Triumph Speedmaster March 2007
The heart and soul of any motorcycle is its engine, and the Speedmaster's 865cc, DOHC, eight-valve, air-cooled parallel twin-cylinder engine uses a 270 crank firing interval, giving a throbbing beat and smooth, torque-laden power delivery. Peak power of 55PS (54bhp) arrives at 6750rpm, with maximum torque of 69Nm available at just 4800rpm. Both cylinders vent through a new pair of deep-chromed slash-cut silencers while the satin black engine finish adds a crisp, understated edge to the handsome lines of what is a very distinctive and evocative power plant.
The riding position too, which is slightly more aggressive than the usual laid-back cruising stance, supports and 'cups' the rider into the gunslinger seat ready to launch at the horizon. Brand new upper fork shrouds add even more style, while high risers mount the flat 'drag' handlebars on the slab-style top yoke and match the chromed forward set footpegs. The revised pillion footrest hangers and chain cover complement the bike's Spartan simplicity.
The Speedmaster wears a pair of brand new cast wheels, with a crisp look all of their own; the 18 inch front wears a 110/80 tyre, the 15 inch rear a 170/80. The twin shocks and wide-style telescopic forks straighten the curves and iron out the bumps, giving a planted and supple ride. Twin 310mm front discs - gripped by twin-piston calipers - haul the Speedmaster up extremely hard. As a hot-rodded 'Factory Custom', the Speedmaster proves the ethos of less is more, and minimalism is key to the bike's harder edge. The rev-counter is mounted discretely on the fuel tank nacelle, the large round white-faced speedo perches cleanly in the rider's line of sight on its top-yoke mounting. The tank itself holds 16.6 litres of fuel, giving a useful range. Four stunning new paint options are available for 2007: Phantom Black and Sunset Red infill with gold coach line, Phantom Black and Tornado Red infill with silver coach line and single tone Phantom Black or Mulberry Red. Plus, if the Speedmaster's bare bones want a little more flesh on them, the ever-expanding Triumph accessory range features an array of bolt-ons specifically designed to lend even more appeal and individuality.
With its punchy engine, mean looks and souped-up chassis, the Speedmaster is the very essence of an old-school street rod, packing performance and style into one very individual motorcycle.
New for 2007
_ New cast wheels
_ Restyled chain cover, pillion footrest hanger and upper fork shrouds
_ Slash cut silencers
_ Four new paint schemes - Phantom Black; Mulberry Red; Phantom Black/Mulberry Red; Phantom Black/Sunset Red