Triumph introduced the Speed Twin in 2019 to bridge the gap in its Bonneville lineup between the more demure T120 and the rowdier Thruxton R, thus striking a better balance between classic Brit-bike styling and sport-bike-like handling. It also had a sweetheart of a twin that was big on torque and smooth on power delivery — and it had great sound.
In 2021 it received upgraded suspension and brakes, and a couple of years ago 1200 was added to its name to distinguish it from the Speed Twin 900 (formerly Street Twin). For 2025 it receives a fresh dose of styling, some improvements, some new technology — and there’s now a second model to choose from. So here we are in Mallorca, Spain, to ride the new Speed Twin 1200 and the sportier 1200RS.
While the new Speed Twin’s classic silhouette is still distinguishable, it has been given a few modern accents, including a subtly reshaped fuel tank, angular side covers (previously rounded), and a shallower headlight that now houses an LED bulb. Its 1,200 cc liquid-cooled parallel twin remains mostly unchanged, but it has been updated with restyled engine covers. Triumph bumped output to 104 hp (from 99) by simply raising the redline by 1,000 rpm to 8,000. Peak torque is unchanged at 82.6 pound-feet.
Lean-sensing traction control and ABS are new, their settings still tied to the ride modes. A single, offset TFT gauge replaces the twin analogue gauges of the previous model. While some retro-bike aficionados may not approve of this change, the new gauge is much more functional (it includes coolant and ambient temperature displays among other things), and it includes an easily accessible USB-C port, as opposed to the previous under-seat USB port. Also added are self-cancelling turn signals.
The standard 1200 has a slightly more upright riding position, with a handlebar that’s taller and closer to the rider. Plastic fenders replace the previous model’s brushed aluminum ones, and it loses Sport mode, while retaining Road and Rain.
With Triumph discontinuing the Thruxton R at the end of 2024, the Speed Twin 1200 RS is now the sportiest Bonneville. Its handlebar is lower and more forward than on the standard bike (about where it is on the outgoing model), its footpegs are rear-set, and it has those brushed aluminum fenders. It is upgraded with fully adjustable suspension (Ohlins shocks replacing the Marzocchis of the standard bike), and has Brembo brakes in place of the standard bike’s Triumph-branded stoppers (the previous model had Brembos). It comes with a bi-directional quick shifter, something that’s not available on the standard bike. Bluetooth connectivity and cruise control are standard on both models.
Mallorca’s serpentine mountain roads provided a dreamlike environment to ride these new Speed Twins. I began the day on the standard bike, and it didn’t take long to feel how much the new suspension has improved the ride. Compliance is more composed front and rear, and the bike maintained a solid line through everything from tight hairpins to long, fast sweepers, with more than adequate cornering clearance for a spirited pace. While handling wasn’t supersport sharp, the Speed Twin nonetheless handled more like a bona fide sport bike than a retro classic. Steering was neutral and required little effort to change direction, returning confidence-inspiring feedback even when approaching the edge of the tires.
The engine is wonderfully torquey down low, and pulls forcefully and smoothly until you bump off the soft rev limiter. You’re unlikely to use that extra power up top often, since you never really need to swing the tach past 6,000 rpm. The broad power also makes it easy to choose a gear and stick with it, though if you do work your left foot often, shifter action is light, with short solid throws.
The first thing I noticed after switching to the RS was the sportier riding position and tighter legroom. Despite the upgraded suspension, it handled only a touch better than the standard model at speed. It felt firmer, which made steering a bit sharper; its brakes required less lever effort, and it dived less when braking for turns. The RS’s quick shifter gets my only criticism: it was often jerky on up and downshifts, and it firmed up the otherwise super-light shifter when making clutch-less gear changes.
While I do like both models, I did develop a favourite. If you had an itch that only the now-defunct Thruxton could scratch, then the $18,395 Speed Twin 1200 RS is the bike for you. It’s sportier and comes with the upgraded brakes and suspension. I, however, still think the standard bike strikes the ideal balance between retro styling and sporty handling; it handles almost as sharply as the RS; it has a more relaxed riding position, and at $15,995, it’s also more affordable, which really sweetens the deal.
