Triumph launch sizzling new Speed Twin 1200 RS! Retro naked lands alongside revised standard model

Triumph Motorcycles are kicking off another year of new model reveals with an updated Speed Twin 1200 retro roadster, plus a new sportier RS model with optional clip-on bars to transform it into a classy café racer.

We first caught wind of the incoming upright machines on September 3 when social media teasers began appearing online. A £1000 accessory contribution is also available for the outgoing bike until September 30 as the manufacturer attempts to clear current stock.

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Designed to fit into the retro sporting space left vacant by the Thruxton 1200, which will leave Triumph’s range at the end of 2024, the new £14,495 RS model shares the same chassis and motor as the standard Speed, but is beefed up with more advanced suspension, a quickshifter, and more.

This engine is a modernised Euro5+ version of the 1200cc liquid-cooled parallel twin, 8 valve, SOHC unit found in the Speed since its inception since 2019.

Power has now been upped from a claimed 98.6bhp at 7250rpm to 103.5bhp at 7750rpm, with peak torque of 82.7lb.ft arriving at just 4250rpm. Internal revisions include a new camshaft and ignition timing, with the former helping Triumph to achieve the higher revs.

“The new Speed Twin 1200 RS is more focused, more engaging and with even sharper responses,” Chief Product Officer Steve Sargent said. “It’s designed for riders who want the absolute best in dynamic performance, with classic sporty looks.

“The updates to the new Speed Twin 1200 are a significant evolution for this much-loved model, and as always, we’ve made sure we retain the superior handling and classic style that everyone admires, while introducing extra power and technology that improves the riding experience seamlessly.”

New exhausts fitted

Housing the new shared motor is a minimalist tubular steel cradle chassis, flanked by two into two twin exit exhaust, completed by new compact brushed stainless-steel silencers.

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The end cans sit close to the twin rear shocks which, in the case of the RS, come in the form of fully adjustable twin Öhlins units finished in gold – raising the standard 805mm seat height by 5mm.

These are paired with 43mm fully adjustable upside down Marzocchi forks, Brembo M4.30 Stylema radial calipers on 320mm discs, and newly designed 17in rims shod with Metzeler Racetec RR K3 trackday rubber – incidentally the same tyres found on the current outgoing standard bike.

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The riding position has also been adjusted for more focus and whilst the handlebars remain at the same height as before, they have been moved forwards to bring the rider into tank. The additional optional clip-ons will be one of over 50 extras for the Speed family.

The footpegs are slightly raised and sit further back too, which has allowed for the inclusion of an up/down quickshifter – a first for Triumph models using this engine platform. It won’t be available on the standard bike, due to packaging constraints.

Electronic rider aids

Both versions of the Speed are also kitted with a six-axis IMU to allow for lean sensitive electronic rider aids. Keeping you upright will be cornering ABS, and traction control – plus a Road and Rain riding mode. With the RS being more focussed, there’s unsurprisingly also a third Sport mode that sharpens throttle response and limits traction control intervention.

This is all controlled via a part LCD, part TFT display, that allows for turn-by-turn navigation and phone connectivity, plus an inbuilt USB-C charging socket.

Standard Triumph Speed Twin 1200

For 2025, there will be two versions of the Triumph Speed 1200, with the £12,495 OTR standard version holding the closest resemblance to the current machine.

You get the same, slightly more powerful and rev hungry motor and chassis – as well as the same subtle styling revisions with lashings of aluminium, and 14.5-litre fuel tank, however some of the running gear is a little more basic to help keep the costs down.

The brakes, for example, are Triumph branded four-piston front calipers, rather than blingy Brembos, although they both feature Nissin rear stoppers.

The twin shocks are now preload adjustable Marzocchis too, contributing to a gentle 805mm seat height. The forks come from the same brand, and promise 120mm of wheel travel, but no adjustment.

Where the RS gets sticky Racetec rubber, the standard bike also gets more road-focussed Metzeler Sportec M9RRs – an option that’s likely to be better for the majority of customers with better wet weather performance and a likely longer lifespan. Both bikes roll on 17in wheels, with a 120 front and 160 rear, meaning plenty of options for alternatives if desired.

Both Speeds also get gentle alterations to their appearance, with an LED front headlight with DRL functionality. The one-piece bench seats are reprofiled too to be shallower and more sculpted, with the RS perch featuring a napped finish for the rider.

Three colour options come available as standard, and two on the RS – including a striking Baja Orange.

Watch our 2019 Triumph Speed Twin 1200 review video: