Featured 2018 Speedmaster - 1,000 Miles In

After my 1st 1,000 miles (not much, I grant) my feedback on this bike is as follows:

1. It looks amazing - but somewhat smaller 'in the flesh' than you'd think. That's good for me - I don't want unnecessary weight, and this machine is already 250kgs.
2. It's easy to ride - cornering, throttle response, torque curve are all good.
3. I find it comfortable. The pegs are midway rather than forward, and easy to get used to.
4. There is some criticism of the beach bars - I get that, at first there is a bit of wrist ache, but you get used to it.
5. Some say the rider seat is uncomfortable - I bought the comfort seat, and find it pretty plush. The pillion seat is a pin cushion - fortunately for me not an issue, but it is for some.
6. Performance is good, and the sound is great. Clutch control is good, no issues with shifting. I've read about 'snatchy' shifts in 'road' mode (rather than rain) at low rpm, but haven't experienced that.
7. The stock mirrors do a good job - visibility is excellent.
8. Based on reading other reports, I am paranoid about rust. It feels like I'm proofing all metal parts all the time - probably way OTT, but looks are one of the attractions of this bike.
9. The finish is excellent.
10. If you get the panniers (as I have) they don't really allow for a pillion.
11. The stock touring screen does not prevent buffeting and may increase it - it's a bit low. I'm ok with it, but it could be better.
12. Brakes are fine, though I find the rear a bit spongy. Twin Brembos up front offset that somewhat.
13. The electronics are fine, though I don't really use them much, and I don't do cruise control. The LED lights are excellent.
14. In common with other makes, servicing becomes more of a pain as the dealer network shrinks.

When I bought this bike, my other 'choice' would have been the Guzzi California touring, which is, IMHO, a beautiful looking machine - but 350kgs of weight. That would have driven me nuts.

Do I love it? Yes, I have grown to love it. Early on, its imperfections annoyed me a bit - its an expensive bike. But it looks great and performance is fantastic. I would recommend it depending on what you're looking for and I'd buy it again - it's a wonderful machine. But it won't be right for everybody, and a test ride is really important given the cost of this bike. If the Cali manages to lose 100kg I might have to think about it, but there is as much likelihood of that as me losing 20kg.

I hope that's of interest to anyone looking at this bike.

Beerman

 

GRRRRRR

 

Keep your eyes peeled Dilli..there's a few folk who are unhappy with the pillion pin cushion who'll do a good trade given half a chance!

Beerman

 

Thanks, good insight.
The thing is, I bought my America for the specific reason - to bimble around, taking it easy two up. This new light cruiser seems to be built more for the bearded lifestyle's, than for actual two up light touring, with a bit of style.
Looks like I'll be looking for another America.

 

Wouldn’t be at all surprised if Triumph brings out a new model next year based on this bike but better geared up for long distance two up touring and with the name America

 

I hope so. I am too poor to buy new (hate the pcp concept), so would be a few years down the line, but yeah, I would buy a proper LT version of it. Need to improve the look of that back end a wee bit, tho!

 

Got two cars on PCP so me and the Mrs can get to work
Can’t justify getting a bike like that because at the end of the day it’s a toy and you can’t really do anything with them I asked about fitting a tow bar for my trailer and Triumph said NO it would invalidate any warranty
So no sale to me and like you I’m gonna have to wait until all the rich people have finished with them and moved onto the latest must have
Bitter?....moi....nah just poor

 

Dilli, I think that's a perfectly sensible observation. At some point this bike starts to make a lot of sense to more people at a lower price point: that's real life. You're right - it's a toy.

Beerman

 

Wessa, beautiful Thunderbird... which begs thequestion: which do you prefer to ride, and why?

Beerman