Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster Vs. Harley Davidson Softail Low Rider

• Table of Contents
• 1. Triumph Speedmaster Vs. Harley Softail Low Rider
• 2. Detailed Specs Comparison: Triumph Speedmaster Vs. Harley Softail Low Rider
• 3. Design: Triumph Speedmaster Vs. Harley Softail Low Rider
• 3.1 Design: Triumph Speedmaster
• 3.2 Design: Harley Softail Low Rider
• 4. Engine and Performance: Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster Vs. Harley Softail Low Rider
• 4.1 Engine and Performance: Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster
• 4.2 Engine and Performance: Harley Softail Low Rider
• 5. Comfort and Ergonomics: Triumph Speedmaster Vs. Harley Softail Low Rider
• 5.1Comfort and Ergonomics: Triumph Speedmaster
• 5.2 Comfort and Ergonomics: Harley Softail Low Rider
• 6.Technology and Features: Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster Vs. Harley Softail Low Rider
• 7. Pros and Cons: Triumph Speedmaster Vs. Harley Softail Low Rider
• 7.1 Pros and Cons: Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster
• 7.1 Pros and Cons: Harley Softail Low Rider
• 8. Colors and Cost: Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster Vs. Harley Softail Low Rider
• 9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• 9.1 When Did Triumph Stop Using Carburetors?
• 9.2 Are Triumph Motorcycles Reliable?
• 10. Which is Better: Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster Vs. Harley Softail Low Rider

1. Triumph Speedmaster Vs. Harley Softail Low Rider

Harley Davidson and Triumph are two popular motorcycle brands known worldwide. The main difference between the two brands is that the Harley Davidson originates in America and Triumph is a British motorcycle brand. Both brands produce high-quality motorcycles with good performance and elegance. Harley Davidson and Triumph motorcycles use quality parts, have modern technology, and are in high demand. Triumph produces a wide range of motorcycles, including cruisers, adventure bikes, sport bikes, tourers, and retro bikes. Meanwhile, Harley Davidson produces cruisers, sport cruisers, tourers, trikes, and electric motorbikes.

The Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster and the Harley Davidson Softail Low Rider are stylish and unique motorbikes. Both motorcycles have different designs, and performance specs, and are built for different purposes. The Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster is a bobber-style motorbike with retro looks, with a smaller overall size and engine displacement than the Harley Davidson Softail Low Rider. Meanwhile, the Harley Softail Low Rider is a chopper-style motorbike due to its long trail, wheelbase, and 30° rake angle.

The Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster and the Harley Davidson Softail Low Rider are cruisers with innovative designs. Both cruisers lack standard cruiser looks and ergonomics. However, both ensure a comfortable riding experience. The 2020 Harley Davidson Softail Low Rider has a larger engine size and produces more horsepower and torque than the 2022 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster. Meanwhile, the Triumph Speedmaster is more comfortable than the Harley Softail Low Rider.

The Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster is currently still in production, while the Harley Davidson Softail Low Rider was discontinued after 2020. This article provides a detailed comparison between the Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster and the Harley Davidson Softail Low Rider.

2. Detailed Specs Comparison: Triumph Speedmaster Vs. Harley Softail Low Rider

2022 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster		2020 Harley Davidson Softail Low Rider
Wet Weight
Triumph Motorcycles	Maker	Harley Davidson
-	Series	Softail
Bonneville Speedmaster	Model	Low Rider
2022	Year Model	2020
Retro Cruiser	Motorcycle Type	Cruiser
$13,495	Base Price	$14,899
Engine and Performance
1,200 cc	Displacement	1,753 cc
Parallel-Twin, 270 Crank Angle, SOHC	Engine Design and Type	Milwaukee-Eight® 107, V-Twin
Liquid-Cooled	Cooling System	Air-Cooled
Two	No. of Cylinders	Two
Four	Valves Per Cylinder	Four
76.9 hp at 6,100 rpm	Horsepower	86 hp at 5,020 rpm
106.02 Nm at 4,000 rpm	Torque	149.16 Nm at 3,000 rpm
3.15 in	Stroke	4.37 in
3.84 in	Bore	3.94 in
Multipoint Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection	Fuel Injection System	Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
10:1	Compression Ratio	10:1
Six-Speed	Transmission	Six-Speed
Chain	Final Drive	Belt
Wet, Multiplate Torque Assist Clutch	Clutch	Multiplate with a Diaphragm Spring in Oil Bath
60.9 mpg	Fuel Economy	47 mpg
Chromed Stainless Mufflers	Muffler	Catalyst in Mufflers
Two-Into-Two Twin-Skin Stainless Steel Exhaust	Exhaust	Two-Into-Two Shotgun Exhaust
Standard	ABS	Optional
Tubular Steel, Twin Cradle Frame	Frame	Mild Steel, Tubular Frame
Electric	Starter	Electric
Dimensions and Weight
3.6 in	Trail	6.4 in
25.3°	Rake	30°
3.2 gal	Fuel Tank Capacity	5 gal
3.6 in	Ground Clearance	5.1 in
35.8 in	Width	N/A
41.5 in	Height	N/A
N/A	Length	92.7 in
27.8 in	Seat Height	26.2 in
59.1 in	Wheelbase	64.2 in
263 kg	Wet Weight	299.82 kg

3. Design: Triumph Speedmaster Vs. Harley Softail Low Rider

3.1 Design: Triumph Speedmaster

The Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster has a compact design, as well as a smaller trail, shorter overall length, and smaller wheelbase. The Triumph Speedmaster is a retro-style motorbike with a bobber look. It has a bobber-style front mudguard and a small rear mudguard with a tail light, rear turn signals, and a license plate bracket mounted to it.

The Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster has wide, low-mounted, swept-back beach handlebars with chrome side mirrors mounted. The Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster’s front turn signals are mounted on a 47 mm Showa Cartridge front fork and it has an iconic Triumph round LED headlamp. A stylish analog meter with a small digital screen is also mounted on the front fork.

The Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster comes with a comfortable tuck-and-roll seat and a cushioned passenger seat with a grab rail to better ensure passenger safety. The rider seat also has small lumbar support that provides extra comfort. The Triumph Speedmaster is fitted with Avon Cobra tires wrapped around 16-inch, 32-spoke wire wheels. The Triumph Speedmaster has two-into-two chrome stainless steel exhaust silencers on both sides.

3.2 Design: Harley Softail Low Rider

The Harley Davidson Softail Low Rider is a uniquely-designed custom cruiser with chopper looks, an extended wheelbase, a large front wheel, blacked-out and chrome parts, and a long trail. The Harley Softail Low Rider comes with a single-piece rider and passenger seats. The swept-back, buckhorn handlebars have low risers with front turn signals and chrome side mirrors mounted. The Harley Softail Low Rider has a small round LED headlight with a chrome plate on top to give it a more aesthetic appeal. It has a teardrop-shaped fuel tank with gauges mounted on it.

The Harley Davidson Softail Low Rider’s front wheel is larger than the rear wheel, giving it a taller and extended front end. It has a fat rear tire and a thin front tire wrapped around nine-spoke wheels. The tail light and license plate holder are mounted on a chopped rear fender. Being a Softail, the Harley Softail Low Rider’s rear suspension is hidden under the seat.

4. Engine and Performance: Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster Vs. Harley Softail Low Rider

4.1 Engine and Performance: Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster

The Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster is powered by a 1200 cc liquid-cooled Parallel-Twin engine capable of horsepower of 76.9 hp at 6,100 rpm and a torque of 106.02 Nm at 4,000 rpm. The Triumph Speedmaster comes with a wet, multi-plate torque assist clutch which ensures smooth operation, and a six-speed transmission connected to the rear wheel via a chain drive.

The Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster is fitted with a multipoint sequential electronic fuel injection that provides a fuel economy of 60.9 mpg. The Triumph Speedmaster is a retro motorbike, meaning it has an old-school look but also comes with modern technology, including an ABS, switchable traction control, cruise control, ride-by wire-throttle, and two riding modes (Rain and Road).

The Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster comes with Brembo 310 mm front twin discs, dual-piston calipers, and a Nissin 255 mm rear single disc with a single-piston sliding axial caliper which works with the ABS to ensure effective braking.

The Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster’s 1200 cc Parallel-Twin engine provides linear and smooth power delivery, quick acceleration, and fast throttle response. The twin-skin exhaust pipes and the innovative twin-airbox design create a distinct sound. The Triumph Speedmaster’s handling and comfort level are enhanced by the new 47 mm Showa front forks and hidden mono-shock with linkage, preload adjustability, and low overall weight.

4.2 Engine and Performance: Harley Softail Low Rider

The Harley Davidson Softail Low Rider is fitted with a 1,753 cc air-cooled Milwaukee-Eight® 107 V-Twin engine capable of a torque of 149.16 Nm at 3,000 rpm and a horsepower of 86 hp at 5,020 rpm. The Harley Softail Low Rider has a six-speed transmission that connects to the rear wheel via a belt drive. The Harley Softail Low Rider has a lower fuel economy of 47 mpg than the Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster because of its larger engine.

The Harley Davidson Softail Low Rider has a streamlined design and a wet weight of 299.82 kg which makes handling and maneuverability easier. The Harley Softail Low Rider is a fun motorbike for riding through the city and traffic. The Harley Softail Low Rider’s smooth clutch operation ensures quick gear shifts.

The 1,753 cc Milwaukee-Eight® 107 V-Twin engine provides a smooth ride and power delivery, making it a versatile motorbike on short- and long-distance trips. However, on longer rides, it is uncomfortable for average and taller riders due to its mid-mounted foot controls.

5. Comfort and Ergonomics: Triumph Speedmaster Vs. Harley Softail Low Rider

5.1 Comfort and Ergonomics: Triumph Speedmaster

Photo Credit: @bikesales

The Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster comes with a comfortable stock rider seat with lower back support. It also comes with a cushioned passenger seat that allows for comfortable two-up riding. The Triumph Speedmaster is not an ideal cruiser but the ergonomics are still comfortable due to its forward foot control and low-mounted, sweptback beach handlebars. Even a shorter rider can comfortably reach the handlebars while sitting in an upright riding position. An average or taller rider can comfortably ride the Triumph Speedmaster. The Triumph Speedmaster can be transformed into an ideal touring motorbike by adding saddlebags.

5.2 Comfort and Ergonomics: Harley Softail Low Rider

Photo Credit: @ultimatemotorcycling

The Harley Davidson Softail Low Rider is a comfortable motorbike for quick rides over short distances. It is not ideal for taller riders, especially on longer trips, due to its mid-mounted foot controls. The Harley Softail Low Rider has a low seat height of 26.2 inches and sweptback handlebars, but the rider has to sit in a slightly forward riding position to reach the handlebars.

The Harley Davidson Softail Low Rider is an ideal motorbike for daily commutes, cruising on highways, and riding through traffic. With a few modifications, including adjusting the foot controls slightly forward, saddlebags, windshield, sissy bars, and handlebars, it can be transformed into an ideal light-touring motorcycle.

6. Technology and Features: Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster Vs. Harley Softail Low Rider

2022 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster		2020 Harley Davidson Softail Low Rider
Technology and Features
Front Fork-Mounted	Gauges	Fuel Tank-Mounted
Standard	ABS	Optional ($795)
Yes (Road & Rain)	Riding Modes	No
✓	Traction Control	✖
✓	Cruise Control	✖
Analogue	Speedometer	Analogue
✓	Tachometer	✓
✓	Fuel Level	✓
✓	Tripmeter	✓
✓	Clock	✓
✓	Odometer	✓
✓	Gear Position	✓

7. Pros and Cons: Triumph Speedmaster Vs. Harley Softail Low Rider

7.1 Pros and Cons: Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster

Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster Pros	Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster Cons
Bobber style	Not ideal cruiser design
Retro look	Less powerful motorbike
Comfortable motorbike	Smaller rear suspension wheel travel
Forward foot control	Slower motorbike
Swept-back handlebars	Low ground clearance
Relaxed riding position
Smooth power delivery
Responsive
ABS is standard
Equipped with modern technology
Two riding modes
Cruise control is standard
Switchable traction control
Provides safe riding experience
Lightweight
Better fuel economy

7.2 Pros and Cons: Harley Softail Low Rider

Harley Davidson Softail Low Rider Pros	Harley Davidson Softail Low Rider Cons
Aesthetically appealing	ABS is not standard
Comfortable stock seat	No advanced technology
Smooth clutch operation	Uncomfortable for taller riders
Streamlined design	Mid-mounted foot controls
Good handling	Forward riding position
Quick acceleration	Uncomfortable on longer trips
Powerful engine
Smooth riding experience
High ground clearance
Good for two-up riding

8. Colors and Cost: Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster Vs. Harley Softail Low Rider

9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

9.1 When Did Triumph Stop Using Carburetors?

The Triumph motorcycles were originally fitted with twin carburetors. However, after 2009, Triumph started producing motorbikes with fuel injection systems to provide better fuel economy. However, to keep the classic, old-school Triumph look, the fuel injection system was fitted inside a frame that resembles carburetors.

9.2 Are Triumph Motorcycles Reliable?

The older Triumph motorcycles suffered some issues, including oil leaks, due to poor-quality components. But over time, the Triumph motorbikes improved a lot. The modern Triumph motorbikes are reliable and quality motorbikes with good resale value. Triumph motorcycles can retain their original value for more than two years. Triumph currently produces a wide range of motorbikes, including cruisers, retro bikes, adventure, sport bikes, and tourers.

10. Which is Better: Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster Vs. Harley Softail Low Rider

The Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster and the Harley Davidson Softail Low Rider are agile, nimble, and easy to ride. Both motorcycles’ engines produce smooth power output and can accelerate quickly. The key differences between both motorcycles lie in their design and ergonomics. The Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster is a retro-style cruiser with comfortable riding ergonomics due to its forward foot controls and swept-back beach handlebars. The Triumph Speedmaster comes with ABS and other modern ride-assist features. Meanwhile, the Harley Davidson Softail Low Rider has a larger engine size and produces more horsepower and torque. It has a streamlined design which makes handling and turning corners easier.

The Harley Davidson Softail Low Rider costs $1,404 more than the Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster but has a larger engine size and an innovative cruiser design. The ABS is an optional feature that costs $795 to install. Meanwhile, the Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster has a smaller engine than the Harley Softail Low Riders but it is fitted with several modern features.

Photo Credit: @ocmotorcycle ,  @stingerhd