Whatever Happened to?
The Speedmaster coulda been a contender
Those of you paying attention might have noticed a particularly well-qualified machine missing from this comparison.
Yep, the Triumph Speedmaster, alas, never did make into the ring with the others (we felt the Speedmaster's riding position and overall vibe was a better fit to the other contenders in this shootout than its similarly-outfitted 900cc sibling, the America). As they say in the business, stuff happens. This stuff, it turns out, was a case of bad scheduling on our part; we were so focussed on locking down the Rocket III Roadster for a First Ride for the issue, that we spaced on ordering up the Speedmaster. By the time we realized our omission, it was too late-deadlines were upon us.
Even though we didn't get the chance to ride the 'Master back to back with the others, we still feel it would have done well in this test. It's comparably equipped, when you consider its 865cc twin powerplant, 18-inch front tire, 5.1 gallon fuel tank, dual front brake discs (the only ones here), and an appealing 550-lb., ready-to-ride-weight-the lightest of the group. What's more, its base price is the second lowest here, with an MSRP of just $7999. Only the Harley is lower-priced (but the Sportster also runs with a measly 3.3 gal. fuel tank). The one knock against it (at least on the spec sheet) is that it runs an X-ring chain for final drive. Check the numbers for yourself.
Specifications
Triumph Speedmaster
MSRP: $7999
Engine
Type: Air-cooled parallel twin
Displacement, Bore x stroke: 865cc, 90mm x 68mm
Valve train: DOHV, 2 valves per cylinder
Compression ratio: 9.2:1
Fuel System: EFI
Transmission: Multiplate wet clutch, 5-speed
Final drive: X-ring chain
Chassis
Wheelbase: 65.1 in.
Rake/trail: 33.3 degrees/6 in.
Front suspension: 41mm fork, 5.11 in.travel
Rear suspension: dual spring shocks, 3.7-in. travel; adjustable preload
Front brake: Dual 310mm discs, 2-piston calipers
Rear brake: 285mm disc, 2-piston caliper
Tires: 110/80 R18 (front), 170/80 B15 (rear)
Dimensions
Overall length: 95.2in.
Seat height: 28.3 in.
Fuel capacity: 5.1 US gal.
Wet weight: 550 lbs.