2010 Triumph Speedmaster Review

The 2010 Speedmaster launched by Triumph Motorcycle Ltd has continued to live up to expectations of being the meanest, no-nonsense bike in the sports cruiser category. Brimming with attitude, the new Speedmaster has become even more menacing due to advanced ergonomics and improved handling. Packed with a powerful fuel-injection upgraded engine and featuring a bold design language, the 2010 variant has been globally appreciated for its high performance as a middleweight contender.

The Triumph Speedmaster was born in 2002 with a 790 cc twin-cylinder engine and has, since then, gained an iconic status as a cruise-master. The model was initially developed based on the company’s Bonneville America running gear. As such, unlike other models in the cruiser market like a Harley or an Excelsior-Henderson, the Speedmaster has a different look and feel to it. In addition to the different styling, the overall engine configuration of the vehicle is different as well. The cruiser was initially built with a 790 cc air-cooled DOHC twin engine and an extended 65.2 inch wheelbase. This was later changed to the present 865 cc parallel twin engine along with a fuel-injection upgrade. With this update, the vehicle was able to fire up more easily from a cold start than the previous carbureted version and also run more smoothly when cold. The 2010 model is powered by a 270-degree crankshaft version of the DOHC twin engine and hence, has the capacity to match its tough attitude and looks. The fuel injection has also resulted in a few added horsepower from an initial 39.6 kW to the present 45kW.

Visually, the bike hasn’t changed much as its stylish retro looks remain uncompromised. This was achieved by cleverly covering the fuel injectors of the vehicle by throttle bodies to resemble carburetors. Apart from this, the fuel tank has also been slightly remodeled and the disc motors reshaped. The 2010 model is available in two distinct shades; Phantom Black, Phantom Black/New England White. The engine, on the other hand, retains its matte black finish similar to the first generation version of the series. To slightly lighten the scene, the slash cut exhaust pipes lying on either sides of the vehicle has been chromed. The bike also features newly designed alloy wheels, gunslinger seat, pillion footrest hanger and slash cut silencers. The teardrop shaped Speedmaster tank also gives plenty of capacity while the flat drag bars with high risers allows a more aggressive riding position.

With its striking looks and performance figures, the 2010 Triumph Speedmaster is a strong competitor in the cruiser market. In fact, the model is an ideal choice for beginning bikers and female riders due to its low center of gravity and seat height of only 28.3 inches.