2025 Triumph Speed Twin 1200: Modern Bite

Updated for 2025 with more power, new rider aids, suspension tweaks, and a TFT dash
Classic style meets modern usability thanks to friendlier Metzeler M9RR tyres and strong brakes
Still a soulful big twin, now sharper for Kiwi backroads and everyday riding

First Impressions: Modern Classic, More Modern

Triumph’s Speed Twin 1200 has always lived in the space between retro cool and real-world performance. For 2025, it hasn’t been reinvented, but subtle updates push it closer to the modern side of the equation. Alongside the standard model sits the sportier RS, but even the base version benefits from extra horsepower, lean-sensitive ABS and traction control, plus revised suspension and brakes. One big change is the new TFT dash replacing the classic twin clocks — divisive for some, but it feels right at home on a bike leaning into its modern identity.

A Familiar Face, Sharpened

The styling remains recognisably Speed Twin: low tank, brushed engine cases, twin exhausts, and those cheeky faux Monza cap and cooling fins. But the real difference riders will notice is the rubber. Triumph has switched to Metzeler Sportec M9 RR tyres, ditching the track-oriented set-up of previous years for something friendlier and more confidence-inspiring on New Zealand’s mixed-condition roads.

Ergonomics: Style Meets Sacrifice

With its narrow 805mm saddle, rear-set pegs and upright bars, the Speed Twin positions you for spirited rides. It’s light at 216kg and accessible for shorter riders, though long stints reveal the firm seat’s limits. The new TFT instruments (borrowed from Triumph’s Tiger Sport) pack plenty of info but lack the class of last year’s chrome-ringed clocks.

Engine: The Beating Heart

The 1,200cc parallel-twin remains the star. With 103.5hp and 112Nm of torque, delivered with a charismatic 270-degree crank, it’s a flexible and entertaining motor. Strong from 3,000rpm, surging through the midrange, and happy to rev out, it defines the bike’s character. A slick six-speed gearbox and light clutch keep things smooth, while the upswept exhausts add just enough growl — though aftermarket cans will tempt most owners.

Handling & Braking

On the road, the Speed Twin is fun and confidence-inspiring. The 43mm Marzocchi forks are firm and non-adjustable, while the rear shocks handle bumps more gracefully. Brembo radial-mount calipers provide strong braking, and with the grippy new Metzelers, the bike feels planted in Kiwi twisties. It’s sporty without being intimidating — exactly the kind of ride you’ll want on weekend blasts.

Who’s It For?

The Speed Twin isn’t a tourer or a razor-sharp sportsbike. Instead, it’s for riders who want retro looks with modern rideability — a stylish, muscular twin that’s happiest on backroads, café runs, and urban rides. Competing with bikes like the BMW R nineT, Ducati Scrambler 1100 and Moto Guzzi V7, it nails the formula of classic appeal without classic compromises.

Verdict

The 2025 Triumph Speed Twin 1200 proves that “modern classic” doesn’t have to mean old-fashioned compromises. With its updated engine, sharper electronics, and friendlier tyres, it delivers more fun and confidence while keeping its unmistakable character. For Kiwi riders who want a bike that looks the part and feels alive on our roads, this is Triumph getting the formula just right.