Triumph launched its latest modern classic cruiser, the Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster. One of its direct rival in the segment is the Harley-Davidson 1200 Custom.
The Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster retains the retro look of the Bobber, while offering better practicality in the form of pillion seat and a bigger 12-litre fuel tank. The bike also gets fatter front wheel, and more powerful brakes than the Bobber. The Harley-Davidson 1200 Custom on the other hand, has a characteristic American cruiser design. The cruiser also gets custom-style paint with a racing stripe on the fuel tank.
| Specifications | Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster | Harley-Davidson 1200 Custom |
| Engine | 1,200 cc SOHC parallel twin with liquid cooling and fuel injection | 1,202 cc Evolution V-twin with air cooling and fuel injection |
| Peak Power | 77 PS at 6,100 rpm | NA |
| Maximum Torque | 106 Nm at 4,000 rpm | 97 Nm at 4,250 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed with torque-assist clutch | 5-speed |
| Front Suspension | 41 mm KYB fork with cartridge damping | Telescopic fork |
| Rear Suspension | KYB link-type monoshock with pre-load adjuster | Twin shock absorbers |
| Front Brake | 310 mm twin discs with ABS | Disc with ABS |
| Rear Brake | 255 mm disc with ABS | Disc with ABS |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 12 litres | 17 litres |
| Weight | 245.5 kg, dry | 255 kg, dry |
| Wheelbase | 1,510 mm | 1,530 mm |
| Front Tyre | 130/90 B16 | 130/90B16 73H |
| Rear Tyre | 150/80 R16 | 150/80B16 77H |
| Price | INR 11,11,500, ex-showroom, pan-India. | INR 9,79,000 MSRP |
The Harley-Davidson 1200 Custom, despite its relatively less sophisticated engine makes only 9 Nm less than the Speedmaster. However, the power difference is unknown as Harley-Davidson does not reveal the power figures for any of their bikes. Conventional cycle parts and lack of electronics apart from ABS justify its INR 1,32,500 cheaper cost over the Speedmaster. The bike also gets a considerably bigger fuel tank, which will result in better riding range.
The Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster gets standard cruise control, switchable traction control, and two riding modes: road and rain, thanks to the ride-by-wire throttle. ABS is also standard in the bike. While the cruiser features chain drive, the 1200 custom comes with a belt drive, which is relatively quitter. Both the brands offer a host of accessories to further enhance and customise one’s ride.
