- Updated 1200cc twin delivers grunty midrange performance with 105hp and a visceral riding feel.
- RS upgrades include Marzocchi forks, Öhlins shocks, Stylema brakes and Racetec tyres for true modern-sport ability.
- Lean-sensitive electronics, a new TFT dash and refined ergonomics make it a fast, accessible and surprisingly sophisticated road weapon.
Earlier this year, when it was decidedly cooler, we spent some time with Triumph’s performance retro, the Speed Twin 1200RS. With the first ride almost ending in disaster, it didn’t dampen the experience of riding what is a seriously quick motorcycle with plenty of style.
I was glad I’d stuck the GoPro onto the glorious orange tank of the new Speed Twin RS before heading out on a crisp Waikato afternoon. What I captured was one of the biggest “moments” of my riding life—one of those sideways heart-stopping seconds where you somehow don’t end up on the ground.
Hamilton had been frozen that morning, but by 2pm I was sure the worst of it would be gone. I made the usual mental notes: avoid the shaded stuff, tiptoe through the dark patches, respect winter. So when I leaned into a right-hander, keeping deliberately wide of the shadowed edge, the front letting go so violently that my brain barely had time for an “oh sh—!” was not part of the plan. My foot shot off the peg, hit the deck and somehow caught the slide, saving what should’ve been a textbook low-side.
There was no skill involved—this was dumb luck wearing motorcycle boots. A corner later, with my heart rate refusing to return to normal, the reason revealed itself: the road was blanketed in gravel and ice. Two more corners on and a council truck sat parked beside a temporary warning sign, hazards flashing, guarding two upside-down cars. So no, winter hadn’t quite left the Waikato. I’d just managed to find its leftovers.
Yep, we always love winter testing season…!
Classic Style, Modern Bite
Triumph’s 2025 Speed Twin lineup comes in two flavours: the standard model and this, the up-spec RS. Both use the latest evolution of Triumph’s 1200cc parallel twin with its charismatic 270° crank, and while peak power receives a modest 5hp bump to 105hp at 7,750rpm, it’s not the headline figure that defines the bike.
It’s how the big twin delivers its goods.
Wind it past 4,000rpm and the engine takes on a wonderfully mechanical, almost visceral feel. Every twist of the throttle sends a surge through the bike—strong, grunty, eager—yet without the frantic rev-chasing of a conventional sportsbike. The 8,000rpm redline feels almost irrelevant; the RS lives in the midrange, and it lives well.
Compared with the standard model, the RS looks noticeably sharper. Gold highlights break up the bold orange tank, and the chassis upgrades move it firmly into sports territory: fully adjustable Marzocchi forks up front, a pair of premium Öhlins shocks out back, Brembo Stylema calipers and Metzeler Racetec RR rubber. It’s a combination that immediately communicates intent.
Classic? Yes. Mild? Absolutely not.
Winter Roads, Serious Performance
My second test ride blessed me with a slightly warmer but still very wintery day. Winter never does performance bikes any favours, and the Racetecs—sensational in summer—were doing their best impression of cold stoneware. Even so, the Speed Twin RS was surprisingly confidence-inspiring.
Its 216kg wet weight and relaxed wheelbase mean it’s not a nervous animal; instead it carries a calm, planted demeanour, the kind that lets you build pace even when grip is questionable. The torque peak arrives at 4,500rpm, and when it does, the RS lunges forward with instant urgency. It’s deeply satisfying.
The quickshifter needs a moment to understand. Treat it like a four-cylinder low in the revs and you’ll get a shove from the crank as the engine catches up. Use the clutch at small throttle openings, or better yet, get the twin spinning above midrange and it transforms into one of the sweetest shifting gearboxes you’ll find on a neo-retro.
This is where the bike’s dual personality emerges. It looks traditional. It rides modern.
Sharp Handling, Smooth Delivery
At 810mm, the seat height is welcoming, and the long flat saddle shapes nicely into the tank. The rear-set pegs and slightly lower bars make the RS noticeably sportier than its sibling, and the bike responds well to a bit of rider input. Stick a knee out, weight the pegs, and the RS rewards your effort with genuine agility.
The Öhlins twin shocks are outstanding. They glide over rough sections without a hint of harshness yet stay taut when the pace lifts. The Marzocchi forks feel plush too—perhaps even a touch softer than expected—but the entire package works beautifully on real roads. Brembo Stylemas provide serious stopping force with superb feel, adding to the overall polished dynamic.
Despite its retro silhouette, this thing absolutely rips when you let it.
Tech Updates That Matter
The new TFT dash replaces the old twin analog clocks. It’s clean, simple and doesn’t pretend to compete with Triumph’s high-end adventure screens. It shows the essentials without fuss: a big gear indicator, clear speed, and accessible trip info.
Ride modes are refreshingly straightforward—Rain, Road and Sport—selected via an “M” button and activated with a quick roll-off and press. Road mode is smooth and refined; Sport sharpens the throttle without becoming snatchy. I was happy to leave it in Sport even while cruising, though Road is ideal for slow or delicate riding.
Cornering ABS and traction control (Road, Wet or Off) are managed by a lean-sensitive IMU, giving the RS modern safety credentials without overcomplicating the ride.
A Gentleman’s Sportsbike
Some bikes just make you feel good. The Speed Twin RS is one of them. Park it in the shed and you’ll steal one last glance before turning the light off. Park it at a café and you’ll catch people admiring it. Ride it down a favourite backroad and you’ll wonder why anyone would need more.
It’s quick, stylish, charismatic and capable of far more than its old-school looks suggest. With premium suspension, serious brakes and a forgiving, torquey heart, the RS becomes something rare in the modern market:
A proper sportsbike for grown-ups—fast, engaging, and classy without trying too hard.
Triumph has blended lines, eras and attitudes here, and the result is a bike that feels every bit as good as it looks.
Specifications
2025 Triumph Speed Twin 1200 / Speed Twin 1200RS
New price $26,990 + ORC
Capacity 1200cc
Bore x Stroke 97.6mm x 80mm
Engine layout Parallel Twin
Engine details Water-cooled, 4v per cylinder. SOHC 270 degree crank
Power 103.5hp @ 7750rpm
Torque 112Nm @ 4,250 rpm
Transmission 6 speed – chain drive
Average fuel consumption 4.4l/100km
Tank size 14.5 litres
Rider aids Lean sensitive TC and ABS, plus rider modes, Road
Rain Sport
Frame Tubular steel, with steel cradles
Front suspension 43mm USD Marzocchi forks, 120mm travel
Rear suspension Twin Öhlins RSUs with external reservoirs, adjustable for pre-load, compression and rebound damping. 123 mm wheel travel
Front brake Twin Ø 320mm floating discs, Brembo Stylema M4.30 radial calipers, OCABS
Rear brake Nissin 2-piston floating caliper, 220mm disc w/ cornering ABS
Front wheel / tyre 120/70×17 Metzeler Racetec RRK3
Rear wheel / tyre 160/60-17 RS Metzeler Racetec RRK3
Dimensions (LxWxH) Width 792mm, Height 1127mm
Wheelbase 1414mm
Seat height 805mm (std) (RS 810mm)
Weight 216kg (wet)
Warranty 2-Years
Service 16,000km or 12 months
Website www.triumphmotorcycles.co.nz
Round-Up
The 2025 Triumph Speed Twin 1200 RS brings together retro styling and modern performance with a 105hp 1200cc twin, Marzocchi forks, Öhlins rear shocks, Brembo Stylema brakes and Racetec RR tyres. A new TFT dash, ride modes, lean-sensitive traction control and cornering ABS complement the torquey engine and stable chassis. With sporty ergonomics, premium suspension and accessible midrange grunt, the Speed Twin RS offers a refined yet rapid ride, blending classic character with modern capability.
