Alright, let’s talk about my time with the Triumph Speedmaster, the 2018 model. It feels like ages ago, but I remember the whole process quite well.
So, I’d been itching for a new ride. Something with a bit more character, you know? I spent weeks just looking around, reading stuff online, watching videos. Kept coming back to the Triumphs. Liked the classic look but wanted something a bit more laid-back than a Bonneville T120, maybe more cruiser-ish but still British.
Then I saw the Speedmaster. That 2018 version, with the updated engine from the Bobber. It just clicked. Looked right, sounded right in the clips I saw. Decided, right, that’s the one. Went down to a dealer, had a look in person. Sat on it. Felt solid, lower seat height was nice too. Pulled the trigger not long after that.
Getting it home, that first proper ride… man. The engine, that 1200cc parallel twin, it’s smooth but has this nice rumble. Plenty of torque down low, which is great for just cruising around town. Didn’t feel intimidating, surprisingly easy to handle despite the looks.
Getting Used To It
First few hundred miles were all about just getting the feel. The forward controls took a little bit to get used to, coming from mid-controls before. But after a while, it felt natural, real comfortable for longer stretches. The swept-back bars too, put you in a nice relaxed position.
Handling was better than I expected for a cruiser. It’s not a sportbike, obviously, but it felt planted, stable. Took it on some twisty backroads, and it held its line pretty well. Brakes felt strong, got ABS which is always good peace of mind.
I did notice a few things. The suspension, while decent, could feel a bit firm on really rough patches of road. Not jarring, but you’d feel it. And the stock seat, looked good, but for really long days, like 4+ hours, my backside would start complaining a bit.
Making It Mine
Didn’t go crazy with mods. It looked pretty great stock. But comfort is king, right?
- First thing was the seat. Looked into options, ended up getting one of those comfort seats Triumph offered. Made a world of difference on longer trips.
- Added some saddlebags. Needed practicality for carrying stuff, just some simple leather ones that matched the style.
- Considered changing the exhaust for more noise, but honestly, the stock sound grew on me. It’s got enough presence without being obnoxious. So, left that alone.
Rides and Reality
Had some great times on that bike. Weekend trips up the coast, meeting up with mates for a ride out. It always got looks, people asking about it. It’s just a handsome machine.
Maintenance wasn’t too bad. Did the basic stuff myself – oil changes, chain cleaning and lubing. Everything’s pretty accessible. Had one minor electrical gremlin once, turned out to be a loose connection under the seat, easy fix. Nothing major ever went wrong, which was great. Just kept up with the regular service schedule.
Final Thoughts
Looking back, the 2018 Speedmaster was a solid choice. It did exactly what I wanted: classic looks, comfortable ride, reliable engine with good character. It wasn’t perfect – the stock seat needed upgrading for me, and the suspension could be a touch basic sometimes. But overall? Loved owning it. It felt like a proper, substantial motorcycle. If you want a cruiser that’s a bit different from the usual V-twin crowd, with a British flavor, it’s definitely worth a look.
