Triumph has seriously revamped the Speedmaster for 2011 to really cater to fans of the stylized retro bike. Draped in Phantom Black or Cranberry Red, the fetching British number is at its best, decked out in a slew of chrome accents and dabs of black mat that bring out its menacing side.

Triumph has seriously revamped the Speedmaster for 2011 to really cater to fans of the stylized retro bike. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Moto123.com)

We spent a day in the Speedmaster’s company at the 2011 Bike Week in Daytona. That’s where I got my first taste of the British manufacturer’s products, though the Speedmaster is distinctly more modern and sophisticated than Triumph’s early ventures. In fact, the new Speedmaster is a unique twist on the old model, offering efficiency, performance, reliability and social responsibility that were unheard of in the 1950s through to the 1980s.

Charismatic and up-to-date
The air-cooled, 865-cc parallel-twin, exclusive to the retro family, uses direct injection right off the bat, artfully built into fake carburetors that stay true to the styling of the original Speed. With its 270-degree firing interval, this mill barely vibrates at all. On board, it’s immediately obvious that Triumph made a monster effort to maintain not only the looks, but also the easy-going personality of the engines of the time. The powerplant’s sounds and satisfying exhaust note crank the nostalgia up a notch.

In town, the smooth, generous dollop of torque is available from 2,000 rpm onwards. The light cable clutch lever pairs well with the revised five-speed transmission, and shifting is worthy of any modern system.

Redesigned frame
In the same vein, the stiff chassis and efficient brakes and suspension turn the Speedmaster into a competent and gratifying cruiser that’s ready for anything, especially if you’re not looking to dislocate your shoulders on acceleration.

In town, the smooth, generous dollop of torque is available from 2,000 rpm onwards. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Moto123.com)