2025 Triumph Speed Twin 1200 and Speed Twin 1200 RS Preview

Sharper, faster, and more focused than ever: that’s what Triumph Motorcycles is after with its latest Speed Twin 1200, which gets a host of updates to both design and performance. The most exciting among them? The Speed Twin is getting the “RS” treatment for 2025.

This announcement comes on the heels of Triumph’s confirmation that the beloved Thruxton cafe racer is leaving the lineup next year. If first impressions are anything to go by, the Speed Twin looks poised to fill the void as Triumph’s performance-oriented retro bike.

Case in point: The Speed Twin 1200′s chassis is reworked for 2025, and the new bike will sport upgraded Marzocchi suspension with a 43mm fork up front and preload-adjustable shocks out back. The RS variant takes things a step further by adding full adjustability to the Marzocchi front end and premium Öhlins shocks at the rear.

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Triumph says the chassis improvements make for a more focused, dynamic ride that’s more engaging on a twisty road. Those refinements are also complemented by an upgraded electronics suite, which includes optimized cornering ABS and traction control to match the Speed 1200′s sporty character.

Compared to last year’s bike, the handlebars for the base model are both taller and further forward to give the new machine a more spacious feel from the saddle. The RS model, on the other hand, offers more committed ergonomics with a longer reach to the bars, higher rearset footpegs, and a slightly raised rear end for sharper handling.

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The Speed Twin’s character-laden 1,200cc engine returns with a few tweaks as well, according to the Hinckley firm. Initial specs claim the 270-degree parallel twin will now rev longer and harder, netting an additional 5 ponies for a total peak output of 103.5 hp at 7,750 rpm.

Two riding modes, Road and Rain, will come as standard equipment for the base Speed Twin 1200. The RS version will also feature a performance-oriented Sport mode with sharper throttle response and optimized traction control settings.

In a first for Triumph’s Bonneville-based lineup, Speed Twin RS models will also come with an up-and-down quickshifter fitted as standard. Triumph was careful to hide this hardware behind the shift lever itself though, so the classic look and feel of the bike are maintained despite the extra tech. Other notable upgrades for the RS trim include a pair of Brembo Stylema brakes up front, premium paint and RS badging, and sticky Metzeler Racetec RR K3 tires.

Both the Speed Twin 1200 and 1200 RS are scheduled to hit dealerships this December, with preorders available now at triumphmotorcycles.com. Pricing for the two models starts at $13,595 and $15,995, respectively, but a litany of factory accessories will be available as usual ranging from quilted seats to clip-on handlebars.