2021 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster | First Ride Review

[@Konghulio]

Not enough people talk about this motorcycle. I think it’s great, glad to hear your opinion on it

[@badasbob4761]

Just picked up my 2021 Speedmaster a couple of weeks ago and I can honestly say it's an absolute joy. Lovely chilled cruiser, but if you get it onto the twisties it handles the corners very easily - a little too easily if my footpegs are any judge, you can chuck this thing about way more than it has any right to be. I hated the beach bars. I'm quite tall at 6'5", and they brought my arms in too close to my body for my taste - and the rake on them makes holding onto them when you wind the power on a little uncomfortable. Swapped them out for some LSL Flat Trackers almost as soon as I got it home - £50 and an hour with the tool kit and that problem ceased to exist. They're also black which helps hide the cables and ties. I also swapped the stock seat (what used to be the comfort seat before 2021) for the brown quilted one; which not only looks better IMHO, but is also more comfortable to shift your weight around on. I kept the comfort one though, I think for longer trips I'll be grateful for it. Took the pillion seat and grab-rail off too, which makes it look even more like the bobber, but putting them back on is literally a 5-minute job if I take the missus out. It's a shame you didn't get the chance on your test ride to really open it up, the engine has an ungodly amount of shove and is just 1200cc of pure joy. The first time I joined a dual carriageway it genuinely enlisted a full-on belly laugh. I'll stop before this turns into a full-on review - short version BUY ONE. I seriously doubt you'll regret it.

[@237KMT]

Look into installing a DNK tune. I don't know if you're in the US, but I have a 2018 and it knocked it up to about 99 HP and took away a lot of the low end snatchiness...

[@badasbob4761]

@@237KMT In the UK, but I'll look into it. Thanks!

[@DanBetty]

Bought one late last year, after 48 years of V-Twins. I've taken it on some LONG rides (one day 400 miles). It is a very comfortable on a long ride, lot's of torque, no trouble keeping up with my buddies, 3,000 miles in and loving it.

[@geoffreycocksedge2232]

Got one recently, and absolutely love it. It is very comfortable, easy to ride and has plenty enough power. I might change the pipes at some stage, but has a very pleasant sound anyway

[@bigdavedogdad]

I've seen a couple of vids on YT that you can probably also find. Captain Rambunctious got some Thor pipes and liked them, though it's hard to hear on the vid. Some other dude used an X-Pipe *and* slash pipes and regretted it - it sounded like a tractor hehe. Good luck!

[@bigdavedogdad]

Nice to see it on a little ride around London. I own a T100 which I love, but tried the new Speedmaster a few weeks back and loved it so much I ordered one! Will be trading in the T100 in a few weeks when it arrives. I've always wanted a 'cruiser' but tried them before and found the position (even of a Triumph America) uncomfortable. I found this one very comfortable, though - being able to unfold your legs a bit and sit up is lovely and relaxing. I think maybe the forward controls aren't *as* forward as some cruisers. As you say, it's pretty much a bobber but cruiser 'style' and more practical and comfortable. I think the ride feels a little 'lumpy' sometimes until you are used to it because you have to get used to being firmly planted in a bucket seat. You learn a new way to take the pressure off and lift yourself off the seat with legs *and* arms, whereas you can just stand up a bit on a bike with mid controls, but I got used to that over two test rides and think it will be fine and actually the ride is very smooth with those fat tyres (also can adjust the pre-load on the back).

[@brutusvk2]

I love the bike. I am used to sportier bikes. I have a Zx14r. But fell in love with the Speedmaster. So I bought one. Poor ninja never gets ridden much now. However, I hated the forward controls. Installed the mids.

[@lindsayvincent2874]

Picked mine up in May and I love it. Need to upgrade mono shock as my 100 kilo and my wife’s let’s say 65kg does bottom out occasionally. Great bike!!

[@steveoconnor7069]

I bought a 2020 and with the exception of the suspension, I love the bike. Put the factory windscreen on and some aftermarket bags since Triumph seems to think everyone is inherently honest and don't provide any security for their bags.

[@samueljeppsen9785]

I love Trumpets. High style. Classy bikes. And a great sound for stock pipes.

[@marcverdi665]

Great review! I’m considering the same bike but apparently a 2022 (?). I cannot decide on the color; you were spot on when you said that the all black would be better but you had an appreciation for the fine touches of a hand-painted coach line signed by the painter, etc. I appreciate those things, too, and makes that paint job more appealing, even if aesthetically I prefer the black or maybe even the hopper red.

[@bigdavedogdad]

I was really torn between them. They all look good, so in the end is was the fact that the black is hundreds cheaper that made me decide ;)

[@grahamtricker4103]

That engine has a 270 degree firing order so it behaves exactly like a V-twin even though its a parallel twin. Nice Review.

[@GraemeBlore]

Looking forward to seeing what you do to change it.

[@dropagear1949]

That’s a great bike…I pretty much have its brother in the Bobber Black. Great torque and great a note when you delete the air box. It really opens the look of the bike!

[@chrisindubai]

Hands down one of coolest bikes around and as mentioned below/ above, totally incognito. Only the Indian Scout Bobber beats it- maybe try that one in a video?

[@phil_jc_dev]

Nice video, good London riding 😂 This was on my radar but the showrooms did not have one to test ride at the time. I ended up with the, Bonneville T120 Black.

[@WildlifeMoto]

Nice! T120 is a great bike. Enjoy.

[@mc-gl8rx]

A perfect addition to your stable, do you already have the invite to join the captains squadron by any chance.

[@WildlifeMoto]

It’s in the post (I hope) 👍

[@gerardmontgomery280]

Lovely bike. I'd have it in black with the optional brown seat and sissy bar.

[@yahoodlums]

It's a nice looking bike. I like the idea of the giant screen and a couple of side lights, would be similar to a Harley Road King! Not sure it will make a good tourer though. No suspension travel and all that weight on your lower back could be a deal breaker. A Speed Twin might be a better option for (2 up) longer travels.

[@blazesboylan7947]

It’s a lovely bike. The handlebars resemble the Baak set I installed on my Interceptor. Not ideal for lane splitting but that’s obviously not the kind of riding the Triumph was designed for.

[@sscbkr48]

From an Interceptor to a speedmaster! Now that's weird.😆

[@khalilGT]

Looks amazing😍triumph is a great company😀👐

[@willgeo2215]

I bought my Speedmaster because I don't run with the Harley sheep! Please people, don't start buying the Speedmaster. I like to be a one-off on the highway, unlike all the Toyota Harleys!

[@julianperry5141]

Looks classier than the bobber. A nice refined looking ride.

[@jeffblack4268]

If Triumph would sort out the crappy suspension issues on the Bobber and the Speedmaster they’d have the perfect bikes. Suspension issues that plague these two models have prevented me personally from purchasing one.

[@Theophilus1968]

I totally agree. If only it had a bit more travel-suspension!

[@Fernando90054]

Yeah, the bike is beautiful, seems a refined Cruiser bike. Almost perfect. Too well behaved I’m afraid. But I think that it deserves a try 👌🏻 Thank you for the video and the bit of taste to it.

[@WildlifeMoto]

You are welcome

[@dalewintle9969]

Something different for the stable , could do some great customisation on this bad boy , great vid J 👍🏻

[@outdoortherapy6596]

Thought it was interesting you changed conversation from the hard suspension when it clearly needs addressing.

[@WildlifeMoto]

I didn't want to dwell on it as the suspension on these low cruisers is often a compromise, and honestly I didn't get to push the bike hard. I've not ridden enough bikes of this style to know if this bike is worse than the competition. I recently tested an India Scout, and the factory suspension is worse.

[@outdoortherapy6596]

@@WildlifeMoto Hey thanks for the response. Strange how these cruisers ride hard over bumps you would think the opposite. But yeah I'm just looking into one of these now and am yet to ride one. Thanks for the review.

[@WildlifeMoto]

@@outdoortherapy6596 Yes unfortunatly, low seats mean very little travel in the shocks. If you want to push these bikes, you'll need to budget in for some quality aftermarket shocks and springs that you can adjust for your style of riding. Having said that, these bikes are really designed for chilled riding, so you might be fine.

[@DanBetty]

I have over 3,000 miles (riding hard) on one now. I find the ride to be softer than my previous 4 bikes (stock soft tails). The shock is adjustable. Maybe you had it on the 3rrd position which is quite stiff riding solo. 1st position with me solo (150 lbs) and my gear strapped on the rear seat is comfortable. Not as soft as a full swing arm but as good as any mono shock soft tail I have ridden. I have not experienced an uncomfortable ride condition cruising all over Maine and NH back roads. I have never bottomed out.

[@stevesane800]

Great to see you’re getting in to summer WM! Freezing down under. Will you be looking at other marques in that style? Good luck

[@WildlifeMoto]

Thanks Steve, our summers are very short so have to make the most of every day! Hope it warms up for you guys soon.

[@chriserskine585]

How many stickers on the tank!!!

[@fernandomagalhaes2957]

Almost everything you sad , could be about a Royal Enfield; the Classic 500 or even the 650 Interceptor. For a while I thought about the Speedmaster, but a very practical issue made me change the decision:- The price and the lack of a central stand to properly lube the chain.

[@bigdavedogdad]

They aren't cheap, but compared to a Harley (which they compare to favourably) they are. As for the stand, yeah, I was a little perturbed, but apparently a £40 paddock stand works great and doesn't then have to hang off your bike *shrug* Of course, I'm just being positive because I've already ordered one hehe

[@fernandomagalhaes2957]

Lubbing the chain in the middle of a multi day tour arriving at a camping or a hotel carrying a paddock stand is not the best thing do do.

[@bigdavedogdad]

Lol no, but if you just need to spray some lube mid-tour you can wheel it a few feet? A full clean and re-lube where wheeling it around would be a pain can wait until you get home, maybe. I know what you mean, though. I'm sure I'll miss a centre stand a bit, but not enough to make me not want the bike ;)

[@chachim3014]

Nice review mate. How'd you find the cornering clearance?

[@WildlifeMoto]

Pretty good. Had a small peg touch down on a roundabout. The mid set-up would solve that.

[@Dutch800s]

Will this be in place of the Royal Enfield or as an addon to the family? It is one of those bikes I look at as a cruiser next to the INT

[@WildlifeMoto]

The RE would stay :)

[@Antony-kn5kl]

Was that your interceptor i spotted by Columbia Road today?

[@WildlifeMoto]

Not me today I’m afraid.

[@Antony-kn5kl]

Ah i thought the side panels gave it away, clearly you've inspired some imitators- soon to be one myself!

[@GeraldGarcia]

While you clearly explained what you're looking for in a new bike, I was hoping you'd get the '21 Street Twin instead (or maybe even a Moto Guzzi V7), just because I am curious how you would mod and personalise it like you did with the Interceptor.

[@WildlifeMoto]

They both look like fantastic bikes. But they are too similar to the Interceptor. If I had a bigger garage, maybe 🤔

[@andrewbull3537]

If you do decide to buy the bike ,i think you can change the forward controls for the controls of a bobber (same frame ....i think !?) Take care on the road mate 👍👍👏

[@WildlifeMoto]

You can indeed. 👍

[@millinutz]

Do they really bottom out that much, or was it really only soft tyre pressure?

[@WildlifeMoto]

Not 100% sure. It was a pretty big pothole though. That road is shockingly bad.

[@bigdavedogdad]

Having done a couple of test rides, I found the one I rode didn't bottom on some quite bumpy stuff (and I'm not a light fella). It felt quite stiff, though still comfy, which makes me think that the one in the vid had pre-load set to minimum and/or soft tyres.

[@glasgowharleyrider]

A real possible for me post bobber ( which I absolutely adore ) nicely presented , subbed . 👍👍

[@WildlifeMoto]

Thanks mate. Good to have you on board.

[@bcwilder7242]

Do you sell your Royal Enfield Interceptor ? I love all Bonneville, but for me to expensive. I love my Interceptor. Nice Vid. You have nice weather there.

[@WildlifeMoto]

Nooooo. The RE is a keeper.

[@bcwilder7242]

@@WildlifeMoto great

[@momchilyordanov8190]

What is the price as tested?

[@WildlifeMoto]

£12200 with the fancy paint job.

[@johnk7814]

There are a nice bike ,they had them at the dealer I bought my bike from. Don't see many on the road.

[@WildlifeMoto]

I didn’t even know they were a thing until very recently. Such a cool bike though.

[@johnk7814]

@@WildlifeMoto Surley you seen Stuart Fillingham talk about his bobber black he has nice bike but I would prefer the speedmaster. also Jay Leno talks about it from 2018 kzbin.info/www/bejne/bXrGlpWVYperprs

[@WildlifeMoto]

@@johnk7814 I saw the Jay Leno video, I think he liked it. It's funny becuase I would never buy a Bobber, but this one really talks to me.

[@bigdavedogdad]

@@WildlifeMoto I'm the same. The Bobber is lovely, but not as versatile and a bit uncomfortable. The Speedmaster is still hardly a 'practical' bike, but it's a great compromise if you want a 'cruiser' but also like the bobber and 'normal' 'classic' bikes.

[@Larry_Mott]

Ok, here goes my point of view, long version - Now, i don't know how tall you are, but i am so done with cruisers! They kill my lower back in no time, plus i get cramp in my hips/pelvis area. All weight is on your arse and they are generally miserable for everything but a short trip for ice cream in summer. I have tried owning cruisers twice and come to the epiphany that a "standard" bike, like your R-E is the absolute best. So in your case i'd try the Street/Speed Twin instead, or one i rediscovered when my Aprilia was being worked on - the new MotoGuzzi V7 Special. Now it's got the same engine as the V85 (850 instead of 750) engine it should be sweet!

[@WildlifeMoto]

The new V7 looks amazing. If I didn't have the RE, I would have this tomorrow. Interesting to get your thoughts on the cruiser style. I didn't ride it long enough to get uncomfortable, but I'm just about 6ft tall.

[@Larry_Mott]

@@WildlifeMoto I'm 190 cm (6'2" i think) and for me it gets excruciating real quick to just "hang" on the handlebars with no support from the legs. Also I dragged my feet on the floor with Gf on the back of my Vulcan 900. Cruisers are seductive but pure shite in the long run.. also, as you mentioned your ankles will be well done after prolonged riding. If your mind is set on a bike of this type, go ahead by all means, but i would have put a fraction of that money into a 865 kit for the R-E.. And/or found myself a 900 Thunderbird. (Which could be an interesting resto-mod project in itself :) Good luck whatever decision you come to!

[@bigdavedogdad]

I found the Speedmaster to be very comfy on test rides (and ordered one!), but I know people do struggle with being planted in a bucket seat for any length of time. I have a problem knee that doesn't enjoy being folded up on a 'normal' mid-controlled bike, which wasn't an issue at all on the Speedmaster, but I may be exchanging one problem for another - I'll see I guess! I haven't had much cruiser experience, but from others I've tried and what I have heard from other riders is the Speedmaster doesn't have it's controls *as* far forward as most cruisers and the seated position does allow you to roll forward and take the weight off your tail bone. I also like the tall gears and low torque, so if the Speedmaster is an arse killer I guess I'll maybe try a T120 next time! Wish me luck!

[@badasbob4761]

@@bigdavedogdad 6'5" and I've found the Speedmaster to be extremely comfortable. Longest I've ridden in a single stretch so far is a couple of hours but I didn't feel the need to stop for anything other than I needed the gents. I did find it uncomfortable with the stock bars, mostly because I have very long arms and the beach bars had me in a slightly awkward riding position, almost reclining in the seat. Less swept-back bars, which mean I can sit up or lean a little bit forward, easily fixed that problem though.

[@bigdavedogdad]

@@badasbob4761 Thanks for the reply. Good to know. I think at 5'9" I should be fine with the stock bars, then, as long as the angled wrists is comfy. Can't wait! (Mine will be here in a few weeks...) I don't suppose you went for a screen? I'm thinking a Puig American II shouldn't look too out of place and should be enough at my height. The triumph option looks way too tall.

[@phillnelson4864]

Speedmaster is a wonderful bike. I have had mine now for two years and have not regretted it one bit! Mine has the mid controls and straight bars, I think they call that a "Maverick" model. This bike is easy to handle around town, and shines on the open road. Pity your test didn't include a bit of motorway riding because the great torque would have made up your mind instantly! Check out Foz Box youtube channel - another Speedmaster fan!

[@WildlifeMoto]

Hi Phill, yes being stuck in London isn’t idea test conditions, but you can tell it pulls hard! I’ve see a few of his videos, good content.

[@phillnelson4864]

@@WildlifeMoto I can only imagine the experience of riding around London! I am in British Columbia, 100k outside of Vancouver.

[@ABJG1]

Don’t get rid of the Royal!😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@WildlifeMoto]

I’m not. She’s a keeper

[@ABJG1]

Yayyy🥳🥳🥳🥳 Everyone needs as many bikes as possible. Get it!

[@UncleBogator]

A decidedly practical bike which is why it’s personally my least favorite triumph. It’s so plain and dull compared to anything else in their line. I’m sure I’d ride it and love being on it. Just not my favorite

[@jeremythegrey]

I would slap a set of biltwell frisco bars on that beaut!

[@Beastius24]

I loved it but ultimately went for the Indian Scout. :/

[@WildlifeMoto]

Yep - tough call though.

[@Beastius24]

@@WildlifeMoto absolutely. I love the Triumph but the Indian just stole my heart

[@Theophilus1968]

I'm madly in love with this bike till I hear your painful grunt sounds going over potholes & speed bumps. 😳 Could you imagine sitting in the pillion seat? 🤣😭

[@WildlifeMoto]

Suspension is an issue for this bike. Just factor in a bit of extra investment to have it upgraded.

[@tobiasbollig6394]

I was horrified how you could stay so calm while driving in the opponent traffic lane ….than my dumb ass realized ….

[@WildlifeMoto]

Haha - yes it's all backwards over here.

[@SuperBlizzard77]

Honest opinion: Get the bobber, you got the RE and the Aprilia to take your girl out. 😁

[@WildlifeMoto]

RE is pretty good for short two up journeys, not the Aprilia though. The passenger seat on that bike is a joke.

[@SuperBlizzard77]

@@WildlifeMoto I guess that's the story with every supersport. 😅

[@colindebourg3884]

Take it out where its supposed to be, on the motorway.

[@WildlifeMoto]

Sadly I only had the bike for 2hrs max. Didn’t get to stretch its legs this time.

[@frankstocker5475]

Why build a bike with rubbish suspension, Triumph is a specialist at it.

[@WildlifeMoto]

It's a myth to me too. I guess the "slammed" cruiser look will always be a compromise.

[@dadmadforgot4050]

Nice bike but they are tiny. Bikes these days seem to be built for toddlers.

[@mikehurley5052]

First job for me would be to get all the bullshit stickers off the tank.

[@WildlifeMoto]

👍 I know, what a pointless waste of time they are. Ridiculous.

[@guitarkeef]

It's a fu… great bike - it's the best badass cruiser today in the world with a very nice sound - an if u want it can speed up very fast :-))) - I love mine

[@odeirt]

It’s way too quiet!!!!

[@WildlifeMoto]

It’s very quiet for the type of bike. Easy fix though

[@mlegarth]

Are you rich? :)

[@WildlifeMoto]

Not yet 🤑

[@petetxul6477]

Imagine that suspension with your gf and luggage...

[@WildlifeMoto]

Good point

[@petetxul6477]

Wildlife Moto try T120. Have had it for a year and find it a great bike overall

[@WildlifeMoto]

@@petetxul6477 Just a bit to similar to my Interceptor though.

[@petetxul6477]

Wildlife Moto want to try riding one of those

[@bigdavedogdad]

You can adjust the pre-load on the rear mono-shock. Maybe the adjustment was at minimum and/or tyres a little soft? *shrug*

[@mick998r]

It sounds like a 550cc and is way too safe. Grandad bike in my opinion. Sorry for bucking the trend in the comments. Try the Confederate Hellcat F131. I had one a few years ago, Kin Monster!

[@WildlifeMoto]

I must be getting old! It needs a pipe for sure (maybe I do too).

[@bigdavedogdad]

@@WildlifeMoto You can't really hear it from a helmet microphone, but I think it sounds wonderful in person. I have a T100 currently which sounds good, but the Speedmaster is better. If you like loud, then you can just put on unbaffled slip-ons and even replace the cat thingamy with a cross pipe (Look for Captain Rambunctious and his Thor pipe vid?) Beauty is in the ear of the beholder. I know a whole club full of life-long bikers that would say a single 350cc cylinder 1950s Ariel sounds better *shrug*

[@Mark-el8sb]

Think Triumph could get any more stickers on the tank? Thumbs down..

[@WildlifeMoto]

Health and Safety. All new bikes are covered in em, just take them off.

[@Larry_Mott]

@@WildlifeMoto Read a great quote a while back "In the 80:s your manual told you how to adjust the valves, nowadays it says "don't drink content of battery" :-)

[@lovingmylifeasIage6741]

What third world country are you in again?