Although Harley-Davidson arguably established the cruiser motorcycle formula, plenty of other companies have introduced their takes. And not all of them from the States. BMW, for example, now has the R18. And thanks to its new engine, the Honda Rebel 1100 is a genuine Harley and Indian alternative. Plus, freshly updated from Britain, there’s the Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster.

Unlike the rest of the 2022 Triumph Bonneville lineup, the Speedmaster is a cruiser

While it’s been updated for the 2022 model year, like the rest of the Triumph Bonneville lineup, the Speedmaster has an extensive history.

It first appeared as an unofficial appellation used by an American Triumph distributor in the mid-1960s, Cruiser reports. And when Triumph reintroduced the Bonneville for 2002, the Speedmaster name was applied to its cruiser variant, MCN explains. The 2022 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster continues that tradition, being the only forward-control cruiser-style Bonneville, Cycle World reports.

As in years prior, the 2022 Bonneville Speedmaster is essentially mechanically identical to the Bobber, RevZilla and RideApart report. The bikes use the same frame and the same engine. For 2022, that means a 1200cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine with 77 hp and 78 lb-ft linked to a six-speed transmission. And just like the 2022 Bobber, Triumph gave the 2022 Bonneville Speedmaster larger forks, upgraded front Brembo brakes, a new 16” front wheel, and a larger fuel tank, MCN and RideApart report.

At 580 pounds fully-fueled, the 2022 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster is 17 pounds heavier than the Bobber. However, that’s because, unlike the latter bike, the Speedmaster has a passenger seat and footpegs. Because of that, its rear mono-shock has more adjustability than the Bobber’s shock. Plus, for 2022, the rider’s seat has better lumbar support, while the passenger one has more padding, Ultimate Motorcycling reports.

What other features does this British cruiser offer?

Like the Bobber, the 2022 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster has a single gauge with an analog speedometer and digital display, Rider reports. ABS and traction control are both standard, as are two selectable riding modes. The Speedmaster also comes standard with LED lighting and cruise control, Cycle World reports.

While the Speedmaster’s big advantage over the Bobber is the passenger seat, that seat is removable. So, if you’re riding alone, you can mount a luggage rack there, instead. And as with the rest of the Bonneville lineup, there are plenty of other optional accessories.

How much is the 2022 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster compared to its rivals?

The 2022 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster arrives in dealers in March 2021, RevZilla reports, with prices starting at $13,150. But how does the competition compare?

As with the Bonneville Bobber, the Speedmaster’s biggest rivals will likely be the Indian Scout Bobber and Harley-Davidson Street Bob 114. While the former starts at just under $11k, it doesn’t have traction control or multiple riding modes, and ABS is optional. Once you add it, along with a passenger seat and footpegs, the Scout Bobber stickers for about $12.5k.

However, it’s 25 pounds lighter, and its 1133cc liquid-cooled V-twin makes 100 hp and 72 lb-ft. And if you don’t want the bobber look, an ABS-equipped Indian Scout—with a standard passenger seat and pegs—starts at $12,399.

The Harley-Davidson Street Bob 114 comes standard with a passenger seat and pegs. And its 1868cc V-twin makes 119 lb-ft, and, based on Cycle World’s dyno readings, 88 hp. However, it starts at $14,999—and even at that price, ABS is still optional. Plus, fully-fueled, the Street Bob 114 weighs 659 pounds–significantly more than the Bonneville Speedmaster.

The alternative is getting a 2021 Harley-Davidson Forty-Eight and adding ABS, a passenger seat, and footpegs. Combined, that raises the price from $11,299 to about $12,350. However, while it weighs 556 pounds fully-fueled, the 2021 Forty-Eight only has a five-speed transmission. Its 1202cc V-twin does have 73 lb-ft, though.

Finally, there’s also the updated-for-2021 Moto Guzzi V9 Bomber. Its 850cc V-twin ‘only’ makes 65 hp and 54 lb-ft. However, at 463 pounds fully-fueled, it’s significantly lighter than the Bonneville Speedmaster. And even with a $10,490 starting price, it comes standard with ABS, traction control, a front Brembo disc, LED lighting, as well as a passenger seat and footpegs.

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