- Öhlins Smart EC3 electronic suspension transforms the Speed Triple, delivering plush road comfort and track-ready control at the push of a button.
- Triumph’s most powerful production bike ever, with a 180.5bhp 1160cc triple that blends huge midrange torque with a thrilling top end.
- More accessible and versatile than before, combining advanced rider aids, everyday usability and classic Speed Triple aggression.
Words: Adam Child Pics: Triumph Motorcycles / Chippy Wood
More than 30 years on from the original Speed Triple’s debut in 1994, Triumph’s most iconic naked bike has evolved into something that would have been unthinkable back then. The latest Speed Triple 1200 RS is not only the most powerful Triumph road bike ever built, it’s also the most technologically advanced machine to roll out of Hinckley.
At 180.5bhp, the new RS packs serious performance, but the headline story isn’t just power. For 2025, Triumph has introduced Öhlins Smart EC3 semi-active suspension, an expanded suite of rider aids and a series of detail updates that collectively turn the Speed Triple into a far more adaptable, confidence-inspiring package — on road and track alike.
A modern Speed Triple, still unmistakably a Speed Triple
Visually, the Speed Triple 1200 RS doesn’t stray far from its predecessor, but spend a moment looking closer and the changes begin to add up. A new seat cowl, revised exhaust and lighter wheels sharpen the bike’s stance, while wider, slightly higher one-piece handlebars subtly improve comfort and leverage. There’s also a new adjustable steering damper, now supplied by Marzocchi.
It still looks aggressive, muscular and unmistakably Speed Triple — just a little more refined, and a little more purposeful.
Smart suspension, properly smart
The biggest upgrade for 2025 is undoubtedly the Öhlins Smart EC3 suspension, a system previously reserved for top-tier machinery like Ducati’s Panigale V4 S and Honda’s Fireblade SP. This is the first time Triumph has fitted the EC3 system to a production bike, and the difference it makes is immediate.
Using Öhlins’ Objective Based Tuning Interface (OBTi), the system continuously adjusts compression and rebound damping while you ride, reacting to road conditions, braking forces, throttle input and lean angle. You can still fine-tune the setup electronically, while spring preload remains manually adjustable.
On rough, broken Portuguese backroads, the EC3 suspension delivers a level of comfort that simply wasn’t possible on the previous manually adjusted RS. Where the old bike could feel firm and unforgiving, the new RS glides over poor surfaces while maintaining excellent control when the pace picks up.
Road first, track later — and the RS handles both
Triumph’s launch plan was simple: one full day on the road, followed by a day at Portimão circuit. Unfortunately, the weather had other ideas, but if anything, the less-than-ideal conditions highlighted just how capable and user-friendly the new RS has become.
In Road mode, the Speed Triple feels almost deceptively civilised. Throttle response is smooth, fuelling is gentle and the semi-active suspension defaults to a comfort-biased setting that works brilliantly in town and at low speeds. It’s so forgiving, in fact, that it briefly makes you forget you’re riding a 180bhp hyper-naked.
Move into the mountains and the magic happens. As speeds increase, the suspension firms up seamlessly, controlling dive under braking and maintaining composure over rough surfaces. There’s no wallow, no harshness — just quiet, constant adjustment in the background.
Switching to Sport mode sharpens the experience without making the bike intimidating. Throttle response becomes more direct, rider aids allow more freedom and the suspension adopts a firmer baseline. The triple’s broad torque delivery means there’s no need to chase revs, yet when you do, the engine pulls hard and sounds every bit the part.
A triple that still knows how to have fun
Despite its sophistication, the Speed Triple hasn’t lost its sense of humour. The lighter wheels and wider bars make it feel more agile and eager to turn, and while 199kg (wet) doesn’t sound especially light, it never feels cumbersome on the road.
The real joy comes from the engine. That familiar surge of triple-cylinder torque makes short-shifting hugely satisfying, while the top end still delivers the kind of performance you expect from a flagship naked. It’s fast without being frantic, exciting without being exhausting.
And crucially, it’s fun — something the Speed Triple lineage has always prioritised.
Electronics that actually help
For 2025, Triumph has expanded the rider aids package with a new four-level front wheel lift control, adjustable engine braking control, and revised traction and ABS strategies. The wheelie control is particularly impressive, ranging from barely hovering the front wheel to holding it impressively high below the balance point.
In poor conditions, the electronics work quietly and effectively in the background. When rear traction breaks, the TC intervenes smoothly, then reintroduces power without drama. There are no bangs, no harsh cuts — just measured, predictable control.
The only frustration is the 5-inch TFT dash, which still feels a little slow to respond and not quite as intuitive as it should be, especially when navigating the wealth of available settings.
Track time, even in the wet
Portimão is a demanding circuit at the best of times, and with rain continuing to fall, conditions were far from ideal. Even so, the Speed Triple RS proved remarkably confidence-inspiring.
With the suspension adjusted electronically in the pits and the rider aids left active, the RS allowed consistent, progressive riding despite changing grip levels. Cornering ABS worked transparently, traction control offered reassurance without intrusion, and the bike remained stable over Portimão’s dramatic crests and compressions.
It may not boast 200bhp bragging rights, but with 180 horses and a mountain of torque, the Speed Triple is still brutally fast — regularly pushing past 250km/h on the straight, even in damp conditions.
One limitation remains: you can’t deactivate wheelie control independently of traction control. On a circuit like Portimão, where blind crests encourage front-wheel lift, that restriction is noticeable — though it’s unlikely to trouble most road riders.
Verdict: three bikes in one
The new Speed Triple 1200 RS leaves few questions unanswered, even with limited dry track time. The Öhlins Smart EC3 suspension transforms the bike, giving it a level of adaptability that genuinely makes it feel like three bikes in one — plush and forgiving on the road, sharp and controlled when ridden hard, and track-ready at the push of a button.
It’s more refined, more accessible and easier to ride than its predecessor, without losing the aggression and character that define the Speed Triple name. The dash could be better and a few electronic limitations remain, but these are minor complaints in an otherwise hugely impressive package.
If this is the direction Triumph’s flagship naked bikes are heading, the competition should be paying very close attention.
2025 Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS FAQ
What’s new on the 2025 Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS?
The biggest update is Öhlins Smart EC3 semi-active suspension, alongside revised rider aids, new wheelie control, updated engine braking and detail styling changes.
How powerful is the Speed Triple 1200 RS?
The 1160cc triple produces 180.5bhp and 128Nm of torque, making it Triumph’s most powerful production road bike to date.
Does the Speed Triple RS have electronic suspension?
Yes. For the first time on a Triumph, the RS uses Öhlins Smart EC3 semi-active electronic suspension with multiple riding and fixed modes.
Is the Speed Triple 1200 RS good for everyday riding?
Yes. Despite its performance, the RS is surprisingly comfortable and forgiving in Road mode, with cruise control, refined fuelling and plush suspension.
How does it compare to rivals like the MT-10 or Tuono V4?
The Triumph focuses more on adaptability and confidence than outright power, offering a friendlier, more versatile ride without sacrificing excitement.
Triumph Speed Triple 1200RS
Price: $30,990 + ORC
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
Type 1160cc water-cooled, 4v per cylinder four-stroke, 3-cylinder
Bore stroke 90×60.8
Compression ratio 13.2:1
Electronic Multipoint sequential electronic fuel injection with electronic throttle control
Transmission Six-speed Quick Shift up/down
Clutch Wet multiplate slip and assist
Power 180.4bhp @ 10,750rpm (claimed)
Torque 128Nm @ 8,750 rpm (claimed)
Top speed 275km/h (est)
Fuel consumption 5.5l/100km
Rider aids: Riding modes (see below). Cornering ABS, 4 x throttle maps, 5 x TC, 4 x engine brake control, 4 x front wheel lift control
Rider Modes: Rain, Road, Sport, Track plus two rider modes
CHASSIS
Frame Aluminium twin-spar frame, bold on aluminium rear subframe
Suspension Type Öhlins Smart EC3
Front 43mm, USD, fully adjustable,120mm travel
Rear Single rear shock, fully adjustable 120mm travel.
Wheels Cast aluminium
Front 3.5 x 17
Rear 6.0 x 17
Tyres Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP V3
Front 120/70 X 17
Rear 190/55 x17
Brakes cornering ABS
Front: 2 x 320mm discs, radially mounted Brembo Stylema caliper
Rear 220mm disc, Brembo twin-piston caliper
DIMENSIONS & WEIGHTS
Weight 199kg. (wet 90% fuel)
Seat height 830mm
Width 810mm
Height 1085mm (no mirrors)
Length 2090mm
Rake 23.9
Trail 104.7mm
Wheelbase 1445mm
Fuel capacity 15.5l
Servicing First 16,000km
Warranty 24 months unlimited mileage country dependant
Colour options: Jet black, Granite/Diablo Red, Granite/Triumph Performance Yellow
Contact www.triumphmotorcycles.co.nz
