Triumph has launched a new cruiser for the upcoming model year, the 2018 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster, as well as a variant to an existing model, the Bonneville Bobber Dark. Replacing the outgoing machine, the later generation Speedmaster takes the current model Bobber as a base, and adds a twin-seat setup and twin disc brakes.

Carrying the latest iteration of the vertical parallel-twin from Hinckley, the Speedmaster carries the Bonneville 1200 HT mill in a hardtail frame. Power for the liquid-cooled power plant is rated at 77 PS at 6,100 rpm and puts out 106 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm with power getting to the ground via a six-speed gearbox.


Braking for the Speedmaster is by Brembo, using twin-piston callipers clamping 310 mm discs, an upgrade from the single-disc setup used on the Bonneville Bobber. Front suspension is with a pair of 41 mm telescopic forks with 90 mm of travel, while the cruiser’s rear end is propped up by an RSU monoshock that offers 73 mm of wheel travel and stepless pre-load adjustment.

Lighting on the Speedmaster is a full LED setup, including DRLs, while a single round instrument pod graces the cockpit, following the lines of the Bobber. Standard fitment on the new machine is ABS, switchable traction control and two ride modes – Road and Rain. Also included in the standard equipment is ride-by-wire, and an engine immobiliser with transponder key. Assisting the rider is a torque assist clutch which lowers lever effort and single-button cruise control – press once to activate, press again to set speed, and once more to cancel.


Rolling on 16-inch spoked wire wheels, the Speedmaster comes with a 12-litre fuel tank, one litre more than the Bobber. Seating accommodation is easily between solo and passenger setups. The 2018 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster comes in three colour options – Jet Black, Cranberry Red and Fusion White/Phantom Black.

The 2018 Triumph Bonneville Bobber Black now sports a more muscular stance, coming with a 16-inch front wheel and twin-disc Brembo brakes, compared to the 19-inch hoop and single front brake disc on the current Bobber. Forks have also been beefed up, with 47 mm diameter Showa telescopic front suspension, versus the 41 mm diameter fork on the current model.


Featuring backed out trim and engine, the Bobber Dark also comes with a higher specification full LED headlight, as new DRLs. Another updated item is the inclusion of single-button cruise control.

As can be expected, you can the Bobber Dark in any colour you like, provided it’s black. No word yet as to when the 2018 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster and Bobber Dark will arrive on our shores or what the likely cost might be, but we will keep you posted when we get more details.