One of ours Beloved modern classics just got a major update for 2025. Triumph has refreshed its popular Speed Twin 1200—but the news that has us excited is the addition of the new, higher-spec Triumph Speed Twin 1200 RS to the lineup.
The Triumph Speed Twin 1200 sits in Triumph’s neo-classic range as a sportier alternative to the Bonneville Victory T120. Powered by Triumph’s incredibly lively 1,200cc parallel twin, the Speed Twin trades the Bonneville’s laid-back styling for an aggressive stance, 17-inch alloy wheels and sharper bodywork. So while it’s stylish, it’s also designed to be ridden with fury.
At first glance, there’s very little difference between the new Triumph Speed Twin 1200 [above] compared to the previous version (except for the new graphics, of course). The changes are subtle but numerous—and welcome.
For starters, the 1,200cc twin engine now produces 5 PS [4.93 hp] Furthermore, bringing the power up to 105 PS [103.56 hp] at 7,750 rpm. It retains the signature 270-degree firing order and low-inertia crankshaft, with peak torque at 112 Nm. Two electronic riding modes are standard (‘Road’ and ‘Rain’), along with updated traction control and cornering ABS.
Triumph has also tweaked the Speed Twin’s riding position, with taller bars that sit further forward. The 43mm upside-down forks and twin rear shocks are updated Marzocchi units, with preload adjustment at the rear. Triumph-branded radial brake calipers and Metzeler Sportec M9RR tyres round out the spec.
Speed Twin fans will also notice some visual changes. The fuel tank is more sculpted and features a new flip-up fuel filler cap. The side panels are slimmer, flowing from new, more pronounced throttle covers.
The entire design is forward-facing, creating a sharp silhouette that accentuates the Speed Twin’s aggressive nature. Parallel lines run through the side panels, throttle cover, fuel tank cover, revised engine cover and a unique new finned cast aluminium headlight bracket. The headlight is new LED, as is the part-LCD, part-TFT display (and USB-C charging socket).
Other changes include shorter exhaust pipes, redesigned narrower seats at the front and new cast aluminium wheels with a modern split seven-spoke design.
New Triumph Speed Twin 1200 RS [above] Take this new package and crank it up to 11. In Triumph’s language, the ‘RS’ models are a better spec version than the non-RS versions. With Triumph always pushing the Speed Twin as a modern sports classic, the addition of an RS variant was 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 units. Twin Brembo Stylema calipers clamp 320mm discs up front, and the bike is shod with Metzeler Racetec RR K3 tires.
Triumph has further refined the ergonomics of the Speed Twin 1200 RS, creating a more engaging riding position. The rear end is higher and the handlebars are lower than on the base Speed Twin, with the footpegs moved further back (and a little higher).
Tech-wise, the RS gets a ‘Sport’ riding mode and a quickshifter; a first for the modern Bonneville platform.
Finally, the Speed Twin 1200 RS gets a sleeker finish to differentiate it from its sibling. Available in ‘Baja Orange’ and ‘Sapphire Black’, it swaps the base model’s simple pinstriping and ‘1200’ stickers for dedicated ‘RS’ stickers and a series of thin pinstripes that mirror the bike’s polished engine blades. It also gets contrast stitching on the seat and brushed aluminium fenders.
There are plenty of official Triumph accessories for both bikes—but the most notable pieces are the cafe racer-style seat cover and clip-on handlebars. [below]. Fit those to the RS, and you’ve got the closest thing Triumph currently offers to the now-discontinued Thruxton RS.
Available from December, the Speed Twin 1200 and Speed Twin 1200 RS will cost £12,495 and £14,495 respectively in the UK. In the US, the bikes start at $13,595 and $15,995.
Do you want it? We sure do.
Source: Triumph Motorcycles
