Bonneville Speedmaster (MY2021)

The Speedmaster is the cruiser of the Bonneville family, and it plays that part well. The 1200 cc liquid-cooled parallel twin makes 77 hp at 6,100 rpm, but the figure that tells you more is 78 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm. This engine does its best work in the midrange. It sits in a steel tube frame with 16-inch wheels at both ends and a long 59.1 in (1500 mm) wheelbase. The modern hardware stays out of sight: ABS, traction control, ride modes, Triumph Ride-by-Wire Throttle Maps, cruise control, a slipper clutch and an LED headlight. None of it spoils the classic lines. That is what a good retro should do. It looks old-school and works like a current bike.

A 27.8 in (705 mm) seat, forward controls and pulled-back bars make it easy to live with, even if you are short or new to big twins. The handling is predictable and never asks you to be clever. Ownership has two known weak spots. Lighting and indicator failures are a recurring annoyance, and corrosion shows up at inspections without causing outright failures, so check the wiring and the brightwork on any used bike. Then there is the honest caveat. At 580 lb (263 kg), with a front fork that has no adjustment and a 3.2 gal (12 L) tank, this bike is made for a steady rhythm, not for hustling. It suits a rider who values style and ease over outright pace.