Hello from the mountains of North Georgia, pronounced Gawga. I need your thoughts. I purchased a 2016 Street Twin recently, and found it much too small for me. I have to ride hunched over, with my feet on the back pegs to be comfortable. Further, it's not designed for any distance riding, such as 200-300 miles. I'm contemplating trading for a new Speed Master. The dealer will give me $4000 for trade in on my Street Twin. The listed price on the Speed Master was $16,600, (obviously they can price it as they like.) He dropped the price to $16,000. With $500 off by cancelling the panniers I had on order, I'd be financing $11,500, for 36 months, at 7%, which works out to approx. $365 per month. I've priced new Harleys, which I don't particularly care for, as well as Honda Cruisers, like the Rebel 1100. The Triumph appeals to me, but I'd like your opinions on the quality of the bike. Would this bike be adequate for distance riding and around our twisties in the mountains? Financially, it's a big step for me, and I'd value your experience and input. Thanks, and cheers! The Mad Mongoose....OUT!
@Mongoose your dimensions, including weight, would help others offer guidance I have x3 Triumphs and they all offer something different for me but YMMV ( think thats right bloody modern acronyms).
I'm 6', 200 lbs. The bike is 545lbs, I believe. Thanks for your response. It's certainly food for thought. The Mad Mongoose.....OUT!!!!
Can’t see why you would have an issue with it, and I know people who ride theirs on the twisties all the time. Howeveer, I'd suggest that you take one for a test ride. The Speedmaster uses Triumph’s1200cc High Torque engine, so probably ideal for the terrain you’re talking about (lots of low down grunt and will pull like a train).
As suggested by learningtofly I strongly suggest test riding the speedmaster before a purchase. Dartplayer and Brownmouse on here both have one and can ride theirs all day. I bought one last year after just sitting on it in the showroom. But after an hours riding I was so uncomfortable I'd have to stop for a break. I sold mine after taking on a short tour. To answer your question the build quality is typical triumph - superb. The bike benefits from being decatted and fitted with an x pipe. Something I did to mine. As for the twisties of course the bike will do them. But the pegs touch down very easily, no great drama but limiting for having some real fun. I went back to my normal type of bike, a sport tourer. Lesson learnt.
Hi Mongoose, I have 45,000km/30k mile on my Speedmaster after travelling all over NZ. 5’11” and 17stone+. Bike quality is good, although I changed mono shock to handle weight and eventually comfort seat after 2 years of abuse. I selected Speedmaster for light weight for aging joints and good looks. You will need a top up of fuel for 300miles
Thank y'all for resounding. I picked up my Speedmaster yesterday, and fell in love!! I thought it was red, but the paperwork says it's cordovan. Must be a British thing.....I jest. Thanks again, and Cheers from North Georgia. I'll be in the twisties today!!!!! The Mad Mongoose.....OUT!
My next challenge is selecting bags and a windshield, (oops, a fly screen...) I'm wondering if nylon bags would do? I'd really like detachable bags. Hard bags are really expensive, particularly Triumph. Your thoughts? Ta. I think that's thanks? I'm trying..The Mad Mongoose.....OUT!
I would say anything you buy you should tailor it to fit YOU. On my current ride I added 3" risers and modified the shifter to suit my tastes. Also added a better front brake. I just try to buy something I like, and modify it. ...J.D.
Sure thing, Mad Mongoose. The Speed Master should be great for distance riding and mountain twisties. Cheers!
Late to the party but where did you buy it? Chattanooga or Roswell, Ga. Bought my T120 in Roswell a few months ago. I too was looking for a Speedmaster but was surprised to find that after riding both that the T120 seemed to 'fit' me better. Loving it. What part of N Ga are you in?
