2009 Triumph Speedmaster Review

Introduction

But is that really so? By what we’ve come to find, the fact that the 865cc, air-cooled, DOHC, parallel-twin, 270 degree firing interval engine gets fuel injection doesn’t influence the bike’s performance figures in a striking way. Let’s take torque for a first example; it is what cruising-type motorcycles engines are all about (just like Diesel engines are too) and yet it remains pretty much the same, but in a different range - 55ft.lbf at 3,300 rpm compared to 2008 model year’s 51ft.lbf at 4800rpm. Although it is slightly increased, the best “detail” is the fact that the maximum torque kicks in 1200 rpms earlier and makes a crucial difference between the previous and present model year.

Also, while maximum output on the 2008 model meant 54bhp at 6,750rpm, this year’s 61bhp at 6,800 rpm is clearly a step further. Triumph didn’t retune the engine in this concern, but simply made sure that it would remain a potent middleweight contender.

2009 Triumph Speedmaster

Given the way that this bike looks and the other goodies apart from the engine, we’re sure it won’t lack pretenders. The seat has a height of only 28.3 inches, making the Speedmaster the choice of those small sized, especially female riders. There’s an 18-inch front wheel and a 15-inch rear one, the first being supported by the 41 mm forks and the rear by a twin-sided, tubular steel swingarm. Also, that custom front wheel gets a pair of 310 mm discs with two piston calipers and the rear one a 285mm disc and two piston caliper.

Overall, the Triumph Speedmaster weighs 504 lbs (note that the frame is made of steel as well), but the low center of gravity makes for an ideal choice for starter bikers. Triumph’s emblems are all over the place, from the stylish front wheel to the right side chain final drive and the clean look indicated that fans of this brand won’t be disappointed.

2008 Triumph Speedmaster History

Apart from the displacement increase from 790cc to 865cc, the addition of fuel injection is the most important upgrade that the Speedmaster could feature for 2009. Color schemes are also new and mark the change.

Competition

2009 Harley-Davidson Sportster 883 Custom

Because the Speedmaster is being powered by the Bonneville engine, the bike happens to get a share of its sibling’s competition. The 2009 Harley-Davidson 883 Custom might feature standard spoked wheels, but that 21-inch front and 16-inch rear one clearly indicate for what this bike stands for. Long, low and sleek, the Sportster is a veritable cruising motorcycle, one that is powered by an air-cooled Evolution 883cc engine which, like the Speedmaster, develops 55ft.lbs at 3,500 rpm. This Harley’s dry weight is 565 lbs and the seat height only 28 inches from the ground. Also, with an MSRP starting at $7,999, the 2009 Sportster 883 Custom is the ideal alternative and it is powered by a V-twin motor.

2009 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom

In the same register, Kawasaki sells their 2009 Vulcan 900 Custom (for a $7,699 stating price). This Japanese bike here is as well powered by a fuel-injected V-twin engine, a 903cc, liquid-cooled, SOHC, four-valve per cylinder one, to be more precise. This translates in 58.2 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,500 rpm which is just what a middleweight cruiser is all about. The Kawi has a 27-inch seat height while the most distinctive feature of it is most likely that quiet belt final drive.

Exterior

2009 Triumph Speedmaster

In what concerns design, the Triumph Spedmaster starts with the disadvantage of not featuring a V-twin engine. Most cruiser/custom motorcycles have that, but not the British ones so those who fell for the Speedmaster are most often enthusiasts of the brand and of the parallel-twin engine. This bike has its own recipe for success and it is all about bold looks completed by Triumph characteristic fit and finish as well as plenty of chromed pieces.

A 33.3 degree/153mm rake and trail help for the 18-inch custom front wheel with two brake discs and complemented by a sharp fender to stand out and so give a clue that this is a middleweight performance cruiser even though not in the true meaning of the word. The average sized headlight is just right for the bike’s dimensions, but so are the drag-style handlebars and instrumentation. What really makes a difference is the teardrop tank, especially in the case of the two-tone painted Speedmaster.

Most of the engine and transmission is matt black painted and we’re really impressed by how the bike still looks like being fed through a pair of carburetors even though fuel injection is the key starting with 09. The slash-cut exhaust pipes – one on each side – are as beautiful as they are simple, but chromed so that they both distinguish and lighten up the scene.

As we mentioned before, the seat is low and we can’t help noticing how being a one-piece unit completes the overall look of the bike by creating a smooth pass between the gas tank and the stylish rear fender.

The colors available for the 2009 model year (Phantom Black/New England White, Phantom Black) enhance the aggressive look.

2008 Triumph Speedmaster Test Ride

Check out our last ride with the Speedmaster. We haven’t yet got the chance to swing a leg over the 2009 model year so that should do it for now.

Price

Painted with a simple color scheme, the 2009 Triumph Speedmaster starts at $8,699 and the two-tone paint scheme begins at $8,899. Triumph does not offer two different models, but the color difference is just as good to make a point in such a competitive class.

Conclusion

2009 Triumph Speedmaster

Now that the Speedmaster gets fuel injection, we can finally refer to it as not only a distinctive British middleweight contender, but a very competitive one as well. Still, the great thing about this bike is the distinctive look achieved despite the parallel-twin engine type which comes as a handicap in these cases.

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SPECIFICATIONS

Engine and Transmission

2009 Triumph Speedmaster Engine

Type: Air-cooled, DOHC, parallel-twin, 270 degree firing interval
Capacity: 865cc
Bore/Stroke: 90 x 68mm
Compression Ratio: 9.2:1
Fuel System: Multipoint sequential electronic fuel injection with SAI
Final Drive: X ring chain
Clutch: Wet, multi-plate
Gearbox: 5-speed

Chassis and Dimensions

2009 Triumph Speedmaster

Frame: Tubular steel cradle
Swingarm: Twin-sided, tubular steel
Front Wheel: Alloy 5-spoke, 18 x 2.5in
Rear Wheel: Alloy 5-spoke, 15 x 3.5in
Front Tyre: 110/80 18
Rear Tyre: 170/80 15
Front Suspension: 41mm forks
Rear Suspension: Chromed spring twin shocks with adjustable preload
Front Brakes: Twin 310mm discs, 2 piston calipers
Rear Brakes: Single 285mm disc, 2 piston caliper
Length: 95.3in
Width (Handlebars): 32.7in
Height: 45.7in
Seat Height: 28.3in
Wheelbase: 65.2in
Rake/Trail: 33.3 degree/153mm
Weight (Dry): 504lbs
Fuel Tank Capacity: 5.1 gal

Features

Engine: At the heart of the Speedmaster lies a fuel injected, 865cc, air-cooled, DOHC, parallel twin engine with a 270º firing interval. Peak power of 61bhp arrives at 6800rpm, with maximum torque of 55ft.lbf available at just 3300rpm.

Fueling: The Speedmaster is updated with a new fuel injection system to meet Euro 3 legislation. Cleaner running than a carburettor engine, the fuel injected engine is also easier to fire up from a cold start and runs more smoothly when cold. The cool retro styling remains uncompromised though, as the fuel injectors are cleverly concealed by throttle bodies designed to look like carburettors.

Handlebars: Flat drag bars with high risers deliver a more aggressive riding position.

Fuel Tank: The Speedmaster’s seamless, teardrop-shaped tank gives plenty of capacity and looks great with its chromed badges.

Brakes: Twin 310mm front discs – gripped by twin-piston calipers lets you haul the Speedmaster up as hard as you want.

Seat: The Speedmaster gunslinger seat supports and ‘cups’ the rider ready to launch at the horizon.