logo
New Delhi
Home
News & Reviews
Videos
New Cars
New Bikes
Used Cars
Sell Car
Articles
Car services

Registered Office

ADDRESS
Mahindra First Choice Wheels Limited, 602, 6th Floor, Tower - B, Embassy 247, LBS Road, Vikhroli (West), Mumbai - 400083
CONTACT
+91 9606045096
EMAIL
contact@carandbike.com
© Mahindra First Choice Wheels Limited 2025. All rights reserved.
Loading SecondaryBanner...
  • Latest News
  • Latest Reviews
  • Car News
  • Bike News
  • Car Reviews
  • Motorsport
  • Bike Reviews
  • Electric

2018 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster Review

We ride the least expensive cruiser from Triumph Motorcycles, the Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster.
Preetam Bora
Preetam Bora
1 min read
2018-06-22 22:33:37
Follow us on
2018 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster Review
Key Highlights
  • Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster priced at Rs. 11.11 lakh
  • The Speedmaster offers a superb blend of good looks and performance
  • The Speedmaster competes with the H-D 1200 Custom and Indian Scout

The Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster is the newest addition to the Triumph Bonneville family, the range of bestselling modern classic bikes from the British motorcycle manufacturer. It looks stunning, promises to be practical and boasts of having impressive performance from the 1200 cc parallel-twin engine. And the Bonneville Speedmaster also promises the ride and handling to make riding on a twisty road enjoyable. We spend some time, riding the new Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster in the cit, and on a nice, long highway to see what it offers to the Indian cruiser lover.

triumph bonneville speedmaster india review

(The Bonneville Speedmaster is a cruiser in Triumph's modern classic range)

Triumph has been on a roll in India, and is the second largest premium motorcycle brand by volume. And significant credit to that position is thanks to the bestselling Classic range spanning the Bonneville family. Last year, Triumph introduced the gorgeous Bonneville Bobber, a factory custom evocative of the Bobber styled motorcycles of the 1940s. It's absolutely beautiful and a guaranteed headturner, but it had a few drawbacks. And even though it sold out in record numbers overseas, it couldn't quite rake in the numbers here in India. And part of that reason, at least some folks say, is that the Bonneville Bobber doesn't have a pillion seat.

triumph bonneville bobber

(The Bonneville Speedmaster is based on the Triumph Bonneville Bobber pictured above)

So, enter the Bonneville Speedmaster. It's a cruiser designed to take on the American rivals in its segment, and promises good looks paired with the performance to make it an almost irresistible option for someone considering a cruiser. And it gets pillion carrying capability, and luggage, for the occasional long ride as well.

triumph bonneville speedmaster

(The Speedmaster gets better brakes, revised suspension and steering geometry, and pillion carrying capability)

Styling and Design

It's unmistakably a Bonneville, with the 'modern classic' touches like the throttle body covers designed like vintage carburetors, and a nice chrome belt type strip across the battery cover, again reminiscent of the age-old 1960s Triumphs. The Triumph badge on the fuel tank harks back to its 'classic' lineage, and the hard-tail type chassis with a concealed rear monoshock completes the period look. But make no mistake, it's a completely modern 21st century cruiser decked up like a classic.

And there's ample proof of that even on the skin; like the round, old-school headlight, garnished with a bright LED headlight and LED DRL announcing its contemporary and modern heritage. The single-pod instrument panel has a small digital screen with readings for odometer, rev counter, fuel consumption and range. And the Speedmaster comes with standard cruise control as well.

triumph bonneville speedmaster

(The Speedmaster has swept-back beach-style handlebars and forward-set footpegs)

The swept-back beach bars, forward set footpegs and low seat height make it accessible to a diverse set of riders, of all sizes and builds. The slash cut exhaust mufflers not only look cool, but belt out a beautiful note, a throaty muted growl which will be welcome by riders seeking some aural pleasure, yet not too loud to wake up the neighbours during your 'break of dawn' sojourns.

triumph bonneville speedmaster

(The 1200 cc High Torque engine makes 76 bhp and 106 Nm)

Engine and Performance

The 1200 cc, high-torque parallel-twin engine has the performance and range for all kinds of riding. 76 bhp of power comes in at 6,100 rpm and 106 Nm of peak torque arrives at a low 4,000 rpm, making the Speedmaster tractable at all kinds of speeds. A twist of the throttle is all it takes to make over 260 kg of mass lurch ahead with urgency, and the parallel-twin has the performance to make every ride enjoyable, and to all kinds of riders - including riders new to a big-displacement cruiser or even experienced hands seeking some thrills from its performance.

The ride-by-wire throttle offers two riding modes - Rain and Road, both modes offering full power, but with slightly subdued throttle response in Rain mode for slippery conditions. Two thousand revs or thereabouts is good enough for a leisurely cruise on a long road, and some minor input in the throttle is more than enough to make things get more interesting.

triumph bonneville speedmaster india review

(The Bonneville Speedmaster has decent ride quality and very good handling, despite its fat tyres and cruiser ergonomics)

Ride, handling and braking

Overall, the Speedmaster's ride quality is pliant and plush, and in all kinds of broken and semi-broken tarmac that our urban and highway test ride offered, it sailed through with remarkable poise. A particularly nasty and biggish pothole inside a darkened underpass was also despatched without any sense of the suspension bottoming out, or transferring nasty jolts to the rider's body. So, we're happy to report that the Speedmaster can satisfactorily overcome most road conditions, save for the odd broken and bumpy road shoulder which needs to be avoided due to the low ground clearance.

triumph bonneville speedmaster india review

(The Speedmaster's handling is quite taut and confidence-inspiring)

The Speedmaster's wheels come shod with fat Avon Cobra tyres on the 16-inch wheels (130/90 on the front and 150/80 on the rear). Despite the fat rubber, there's no effect on the bike's handling. In a straight line, or around a sweeping curve, the Bonneville Speedmaster remains planted and in poise, even encouraging somewhat spirited riding. But that's when the Speedmaster's chink in armour is exposed - clearance!

triumph bonneville speedmaster india review

(Low cornering and ground clearance are the Speedmaster's Achilles Heel)

Less experienced riders may not initially face this, but such is the Speedmaster's handling and poise that it begs to be ridden around a corner, with some amount of spirit, if not outright aggression. And that is when you'll end up demolishing the feeler bolts on the pegs, not to mention the somewhat unnerving sound of metal scraping tarmac. Brakes offer good bike and progression and the ABS offers superb confidence to shave speed in a hurry.

triumph bonneville speedmaster india review

(The Bonneville Speedmaster definitely deserves a closer look from cruiser lovers)

The last word

The Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster is a drop-dead gorgeous cruiser with classic 1960s details and modern technology. It has a superb engine which packs enough performance to make every ride enjoyable, and the handling to make less experienced riders feel confident about its capabilities and expert pilots appreciate its taut road manners. For cruiser lovers, it definitely offers something different than the current crop of American cruisers available in the segment costing Rs. 11-12 lakh, with a level of refinement, quality and performance that is difficult to resist. All of these make the Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster certainly deserve a close look.

# Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster# Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster Review# Bonneville Speedmaster Review# Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster India Review# Bike Reviews
  • Overview
  • Highlight

Related News

Yamaha YZF R3 Real-World Review: In Pictures
2 mins read
Yamaha YZF R3 Real-World Review: In Pictures
Yamaha YZF R3 Real-World Review; Good Motorcycle But Too Expensive For Its Own Good
1 min read
Yamaha YZF R3 Real-World Review; Good Motorcycle But Too Expensive For Its Own Good
Volvo XC40 Recharge Plus Single Motor Driven: A Better Deal Than The Twin-Motor Ultimate?
4 mins read
Volvo XC40 Recharge Plus Single Motor Driven: A Better Deal Than The Twin-Motor Ultimate?
Royal Enfield Himalayan Long Term Test: Introduction
2 mins read
Royal Enfield Himalayan Long Term Test: Introduction
Jawa 350 vs Royal Enfield Bullet 350 Comparison Review: In Pictures
2 mins read
Jawa 350 vs Royal Enfield Bullet 350 Comparison Review: In Pictures
2024 Land Rover Discovery Sport: Baby Land Rover Gets A Makeover
10 mins read
2024 Land Rover Discovery Sport: Baby Land Rover Gets A Makeover
Hero Xtreme 160R 4V Long Term Test: Introduction
1 min read
Hero Xtreme 160R 4V Long Term Test: Introduction
2024 Jawa 350 Road Test Review: In Pictures
4 mins read
2024 Jawa 350 Road Test Review: In Pictures
Jeep Trails: Weekend Date With The Wrangler Rubicon
7 mins read
Jeep Trails: Weekend Date With The Wrangler Rubicon

Research More on Triumph Speedmaster

placeholder
Variants
Images
Colours
*Ex-Showroom Price

Popular Triumph Models

  • Tata Harrier EV
    Tata
    Harrier EV
    Ex-showroom Price
    ₹ 21.49 - 30.23 Lakh
  • Volkswagen Golf GTI
    Volkswagen
    Golf GTI
    Ex-showroom Price
    ₹ 50.13 Lakh
  • Kia Carens Clavis
    Kia
    Carens Clavis
    Ex-showroom Price
    ₹ 11.1 - 20.76 Lakh
  • Lamborghini Temerario
    Lamborghini
    Temerario
    Ex-showroom Price
    ₹ 6 Crore
  • Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line
    Volkswagen
    Tiguan R-Line
    Ex-showroom Price
    ₹ 45.73 Lakh
  • Mercedes-Maybach SL 680
    Mercedes-Maybach
    SL 680
    Ex-showroom Price
    ₹ 3.92 Crore
  • BYD Sealion 7
    BYD
    Sealion 7
    Ex-showroom Price
    ₹ 48.9 - 54.9 Lakh
  • Kia Syros
    Kia
    Syros
    Ex-showroom Price
    ₹ 8.69 - 16.03 Lakh
  • Hyundai Creta EV
    Hyundai
    Creta EV
    Ex-showroom Price
    ₹ 18.02 - 24.38 Lakh
  • Lotus Emeya
    Lotus
    Emeya
    Ex-showroom Price
    ₹ 2.34 Crore

Upcoming Cars

  • placeholder
    Explore Other Topics

Trending News

  • Triumph Bonneville Range Offered With Free Accessories Worth Rs. 61,000
    1 min read
    Triumph Bonneville Range Offered With Free Accessories Worth Rs. 61,000
  • BS6 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster Launched In India; Prices Start At Rs. 11.34 Lakh
    1 min read
    BS6 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster Launched In India; Prices Start At Rs. 11.34 Lakh
  • Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster: How Different Is It From the Bonneville Bobber?
    1 min read
    Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster: How Different Is It From the Bonneville Bobber?
  • Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster: Top 5 Facts
    1 min read
    Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster: Top 5 Facts
  • Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster India Launch Highlights: Price, Specifications, Features, Images
    1 min read
    Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster India Launch Highlights: Price, Specifications, Features, Images

Latest News

  • NewsNews
  • Expert ReviewExpert Review
View All
  • Latest KTM Super Adventure S Evo Revealed First KTM To Get An AMT
    Jaiveer Mehra | Nov 26, 2024
    Latest KTM Super Adventure S Evo Revealed First KTM To Get An AMT
    Compared to the 1290 Super Adventure, the new 1390 packs in a larger engine, more power and more tech on board
    1 min
  • Driving License Driving License Driving License Driving License
    car&bike Team | Nov 22, 2024
    Driving License Driving License Driving License Driving License
    0 mins
  • KTM Super Adventure S Evo Revealed First KTM To Get An AMT
    Jaiveer Mehra | Oct 25, 2024
    KTM Super Adventure S Evo Revealed First KTM To Get An AMT
    Compared to the 1290 Super Adventure, the new 1390 packs in a larger engine, more power and more tech on board
    2 mins
  • Toyota Crown Crossover RS Landscape Special Edition Revealed
    car&bike Team | May 20, 2024
    Toyota Crown Crossover RS Landscape Special Edition Revealed
    Japan-specific special edition gets off-road-focused tweaks including all-terrain tyres and a raised ride height.
    5 mins
  • 2021 MotoGP World Champion Fabio Quartararo To Stay With Yamaha Till 2026
    Yashraj Singh | May 16, 2024
    2021 MotoGP World Champion Fabio Quartararo To Stay With Yamaha Till 2026
    Despite a tumultuous journey in recent seasons, Quartararo reaffirms his commitment to Yamaha, citing belief in their new approach and potential for success
    1 min
  • Toyota Crown Crossover RS Landscape Special Edition Revealed
    car&bike Team | Apr 9, 2024
    Toyota Crown Crossover RS Landscape Special Edition Revealed
    Japan-specific special edition gets off-road-focused tweaks including all-terrain tyres and a raised ride height.
    2 mins
  • Yamaha YZF R3 Real-World Review: In Pictures
    Kingshuk Dutta | Mar 29, 2024
    Yamaha YZF R3 Real-World Review: In Pictures
    The Yamaha YZF R3 is fast, looks good and is a hoot to ride as well. But the price is where all the good work comes undone. Only if there was a way for Yamaha to price it right!
    2 mins
  • Yamaha YZF R3 Real-World Review; Good Motorcycle But Too Expensive For Its Own Good
    Kingshuk Dutta | Mar 28, 2024
    Yamaha YZF R3 Real-World Review; Good Motorcycle But Too Expensive For Its Own Good
    The Yamaha YZF R3 is fast, looks good and is a hoot to ride as well. But the price is where all the good work comes undone. Only if there was a way for Yamaha to price it right!
    1 min
  • Volvo XC40 Recharge Plus Single Motor Driven: A Better Deal Than The Twin-Motor Ultimate?
    Dhruv Attri | Mar 28, 2024
    Volvo XC40 Recharge Plus Single Motor Driven: A Better Deal Than The Twin-Motor Ultimate?
    The XC40 Recharge’s single motor variant is nearly Rs 3 lakh more affordable than the AWD version. But what’s the catch?
    4 mins
  • Royal Enfield Himalayan Long Term Test: Introduction
    Kingshuk Dutta | Mar 27, 2024
    Royal Enfield Himalayan Long Term Test: Introduction
    The new Royal Enfield Himalayan now joins car&bike’s long term fleet. Over the next few months, we will tell you how the motorcycle holds up to the rigours of daily riding, highway jaunts, off-road riding and much more.
    2 mins
  • Jawa 350 vs Royal Enfield Bullet 350 Comparison Review: In Pictures
    Kingshuk Dutta | Mar 27, 2024
    Jawa 350 vs Royal Enfield Bullet 350 Comparison Review: In Pictures
    The legacy of the Royal Enfield Bullet 350 has a new challenger in the Jawa 350. But which of these modern classic 350s with iconic nameplates is a better choice for you? We try and find the answer.
    2 mins
  • Home
  • Reviews
  • Bike Reviews
  • 2018 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster Review