Featured Speedmaster Two Up After 2 Weeks Of Ownership

Well I promised an honest assessment after 2 weeks of ownership, so here it is.
2 weeks in the Fraü decided she wanted a decent run on the bike.
All the Highway package was popped back on in about 5 mins, including the comfort rear pad and sissy bar. So thumbs up there right away.

The Fraü wanted to go to the Giants Causeway to collect some items from the shop she sells her wares in, so it was a good 90 mile up the coast road. A bit surprised by that as it's 5 yrs since she's been on the bike, and it was the GS Adv, so I was a bit concerned comfort wise for her.

Anyway we'd a mix of country road and motorway to do before we got to the coast road. The engine pulled like a train at low revs 2 up over the hills to the main A2, so right away my nerves about that put at ease. In fact I know the missus is small, but I never even felt she was on the bike.

Getting on to the motorway was a chance to try the cruise control, absolutely brilliant and easy to use. As relaxing as using it in the car. In about 40 mins we were on the Coast road and into those first twisties. The Speedy handled well 2 up. Very planted, that big front tyre giving a lot of confidence even on wet patches across the tarmac. As for touching the pegs, I've only done it once so far on a tight roundabout, but not on this trip. Picking your lines properly, seems to make it not a problem, even with the extra weight. In fact I never really felt it was going to happen.

50 miles in the other half wanted a short break. So their you have it about pillion comfort. We may get longer the more she gets used with it, but I think realistically that's probably about it. We'd been on the bike about an hour and 45 minutes with some delays in traffic. Motorway wise I'd expect 70 miles before getting a tap on the shoulder. Fair enough.
Another 40 miles and lunch inbetween took us to our destination over 96 miles of twisty coast road. All very comfortable for me no complaints, except for a few minor niggles. The rear suspension is harsh 2 up, on uneven roads, doesn't really take much to ground it out. I'm not sure if there is any adjustment in the rear shock, haven't checked yet.
The other niggle is that throttle. The play in it from standstill is like a 30 year old land rover with shot steering, 2 and a half inches and still nothing happens. I'm not sure what this fly by wire means but it doesn't work for me. A bit like slack Alice and her knickers, when you want to get out of there. Sort it out Triumph, very annoying.
Apart from that all good. The Touring screen is excellent, no probs with it upto 70mph. Kept me sheltered and I think even kept the wind of my knees. Early reports of it being wobbly and useless, I think are an unfair criticism. Whether Triumph have modified it or not I don't know, but I was able to ride the whole 90 in an open face and no face covering at 8°C , but then again I am a hard bastard.
So overall I am pleased and can't wait to get a weekend away, with maybe a European tour on the horizon. The bike is well capable, and that engine is awesome. I managed to get 140 miles out of the tank, and that is rising. Still only 375 miles done overall. If I can get 150 I'll be happy. Suits me to stop more often at our age, for a few extra middle breaks, if you know what I mean. We managed a round trip of 170 miles with the Missus not enjoying the last 30 at all, but I think she done very well.
Anyway cheers all, hope this is useful. Enjoy our we vid.

 

Intercom no way. Had one once. I'm happy just to listen to wind noise instead of talking for a while. She does enough of that.

 

Thx for that, won't be long until first service. I'll be looking at the preload tomorrow, as I'm a big chap. The throttle needs sorted, and I'll mention it then, too much of a delay between turning it and something happening from tick over, and it does hunt a bit at slow speeds, so it ain't right.

 

Just checked, rear spring preload was at 1, no wonder are arses were getting pummeled. Now set to 3 will test tomorrow.

 

Cheers Steve,
The Fraü and I have toured Europe and the states extensively from our mid twenties plenty of experience there but she always fancied the cruiser route, so it's her fault if she ends up with a sore arse sooner than normal, but no doubt I'll end up doing what I'm told

 

I found the original comfortable but the upgrade I can ride as far as the tank will take and back again. I find the Highway seat extremely comfortable.

 

Do you think the X pipe helps the engine breath better? I certainly found this with the GS and a Y piece, which got rid of a massive flat spot at 5000 rpm. Although the Bonneville does pull like a train to 4000, to as far as I've revved her whilst running in, no flat spots so far. This is the only reason why I'd fit one. I have the V&H cans fitted, but I think that I only need an adjustment in the throttle at the minute. I really haven't any other issues engine wise at the moment.

 

Only when the Missus is on the back.