Twice the Twin, Twice the Fun: The 2025 Triumph Speed Twin 1200 & RS
POSTED: 09/08/2025
When Classic Meets Corner Control
Picture riding from Newcastle towards the uplands of the Cheviot hills heading for the Anglo Scottish border, the Speed Twin’s deep thrum echoing off the moorland. Or cruising the Northumberland coast, the RS’s premium suspension smoothing bumps that lesser bikes would shudder over. This blend of retro charm and modern performance makes the new Speed Twin 1200 and its sharper sibling, the RS, not just beautiful, but brilliantly rideable.
Vintage Looks, Modern Performance
Triumph’s 2025 Speed Twin updates the storied Bonneville silhouette with sculpted tanks, sleek side panels, and a flip-up filler cap, classic looks with a contemporary edge. Built on the same Bonneville 1200 platform, both models deliver a 105 PS engine tuned for tractable midrange torque and smoother revs.
Real-World Ride Impressions in the UK
Visual and spec updates aside, what truly elevates the RS is the ride. MCN praises the RS for its sharp chassis, extra power, and up/down quickshifter. Calling it a retro-style bike wearing modern, capable clothes that still feels "plush enough to keep your fillings in".
Meanwhile, Autotrader's comparison nails the Speed Twin 1200's personality: “105 bhp, but it’s the 112 Nm torque figure that defines its character,” making daily riding feel both smooth and powerful. They note motorway touring might be less ideal due to wind exposure, but say the RS’s braked and suspension upgrades encourage you to push harder.
From the community, riders share their love:
“It’s super comfortable to ride but don’t let the looks fool you, it’s amazing all-around… the quick shifter is amazing.”
Reddit
“Coming from a Honda Rebel 500. The difference is really insane, I felt like I had 2.5 Rebels underneath me… very likely to be my Rebel replacement.”
Reddit
Speed Twin 1200 Tech Specs
Speed Twin 1200 RS Tech Specs
| Feature | Speed Twin 1200 | Speed Twin 1200 RS |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1200 cc liquid-cooled parallel twin | Same engine: 105 PS @ 7,750 rpm / 112 Nm @ 4,250 rpm |
| Ergonomics | Upright, relaxed riding position | More engaged—bars forward, pegs higher/rear-set |
| Suspension | 43mm non-adj Marzocchi forks; preload-only rear | Fully adjustable Marzocchi front & Öhlins RSUs rear |
| Brakes & Tyres | Triumph-branded radials; Metzeler Sportec M9RR | Brembo Stylema calipers; Metzeler Racetec RR K3 tyres |
| Rider Aids | Modes, ABS, traction control | Adds Sport mode and Triumph Shift Assist quickshifter |
| Price (OTR) | £12,695 | £14,695 |
| Weight / Seat Height | ~216kg wet, ~805mm | ~216kg wet, ~810mm |
|
All correct at time of publication and subject to change without notice |
Just How Do They Stack Up?
The Speed Twin 1200 offers a bold upgrade for Bonneville riders, from Street Twin or T120, to enjoy epic torque and agile handling. It's priced above rivals like BMW R nineT or Kawasaki Z900RS, but offers a richer spec package.
The RS accelerates the appeal further, sportified ergonomics, a noticeable suspension durability bump, and Brembo brakes give it real corner-carving potential. If you're after modern classic fun with performance edge, it's hard to beat.
Choose Your Twin
Speed Twin 1200: Clean lines, relaxed ergonomics and enough tech to stay relevant—perfect for stylish weekend cruisers who value comfort and character.
Speed Twin 1200 RS: Sportier setup, sharper dynamic feel, and legit performance hardware—ideal for riders who want that retro look without sacrificing corner authority.
Why Choose Triumph Newcastle
At Triumph Newcastle, we understand what riders in the North East want: a motorcycle that handles coast, moor and city with equal ease. Choose your perfect Speed Twin and we’ll help with seamless test rides, the latest promotional offers, and tailored finance options. Ride beautifully. Ride truly. Ride home on a Triumph. #fortheride
Newcastle Motorcycles are licenced by the FCA (registration number 660607) as a non-independent credit broker. Newcastle Motorcycles has access to a limited number of lenders as a non-independent credit broker. Finance available subject to credit acceptance to UK residents aged 18 or over. Guarantees and indemnities may be required. Terms and conditions apply. Offer may be varied, withdrawn or extended at any time. All figures are correct at time of publication but may be subject to change. What does this mean? Essentially, we’re non-independent because we only work with a limited number of finance providers and cannot search nor advise on the whole market for your best option to fit your circumstances. What’s a credit broker? We make introductions on your behalf to a limited number of lenders, but we are not the lender itself. Meaning for example, when you take out finance on a new Honda motorcycle we may introduce you to Honda Finance Europe (the lender) and your finance agreement is between you and them. We are not an independent financial advisor. We may advise you on the products, subject to your personal circumstances, though you are not obliged to take our advice or recommendation. What about fees and commission? We don’t charge you a fee for an introduction to a lender, however the lender typically may pay us commission for a successful introduction. We do not charge you a fee for our services. Whichever lender we introduce you to, we will typically receive commission from them (either a fixed fee or a fixed percentage of the amount you borrow). The lenders we work with could pay commission at different rates. However, the amount of commission that we receive from a lender does not have an effect on the amount that you pay to that lender under your credit agreement.” All of our finance is offered at the same rate to each customer, we don’t vary the rate. How am I scored? Different lenders have different methods of scoring you for your suitability of your finance application. We are not privy to the score, nor how they arrive at it. We only get notification of an acceptance, referral or decline. If you want to speak to any of the finance providers, their details are below. If you want to make a complaint Please telephone or write to the following address in the first instance. We’ll endeavour to resolve any complaint quickly and painlessly. If you want to write to the finance houses directly, please see the details below Newcastle Motorcycles Ltd, Dealer Principal, 195-199 Scotswood Road, Newcastle. NE4 7DD Tel: 0191 282 2868
