Triumph Speedmaster (2008-2010): A Timeless Cruiser with British Swagger
Introduction
The Triumph Speedmaster (2008-2010) is a motorcycle that refuses to play by the rulebook. In a cruiser segment dominated by V-twins and chrome-laden Americana, this British parallel-twin dares to be different. With its muscular 865cc engine, retro-modern aesthetics, and road manners that blend comfort with surprising agility, the Speedmaster carves out its own niche. Having spent a weekend threading one through coastal highways and tight mountain passes, I can confirm: this isn’t just another cruiser. It’s a statement—one that’s still turning heads over a decade later.
Design & Aesthetics: Where Retro Meets Rebellion
The Speedmaster’s design is a masterclass in balancing nostalgia with attitude. Its tubular steel cradle frame gives it a classic cruiser silhouette, but the devil’s in the details:
- Paint Schemes: Phantom Black/Tornado Red, Pacific Blue/Aluminum Silver, and later Phantom Black/New England White (2010). These aren’t just colors; they’re moods. The 2009-2010 models leaned into a darker, more menacing palette.
- Exhaust Notes: Slash-cut twin pipes (chromed to perfection) rumble with a 270° firing order—a sonic middle finger to V-twin traditionalists.
- Retro Touches: Tank-mounted tachometer, braided steel brake lines, and a teardrop fuel tank (19.3L capacity) that looks lifted from a 1960s café racer.
The riding position is pure cruiser theater: forward-mounted pegs, flat drag bars, and a low 720mm (28.3-inch) seat height that lets even shorter riders plant both boots firmly. Yet, the one-piece “gunslinger” seat is surprisingly supportive—no numb butt syndrome after a 200km ride.
Engine & Performance: Torque is the Truth
At its heart lies Triumph’s air-cooled 865cc parallel-twin—a powerplant that’s equal parts charismatic and civilized:
| Specification | 2008 Model (Carb) | 2009-2010 (Fuel-Injected) |
|------------------------|-------------------------|---------------------------|
| Power | 54 HP @ 6,750 RPM | 61 HP @ 6,800 RPM |
| Torque | 51 Nm (37.6 lb-ft) @ 4,800 RPM | 74 Nm (54.6 lb-ft) @ 3,300 RPM |
| Fuel System | Twin Carburetors | Sequential EFI (Euro 3 compliant) |
The 2009 update swapped carburetors for hidden fuel injectors—a stealthy modernization that eliminated cold-start drama. Twist the throttle, and the engine delivers torque like a freight train departing early. Peak grunt arrives at just 3,300 RPM, making highway overtakes a lazy flex of the wrist.
On the Road:
- 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph): ~5.2 seconds—respectable for a 250kg (551 lb) cruiser.
- Fuel Efficiency: 5.2L/100km (45 mpg) when ridden gently; drops to 6.5L/100km (36 mpg) when exploiting that midrange punch.
- Soundtrack: A bass-heavy growl that escalates to a metallic snarl above 5,000 RPM.
The 5-speed gearbox is slick, though the clutch pull is heavier than expected. Keep it in third gear on twisty roads, and the Speedmaster will chug up hills like a caffeinated mule.
Handling & Ride Quality: The Agile Contrarian
Don’t let the cruiser stance fool you—this Triumph corners like it’s got a vendetta against straight roads:
- Front Suspension: 41mm Kayaba forks (130mm travel) handle bumps with Germanic stoicism.
- Rear Suspension: Twin chromed shocks (96mm travel, adjustable preload) can feel firm over potholes but shine mid-corner.
- Wheels/Tires: 110/80-18 front, 170/80-15 rear—chunky enough for stability, nimble enough for hairpins.
The Verdict:
At low speeds, the 1,656mm (65.2-inch) wheelbase and 33.3° rake angle demand some countersteering muscle. But once leaned over, the Speedmaster tracks like a laser-guided missile. The twin 310mm front discs (2-piston calipers) provide strong stopping power, though the rear brake is more of a polite suggestion.
Competition: Battling the Cruiser Establishment
1. Harley-Davidson Sportster 883
- Pros: Iconic branding, lighter (256kg/564 lb), endless customization.
- Cons: Vibration-heavy Evolution V-twin, 5-speed gearbox feels agricultural compared to Triumph’s.
- Speedmaster Edge: Smoother engine, superior midrange torque.
2. Yamaha V Star 1100
- Pros: Larger 1,063cc V-twin, plush suspension.
- Cons: Dated design, vague handling.
- Speedmaster Edge: Sharper aesthetics, sportier ergonomics.
3. Kawasaki Vulcan 900
- Pros: Liquid-cooled reliability, lower seat height (685mm/27in).
- Cons: Anemic 50 HP output, bland exhaust note.
- Speedmaster Edge: Characterful engine, premium build quality.
The Takeaway: The Speedmaster appeals to riders who want cruiser swagger without sacrificing mechanical sophistication. It’s the thinking rider’s muscle bike.
Maintenance: Keeping the Parallel Twin Purring
Owners praise the Speedmaster’s simplicity, but neglect is a one-way ticket to repair bills:
Key Service Intervals:
- Oil Changes: Every 8,000km (5,000 miles) with 10W-40 or 15W-50 (3.75L with filter).
- Valve Adjustments: Every 16,000km (10,000 miles). Clearances:
- Intake: 0.15-0.20mm (0.006-0.008in)
- Exhaust: 0.25-0.30mm (0.010-0.012in)
- Chain: X-ring type; clean/lube every 800km (500 miles).
Common Upgrades at MOTOPARTS.store:
- NGK Iridium Plugs (DPR8EIX-9): Smoother cold starts, better fuel economy.
- Progressive Suspension Springs: Tames the firm rear end.
- Braided Steel Brake Lines: Improves lever feel for those twin 310mm discs.
- High-Flow Air Filters: Unlocks hidden torque (pair with aftermarket exhausts).
Pro Tip: The air-cooled engine runs hot in traffic. Consider a synthetic oil like Motul 7100 15W-50 for added protection.
Conclusion: A Modern Classic That Ages Gracefully
The 2008-2010 Triumph Speedmaster isn’t just a motorcycle—it’s a rebellion packaged in steel and rubber. It challenges cruiser conventions with its parallel-twin heartbeat, then backs up the bravado with handling that shames heavier competitors. While later models would adopt more tech, this generation remains pure: no rider modes, no traction control—just raw, analog riding pleasure.
For owners looking to personalize or maintain their Speedmaster, MOTOPARTS.store offers everything from OEM-spec valve shims to performance exhausts. Because even icons deserve upgrades.
Specifications sheet
Variklis | |
---|---|
Taktas: | Four-stroke |
Maksimali galia: | 45 kW | 60.0 hp |
Maksimalus sukimo momentas: | 74 Nm |
Kuro sistema: | Multipoint sequential electronic fuel injection (SAI on 2010 models) |
Maksimali galia @: | 6800 rpm |
Darbinis tūris: | 865 ccm |
Didžiausias sukimo momentas @: | 3300 rpm |
Cilindro skersmuo × eiga: | 90.0 x 68.0 mm (3.5 x 2.7 in) |
Konfigūracija: | Inline |
Aušinimo sistema: | Air |
Suspaudimo santykis: | 9.2:1 |
Cilindrų skaičius: | 2 |
Matmenys | |
---|---|
Ratų bazė: | 1655 mm (65.2 in) |
Sausas svoris: | 229 |
Svoris su skysčiais: | 250 |
Sėdynės aukštis: | 720 mm (28.3 in) |
Bendras plotis: | 830 mm (32.7 in) |
Bendras aukštis: | 1160 mm (45.7 in) |
Bendras ilgis: | 2420 mm (95.3 in) |
Prošvaisa: | 165 mm (6.5 in) |
Degalų bako talpa: | 19.3 L (5.1 US gal) |
Perdavimas | |
---|---|
Grandinės tipas: | X-Ring |
Galinė pavara: | chain |
Transmisija: | 5-speed, wet multi-plate clutch |
Galinė žvaigždutė: | 47 |
Priekinė žvaigždutė: | 15 |
Priežiūra | |
---|---|
Galinė padanga: | 170/80-15 |
Variklio alyva: | SAE 10W-40 or 15W-50 |
Priekinė padanga: | 110/80-18 |
Stabdžių skystis: | DOT 4 |
Uždegimo žvakės: | NGK DPR8EA-9 or NGK DPR8EIX-9 |
Uždegimo žvakės tarpas: | 0.9 |
Šakių alyvos talpa: | 1.1 |
Variklio alyvos talpa: | 3.75 |
Variklio alyvos keitimo intervalas: | Every 5000km or 2 years |
Vožtuvų laisvumas (įsiurbimo, šaltas): | 0.15–0.20 mm |
Vožtuvų laisvumo tikrinimo intervalas: | 24,000 km / 15,000 mi |
Vožtuvų laisvumas (išmetimo, šaltas): | 0.25–0.30 mm |
Rekomenduojamas slėgis padangose (galinėse): | 2.9 bar (42 psi) |
Rekomenduojamas slėgis padangose (priekyje): | 2.5 bar (36 psi) |
Papildomos funkcijos | |
---|---|
Starteris: | Electric |
Uždegimas: | Digital inductive type |
Rėmo apdaila: | Blacked-out engine casings with chromed accents |
Special notes: | Concealed fuel injectors designed to resemble carburetors, tank-mounted tachometer |
Važiuoklė ir pakaba | |
---|---|
Grėblys: | 33.3° |
Rėmas: | Tubular steel cradle with twin-sided swingarm |
Takas: | 153 mm (6.0 in) |
Galinė padanga: | 170/80-15 |
Priekinė padanga: | 110/80-18 |
Galiniai stabdžiai: | Single 285 mm disc, 2-piston caliper |
Priekiniai stabdžiai: | 2 x 310 mm discs, 2-piston calipers |
Galinė pakaba: | Twin chromed spring shocks with adjustable preload, 96 mm (3.8 in) travel |
Priekinė pakaba: | 41mm telescopic forks, 130 mm (5.1 in) travel |