Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster vs Harley-Davidson 1200 Custom: Competition Check

Triumph has added a new motorcycle to their modern-classic range in India with the Bonneville Speedmaster. The bike is more touring-capable as compared to the Bonneville Bobber; the bike that it is based on. With the Speedmaster entering the 1200cc cruiser market, the Harley-Davidson 1200 Custom is sure to feel the heat. We find out how the Bonneville Speedmaster puts up against its biggest rival.

Design and features

Like we mentioned, the Bonneville Speedmaster is built on the Bobber’s underpinnings. The design language has been inspired by traditional American cruisers and sports a low-slung, laid-back look with liberal use of chrome. It also gets a round headlamp, a sculpted fuel tank and sweptback handlebars to boost its retro appeal. 

However, the Bonneville Speedmaster is for someone looking for a Bobber with additional touring capabilities. The bike gets a new sub-frame with a removable pillion seat and grab rail to make it more touring friendly. The Speedmaster’s electronic package consists of two riding modes- Road and Rain along with switchable traction control, and cruise control as standard.

The Harley-Davidson 1200 Custom gets a no-nonsense, minimalistic design. However, the extensive use of chrome is sure to attract attention. The bike sports a comfortable, laid back riding position thanks to the forward set foot pegs and sweptback handlebars. Compared to the Bonneville Speedmaster, the 1200 Custom is ill-equipped when it comes to electronics and only gets an ABS unit. 

Cycle Parts

Triumph has equipped the bike with a slightly better suspension setup to make it comfortable for long rides. It gets 41mm forks up front with cartridge damping and a dual-rate rear monoshock with 73mm of suspension travel (the Bobber gets a single-rate monoshock with 77mm of travel). Stopping power comes from twin 310mm disc held on by Brembo calipers for the front and a single 255mm disc at the rear.

The Harley-Davidson 1200 Custom on the other hand rides on 39mm telescopic front forks and dual-shocks at the rear. The bike uses a 292mm front disc and a 292mm single disc at the rear.

The Bonneville Speedmaster gets a smaller 12-litre fuel tank as compared to the 1200 Custom’s 17-litre fuel tank capacity.

Engine

Both bikes sport twin-cylinder engines, albeit with different architecture and characteristics. While the American manufacturer swears by its grunty V-twins, the Brits rely on the more refined parallel-twin setup.  

At the heart of the Harley-Davidson 1200 Custom is a 1202cc V-twin engine that delivers 67.7bhp and 97Nm of torque. The engine transfers its power to the rear wheel via a five-speed gearbox and final chain drive.

Powering the Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster is a 1200cc parallel-twin engine which produces 76bhp and 106Nm of torque, making it more powerful than the 1200 Custom. This unit is mated to a six-speed gearbox and slipper clutch. 

Pricing

Triumph has priced the Bonneville Speedmaster at Rs 11.11 lakhs, a premium of around Rs 1.73 lakhs over the Bonneville Bobber. The Harley-Davidson 1200 Custom is comparatively more affordable with a price tag of Rs 9.89 lakhs. 

All prices ex-showroom, Delhi.