A Review of the 2012 Triumph Speedmaster

Redesigned for the 2011 model year, the 2012 Triumph Speedmaster motorcycle carries over with little added glitz after the redesign. In fact, the whole purpose of the Triumph Speedmaster is to do away with the cheery retro flavor that permeates the rest of the Triumph line of motorcycles, stripping it down to the very core. The Triumph Speedmaster is meant to be the very essence of stripped-down basic motorcycling.

2012 Triumph Speedmaster Engine

The heart of the 2012 Triumph Speedmaster is its 865cc parallel-twin engine, a departure for a motorcycle company in a market where the almighty V-twin reigns supreme. It's the differences that make the Triumph Speedmaster not just unique, though, but interesting. Even the Speedmaster, with its aversion to the typical cafe racer styling that's found in the popular Triumph T100 Bonneville, has a place for an engine that isn't trying to replicate the success of Harley-Davidson. It's endearing that the Speedmaster is a bike that does, in fact, stand on its own.

New technology does make itself apparent in the 2012 Speedmaster, though. Rather than a set of carburetors hanging off the back of the engine, you'll find a multi-point sequential fuel injection system that helps to deliver 60 horsepower at the flick of the throttle. As a middleweight motorcycle, you'll find that the Speedmaster is neither imposing nor difficult, making it a joy to ride in practically any situation, from long-distance cruising to a night on the town.

2012 Triumph Speedmaster Styling

The 2012 Triumph Speedmaster has what can only be described as an unmistakable style. Combining the parallel-twin engine with a laid-back seating position more reminiscent of the Thunderbird than the Bonneville gives the bike just enough retro flavor to help you envision some of the cruisers of the mid-1960s, without jarring your back like some of those early bikes can do.

Cranberry red and Phantom black are the only two color options available, which is a little disappointing, but it's a good looking package when combined with the black cast wheels, blacked-out engine case and single-piece molded seat.

2012 Triumph Speedmaster Pricing

In the United States, the 2012 Triumph Speedmaster prices out at $8,299, right in line with other middleweight cruiser motorcycles. It does have something that many other bikes don't have, though. Included with the purchase of the 2012 Triumph Speedmaster is a two-year limited warranty, one of the best to be found in motorcycling.

Sources:

Triumph: 2012 Triumph Speedmaster: www.triumphmotorcycles.com