Triumph Speed Twin 1200 RS Arrives to Head Up Rejuvenated Range

If you want sporty retro kicks with modern technology, there’s a new option for you. The Triumph Speed Twin 1200 RS is a new offering in Hinckley’s Speed 1200 range, which has been thoroughly overhauled for the 2025 model year.

As before, power comes from a 1200cc parallel twin with a 270-degree firing order, but it’s undergone a makeover with new ignition timing and a redesigned camshaft. Triumph says the updated unit pulls “harder for longer up to the rev limit,” and it’s more powerful to boot, producing 104bhp at 7,750rpm up from 99bhp. Peak torque of 83lb ft meanwhile arrives at 4,250rpm.

To go with the rejigged engine, the 43mm Marzocchi upside-down fork and twin Marzocchi rear dampers have been upgraded, with the latter now featuring remote reservoirs. The bars are higher and further forward for a roomier riding position, but for those wanting something a bit sportier, the Speed Twin 1200 RS has a different cockpit with bars further forward and the footpegs raised and put slightly further back. If you want, you can go further still by optioning a set of clip-ons.

The RS features a fully adjustable Marzocchi fork and fancier rear suspension from Öhlins. As on the standard Speed 1200, there are 320mm brake discs up front, but on the RS, they’re paired with Brembo Stylema calipers. Plus, the Metzeler Sportec M9RR tyres used on the rest of the range are switched for Racetec RR K3 hoops from the Pirelli subsidiary.

In terms of tech, regardless of your chosen Speed 120, you’ll get a six-axis inertial measurement unit (IMU), from which the cornering ABS and traction control operate. There are Road and Rain riding modes, joined by a Sport mode on the RS. As on a lot of Triumph models, the dashboard has LCD and TFT elements, with turn-by-turn navigation possible via the latter. The display also features a USB-C socket. 

 

The Speed 1200 might not look hugely different from the old one at a glance, but look closer and you’ll see plenty of changes, including a reshaped tank with “raked lines and deep front cutouts,” plus a new filler cap. The side panels feature a more minimal design than before, and there’s a new LED headlight sporting a fresh daytime running light signature. 

Rounding off the aesthetic changes is a new one-piece bench seat, with a slightly different design employed for the RS.

Want one? You’re looking at £12,495 for the Speed Twin and £14,495 for a Speed Twin RS.