Now, comfort is one thing and it’ s a pretty important aspect but to be comfortable you have to be able to rely on the bike to do what it’ s meant to do in a corner and the Speedmaster does this. Riding the bike is as if it’ s being led around the corner, the suspension holds up well and the bike tracks nicely. I gave it a good push in quite a few corners and it didn’ t scrape and wallow, or try and buck me off. The biggest surprise was the lack of peg scraping, it would seem some research has been done here to minimise it happening. Metzeler RoadTec tyres are fitted and this is never a bad tyre to find gracing a bike. And before you say‘ going great and handling good are all very well, but does it stop?’, well, it sure as heck does. The twin Brembo calipers up front do a splendid job of pulling it up sharpish.
WHAT ABOUT LOOKS? Damn skippy, it looks good! The paint is beautiful and the 50s / 60s styled tank badge looks right at home, as do the ribbed front guard, short rear guard and larger tyres. Brass highlights on the throttle body( styled like old-fashioned carburettors) and the primary cover are a great touch. The fork gators fit the bill perfectly too. Overall, it’ s a smart looking, classic-styled scoot. There are other lovely little touches like the Triumph logo on the seat and on the throttle bodies that help make for a well thought out look that will impress your mates and give added street cred. The seat is a two piece unit that has some smart piping
56 KIWI RIDER