Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster vs Harley-Davidson 1200 Custom

Triumph launched its latest modern classic cruiser, the Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster. One of its direct rival in the segment is the Harley-Davidson 1200 Custom.

2018 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster press range — The Speedmaster is available with Highway and Maverick Inspiration Kits.

The Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster retains the retro look of the Bobber, while offering better practicality in the form of pillion seat and a bigger 12-litre fuel tank. The bike also gets fatter front wheel, and more powerful brakes than the Bobber. The Harley-Davidson 1200 Custom on the other hand, has a characteristic American cruiser design. The cruiser also gets custom-style paint with a racing stripe on the fuel tank.

Specifications	Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster	Harley-Davidson 1200 Custom
Engine	1,200 cc SOHC parallel twin with liquid cooling and fuel injection	1,202 cc Evolution V-twin with air cooling and fuel injection
Peak Power	77 PS at 6,100 rpm	NA
Maximum Torque	106 Nm at 4,000 rpm	97 Nm at 4,250 rpm
Transmission	6-speed with torque-assist clutch	5-speed
Front Suspension	41 mm KYB fork with cartridge damping	Telescopic fork
Rear Suspension	KYB link-type monoshock with pre-load adjuster	Twin shock absorbers
Front Brake	310 mm twin discs with ABS	Disc with ABS
Rear Brake	255 mm disc with ABS	Disc with ABS
Fuel Tank Capacity	12 litres	17 litres
Weight	245.5 kg, dry	255 kg, dry
Wheelbase	1,510 mm	1,530 mm
Front Tyre	130/90 B16	130/90B16 73H
Rear Tyre	150/80 R16	150/80B16 77H
Price	INR 11,11,500, ex-showroom, pan-India.	INR 9,79,000 MSRP

The Harley-Davidson 1200 Custom, despite its relatively less sophisticated engine makes only 9 Nm less than the Speedmaster. However, the power difference is unknown as Harley-Davidson does not reveal the power figures for any of their bikes. Conventional cycle parts and lack of electronics apart from ABS justify its INR 1,32,500 cheaper cost over the Speedmaster. The bike also gets a considerably bigger fuel tank, which will result in better riding range.

2018 Harley-Davidson 1200 Custom press right side — Harley has designed 1200 Custom’s closed loop exhaust system to meet future world wide emission standards.

The Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster gets standard cruise control, switchable traction control, and two riding modes: road and rain, thanks to the ride-by-wire throttle. ABS is also standard in the bike. While the cruiser features chain drive, the 1200 custom comes with a belt drive, which is relatively quitter. Both the brands offer a host of accessories to further enhance and customise one’s ride.