Triumph updates the Speed Twin 1200. As an RS, it recalls the Thruxton.
The Speed Twin 1200 retro bike is one of the most popular motorcycles in the Triumph range. They have now unveiled the revised 1200 for 2025.
(Image: Triumph)
- Ingo Gach
The Speed Twin 1200 retro bike is one of the best-selling Triumph models. It is successfully nostalgic, despite its water cooling, without which it would not achieve such modern performance and emission values. The British company has now unveiled the revised 1200 for 2025.
The Speed Twin with the powerful 1200cc twin cylinder (test) has long since established itself and proven itself. As the somewhat sportier Thruxton 1200 on the same technical basis was discontinued this year with the "Final Edition", but Triumph does not want to do without it completely, they have come up with a trick in Hinckley. In the future, the Speed Twin 1200 will be available as a standard and an RS version. The latter has a fully adjustable fork from Marzocchi, spring shock absorbers from Öhlins and brake callipers from Brembo. Triumph offers a set of clip-on handlebars and an attachable seat hump as accessories for an extra charge – the result looks like the previous Thruxton.
Look of the 70s
But even the standard version of the Speed Twin 1200 is a sight to behold. There was hardly anything to improve on the look of the bike in the 70s style, it was the details that were tweaked. The tank has been given a striking cut-out at the front and redesigned bulges for the knees, and there is also a new fuel filler cap. The paintwork with its two-tone color scheme is striking. The side covers and the front mudguard have been redesigned and the throttle cover is made of brushed aluminum. The engine covers are somewhat slimmer and more angular, and the two rear silencers have a more compact shape.
More comfort
Its round headlight has a new LED light signature and a new brushed aluminum frame. The rider should be transported more comfortably on the Speed Twin 1200 and the wide handlebars are now 22 mm higher and cranked further forward, resulting in a more upright riding position.
The rider now sits on a flatter contoured seat which, at 805 mm seat height, is slightly lower and embroidered with fine decorative stitching. Triumph promises more comfort thanks to the narrower seat at the front, which also results in a shorter crotch arch length so that even smaller riders can get both feet safely on the ground.
New cockpit
The previous cockpit with two analog round instruments has been dropped in favor of a single round instrument, which consists of a TFT and LC display. It is supposed to exude minimalism, but whether this solution is the last word in wisdom remains to be seen. At least the 1200 has Bluetooth connectivity with the smartphone, which enables arrow navigation, and the headlight housing has a USB plug on the side for charging electrical devices. The standard Speed Twin 1200 has a non-adjustable fork with 120 mm travel from Marzocchi; at the rear, two preload-adjustable shock absorbers from the same brand work on 116 mm travel, now with compensation reservoirs. It is decelerated at the front wheel by two radially mounted four-piston brake callipers on 320 mm brake discs, the origin of which is concealed by "Triumph" lettering.
Five PS more
The development department has also taken a close look at the engine. It now complies with the Euro5+ standard and has nevertheless been boosted by five PS to 105 PS at 7750 rpm, partly through the use of different cam profiles. The maximum torque of 112 Nm at 4250 rpm remains unchanged. The power is still transmitted via an anti-hopping clutch. The steel central tube frame has not changed, but the rear frame has been made narrower and the aluminum swingarm has also been redesigned. The cast aluminum rims have been given filigree double spokes and the standard Speed Twin is fitted with Metzeler Sportec M9 RR tyres in 120/70-17 at the front and 160/60-17 at the rear.
RS as a sportier variant
One of the differences between the Speed Twin 1200 RS is the slightly sportier seat ergonomics. To achieve this, the rear is raised slightly so that the seat height increases to 810 mm, and the handlebars are lower and allow the rider to reach further forward thanks to the offset. At the same time, the footrests are slightly higher and positioned further back. Apart from the already mentioned higher-quality and adjustable suspension, the RS is fitted with Metzeler Racetec RR K3 tires. It is decelerated by radially mounted Stylema brake calipers from Brembo.
Optimized cornering ABS
Both models will receive improved cornering ABS and cornering slip control for 2025; on the RS, a sport mode can also be selected in the menu, which makes the throttle response more spontaneous and allows the slip control to intervene later. The RS offers a quickshifter as standard for gear changes without using the clutch; it is not even available at extra cost for the standard model. Even though the wheelbase, steering head angle and caster differ only minimally from its predecessor, the Speed Twin 1200 is said to have become more agile thanks to the new suspension elements. At 1414 mm, the wheelbase on the RS is one millimeter longer than on the standard model and the fork is two degrees steeper at 67.4 degrees. The kerb weight for both is stated as 216 kg.
Plenty of accessories
The standard version is available in Carnival Red, Aluminum Silver and Chrystal White, while the RS is available in Baja Orange and Sapphire Black. Both models should be available from dealers from January 2025, with the Speed Twin 1200 carrying a price tag of 13,895 euros according to the manufacturer's recommendation, while the RS is available from 16,195 euros. As usual, there are plenty of extras in the in-house accessories store.
