TRIUMPH SPEEDMASTER REVIEW AFTER 500 MILES

[@CyrilHelnwein]

I had the same rust problem on my T120 and developed the following maintenance solutions: 1. Give the brake rotors a wipe down or a quick spray of brake cleaner when you have any dampness on the road. 2. If you have a long driveway or straight bit of road before you arrive at your destination, gently squeeze the brakes while riding to heat them up a little. 3. For the chain, you should wipe any damp off after the ride with a rag and then give it a little chain lube to dispel any left over moisture. In our climate (UK/Ireland), use a chain lube designed for wet riding. It’ll splatter a bit more than “dry” chain lube but it’ll save you expensive repairs in the long run. P.s. “Dusted chrome” is actually brushed aluminum.

[@fozbox]

Thanks, good tips!

[@Inthewind24]

Thanks for your videos on the Speedmaster. I have a 2020 model. I wish it had the DRL feature. Perhaps it’s a difference in the US variant, but I have no switch to turn the headlight from daylight to night. I like the flash to pass feature but mine doesn’t do it without just turning the high beam on then off again. All in all I love the bike. Just a joy to ride honestly.

[@fozbox]

Not sure there is a difference, I’ve gone into the light feature again with you in mind on a new video that’ll be out next Thursday so maybe that’ll help 👍🏻

[@juans3728]

Great job on your review , due to the weather you were limited but i have to admit you did a wonderful job.

[@fozbox]

Thanks! The weather has been filthy for so long - its tricky finding a moment to get the bike out!

[@jstaskis]

Love this video. I currently have a Kawasaki Vulcan and want to trade-in for a speedmaster at some point so my ears pricked up when you mentioned it :D.

[@fozbox]

Thanks! Well I can’t recommend it enough. I loved my Vulcan but the step up in quality is pronounced.

[@trevorhill5848]

Hi Fozbox, great review. I'll be getting a new bike in the coming weeks (used with budget of £4,000). I want a Triumph and it's a toss up between a Bonneville, Legend TT, Thunderbird, America or a Speedmaster 865. I've been riding motorcycles so 1976 but I've never ridden a cruiser with forward controls. Is this an easy step up to learn at my stage in life or should I stick with the 'sit up and beg style'? Must admit that I really fancy cruising around Norfolk on a Speedmaster 865 though. Thanks in advance for your comments.

[@fozbox]

Using some quick maths I'm guessing your stage of life is around the early 60's mark? It is true that because you have ridden in a certain way for so long it'll feel very weird having forward controls initially. My one good tip is go for a test ride...then when you first get on you'll feel really unbalanced - not a problem - ride to the nearest petrol station and fill up. Then when you get back on it will miraculously feel so much more normal and comfortable. Weird but true!

[@danielshaw4038]

For a man with Balance problems due to a TBI The low seat and center of Gravity would be Perfect for me. The styling is impressive also

[@fozbox]

Not sure I would recommend bikes at all if you have a balance problem - however, I am sure you know your limits. The low centre of gravity of the Speedmaster would certainly be a benefit.

[@danielshaw4038]

@@fozbox I'm putting around with a Royal Enfield 500 Classic I would like a more comfortable and powerful bike Indian Scout Sixties Bobbes are cheap right now, but this Bonnie beats them with style I used my riding as a source of therapy. "Head on Swivel" type of thing .I believe it triggers the synapses and has improved my Brain health. Thanks for the Concern Keep the Wheels up!

[@hrob6381]

Great review, fair and informative. Shame about the knee room though, especially for me being 6"2'. I wonder how an ape hanger will look on this.

[@fozbox]

I'm 6"3' and the knees aren't disastrous, but definitely something to keep in mind for the taller rider. I'm not convinced by the ape hanger because your feet aren't really far forward in the classic American style, but people certainly do it.

[@chachim3014]

Great review mate. You could solve your handlebar hitting your knees with some risers. Inexpensive, barely noticeable and will improve the whole experience. Love the bike. Congratulations.

[@fozbox]

Yea I've been thinking about it, but really like how comfortable the current position is - don't want to spoil that. Definitely something to look into though, thanks.

[@brucesantacory1390]

how bout loosen the 4 bolts on the handlebar clamps and lift the bars so they do not hit your knee's ??

[@fozbox]

Yea did that when I realised the bars had slipped

[@mitfull]

I had the 865 which I found very comfortable at 6'2 and 18 stone, I was very tempted with the new one till I sat on it felt so small in comparison

[@fozbox]

Mitfull Moto yea the 865 was a classic. Very Harley standard. Triumph have definitely modernised with the new Speedmaster keeping the weight down with the gorgeous 1200 engine.

[@hashimabdulshukkur9068]

Great view. Sounds like for me . Going back to riding

[@fozbox]

Thanks

[@gman913]

You should adjust the bars they seem to be raked downwards. I had to adjust mine and no problems after adjustment.

[@fozbox]

Yea, see the other conversation thread - they had dropped down. Knees still in the way but not as much!

[@gregorysmaldino6947]

Why do you think it is rusting so much? Is it a viable concern specific to the Speedmaster, Triumph or chrome in general?

[@fozbox]

I think it’s more a result of riding in winter in the UK with saltier air and also wet and salt on roads more than anything else

[@gregorysmaldino6947]

@@fozbox that makes sense. Thank you, sir!

[@big500]

That’s a similar look I’m going for with mine... single seat, shorty front mudguard straight bars from a Bobber, and black engine cases and exhaust..

[@fozbox]

That's sounds really nice. Stock exhaust or Vance and Hines? Think I prefer my bars for longer rides...not having to lean forward.

[@big500]

FozBox I’m going to fit the Shark peashooter style exhaust from my bobber.. kzbin.info/www/bejne/q5LKooymjsymhpo

[@shadabarifshaikh5604]

Hello, Can you please tell if you are wearing BMW Double r jacket in this video and how it is. Appreciate your reply.

[@fozbox]

It’s a Triumph Raven jacket I think

[@petermoll7839]

Looking for someone that owns a newer speed master. Good move? Is the pegs dragging really a thing to reject this bike over? I’m used to kind of a nimble bike, a 1979 KZ 650 and thinking about upgrading to a speed master. Would love to take one for a test ride but they will not let you till you kind of commit to buying.

[@fozbox]

Really? Usually they’re very good at giving test rides. The pegs is definitely not something to reject this bike on...most people don’t scrape them at all - moving from a more nimble bike you’d be slightly more likely to.

[@_OpdeeMist]

Thank you, very nice walk around, comparison and explanation. I’m slightly confused, is the traction control just an throttle control dampener or is it real traction control? Where it senses loss of traction to the powered wheel and inhibits power supply to that wheel until traction is sensed as returned?

[@fozbox]

There is real traction control - you can turn it on and off when in neutral using the button on the left handlebar. Using the 'rain' mode just lowers the torque and helps keep traction when wet

[@marcpilon9189]

Hi ! The tank is 12 liters so it seems you had quite a bit left before running out. Also, you seem to have your handlebars a bit downward rather than in a horizontal plane ? I'm 5-9 and the handles cleared my knees in the showroom.

[@fozbox]

Yea it is 12 so I guess there's about 2 litres left as reserve at the bottom. I'm 6ft3 so I guess that might be the issue!

[@fozbox]

You were right the handlebars had slipped - all sorted at the 500 mile service. Knees still in the way but not nearly as bad.

[@ruudmattheij]

@@fozbox that is an interesting point you're mentioning there. I'm 6ft3 and considering to buy a bobber black; the advantage of the bobber black over the speedmaster seems to be that you can move the entire seat backwards on the bober for about an inch, which actually makes a difference for your legs; when I tried it out, my knees were further backwards that yours in the video. I'm hoping that mounting forward controls on the bobber black really solves the tall-rider issues 🙂

[@fozbox]

Ruud Mattheij Legs aren’t much of an issue with the bobber, because it has straight bars (rather than the beach bars on the Speedmaster) you don’t get the knee problem.

[@ruudmattheij]

@@fozbox Hmhm that is a very good point indeed. Given your body length (which, I think, is rather comparable to my own), may I ask what your take is on the forward controls of the speedmaster? I'm considering to go for the bobber black, which has mid controls, but - while the upper part of my legs is horizontal, the lower part of my legs are bent backwards. How is that with forward controls? :-) Yes, I'm picking your brains on this one! ;-)

[@davidware8496]

I’ve been looking into a new speed master, but I’m 6’4” tall, 200 lbs. I’m a little concerned that I might be to tall for this bike.

[@fozbox]

I’m 6’3” and it’s fine. Knees get in the way from time to time but really not a massive issue. Only way to tell is test ride one...I’d be surprised if you don’t love it!

[@mikeybass666]

Hi Fozbox, thanks for a great review. I'm considering the Speedmaster as a swap for my T120. How tall are you, if I may ask? I'm 6' 2" and had to install risers on my T120 so a little concerned I'm gonna be too big for the Speedmaster. Thanks in advance!

[@fozbox]

Hi, I’m 6ft3 and although I sit quite tall on the bike the bars are actually in a really comfortable position. Quite a different position from the T120 because of that shape of the bars. Definitely worth a trial ride.

[@mikeybass666]

@@fozbox That's pretty much exactly what I wanted to hear. Thanks pal. I've emailed Manchester Triumph regarding a test ride, which will hopefully happen some time in the next six months. It is not much fun being a biker in lockdown

[@RalphWigum510]

Nice review sir.

[@fozbox]

Thanks

[@itssmehere]

Good review,....Is the exhaust note at the start of the video stock speedmaster mufflers with an X Pipe?

[@fozbox]

Jeff Jones thanks! The exhaust note in the intro is totally stock standard pipes etc. It’s just the microphone was nearer to the exhaust when I recorded it.

[@peetee49]

Good review, 👍

[@fozbox]

Thanks

[@Tommy-Atkins]

Great vid matey....have you considered the straight bars accessory (see Captain Rambunctious vlogs)...they are super comfy too by all accounts and may give more turning room for the old knees!)...subscribed by the way 👍

[@fozbox]

MultiMac999 I’ve thought about it but I love the upright position rather than leaning forward. More likely option for me would probably be the raised chopper bars but slightly spoils the lines of the bike. Cheers for the sub 😁

[@kevinryujin4466]

Nice review! Do you think this bike is okay for a new rider?

[@fozbox]

Its quite a big bike for a new rider in terms of power and weight. If you've not ridden bikes before I'd suggest starting on something a little smaller and more nibble. Yamaha Mt07 or similar is popular first bike - if you want a cruiser style starter bike then Yamaha Bolt, Honda Rebel or Kawasaki Vulcan. Also cheaper to insure as a new rider.

[@kevinryujin4466]

Thanks for the advice. I've watched a lot of reviews on the speedmaster. Is it really that easy to scrape pegs on it? I know the bike is low, but does this happen to you often?

[@fozbox]

Kevin Ryujin I haven’t scraped a peg yet...

[@saw6463]

Best review

[@fozbox]

Thank you 😊

[@kencohagen4967]

Subscribed!

[@fozbox]

Thanks!

[@martafernandezpena6387]

Mister Foster how are you? im Rafa.

[@avinashgovindravindranath5804]

You need to get a good hold on your Camara angle!...brother

[@fozbox]

It's attached to my head so it goes where I go! If you'd like to send me some professional videography gear I'll try to do better!

[@TranslateToEnglish]

Put your camera on a tripod or try to keep your head straight. I'm dizzy as hell trying to watch this video.

[@fozbox]

If only I had a very pretty camera lady to help me out!

[@David-og7di]

Too much extraneous tech tricks to go wrong. 865 carby speedy easy to work on and less than half the price.

[@fozbox]

I wouldn’t have said cruise control on a cruiser was overdoing the tech 😂

[@stevemorris3710]

Kryten

[@dennislittle6882]

You need a new cameraman!!

[@fozbox]

Thanks that’s helpful 👍🏻

[@bogiewheelman71]

A video and running out of fuel , not a good sign for a distance rider .

[@fozbox]

All deliberate...pure video making masterclass 😂