbox Is the Speedmaster look larger than Bobber ?

[@vvoditel]

Riding my Speedmaster for a year now. Love it. But after looking at all the videos, how are you even able to speak so clearly? Because to me even at 30-45mph on not a windy day it sounds so noisy! What camera are you using?

[@fozbox]

I guess wind noise has more to do with the helmet than anything. I also have a mic wired into my helmet from a GoPro4 so no image stabilisation I’m afraid (after gopro4 you have to use bulky adapters etc because they got rid of the normal mic jack input). I mentioned my set up in the very first video I did and haven't changed it since! Here's the link, apologies if some of the stuff I used is now out of date etc: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZmXgIZ4ra9_etk

[@alanrobinson2229]

Iam looking for the ideal cruiser bike,fancy this,being British (made in Thailand?),or HD Breakout,-cant really afford. Is there any comparison,or are they totally different?

[@fozbox]

If you can't afford it then don't get it! Bikes and the gear as we all know mounts up over time! To be honest they are pretty different anyway. I'd say the Speedmaster is more multipurpose and for the price much the better option. However, if you are an HD fanboy and have a spare £20,000 (not sure how much in Thailand)...!

[@alanrobinson2229]

@@fozbox ermm Iam debating with the whole heritage thing. It's a debate that's been going on in my head for a long time and not sure why? HD have heritage,triumph appear to have. It's something that's worth paying for if you can afford it,yes,iam confused...

[@alanrobinson2229]

@@fozbox think iam becoming speedmaster fanboy

[@fozbox]

I don't think you have any less heritage with a Triumph - if you don't believe me watch the film The Great Escape!

[@alanrobinson2229]

@@fozbox I think the British owned triumph is a great brand, beautiful bikes and I would definitely buy one.there is a heritage,but the bikes are now manufactured in Thailand,so they cannot claim to be a British manufacturer,unlike the majority of Harley's(built in USA) However, that's why Harley's cost a bomb and are less sophisticated,generally. Iam concluding that the triumph is just a lovely bike with a British heritage, similar to Royal Enfield even..( it was a British bike,now built in India) It would have been nice if they were manufactured in Britain,so I do feel it's not fully right to be using Brit flag on all their bikes.

[@silverarrow2558]

Good video...not sure i agree about the mirrors i can see fine on mine... yes the tank should be bigger 15ltrs minimum but it is what it is.. 60 mpg means you get two hours riding on ave before the fuel light goes on. Its the hassle of having to plan stops around fuel atations .. it also needs a screen to stop you having to hang on above 60. I bought a dart marlin which does the job .its cheaper and better looking than the triumph one. Also the overtaking power is great

[@fozbox]

As you say, it is what it is. Agreed the overtaking power is ridiculous...just drop a gear or two and listen to the roar as you blow past! I have a screen too but only put it on for long journeys...see my vid on the 4 best accessories.

[@phillnelson4864]

I put the Dart Marlin on mine too, it works really well which means you dont have to hang on like grim death when you are at highway speeds! Good choice!

[@alanrobinson2229]

Is the speedmaster heavy to move about?

[@fozbox]

Pretty heavy it’s about 240/250kg. A Harley cruiser by comparison is often around 300kg. Sports bikes would often be around 200kg.

[@michaelfrey9736]

With your legs forward, does your tailbone begin to hurt?

[@fozbox]

You definitely feel it after about 1hr30 but it’s not toooooo bad.

[@tasimota]

How is it at highway speed, at say 80 mph?

[@fozbox]

At those speeds its worth investing in a screen - anything up to 60mph no problem. After that you really have to hang on.

[@martincardenasj]

Nice review... very usefull videos and complete information, I choose the speedmaster for me. Thanks a lot. Greetings from Lima - Peru

[@fozbox]

Thanks very much. A great bike. Best wishes to you in Peru!

[@alexmorgan3435]

Triumph put a horrible clock on the Rocket as well. Agree it needs a nice chrome quality clock maybe twin clocks to give a rev counter as well, like the Thruxton R. Handy to know the clock at night only illuminates the incremental 5mph markers between 30,40,50,60 etc. That would really pee me off. Apart from this it's a very nice looking and sounding bike. Does your dog ride pillion?

[@fozbox]

Looks and sounds amazing. The clock is a minor gripe. Haha...I very very rarely take a pillion at all 😂

[@King_Harrold]

New subscriber from Derbyshire. Looking for a Speedmaster Maverick myself. Coming from sports bikes.

[@fozbox]

Such a different beast from a sports bike. What I said about pegs will definitely apply to you! Good luck in your search!

[@jodicarpenter620]

I like mine but it is a hard ride that seat!

[@fozbox]

You feel it after an 1hr30 for sure. If you’re planning long tours then the comfort seat is probably better. I just love the look of the brown one though.

[@itssmehere]

Good review

[@fozbox]

Cheers thanks

[@pharoah1200]

Great review 👍👍

[@fozbox]

Cheers thanks

[@hogwylde]

You didn't get a Raspberry jelly donut!? 😂😅

[@fozbox]

Hahaha - it's not a prerequisite of every video but I'm sorry to let you down! I'll have to try harder in the new year!

[@syedazim2916]

Goog video

[@fozbox]

Thanks

[@romeredubost6971]

I have a 2007 vstar1300 hundred...it outclasses the speedmaster in power room and comfort, but i did want to own a triumph motorcycle...so i bought a 2020 triumph t120 black. But if i was buying my first cruiser and didnt have a fat-assed wife...i would choose the speedmaster.

[@fozbox]

Well the T120 is class so I won't criticise your lack of Speedmaster too much! However, I believe the Speedmaster is better than the Vstar in a few areas - economy 60mpg vs 40mpg, weight 250kg vs 320kg, 0-60mph time, also no cruise control and harder to manoeuvre. I'll give you room and comfort though - perfect for the larger behind!

[@romeredubost6971]

@@fozbox :-) lol, cant argue with stats.

[@fozbox]

And I would want to argue with your dear wife’s bottom 😋

[@davidpowell4735]

Thumbs up buddy!

[@fozbox]

Thanks

[@mitchrozelle269]

Picky, picky, one, it is not a two up bike for long distance,To the pub maybe.But you are picky. I have a 2018 speed master and love it.

[@fozbox]

Some say picky some say discerning!

[@arturkuner4157]

Big face reveal

[@fozbox]

Thought my face was fairly normal size...

[@tin5666]

You ride a bike not drive

[@fozbox]

You do indeed...even I am not perfect though