2012 Triumph Speedmaster Review

Intro

The 2012 Triumph Speedmaster is a cruiser model bike that has been stripped down of any flashy or gaudy accessories to create a bike that is unique to the lineup of Triumph bikes. In addition, the Speedmaster is a great bike for a beginning rider because of its middleweight engine and great handling. All the parts of the bike have cumulative style that displays the core basics of a motorcycle made for everyday riding.

The Speedmaster houses an 865cc parallel-twin engine, different from the big V-twin that dominates all other engines. The engine does not use typical carbureted induction components but rather uses a multi-point sequential fuel injection system to deliver 60 horsepower and 53 lb-ft of torque at 3500 revolutions per minute (rpm). The Speedmaster is a great example of a basic middleweight motorcycle that is neither daunting nor difficult to ride.

The style of the bike is extremely reminiscent of the cruisers that rode the streets of the 1960’s by offering a great balance between retro and modern designs. The suspension is comprised of Kayaba inverted forks with 5.1 inches of travel in the front and a Kayaba twin sided swing arm, two shock absorbers, and 3.8 inches of travel in the rear. Most of the engine and other mechanical components are blacked out to reinforce the classic cruiser style but chrome accents are available.

The 2012 Triumph Speedmaster is a great bike for those just learning to ride or looking for a fun and easy bike to ride. It offers a reliable middleweight engine housed in chassis that gives the rider a solid feel of control while riding.

New For 2012

  • The 2012 Triumph Speedmaster is powered by an air-cooled, dual overhead camshaft (DOHC), 865cc parallel twin-engine that gives the bike a total of 60 horsepower and 53 lb-ft or torque at 3300rpm.
  • The chassis is a tubular steel cradle that houses a Kayaba suspension system that combines to give the rider a low, lean, and forgiving system that takes the bumps and dips of the road very well. Also, the chassis is designed to go hand-in-hand with the engine to give new and experienced riders a bike that is easy to ride.
  • The bike has been designed to emulate the old fashioned street cruisers with a modern touch to it. The teardrop tank, few number of mudguards, stylish 19" chrome wheels and smaller headlights do a great job at accomplishing this look.
  • The Speedmaster's also changed some of the technical specifications to make it more comfortable and commanding to ride. The seat sits at 27.1 inches to keep the center of gravity balanced while the wider, higher and pulled back handlebars ensure that the rider always feels in control while riding, no matter the traffic or road conditions.

2012 Triumph Speedmaster Specs

  • Model: Speedmaster
  • Engine Type: 865cc, four-stroke parallel twin
  • Bore and Stroke: 3.55 inches and 2.8 inches
  • Compression ratio: 9.2:1
  • Valve Train: DOHC
  • Induction: Multi-point sequential fuel injection
  • Ignition: Electric
  • Transmission: Five-speed manual
  • Final Drive: X ring chain
  • Fuel Capacity: 5.1 gallons
  • Estimated Fuel Economy: 48mpg city/59mpg hwy.
  • Brakes (Front): Two-piston Nissin caliper with 12.2 inch dual hydraulic discs
  • Brakes (Rear): Two-piston Nissin caliper with an 11.2 inch hydraulic disc
  • Suspension (Front): 1.6 inch Kayaba telescopic fork with 5.1 inches of travel
  • Suspension (Rear): Kayaba twin sided swing arm with two adjustable shock absorbers, a pre-loaded spring and 3.8 inches of travel
  • Wheelbase: 63.2 inches
  • Rake: 33.8 degrees
  • Trail: 6.71 inches
  • Seat Height: 27.1 inches
  • Curb Weight: 550 pounds
  • Tires (Front): 100/90-R19
  • Tires (Rear): 170/80-B15

Accessories

  • The Speedmaster is available in two colors, Phantom Black or Phantom Black/New England White
  • Leather saddlebags that are capable of storing up to 4.8 gallons of belongings.
  • A roadster windscreen can be fitted to the front of the bike, ideal for touring or any long distance riding. The windscreen with help reduce wind-chill, rider fatigue, and protect against debris.
  • A chrome sissy bar with a high or low sitting leather padded passenger back rest is ideal if you plan to have a passenger with you on trips. The sissy bar also comes with a rack on the back for extra storage space.
  • The Triumph alarm system is available for the Speedmaster for added theft protection. The alarm system offers silent or audible arming signals, intelligent sleep mode to voltage level protection, eight internal power siren options, failsafe relays and fluid movement detection warnings.
  • A touring or solo seat can be switched with the factory seat. The touring seat is ergonomically designed to give extra support and comfort for both the rider and passenger for long distance riding.
  • There are also a plethora of chrome accents that can be added to the bike to give a bit more flash and style such as footrests, gauges, rear view mirrors, headlights, exhaust parts, handles, engine components (sprocket covers, cam covers, etc.), and levers and handles.

Key Competitors For The 2012 Triumph Speedmaster

  • Honda Shadow Aero
  • Kawasaki Vulcan 500 LTD
  • Star V-Star Silverado
  • Triumph Bonneville