Speedmaster name was mentioned, I didn’ t exactly jump with excitement, however this is a story arc of redemption and changed views.
BOBBER-ISH At first glance the Speedmaster looks low, and a bit‘ bobberi-sh’. There’ s a lot of chrome, the paint on the tank is beautiful, the bars are swept back and, along with the spoked wheels, all lend to the classic styling. A flick of the switch and the 270-degree crank 1200 fires into life. The sound of the parallel twin is deep and almost sounds like it could pull a freight train. The stock slash-cut pipes put out a sound that you’ d normally expect to find in an aftermarket exhaust, not the usual overly-baffled stock pipe you tend to hear on bikes now. Throttle response is quick and the motor revs freely, I was impressed and I could feel my preconceived views starting to soften. But the only real way to know was to get out and ride.
RIDING Just setting off, the bike immediately felt comfortable, giving the impression of a bike you could ride for hours or throw some bags on and go for a tour. The bars are wide and low with a big pull-back which when added to the forward( ish) controls and the couch, I mean seat, it makes for a very comfortable place to be.
KIWI RIDER 55