Ah so loudest member, excellent choice of bike. I went from a VTX1300 to the new speedmaster, what a difference a bike makes. I had doubts at first, just because the riding was so different, Now 3 months & 1850 miles I love it even more, and it only really loosened up after around 1600 miles and oil changed for repsol racing fully synthetic.
Well first of all apologies for not doing this when I said I would but drinking before during and after the match yesterday I of course got carried away and ended up sozzled again So....the Speedmaster I have never jumped on a bike that is so easy to ride from the moment you let the clutch out The first thing that struck me was the riding position it’s as near to perfect as it could be very natural and very comfortable The clutch and gearbox are the best I’ve ever used in all my years changing up and down the box without even giving it a thought....it’s that good it’s almost like having an automatic The beach bars are a tad strange when first setting off but it only takes a couple of minutes to appreciate how well they work they’re a lot closer and lower than the ones on my BPOS this in turn has the excellent mirrors in what for me was at first a strange position and I have to move my head to use them no big problem but on the BPOS I just had to move my eyes because they are further forward and in your line of vision The steering and balance is very light and responsive making slow speed manoeuvres an absolute delight The best bit about this bike for me is undoubtedly the engine it’s almost perfect the torque is fantastic and addictive....doesn’t really matter what gear you’re in just give it a handful and off it goes it’s fabulous I said it’s almost perfect and it is.....but...and it’s a very minor gripe.... The dreaded snatchiness that seems to afflict modern fuel injector engines is their but don’t let it put you off as with the fly by wire throttle coupled with the super light clutch means it’s very easy to control at low speed in heavy traffic The comfort is second to none and be careful not to relax to much as you can get caught out when you snap open the throttle and rock backwards in the seat The seat.....hmmm..... I was out on this fine machine for one hour and ten minutes and it was fitted with the comfort seat I didn’t know this until I got back and it was pointed out to me It has a strange pad in the rear middle of it and it kinda locks you in position and also after an hour starts to be uncomfortable pressing on your coxis ooer Mrs I’ve opted for the standard seat and heated grips The brakes I found the rear brake was brilliant....one of the best I’ve ever used the front felt kinda spongey to me but I’ve never ridden a bike with ABS before and I didn’t adjust the lever before setting off it works very well but didn’t feel quite right...hope mine feels better A bike with cruise control FFS Had to try it though Took it up to 45mph and pressed the button WOW....so I let go of the bars (as you do) and took the next two bends hands free was gonna text for a pizza but thought that would be taking the piss (it could be done ) This bike is so sophisticated and an absolute pleasure to ride I can’t wait to get my arse on it and hopefully ownership will just as rewarding
Hi I found you get used to the snatchyness and use the throttle a little more carfully when pulling away.Once I hade mine serviced I found the clutch was also smoother. Another tip is rain mode round town this also helps. Mark
The first thing I’m doing with it is the GMU in Welsh Wales I’m sure I’ll get used to it as it really wasn’t that bad Should be well used to it by the time I get home on the Sunday Then it’s in for its first service on the Monday
Went with wife today to properly look at the Speedmaster both thought it looked great, so if I could ignore the spoked wheels (cleaning) then a new 1200 Speedmaster here we come as wife already sold on her looks wise. Then reality clearly sank in, bike fits me fine at 5ft 9" but the wife at 5ft 9" as pillion, well at best could travel to the corner shops, it's so cramped and the seat well... and then there would be no way to bring the items back as you cannot have the OEM saddlebags on the bike if you ride with a pillion, go figure So we looked to our left at the T120 and thought proportion wise better and seat not to bad but again if OEM saddlebags are fitted they go past the pillion pegs????? Clearly Triumph now believe you leave partner at home if you buy one if there bikes. Thank goodness for the Triumph America.
