Motorcycle.com

Harley Sportster Clone?

I purchase the entry level 865cc Triumph Speedmaster initially because it was a year old but had not been off the showroom floor, had no miles, and could be had at a good price. It probably is in the same class as the Harley Davidson 883cc Sportsters. I liked it because it was different; a parallel ...twin instead of the clonish V-Twin. The 5-speed Speedmaster comes from the factory with a carburator for each jug, inverted front forks, dual front discs, drag bars, forward controls, and is chain driven at the rear. It has weird tires sizes with 110/80-18 sport-touring tires on the front and a fat 170/80-15 cruiser tire on the rear. Handling is very good, although the center of gravity on the bike seems a little high. The 5-speed transmission and sprocket sizes are designed for quick acceleration and one seems to run out of gear on the highway. It has a high rev limit for a twin. One needs to keep it above 4 grand and under 7 grand bo be in the powerband. Triumph has plenty of accessories for the bike so that you can individualize as you choose. Plus, there is a great aftermarket supply for custom parts as well. The stock exhaust is very quiet and probably is the first thing one would want to change. The parallel twin has a great sound but is stifled by the stock exhaust. Read Full Review

New Speedmaster"46,000 miles new!"

Still making payments on my Speedmaster so I have to say I still try to think of it as new.It does have over 46,000 miles of good use on it now.Numerous modifications have happened in three years of ownership,although the bank still really owns it. It's been a good bike.It comes with a two year warr...anty.I could have used it once for an idiot light that fell out somewhere,but I just went and bought some fake plastic jewels at an art supply store and glued one in place of the factory glass one.Other than that it has just needed the usual maintence items.It still has the factory clutch,but I am growing leary of how long it will last.I live in the desert of Arizona,USA so it has survived extreme temps. I also run pure synthetic engine oil in it,so hopefully this helps.The stock Metzlere tires last good,but they are high dollar,so I have been running Avons which are not cheap,but a little less cash and they seem to last good.Power wise the bike could use a little help.The new "09" is suppose to have a few more horses due to the fuel injection.Speedmasters in the states before "09" were all carburated and can make a few more ponies with aftermarket exhaust and intake and rejetting of course.For a quote cruiser it actually handles descent.My friends with there sport bikes are surprised that I can stay with them in the twisties pretty good.I installed 1/2" taller shocks on the back and a taller tire in front.This lifted the bike a little and gives it a little more corning clearance.Would I buy another one,maybe.Triumph is coming out for "09" with a Bonneville with mag wheels from the factory.If they had that model when I bought my bike I more than likely would have bought a Bonnie with mags.As I mentioned mods to the bike just seem to happen on this model.On a trip up to Oregon I found my feet slipping off the pegs in the rain,so now it has mid-mount controls along with the factory forward pegs for stretching out on the freeway.Are there other things that I would like to do to this bike? Yes sir,just a matter of time and money.Recommend one? If you want something different and reliable,go for it.You do not see one on every corner in the United States.If you buy one be prepared,not everybody likes them,which is all right with me because I don't want to be like everybody else that has one of the "H" bike brands.Go ahead get something different and enjoy it. Read Full Review

2005 Triumph Speedmaster

The 865cc engine is smooth and has ample throttle response. I weigh 220 pounds and this machine clips along fine. Ergonomically the bike is comfortable with the (stock) forward contols. I have a 32" inseam and am

6' 1". Bought the Triumph slanted saddlebags that show off the chrome shocks.... The bags are on the small size, therefore limited storage capacity. Solo gel seat and fender rack would allow for more carrying capacity, or just add the luggage rack with sissy bar.
The only mechanical issue has been a faulty tachometer. It took a while but first became irradic, then totally useless. Have to replace it, or send it out to be recalibrated. Read Full Review