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Triumph Speedmaster 2008
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26 June 2008 | |
With its dark, brooding lines and a pared-down hot-rod essence, the Speedmaster is a standout middleweight cruiser from every angle. The heart and soul of this motorcycle is the engine and for 2008 the Speedmaster is updated with a fuel injected, 865cc, air-cooled, DOHC, parallel twin engine with a 270 degree firing interval. As well as being environmentally friendly the new engine is easier to fire up from a cold start and runs more smoothly. The styling of the Speedmaster remains uncompromised as the fuel injectors have been cleverly concealed by throttle bodies designed to look like carburettors. Peak power of 61bhp arrives at 6,800rpm, with maximum torque of 55ft.lbf available at just 3,300rpm. Both cylinders vent through a 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, which is slightly more aggressive than the usual laid-back cruising stance, supports the rider into the gunslinger seat ready to launch at the horizon. 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 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. Twin shocks and wide-style telescopic forks straighten the curves and iron out the bumps, giving a planted and supple ride. Two 310mm front discs – gripped by twin-piston calipers – haul the Speedmaster up as hard as you want. As a hot-rodded Factory Custom, the Speedmaster proves that 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, which has been redesigned for 2008, holds 19.3 litres of fuel, giving a useful range. Three stunning paint options are available for 2008: Phantom Black, Phantom Black and Tornado Red with a silver coach line and the brand new Pacific Blue and Aluminium Silver with a gold coach line. With its punchy engine, mean looks and souped-up chassis the Speedmaster is the essence of an old-school street-rod, packing performance and style into one very individual motorcycle. Bike Trader Links Compare Used Motorbikes Prices
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