My Triumph(ant) Weekend

[gore-tx]

I had a chance to sample several Triumph motorcycles Saturday.

I test rode a Speedmaster, a Bobber Black, and a Thruxton RS. It was really good fun.

The Speedmaster felt a little slow. The Thruxton disappointed me (but I might need to spend more time in the saddle). The Bobber Black really surprised me and ended up being my favorite. It felt really composed and definitely had more power than the Speedmaster. Lots of grunt and lots of fun.

 

[innominate]

I thought the bobber and speedmaster had the same engine, tune and sprockets. I know the chassis is a little different. I wonder why the speed felt slower. What disappointed you about the thruxton? I'm assuming you don't mean the engine.

 

[gore-tx]

I thought the bobber and speedmaster had the same engine, tune and sprockets. I know the chassis is a little different. I wonder why the speed felt slower. What disappointed you about the thruxton? I'm assuming you don't mean the engine.

I didn't get to check what mode the Speedmaster was in. May be it was in rain mode and therefore felt more sluggish. That would be my explanation. The Bobber Black felt more planted. It was more rigid (thicker forks), the suspension was stiffer, and I was leaning over the bike more which gave me more control. I didn't care for the feet forward position on the Speedmaster. I could definitely see replacing the handlebar with clip ons on the Bobber Black. I think it would still be comfortable. Or just put mid controls on the Speedmaster and a nice windshield. It definitely needs a windshield. I've never been a cruiser guy but they won me over.

As for the Thruxton, my expectations may have been too high. My knees were bent a little too much. I was holding the bike between my legs but I couldn't hug the tank with my knees due to its narrowness. It was a strange feeling. I guess the riding position didn't fit me that well. The bike seemed happier above 5,000 rpm but I was a little disappointed by the power delivery. May be the chassis is too good?

 

[Deleted member 23845]

I tried a Speed Twin last year: dealer put it in rain mode, it was dead as a cold turtle and they lost a potential sale.

 

[redden68]

I rode a Bonneville T120 about a year ago and was a little disappointed in the power. I had to give it more throttle than I expected to make it perform. I don’t know if it was in rain mode or just that much slower than my Tiger 800.

 

[RedPill]

I wanted a Speedmaster at one point (I have to have a cruiser). When I rode one, I found that the vibration really made my hands fall asleep. I still like them.

 

[RTL]

I didn't get to check what mode the Speedmaster was in. May be it was in rain mode and therefore felt more sluggish. That would be my explanation. The Bobber Black felt more planted. It was more rigid (thicker forks), the suspension was stiffer, and I was leaning over the bike more which gave me more control. I didn't care for the feet forward position on the Speedmaster. I could definitely see replacing the handlebar with clip ons on the Bobber Black. I think it would still be comfortable. Or just put mid controls on the Speedmaster and a nice windshield. It definitely needs a windshield. I've never been a cruiser guy but they won me over.

As for the Thruxton, my expectations may have been too high. My knees were bent a little too much. I was holding the bike between my legs but I couldn't hug the tank with my knees due to its narrowness. It was a strange feeling. I guess the riding position didn't fit me that well. The bike seemed happier above 5,000 rpm but I was a little disappointed by the power delivery. May be the chassis is too good?

The Thruxton riding position will make more sense when riding challenging roads at speed.

 

[gore-tx]

Another day, another test ride

I rode a Bobber Black and a Speemaster (not pictured). I think I am leaning toward the Speedmaster at this point. I saw a guy's Speedmaster at the Service Department. That bike was well setup. He had some bar risers on it (see pic below). Does anyone know who makes them?

 

[bwdmax]

They look like these...

Motone Up And Over Handlebar Risers 1” Triumph Bobber, Speedmaster, T120 Silver | eBay

<p>Bolt on Replacement for the Stock Riser Clamp assembly which works on any of the Triumph Bonneville family which have one inch bars.</p><p>We originally designed the Up-And-Over Kit to give you a one inch rise and a one inch pull back over standard bar position. This is about as far as you...

www.ebay.com

 

[gore-tx]

Thanks! Appreciate it.

 

[gore-tx]

I have been waiting for today. Why? Triumph announced its updated lineup for the classic bikes.

2022 Triumph Bonneville Lineup Gets Power And Tech Upgrades

On February 23, Triumph unveiled what's new in its Bonneville lineup for 2022. The Bonnies get a few engine and features upgrades.

www.rideapart.com

The Bobber has been given several upgrades I was considering. Same for the Speedmaster.
I am now heavily leaning toward a Bobber in red. Can’t wait to see one.

 

[gore-tx]

I test rode a Scrambler 1200 XC. Wow! It rides amazing! I didn't think a 500+ pound bike could feel so light. The only negative: the exhaust. It's just too darn hot. Zard makes a low exhaust but it's $1,500. So... Yeah...

James Bond never looked so cool. Is that movie ever coming out by the way?