Triumph Speed Twin 1200
2025 Triumph Speed Twin 1200: 105 hp, 112 Nm 1200 twin, 216 kg, €15,295. Full specs, press reviews, generations and rivals.
At a glance
The Triumph Speed Twin 1200 is a retro roadster powered by a 105 hp, 112 Nm, 1,200 cc parallel twin, fitted since 2025 with cornering ABS and traction control. Priced at €15,295 (€15,895 in two-tone paint, €17,595 for the better-equipped RS), it requires a full A licence, as Triumph France does not offer an A2 kit for this model. Reviewers praise its torquey engine, finish and comfort, but criticise over-cautious, non-adjustable traction control, the lack of a Sport mode, a non-adjustable fork and engine heat.
World press review
Meta-score
9 sources
Press ratings
Score for the standard version (the RS also gets 4/5). Fast, fun, all-day comfortable and easy; superb handling and brakes despite modest hardware; throttle response less polished than other Triumphs, non-adjustable suspension, new instrument at odds with the retro style.
Score for the standard version (89/100 for the RS). Classic style with real performance, modern electronics, abundant torque; intrusive traction control in Road mode, slightly abrupt throttle response.
MOTORRAD 1,000-point system, standard version, 3rd of 4 in a comparison with the BMW R 12 S, Yamaha XSR 900 and Kawasaki Z 900 RS (the RS scored 663 in a separate comparison against the BMW R 12 nineT in February 2025). Brawny twin, happiest between 2,500 and 5,000 rpm despite very long gearing; comfortable and unflappable in fast sweepers but a little stiff in quick direction changes; strong brakes but the ABS could be more refined; new TFT display seen as cheaper-looking than the old round clocks, equipment downgraded from the 2024 model.
More grunt, a better chassis and a clearer identity than the previous Speed Twin; the more forgiving standard bike does 90% of what the RS does, a true sporty retro whose quickshifter can be clunky.
Very comfortable standard bike with a smooth, torquey engine, steering 'more labrador than greyhound' but effective; limits when ridden very hard (soft rear, demanding brakes, ABS that cuts in early), non-adjustable traction control, no wheelie control.
The standard bike's brakes and suspension are adequate on the road, with almost the same capability as the RS; firm seat after a few hours, engine heat on the knees at low speed.
Strong grunt from low revs, high-quality craftsmanship, agile handling and relaxed ergonomics that suit even tall riders; engine heat at a standstill, traction control too cautious in Road with no Sport mode, suspension soon at its limits when ridden hard.
Exceptional finish and an engine full of torque; the standard bike is more accessible and well balanced, the RS sportier; no Sport mode on the standard bike and non-adjustable traction control.
Looks, finish, engine and sound praised; the standard bike, 'more rational, without falling short dynamically', loses some of the RS's aura: non-adjustable fork, shocks without damping adjustment, 'soulless' LCD/TFT instruments.
Press synthesis
What the world’s press says
The 2025 generation was launched to the press in Majorca in late 2024 and reviews appeared in November and December 2024, mostly covering the standard bike and the RS together. Three publications score the standard version: MCN (4/5), Motorcycle.com (87/100) and MOTORRAD (670/1000 on its points system). The 78/100 score is the average of these three. The RS scores (4/5 from MCN, 89/100 from Motorcycle.com, 663/1000 from MOTORRAD) are quoted for comparison but excluded from the calculation. Visordown, Cycle World, RevZilla Common Tread, 1000PS, Moto.it and Le Repaire des Motards tested it without a score.
What reviewers like: a very torquey twin with a strong soundtrack (MOTORRAD, 1000PS, Moto.it, Cycle World), a remarkable finish (1000PS, Moto.it, Le Repaire des Motards), praised comfort (MCN, Cycle World, 1000PS), handling and brakes rated superb by MCN, and a more cohesive chassis than before (MOTORRAD, Visordown). For Visordown and Common Tread alike, the standard bike does almost everything the RS does; for MCN, it is even more enjoyable on the road.
What they criticise: non-adjustable traction control that is too cautious in Road mode (MOTORRAD, 1000PS, Motorcycle.com), no Sport mode (Moto.it, 1000PS), a non-adjustable fork and suspension that soon reaches its limits when ridden hard (MCN, 1000PS, Cycle World, Le Repaire des Motards), slightly abrupt throttle response (MCN, Motorcycle.com), less progressive brakes (MOTORRAD), engine heat (1000PS, Common Tread), a firm seat (Common Tread) and an LCD/TFT instrument seen as out of step with the style (MCN, Le Repaire des Motards).
Key quotes
"The throttle response isn’t as polished as many Triumphs and some may still want the ability to fine-tune their suspension, but the Speed Twin is a classy, affordable slab of retro that its rivals will struggle to keep in their sights."
"The standard Speed Twin gets the job done with style and grace, while the RS is up to the challenge should you need to show those leather-clad squids what the bruiser from Hinckley is made of."
"Even the base version rides far more harmoniously than before and is up for brisk back-road fun, for a moderate price increase over 2024."
"To sum up the two models I think the best way to describe them is by saying that the stock Speed Twin can do 90 per cent of the things its sibling can, with almost as much poise and control."
"If you opt for the standard bike and save $2,500, then equally you won’t be disappointed by its smooth torquey motor and sweet, easygoing ride."
"I hope riders who buy a base Speed Twin 1200 never have unfounded envy or regrets they didn't get an RS, because I think they'll have nearly the same capability."
"Triumph has managed to draw two bikes of different character from the same base."
"Authentic, the refined personality of the Triumph Speed Twin 1200 remains their best weapon."
Pros
- Very torquey 1200 twin (112 Nm at 4,250 rpm) with a strong soundtrack
- Quality finish and style
- Comfort and relaxed position, 805 mm seat
- Handling and brakes praised by MCN
- Standard cornering ABS and traction control
- Oil change every 16,000 km or 1 year
Cons
- Non-adjustable traction control, too cautious in Road mode
- No Sport mode or quickshifter (RS only)
- Non-adjustable fork, suspension soon at its limits when ridden hard
- Engine heat at low speed
- Cruise control is an accessory
- No A2 kit offered in France
Our review
Which Speed Twin 1200 for 2025?
The Speed Twin 1200 is the sporty roadster of Triumph’s Modern Classics range, powered by the Thruxton’s 1200 twin. The third generation, introduced for the 2025 model year and in dealerships since December 2024, gains 5 hp, IMU-based cornering ABS and traction control, a round LCD/TFT instrument, new suspension and calipers, higher and more forward handlebars and a reshaped seat. It is unchanged for 2026: Triumph lists an identical 2026 model year, with no technical changes or new colours.
Triumph France is still selling the previous generation, listed as ‘previous model year’ (Speed Twin 1200 MY24): €14,295 in Jet Black and €14,645 in Carnival Red / Storm Grey.
How much does it cost?
The Speed Twin 1200 costs €15,295 in Aluminium Silver, its standard colour, and €15,895 in Crystal White / Sapphire Black or Carnival Red / Sapphire Black. The Speed Twin 1200 RS, at €17,595, adds a fully adjustable Marzocchi fork and Öhlins shocks, Brembo Stylema calipers, a Triumph Shift Assist up-and-down quickshifter, a Sport mode, Metzeler Racetec RR tyres and a sportier riding position. Two limited editions based on the RS complete the line-up: the Cafe Racer Edition (800 units, €18,995) and the TFC (750 units, €21,895).
It requires a full A licence: Triumph France does not offer an A2 restrictor kit for the Speed Twin 1200, unlike the Speed Twin 900 and the Bonneville T120.
How good is the engine?
The 1,200 cc parallel twin (97.6 x 80 mm), with a single overhead cam, 8 valves and a 270° crank, makes 105 hp (77.2 kW) at 7,750 rpm and 112 Nm at 4,250 rpm. The gearbox has six speeds and final drive is by chain; the UK and US spec sheets list a slip-and-assist clutch. The foreign press praises its low-down torque: MOTORRAD finds it full of punch between 3,000 and 7,000 rpm, MCN calls it ‘a rumbling riot of grunt’. MCN and Motorcycle.com nonetheless find the throttle response a little abrupt, and 1000PS and Common Tread note the heat given off at a standstill or at walking pace.
How does it ride?
The tubular steel frame carries a non-adjustable 43 mm Marzocchi upside-down fork (120 mm travel), twin Marzocchi remote-reservoir shocks adjustable for preload (116 mm) and an aluminium swingarm. Braking combines twin 320 mm floating discs and Triumph radial four-piston calipers at the front with a 220 mm disc and a Nissin caliper at the rear. The 17-inch cast wheels wear Metzeler Sportec M9 RR tyres.
MCN rates the handling and brakes as superb despite modest hardware, and even prefers the standard bike to the RS on the road for its tyres and pads. Cycle World finds it ‘more labrador than greyhound’ but effective; 1000PS and Cycle World reach the limits of the suspension when riding very hard.
What electronics does it have?
Ride-by-wire allows two modes, Road and Rain; the Sport mode is reserved for the RS. Traction control, which is not adjustable, can be switched off temporarily; ABS cannot be disabled. MOTORRAD, 1000PS and Motorcycle.com find it too cautious in Road mode. The round instrument combines an LCD screen and a small colour TFT screen, compatible with turn-by-turn navigation and phone functions via the optional My Triumph module, plus a USB-C socket. Cruise control, heated grips and tyre pressure monitoring are accessories.
Who is it for?
With its 805 mm seat and wide handlebars, the Speed Twin 1200 targets riders who want a fast retro roadster that remains comfortable every day: MCN only felt discomfort after around six hours in the saddle. Visordown reckons it does 90% of what the RS does; the RS is for those who want adjustable suspension, a quickshifter and a sportier position.
Fuel consumption and maintenance
Triumph quotes 4.4 L/100 km (104 g/km CO2), giving a theoretical range of about 330 km from the 14.5-litre tank. 1000PS used about 10.5 litres over a 200 km test ride, or close to 5.3 L/100 km. The manual calls for an oil change every 16,000 km or every year and a valve clearance check every 32,000 km. The warranty is 2 years with unlimited mileage.
Recalls
No recall has been found in France or the European Union (RappelConso, as of 12 October 2026). The March 2025 NHTSA recall (red rear turn signals too close to the tail light) only concerns US-market bikes.
The generations
The modern Speed Twin was born in 2019, derived from the Thruxton R; its name revives that of Edward Turner’s Speed Twin, born in 1937. The 2021 generation moved to Euro 5 with 100 hp, an upside-down fork and radial Brembo calipers; the 2025 generation adds 5 hp, IMU-based electronics and the RS version.
Specifications
| Displacement | 1200 cc |
|---|---|
| Power | 105 hp (77.2 kW) @ 7,750 rpm |
| Torque | 112 Nm @ 4,250 rpm |
| Weight | 216 kg (wet) |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 2.06 |
| Seat height | 805 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 14.5 L |
| Fuel consumption | 4.4 L/100 km — 104 g/km CO2 (Triumph figure) |
| Maintenance interval | Oil change every 16,000 km or 1 year — Valves: 32,000 km (Triumph owner's manual) |
| Engine type | Parallel twin with 270° crank, 4-stroke, SOHC, 8 valves, liquid-cooled |
| Cooling | liquide |
| Transmission | 6-speed, X-ring chain drive |
| License | A |
| MSRP | €15,295 |
Engine detail
| Bore x stroke | 97,6 x 80 mm |
|---|---|
| Compression ratio | 12,1:1 |
| Fuel system | Multipoint sequential electronic fuel injection, ride-by-wire |
| Valve train | SOHC, 4 valves per cylinder |
| Max power RPM | 7750 units.rpm |
| Max torque RPM | 4250 units.rpm |
| Starter | Electric |
| Euro standard | Euro 5+ |
Chassis & running gear
| Frame type | Tubular steel with steel cradle, twin-sided aluminium swingarm |
|---|---|
| Rake angle | 22.4 ° |
| Trail | 91 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1413 mm |
| Front suspension | 43 mm Marzocchi upside-down fork, non-adjustable, 120 mm travel |
| Rear suspension | Twin Marzocchi remote-reservoir shocks, adjustable preload, 116 mm travel |
| Front brake | Dual 320 mm floating discs, Triumph radial four-piston calipers |
| Rear brake | Single 220 mm disc, Nissin two-piston floating caliper |
| Front tire | 120/70 ZR17 |
| Rear tire | 160/60 ZR17 |
| ABS system | Cornering ABS (IMU), cannot be disabled |
Electronics & rider aids
| Riding modes | Road, Rain |
|---|---|
| Traction control | Yes |
| Quickshifter | No |
| Cruise control | No (Available as a Triumph accessory (kit with new switch cube)) |
| Dashboard | Round instrument: LCD screen with integrated colour TFT screen |
| Connectivity | Turn-by-turn navigation, calls and music with the My Triumph module (optional) |
| Other features | IMU (cornering ABS and traction control), Traction control can be switched off temporarily, Ride-by-wire, LED lighting with daytime running light, USB-C socket on the side of the instruments, Immobiliser |
Ergonomics & rider fit
| Riding position | Roadster: upright, wide bars higher and further forward than in 2024 |
|---|---|
| Wind protection | None (roadster) |
| Payload | 210 kg |
The Speed Twin 1200 offers a roadster position, upright, with wide handlebars (792 mm overall) placed higher and further forward than on the previous generation, and an 805 mm dual seat, reshaped and narrower at the front. 1000PS highlights an upright posture that relieves the back and low footpegs that spare the knees: a 1.87 m rider sits comfortably despite the low seat. MCN only felt discomfort after around six hours in the saddle, whereas Common Tread finds the seat firm after a few hours and feels engine heat on the knees in slow traffic. There is no wind protection. Maximum payload is 210 kg.
Ownership & maintenance
~5.3 L/100 km (1000PS: about 10.5 L over a 200 km test ride)
L/100km
Real-world consumption
~~330 km (calculated: 14.5 L tank / Triumph's 4.4 L/100 km); ~275 km at the consumption measured by 1000PS
km
Estimated range
| Oil change | every 16,000 km or every 12 months |
|---|---|
| Valve check | every 32,000 km |
| Spark plugs | every 32,000 km |
| Chain | Lubricate every 300 km; tension checked daily |
Warranty
2 years / Unlimited mileage
Triumph’s owner’s manual specifies a first service at 1,000 km or 6 months, then an oil and filter change every 16,000 km or every year (3.4 litres of oil). Unlike the Bonnevilles, the Speed Twin 1200’s air filter is replaced every 16,000 km. Valve clearance, cam timing, spark plugs and fuel filter are checked or replaced every 32,000 km. Coolant is changed every 4 years, brake fluid every 2 years, fork oil at 64,000 km, and the chain is lubricated every 300 km. Triumph does not publish a service cost. Triumph France’s warranty is 2 years with unlimited mileage, extendable by 1 or 2 years.
Direct competitors
Compare →| Model | MSRP | Power | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Triumph Speed Twin 1200 | €15,295 | 105 hp (77.2 kW) @ 7,750 rpm | 216 kg (wet) |
| BMW R 12 nineT2026 | €18,300 | 109 hp | 220 kg (wet, kerb) |
| Kawasaki Z900RS2026 | €13,299 | 116 hp | 216 kg (wet) |
| Yamaha XSR9002025 | €11,499 | 119 hp | 193 kg (wet) |
| Honda CB1000F2026 | €12,099 | 124 hp | 214 kg (kerb) |
| Triumph Bonneville T1202026 | €14,595 | 80 hp | 233 kg (wet) |
Generations
- Speed Twin (1re génération, Euro 4)2019 – 2020
1,200 cc · 97 hp · 112 Nm · 196 kg (dry)
Roadster derived from the Thruxton R and 10 kg lighter: 1200 'High Power' twin, 41 mm conventional fork, axial Brembo four-piston calipers, three riding modes, ABS and traction control.
- Speed Twin 1200 (2e génération, Euro 5)2021 – 2024
1,200 cc · 100 hp · 112 Nm · 216 kg (road-ready)
Euro 5 homologation, 3 hp more, peak torque 700 rpm lower, 17% less engine inertia, 43 mm Marzocchi upside-down fork, Brembo M50 radial calipers and Metzeler Racetec RR tyres.
- Speed Twin 1200 (3e génération, Euro 5+)2025 – today
1,200 cc · 105 hp · 112 Nm · 216 kg (road-ready)
Euro 5+, 5 hp more, IMU-based cornering ABS and traction control, round LCD/TFT instrument, remote-reservoir shocks, higher and more forward bars, and a new RS version (Öhlins, Brembo Stylema, quickshifter).
| Generation | Displacement | Power | Torque | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speed Twin (1re génération, Euro 4)2019 – 2020 Roadster derived from the Thruxton R and 10 kg lighter: 1200 'High Power' twin, 41 mm conventional fork, axial Brembo four-piston calipers, three riding modes, ABS and traction control. | 1,200 cc | 97 hp | 112 Nm | 196 kg dry |
| Speed Twin 1200 (2e génération, Euro 5)2021 – 2024 Euro 5 homologation, 3 hp more, peak torque 700 rpm lower, 17% less engine inertia, 43 mm Marzocchi upside-down fork, Brembo M50 radial calipers and Metzeler Racetec RR tyres. | 1,200 cc | 100 hp | 112 Nm | 216 kg road-ready |
| Speed Twin 1200 (3e génération, Euro 5+)2025 – today Euro 5+, 5 hp more, IMU-based cornering ABS and traction control, round LCD/TFT instrument, remote-reservoir shocks, higher and more forward bars, and a new RS version (Öhlins, Brembo Stylema, quickshifter). | 1,200 cc | 105 hp | 112 Nm | 216 kg road-ready |
Manufacturer figures (otherwise specialist press). Weighing conditions differ between generations: compare weights with care.
Available colors
Manufacturer recalls
United States only: on certain 2025 Speed Twin 1200, Speed Twin 1200 RS and Speed Twin 900 motorcycles sold in the US, the red rear turn signals are too close to the tail light (non-compliance with federal standard FMVSS 108). Dealers replace them free of charge with amber turn signals. No recall has been found in France or the European Union.
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