Triumph Motorcycles Ltd has a long-established pedigree, continuing Triumph's motorcycle production record which began in 1902. The company now produces a wide range of motorbikes, from cruisers to touring bikes - something for every motorcycle fanatic to get their gloves around. The Triumph Speedmaster is one of the manufacturer's latest cruiser models - meaning it is aesthetically inspired by the classic American motorcycles of the 1960s. The Speedmaster is based on another Triumph model, the America
- so if you're after a British-made bike with the style of the states, one of these two models is sure to scratch that American itch. To help you decide between the two models, let's compare the bikes below:
The Triumph Speedmaster and the America both have powerful engines - you could say that they put the 'umph' in 'Triumph'. In fact, they both feature 865cc, air-cooled, parallel-twin engines with 270 degree firing order - not surprising when the bikes are such close cousins. If engine power is what you're looking for, both of these mean machines are more than capable of a powerful roar. The Speedmaster, however, does feature a higher torque, at 55 ft?lbf at 3,300 rpm compared to the America's 50.9 ft?lbf at 3,300 rpm.
Both the Triumph Speedmaster and the America feature a five-speed gearbox with chain final drive (as opposed to a belt drive or driveshaft). Drive chains are generally stronger and less prone to slippage than drive belts.
The wheelbase - or the distance between wheels - is identical on both bikes. The dimensions of the Triumph America and the Triumph Speedmaster - and even their weights - are otherwise identical.
As we have seen, the bikes are very similar when it comes to pure muscle. Where they really differ is in their design. As cruisers, both bikes are heavily influenced by classic motorcycles - all exposed piping, flashes of chrome and plenty of leather. The Speedmaster has been updated with a new look, with slash-cut pipes and black engine cases, along with machined detail and black-cast wheels. The America, on the other hand, is fitted with shrouded front forks with polished lowers, and chromed engine covers and headlamp. It also features twin-reverse cone pipes for that classic hot-rod look, but only comes in one colour - black with a flash of white. The Triumph Speedmaster does come in a red paint scheme if black, black and black isn't your thing.
So which bike should you choose to bring a bit of American oomph to your suburban streets? As you can see from the specifications above, both bikes are very similar - after all, the Triumph Speedmaster was based on the America - so it really comes down to an aesthetic choice. With its white blotches and prominent Triumph logo, the America is perfect for those who want a slightly less 'in-your-face' motorbike experience, whereas the Speedmaster's leather-and-metal attitude is perfect for rider's who believe their bikes should growl all the way to the supermarket - or hit those long-distance bike rides with aggressive aplomb. They truly bring a pinch of American style to the UK.
The Triumph Speedmaster and the Triumph America are ostensibly similar British bikes that are influenced by American motorcycling style. This article looks at the differences and similarities between these powerful bikes.