Good morning all. I just wanted to pass a "Hello" from Kenosha, WI. I am not a Triumph owner yet, but I am seriously thinking and anticipating purchasing a new, or gently used Speedmaster by next riding season. I am the current owner of a 2009 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Classic LT, a 2021 Royal Enfield Himalayan and a 2011 Honda Shadow RS. After beating up my body for years, I am finding it more of a chore to ride the heavy 800lb Vulcan, I am too tall (6'2") for the Honda, and after completing the Trans-Wisconsin Adventure Trail, I don't think I'll do any off-roading anymore. And after almost dropping the Vulcan last week, I think I finally realized it's time to rethink motorcycling, or at least how I am going about it. So, for next riding season, I am seriously considering selling all three of my bikes, and just purchasing one bike that can do most things. I want a fairly light bike that isn't too big and bulky that I can be comfortable on, take it on rides 10+ hours, but also short trips when I need an after-work pick-me-up. After quite some research, the bike that kept coming up front and center is the Triumph Speedmaster 1200. I love the modern classics (and was going to trade the Shadow in for a Royal Enfield Super Meteor or an Interceptor 650), and that bike just looks comfortable. I have done many miles on the Himalayan, so if a 411 CC can do it, I'm sure a 1200 CC will be no problem. I had an 1100 CC Virago, but that bike was not smooth after 55mph, so that's why I purchased the 1700 CC, which is very smooth at 80+ MPH with the 6th gear. And, because the Vulcan is so big and heavy, and the Himalayan is set up for off-roading, I purchased the Shadow for some fun around-town rides when I just need to get out on two wheels, but it's too small for me, and not very comfortable outside of an hour of travel on it. So, I am hoping that the Speedmaster can check most, if not all the boxes, if we don't look at the off-roading aspect of motorcycling. I just want a comfortable bike that I can chew up a lot of miles on when traveling state to state, but also a bike that is smaller and lighter to take my after work jaunts. I would have saddle bags on it and I usually strap a duffel bag to the back seat for my clothes for hotel stays. I used to motorcycle camp a lot, but I find it no longer enjoyable to pack that small and squeeze myself in a tiny tent, so that's pretty much out of the picture now. Anyhow, I will probably remain mostly silent on this forum as I am going to do more studying on this bike, and may ask a question from time to time as I get closer to purchase, but I mostly am looking for everyone's experiences on the Speedmaster, especially long-term ownership and long travels on that bike. Thanks for reading, Dan
Hi Dan and welcome. I owned the 1200 speedmaster for a couple of years and loved it. I toured on it and used it for ride outs and every day trips to the shops etc. I’m sure you will love it, if anything from Fourm members who have them as an anything go by.
Speedmaster is a good motorcycle. I had one for a while. IMO you'll need to consider a seat upgrade if you're thinking about longer rides. Make sure you demo ride at least a couple of times. At 6'2" you need to make sure it fits you! Good luck.
Hi Dan, I am from Hartford Wisconsin and ride a Triumph America, its the 900cc but I simply love it and have taken it all over. put many highway miles on it and it is flawless and smooth. The 1200 Speedmaster is an America with more power and I think you will love it. Glad you joined the Forum and when you get your new Bike we should get together and go fore a cruse. Safe riding!
Absolutely. I am actually heading to Waukesha Triumph tomorrow to take a look at a Speedmaster. I won't buy one until next riding season, but want to make sure I am comfortable on one before I start saving. Dan