NEW DELHI: Bad roads and cruiser motorcycles in India have a strange connect. While enthusiasts and riders have an immense liking for the cruisers, bad roads are found almost everywhere across the country.
Bonneville Speedmaster
- an English-made cruiser leaves an admirable presence on the road and enjoys the richness of electronic advancements. We spent some time with the modern classic and here’s our take on how it fares on the ‘strange connect’.
What does it look like?A well-crafted motorcycle, there are chunks of chrome around the engine cabinet. A chrome bezel surrounds the fully LEDs headlamps, slash-cut dual exhaust mufflers, and the Bonneville badging at the heart make it a splendid looking cruiser.
Chunky tyres with twin disc setup and fat front forks contribute to an impressive profile. Luggage rack, pannier, pillion backrest and other handful additional accessories boost the look from the rear apart being useful for your trips.
The pillion seat and elongated grab rail enhance the practicality of the cruiser. The ergonomics are different from the Bobber. Slightly curved-in handlebar, a dedicated rider seat and forward footpegs create the perfect rider triangle for highway cruising. However, relatively low seat and ground clearance compromise its movement on bad roads.
| Width handlebars | 770 mm |
| Seat height | 705 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1510 mm |
| Dry Weight | 245.5 kg |
| Tank Capacity | 12 L |
The classic analogue speedometer with a compact digital display shows a pack of readouts - odometer, gear position indicator, fuel gauge, range to empty indication, service indicator, clock, 2x trip, fuel consumption and more. Toggle the button on the handlebar switchboard, and the rider can access all these details. There is no complain about the fit and finish on the Speedmaster.
What fires the powermill?At the heart of the machine sits a 1200-cc parallel twin, liquid-cooled engine, which is much need to make light of the two-and-a-half quintal motorcycle. Linked with a six-speed gearbox, the motor offers 77 PS at 6,100 rpm and 106 Nm at 4,000 rpm to the rear wheel. The refinement and performance of the engine are praiseworthy as the considerable torque is available at a low revv range and you never run out of steam at any gear.
| Engine | 1200 cc, liquid-cooled, parallel twin
|
| Power | 77 PS @ 6,100 rpm
|
| Torque | 106 Nm @ 4,000 rpm |
| Clutch | Wet, multi-plate assist |
| Gearbox | 6-speed |
Contrary to this massive weight, the Speedmaster clocks triple-digit mark in less than six seconds from start. The torque-assist clutch makes life easy for the rider, and gear shifts are sleek and precise. A 12-litre fuel tank comfortably offers 250 km range. Probably not the quickest, the laidback attitude coupled with a meaty exhaust rumble, the bike makes a wholesome package in the cruiser segment.
What is it like to ride?The feedback and bite from the twin disc,
Brembo
two-piston floating calipers at the front and single disc, Nissin single-piston floating caliper at the rear are considerable assuring. Built on a tubular steel cradle, the rear wheel is connected to the twin-sided, tubular steel swingarm. The 41 mm KYB front forks with 90mm travel and KYB rear monoshock with 72 mm rear wheel travel limits the rideability to tarmac. Jerky response from potholes and undulations are transferred to the rider due to a short suspension travel.
| Frame | Tubular steel cradle
|
| Swingarm | Twin-sided, tubular steel
|
| Tyre | Front: MT90B16, Rear: 150/80 R16
|
| Suspension | Front: KYB 41 mm forks (90mm travel), Rear: KYB monoshock (72 mm travel) |
| Brakes | Front: Twin 310 mm disc, Rear: Single 255 mm disc
|
The heat radiation is an issue and long hours at choc-o-bloc traffic ask for well-guarded armour around the legs. On the flip side, the Speedmaster’s smooth handling and quick directional manoeuvres at high speeds would please you. The parallel-twin motor returns a fuel efficiency of 17.8 kmpl in cities and 19.6 kmpl on highways. The cruiser is apt for your long highway trips and weekend brunch.
At a price point of Rs 11.3 lakh (ex-showroom, India), offerings from
Harley-Davidson
and Indian motorcycles compete against the Triumph Speedmaster.