Triumph Speedmaster (2005-2007): A Timeless Cruiser with British Character

Introduction

The Triumph Speedmaster (2005-2007) stands as a defiantly British answer to America’s cruiser dominance. With its parallel-twin engine, retro-modern styling, and surprising agility, this middleweight cruiser carves its own niche in a segment dominated by V-twin bravado. I recently spent a week with a meticulously maintained 2007 Speedmaster, and it left an indelible impression – one that blends classic cruiser charm with unexpected versatility. Let’s dive into what makes this generation of Speedmaster a compelling choice for riders who value personality over conformity.

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Design & Styling: Retro Cool Meets Functional Muscle

Triumph nailed the balance between nostalgia and modernity with the Speedmaster’s design. The 2005-2007 models retain the iconic silhouette introduced earlier but add subtle refinements:

• Tank & Bodywork: The 16.6-liter (4.4 US gal) teardrop fuel tank dominates the profile, available in bold schemes like Phantom Black/Sunset Red. The blacked-out engine with polished fins and dual chrome exhausts exudes understated confidence.
• Ergonomics: The 720mm (28.3") seat height accommodates most riders, while mid-mounted footpegs and slightly pulled-back handlebars create a relaxed yet engaged posture. The one-piece saddle is surprisingly comfortable for solo rides, though pillions get a raw deal after an hour.
• Details Matter: Five-spoke alloy wheels, a single analog speedometer with integrated indicators, and minimalist badging keep the design clean. The rear fender’s "land speed record" taillight is a quirky Triumph touch.

This isn’t a chrome-laden showboat – it’s a cruiser with a café racer’s soul, especially in darker color schemes that highlight its muscular lines.

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Engine & Performance: Torque Is the Name of the Game

The 865cc air-cooled parallel twin is the Speedmaster’s beating heart. With 55 HP @ 6,750 RPM and 69 Nm (51 ft-lbs) of torque @ 4,800 RPM, this engine prioritizes low-end grunt over top-speed theatrics:

• Throttle Response: Carbureted (twin 36mm Mikunis) but surprisingly crisp. The torque curve feels like a wave – it builds from 2,500 RPM and plateaus around 4,500 RPM, making third gear a Swiss Army knife for city traffic and mountain roads alike.
• Soundtrack: The 270-degree firing order delivers a throaty, uneven burble that’s closer to a V-twin than most parallels. Aftermarket pipes (like Vance & Hines) amplify this character, but even stock, it turns heads without being obnoxious.
• Real-World Use: 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) arrives in ~5 seconds – not blistering, but the seat-of-the-pants shove from 3,000 RPM onward is addictive. Fuel economy hovers around 5.2 L/100km (45 mpg), giving a 300+ km (186 mi) range.

The 5-speed gearbox is clunky when cold but smooths out with use. Clutch pull is heavier than modern bikes but manageable in traffic.

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Ride & Handling: The Agile Cruiser

Here’s where the Speedmaster defies expectations. With a dry weight of 229 kg (504 lbs) and a 1,655mm (65.2") wheelbase, it’s no featherweight, but the chassis dances:

• Front End: 41mm telescopic forks offer 120mm of travel – plush enough for potholes but firm during aggressive cornering.
• Rear Suspension: Twin preload-adjustable shocks struggle with sharp bumps but handle sweeping curves admirably. Dialing up preload helps two-up riding.
• Tires & Brakes: The 110/80-18 front and 170/80-15 rear Metzeler ME77s provide ample grip for spirited riding. Dual 310mm front discs (2-piston calipers) and a 285mm rear disc offer strong, predictable stopping power.

On twisty roads, the Speedmaster leans willingly, its wide bars providing leverage. The forward pegs scrape earlier than sport bikes but later than most cruisers – a happy medium for canyon carving.

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Competition: Standing Out in a Crowded Field

The Speedmaster’s parallel twin and Euro flair set it apart from key rivals:

1. Harley-Davidson Sportster 883 (2005-2007):
2. Pros: Iconic V-twin rumble, endless customization, lower seat height (735mm/29").
3. Cons: Heavier (256 kg/564 lbs), less agile, vibration-heavy at highway speeds.

4. Verdict: The Harley wins on heritage, but the Triumph counters with refinement and handling.

5. Yamaha V Star 1100 Custom:

6. Pros: Larger 1,063cc V-twin, shaft drive, relaxed ergonomics.
7. Cons: Softer suspension, bland styling, 50 kg (110 lbs) heavier.

8. Verdict: Better for long hauls, but lacks the Speedmaster’s sporty edge.

9. Kawasaki Vulcan 900:

10. Pros: Liquid-cooled 903cc V-twin, lower price point, comfy seat.
11. Cons: Anemic 50 HP output, budget suspension components.
12. Verdict: A value pick that can’t match the Triumph’s charisma.

The Speedmaster’s trump card? It’s a cruiser that doesn’t punish you for taking the scenic route.

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Maintenance: Keeping the Legend Alive

Owners praise the Speedmaster’s reliability, but proactive care is key:

• Valve Adjustments: Every 16,000 km (10,000 mi). Intake: 0.15-0.20mm (0.006-0.008"), Exhaust: 0.25-0.30mm (0.010-0.012"). Shims can be tricky – consider a workshop manual.
• Carb Tuning: Clean jets annually if ridden infrequently. Upgrade to K&N filters for smoother airflow.
• Chain Care: The 112-link O-ring chain needs regular lubrication. Swap to a premium DID chain for longevity.
• Suspension Upgrades: Progressive fork springs and adjustable shocks (like Hagon) transform ride quality.
• Tire Pressure: 2.1 bar (30 psi) front/rear solo; 2.5 bar (36 psi) rear when two-up.

MOTOPARTS.store Recommendations:
- NGK DPR8EIX-9 iridium spark plugs for cleaner combustion
- EBC Double-H sintered brake pads for improved bite
- Motul 7100 10W-40 synthetic oil for smoother shifts

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Conclusion: Why the Speedmaster Still Matters

The 2005-2007 Triumph Speedmaster isn’t the fastest, lightest, or most practical cruiser. What it offers is something rarer: authenticity. This is a bike that winks at café racer culture while staying true to cruiser comfort. The engine’s torque-rich personality, the chassis’ unexpected agility, and the timeless styling create a package that ages like fine whisky.

For riders tired of cookie-cutter V-twins, the Speedmaster remains a breath of fresh air – a British bulldog in a world of howling wolves. And with a thriving aftermarket (hello, MOTOPARTS.store!), it’s easy to make it uniquely yours. Whether you’re threading through city traffic or hunting apexes on backroads, this Triumph proves cruisers can have layers – no monocle required.

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Specifications sheet

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