2007 Speedmaster origins?

[gwrath]

Hi,

Im looking at buying my first Triumph bike. I was primarily looking at the newer versions of the Speedmaster or possibly Bonneville depending on what info I recieve back in here.

I was basically wondering where the Speedmaster is built/assembled. Obviously I know Triumph has UK origins but I heard from a friend that these bikes were assembled/built in the USA and were of a lesser quality compared to the UK built bikes. I wasnt able to find anything thru Google or on this forum so if anyone knows the answer would be appreciated.

Also if anyone has any opinions/views on these bikes that would be appreciated too. I dont really want to buy a bike that is just going to be more trouble than it is worth!

Thanks

Gareth

[MD]

Isn't everything made in China now?
I heard that they source parts from Thailand but the assembly is in the UK, could be right, could be wrong.

I owned an America 3 years ago, just for one summer. It handled better than expected, within the limitations of a cruiser that is. The angle of the handlebars on the Speedmaster didn't feel right to me and it's trying too hard to look like a Harley. Whereas the America is a Bonnie look-a-like drawing on its Triumph roots. I was looking at the new America today in blue, nice colour for that bike and the latest tank is slightly lower (flatter at the front end) and wider.
I did 5000 miles in 3 months so I can't comment on long term reliability apart from saying I had no problems. Good resale!! In case you ask I sold it reluctantly only because I couldn't justify having two bikes in the garage and not using them both enough. A cruiser as a sole bike had limited use to me since I enjoy track days as well.

[tri boy]

Alot of 07 twins are now assembled in Thailand, with a large range of supplyers.
Ie: Spanish spokes on Bonnies/Scramblers, Malaysian shocks(absolute shit), etc.
The engines seem fine (if a little gutless),
Seems it pays to add on 2-3grand of the purchase price, to pay for individual mods.
Besides that, Trumpys make you smile.:yes:
Welcome to the site.:msn-wink:

[Scouse]

My speed triple is made in England some of the parts though like bar end weights are made in Italy brake levers and forks are made in Japan handle bar grips are made in Taiwan I found this out after I droped my first Speed triple. I have heard that the Parallel twin engine (Bonnie, America, Thruxton, Speedmaster) is now made in Malaysia and then sent to England for final assemly. They still make the daytona 675/Steet triple, Tiger/Sprint/Speed Triple, and Rocket 3 engine's in England. One of the biggest things that I have noticed about the parallel twin engined bikes is that the chrome on the gas tank cap starts to pit I have noticed this on every second hand bike of this type. For my money I would go for the Bonneville T100.

[Pumba]

Speedmaster is a good bike, probally a little underpowerd but certinly not slow.

My mums has had one for a year or so now, toured the south island and countless weekend and midweek and wekend rides and the only issue that se has had, is droping it on the coro loop:doh:, her oxford heated hand grips buggering themselves:doh:, and a blown headlight blowing a fuse and takeing out the ignition system leaving her stranded on the side of the road as the rest of us rode off, yea she was ment to be tail end charle for that ride (rummor has it that this is an issue with most of the triumph range due to the way they are wired, I am ready to be corrected) :doh:

Build quality has never been an issue, paint work is top quality, and there are plenty of aftermarket goddies for them.

So if you are after a good powered crusier that doesent do to bad on the corners, however is never going to set the world on fire for pace, i would deffently recomend one.

[peasea]

Alot of 07 twins are now assembled in Thailand, with a large range of supplyers.
Ie: Spanish spokes on Bonnies/Scramblers, Malaysian shocks(absolute shit), etc.
The engines seem fine (if a little gutless),
Seems it pays to add on 2-3grand of the purchase price, to pay for individual mods.
Besides that, Trumpys make you smile.:yes:
Welcome to the site.:msn-wink:

What he said, plus. A simple airbox/exhaust/remap (or re-jetting scenario) etc might pep things up enough for you. Ohlins seem to be the way to go on these things. All bolt-ons and easy for any good shop.

[Robbo]

If it's a good handling, good looking and reliable cruizer that you're after then you won't go wrong with a Speedy. Certainly not massive horsepower but good torque and definately not a slug. Quite a few custom goodies available as well.

[s8306]

I dont think the triumphs are a lot different to my old VL commodore,has a holden badge but just about everything else is made elsewhere.

[tri boy]

I dont think the triumphs are a lot different to my old VL commodore,has a holden badge but just about everything else is made elsewhere.

Oh dear, comparing a Triumph m/cycle with a commodore.:oi-grr:
Please take yourself outside and give yourself a good talking to.:mad::weep:
:laugh:

[s8306]

Oh dear, comparing a Triumph m/cycle with a commodore.:oi-grr:
Please take yourself outside and give yourself a good talking to.:mad::weep:
:laugh:

You have completely missed my meaning mate.

[tri boy]

Nah, I knew what you were on about.(outsourcing of parts/materials etc).
Just having a sat morning troll. Enjoy your weekend.;)

[gwrath]

Hey thanks guys that was really interesting reading and I appreciate it. I am quite keen on the Speedmaster as much as it may be "trying" to look like a Harley it still retains the Triumph look and based on what you guys have said here it still retains the Triumph reputation for good quality. Power isnt a huge deal at the moment as I dont have a heck of a lot of experience with bikes of this type.

Thanks again guys.

Thread is still open to anymore comments/opinions if they are out there.

[tri boy]

Triumph is due to release a 1500cc twin, using two of the cylinders from the three cylinder cruiser.Parallel.
That should have a fair bit of torque.:gob:
Crank configuration is unknown to me, but I would expect it to be 270 degree similar to the speedmaster/scrambler. Mucho torque.
Hey peasea, that might get me on a cruiser.

[s8306]

Nah, I knew what you were on about.(outsourcing of parts/materials etc).
Just having a sat morning troll. Enjoy your weekend.;)

Good on ya.Dont know about good weekend though,i,m painting the house.

[devo]

One of the things I love about the speedy is that I DONT think its trying to look like a Harley.Just compare it to all the Jap V twin cruisers out there and see which one reminds you more of the harleys.
Anyway, if you dont mind riding with a big grin on your face all day,then buy the speedy, you'll love it.

[Tank]

Its one of the bikes I intend on looking at very closley when I get off my L paltes (grr).

All the the reviews I have read have given them top marks - I have a mag with a full review of all the latest midrange cruisers (Including most of the main jappas and the 1200 C Harley) - The speedmaster comes out the winner ;-)

If you like I can scan the article and email to you -just PM me if you would like it.

C

[Tank]

this article is now posted in its own thread http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=57343