One of our favorite modern classics has just received a major update for 2025. Triumph has refreshed its popular Speed Twin 1200—but the news that has us giddy is the addition of the new, higher-spec Triumph Speed Twin 1200 RS to the range.
The Triumph Speed Twin 1200 sits in Triumph’s neo-retro line-up as a sportier alternative to the Triumph Bonneville T120. Powered by Triumph’s brilliantly lively 1,200 cc parallel-twin motor, the Speed Twin trades the Bonneville’s laid-back vibe for an aggressive stance, 17” alloy wheels, and sharper bodywork. So while it’s stylish, it’s also designed to be ridden in anger.
At a glance, very little separates the new Triumph Speed Twin 1200 [above] from the outgoing one (apart from its new graphics, of course). The changes are subtle, but numerous—and welcomed.
For starters, the 1,200 cc twin now makes 5 PS [4.93 hp] more, bringing its output up to 105 PS [103.56 hp] at 7,750 rpm. It retains its characterful 270-degree firing order and low inertia crankshaft, with torque peaking at 112 Nm. Two electronic rider modes come standard (‘Road’ and ‘Rain’), along with updated cornering ABS and traction control features.
Triumph has tweaked the Speed Twin’s riding position too, by way of higher bars that sit further forward. The 43 mm upside-down forks and twin rear shocks are all updated Marzocchi parts, offering preload adjustment at the back. Triumph-branded radial brake calipers and Metzeler Sportec M9RR tires complete the spec.
Fans of the Speed Twin will notice several visual tweaks too. The fuel tank is more sculpted and boasts a new flip-up filler cap. The side panels are pared-back, flowing from the new, more pronounced throttle body covers.
The whole design is pitched forward, creating a sharp silhouette that amplifies the Speed Twin’s aggressive nature. Parallel lines run through the bike’s side covers, throttle body covers, tank scallops, revised engine covers, and its unique new finned cast aluminum headlight brackets. The LED headlight is new, as is its part-LCD, part-TFT display (and USB-C charging socket).
Other changes include stubbier mufflers, a redesigned bench seat that’s narrower at the front, and new cast aluminum wheels with a modern seven-split-spoke design.
The new Triumph Speed Twin 1200 RS [above] takes this new package and cranks it up to 11. In Triumph’s language, ‘RS’ models are better-specced versions of their non-RS counterparts. Given that Triumph has always pushed the Speed Twin as a sporty modern classic, the addition of an RS variant is long overdue.
The RS designation adds full adjustability to the Speed Twin’s Marzocchi forks and swaps the rear shocks for a pair of fully adjustable Öhlins items. Twin Brembo Stylema calipers grip 320 mm discs at the front, and the bike comes with Metzeler Racetec RR K3 tires.
Triumph has tweaked the Speed Twin 1200 RS ergonomics further, creating a more engaged riding position. The rear end sits higher, and the handlebars lower, than on the base model Speed Twin, with the foot pegs shuffled further back (and slightly higher).
On the tech side, the RS gets an additional ‘Sport’ riding mode, and a quick-shifter; a first for the modern Bonneville platform.
Finally, the Speed Twin 1200 RS gets swankier finishes to differentiate it from its sibling. Available in ‘Baja Orange’ and ‘Sapphire Black,’ it trades the simple striping and ‘1200’ decals on the base model for dedicated ‘RS’ decals and a bank of thin stripes that echo the bike’s polished engine fins. It also gets contrast stitching on the seat, and brushed aluminum fenders.
Official Triumph accessories for both bikes abound—but the most notable pieces are a café racer-style passenger seat cover and clip-on bars [below]. Fit those to the RS, and you have the closest thing Triumph currently offers to the now-defunct Thruxton RS.
Available from December, the Speed Twin 1200 and Speed Twin 1200 RS are priced from £12,495 and £14,495 in the UK, respectively. In the US, those prices start at $13,595 and $15,995.
Tempted? We certainly are.
Source: Triumph Motorcycles
