The Triumph SpeedMaster spans 1994–2017 with 8 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 3.5/5 ForCar reliability score. The years to approach with caution are 2003, 2009, 2017 (most owner complaints); the cleanest are 1994, 1995, 1996. It delivers competitive fuel economy and NHTSA-rated safety.
How we score: NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency across all years (25%) and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury (35%). Based on NHTSA & EPA data — not user reviews.
Overview
The Triumph SpeedMaster is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 1994 to 2017 across multiple generations.
How to read a Triumph SpeedMaster VIN — every digit explained
Every Triumph SpeedMaster carries a unique 17-character VIN stamped at the factory. Each position is a code — together they spell out where, when and how your car was built. Here's exactly what every digit means.
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a Triumph and the country it was built in (real Triumph codes below).
- VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled this SpeedMaster.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
- UKSAT · SMT
- Brazil97N
Digits 4–17 — the engine code (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard, identical on every car. For the full year-code table (2001–2026), country codes and where the VIN is stamped on your SpeedMaster, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
How many recalls does the Triumph SpeedMaster have?
The Triumph SpeedMaster has 8 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1994–2017. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
2015 Triumph SpeedMaster recalls 1
Fuel System, Gasoline:fuel Injection System:injectors
What's wrong. Triumph Motorcycles America, LTD (Triumph) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Triumph Thunderbird, Thunderbird ABS, Tiger 800,Tiger 800 ABS, Thruxton, and Bonneville motorcycles manufactured February 6, 2014, to August 7, 2014. The engine control unit may improperly activate the fuel injectors.
Risk. Improper signalling to, and activation of, the fuel injectors could cause the engine to unexpectedly lose power, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Fix. Triumph will notify owners, and dealers will modify the internal ECU hardware, free of charge. The recall began December 4, 2014. Owners may contact Triumph customer service at 1-678-854-2010. Triumph's number for this recall is SB519.
2014 Triumph SpeedMaster recalls 1
Fuel System, Gasoline:fuel Injection System:injectors
What's wrong. Triumph Motorcycles America, LTD (Triumph) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Triumph Thunderbird, Thunderbird ABS, Tiger 800,Tiger 800 ABS, Thruxton, and Bonneville motorcycles manufactured February 6, 2014, to August 7, 2014. The engine control unit may improperly activate the fuel injectors.
Risk. Improper signalling to, and activation of, the fuel injectors could cause the engine to unexpectedly lose power, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Fix. Triumph will notify owners, and dealers will modify the internal ECU hardware, free of charge. The recall began December 4, 2014. Owners may contact Triumph customer service at 1-678-854-2010. Triumph's number for this recall is SB519.
2004 Triumph SpeedMaster recalls 3
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:master Cylinder
What's wrong. ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, IF THE MOTORCYCLE IS DROPPED ONTO THE LEFT SIDE, AIR MAY ENTER THE REAR BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER RESERVOIR.
Risk. IF LEFT UNATTENDED, THE REAR BRAKE MAY NOT OPERATE, RESULTING IN A LOSS OF CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix. DEALERS WILL REPOSITION THE REAR BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER RESERVOIR. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON DECEMBER 31, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT TRIUMPH AT 1-678-854-2010.
Electrical System:starter Assembly
What's wrong. ON SOME MOTORCYCLES, UNDER CERTAIN ASSEMBLY CONDITIONS, THE ELECTRICAL POWER SUPPLY CABLE TO THE STARTER MOTOR MAY COME INTO DIRECT CONTACT WITH THE OIL COOLER RETURN PIPE. THIS COULD CAUSE THE INSULATION ON THE STARTER CABLE TO DEGRADE.
Risk. SHOULD THE STARTER MOTOR CABLE INSULATION BECOME WORN, A 12-VOLT ELECTRICAL SHORT WOULD OCCUR, INCREASING THE RISK OF A FIRE OR NOT ALLOWING THE MOTORCYCLE TO START.
Fix. DEALERS WILL EXAMINE THE CABLE FOR SIGNS OF CONTACT WITH THE OIL COOLER PIPE. THE CABLE WILL BE RE-POSITIONED. THE RECALL BEGAN NOVEMBER 20, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT TRIUMPH AT 1-678-854-2010.
Suspension:rear
What's wrong. ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, THERE MAY BE A POOR WELD ON THE REAR SUSPENSION UNIT BODY.
Risk. FAILURE OF THE REAR SUSPENSION UNIT MAY COMPROMISE THE STABILITY OF THE MOTORCYCLE WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Fix. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR SUSPENSION UNITS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 20, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT TRIUMPH AT 1-678-854-2010.
2003 Triumph SpeedMaster recalls 2
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:master Cylinder
What's wrong. ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, IF THE MOTORCYCLE IS DROPPED ONTO THE LEFT SIDE, AIR MAY ENTER THE REAR BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER RESERVOIR.
Risk. IF LEFT UNATTENDED, THE REAR BRAKE MAY NOT OPERATE, RESULTING IN A LOSS OF CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix. DEALERS WILL REPOSITION THE REAR BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER RESERVOIR. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON DECEMBER 31, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT TRIUMPH AT 1-678-854-2010.
Electrical System:starter Assembly
What's wrong. ON SOME MOTORCYCLES, UNDER CERTAIN ASSEMBLY CONDITIONS, THE ELECTRICAL POWER SUPPLY CABLE TO THE STARTER MOTOR MAY COME INTO DIRECT CONTACT WITH THE OIL COOLER RETURN PIPE. THIS COULD CAUSE THE INSULATION ON THE STARTER CABLE TO DEGRADE.
Risk. SHOULD THE STARTER MOTOR CABLE INSULATION BECOME WORN, A 12-VOLT ELECTRICAL SHORT WOULD OCCUR, INCREASING THE RISK OF A FIRE OR NOT ALLOWING THE MOTORCYCLE TO START.
Fix. DEALERS WILL EXAMINE THE CABLE FOR SIGNS OF CONTACT WITH THE OIL COOLER PIPE. THE CABLE WILL BE RE-POSITIONED. THE RECALL BEGAN NOVEMBER 20, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT TRIUMPH AT 1-678-854-2010.
2002 Triumph SpeedMaster recalls 1
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:master Cylinder
What's wrong. ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, IF THE MOTORCYCLE IS DROPPED ONTO THE LEFT SIDE, AIR MAY ENTER THE REAR BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER RESERVOIR.
Risk. IF LEFT UNATTENDED, THE REAR BRAKE MAY NOT OPERATE, RESULTING IN A LOSS OF CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix. DEALERS WILL REPOSITION THE REAR BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER RESERVOIR. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON DECEMBER 31, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT TRIUMPH AT 1-678-854-2010.
Best and worst years for the Triumph SpeedMaster
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint volume across 24 tracked years, the worst years are 2003, 2009, 2017 and the best (fewest complaints) are 1994, 1995, 1996.
ForCar aggregate — our own analysis of complaint volume, not published by NHTSA.
| Year | Owner complaints | Top issue | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1994 SpeedMaster | — | Best | |
| 1995 SpeedMaster | — | Best | |
| 1996 SpeedMaster | — | Best | |
| 1997 SpeedMaster | — | Average | |
| 1998 SpeedMaster | — | Average | |
| 1999 SpeedMaster | — | Average | |
| 2000 SpeedMaster | — | Average | |
| 2001 SpeedMaster | — | Average | |
| 2002 SpeedMaster | — | Average | |
| 2003 SpeedMaster | Vehicle Speed Control | Avoid | |
| 2004 SpeedMaster | — | Average | |
| 2005 SpeedMaster | — | Average | |
| 2006 SpeedMaster | — | Average | |
| 2007 SpeedMaster | — | Average | |
| 2008 SpeedMaster | — | Average | |
| 2009 SpeedMaster | Service Brakes | Avoid | |
| 2010 SpeedMaster | — | Average | |
| 2011 SpeedMaster | — | Average | |
| 2012 SpeedMaster | — | Average | |
| 2013 SpeedMaster | — | Average | |
| 2014 SpeedMaster | — | Average | |
| 2015 SpeedMaster | — | Average | |
| 2016 SpeedMaster | — | Average | |
| 2017 SpeedMaster | — | Avoid |
What are the most common Triumph SpeedMaster problems?
The most-reported Triumph SpeedMaster problems are Service Brakes (1 reports), Vehicle Speed Control (2 reports) — out of 3 owner complaints NHTSA holds for the model. Here's how they break down:
Most-reported components — tap a category to read what owners actually experienced:
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.
Triumph SpeedMaster specifications & dimensions
The 2017 Triumph SpeedMaster. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the Triumph SpeedMaster window sticker.
| Specs cache warming… |
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Triumph SpeedMaster cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the SpeedMaster holds — passengers and cargo. Seating, cargo and interior dimensions vary by trim and seat configuration — decode your VIN for the exact build.
Exact seating capacity, third-row availability, legroom and headroom decode from your VIN or vary by trim — the original factory equipment & options list shows what each trim included.
Passenger & cargo volume from EPA fueleconomy.gov (largest configuration). Seats, legroom and headroom from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
Triumph SpeedMaster tire size, oil type & owner specs
The fitment owners look up most — tires, wheels, oil and batteries. Exact wheel and tire sizes decode from your VIN or the driver's door-jamb placard; the universal items are listed below.
Exact tire, wheel, oil grade, capacity and battery group are added per trim and model year — decode your VIN above for the factory fitment. Universal items shown as-is.
What MPG does the Triumph SpeedMaster get?
MPG cache warming… reload in a moment.
What engines does the Triumph SpeedMaster have? Power & range
Powertrain data warming… reload in a moment.
How much does a Triumph SpeedMaster cost to own?
A Triumph SpeedMaster depreciates at about an average rate. A typical example keeps roughly 46% of its value after five years — losing about 54% to depreciation. Check what a used SpeedMaster is worth today or browse current used-market prices before you buy or sell. Fuel, maintenance and insurance add to the total cost to own.
| Age | Value retained | Est. resale value | Lost to depreciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 80% | $24,000 | −$6,000 |
| Year 2 | 70% | $21,000 | −$9,000 |
| Year 3 | 61% | $18,300 | −$11,700 |
| Year 4 | 53% | $15,900 | −$14,100 |
| Year 5 | 46% | $13,800 | −$16,200 |
What goes into the five-year cost to own:
- Depreciation — the biggest cost: this SpeedMaster loses about 54% of its value over five years. See the full depreciation curve by age.
- Fuel — based on EPA economy at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
- Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the SpeedMaster ages.
- Insurance — varies by driver, state and trim; get a quote for your exact figure.
Resale & depreciation are ForCar estimates from typical segment value-retention curves — not a live market quote. Fuel from EPA fueleconomy.gov at ~15k mi/yr.
Is the Triumph SpeedMaster safe?
NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the SpeedMaster yet — see the top-rated safest cars instead.
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How many miles does a Triumph SpeedMaster last?
A well-maintained Triumph SpeedMaster typically lasts 200,000–250,000 miles. With regular oil, transmission and timing service, most examples comfortably pass the 200,000-mile mark. Its ForCar Reliability Score is 3.5/5.
Check your Triumph SpeedMaster’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this SpeedMaster’s VIN free →All Triumph SpeedMaster model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Triumph SpeedMaster — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 SpeedMaster | 0 | — | — |
| 2016 SpeedMaster | 0 | — | — |
| 2015 SpeedMaster | 1 recall | — | — |
| 2014 SpeedMaster | 1 recall | — | — |
| 2013 SpeedMaster | 0 | — | — |
| 2012 SpeedMaster | 0 | — | — |
| 2011 SpeedMaster | 0 | — | — |
| 2010 SpeedMaster | 0 | — | — |
| 2009 SpeedMaster | 0 | — | — |
| 2008 SpeedMaster | 0 | — | — |
| 2007 SpeedMaster | 0 | — | — |
| 2006 SpeedMaster | 0 | — | — |
| 2005 SpeedMaster | 0 | — | — |
| 2004 SpeedMaster | 3 recalls | — | — |
| 2003 SpeedMaster | 2 recalls | — | — |
| 2002 SpeedMaster | 1 recall | — | — |
| 2001 SpeedMaster | 0 | — | — |
| 2000 SpeedMaster | 0 | — | — |
| 1999 SpeedMaster | 0 | — | — |
| 1998 SpeedMaster | 0 | — | — |
| 1997 SpeedMaster | 0 | — | — |
| 1996 SpeedMaster | 0 | — | — |
| 1995 SpeedMaster | 0 | — | — |
| 1994 SpeedMaster | 0 | — | — |
Recalls = NHTSA campaigns that year · MPG = best EPA combined · Safety = NHTSA overall stars (tested years).
Frequently asked questions
What are the worst years for the SpeedMaster?
By owner-complaint volume, 2003, 2009, 2017 drew the most reports. 1994, 1995, 1996 have the cleanest records.
How many recalls does the SpeedMaster have?
8 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1994–2017. Always check open recalls by your VIN.
How many miles does a SpeedMaster last?
A well-maintained SpeedMaster typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the SpeedMaster reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the SpeedMaster is 3.5/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the Triumph SpeedMaster warranty?
New Triumph models carry a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Triumph dealer.
Where is the Triumph SpeedMaster made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your SpeedMaster's VIN above to see exactly where it was built; Triumph may build it at more than one plant depending on the year.
How much ground clearance does the SpeedMaster have?
Ground clearance varies by trim and drivetrain — AWD/4WD versions often sit higher. Decode your VIN or check the specific trim for the exact figure.