Highs and Sighs: 2025 Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS

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Highs: A Belter Of An Engine

We’ve long been fans of Triumph’s Triples, and we continued to be charmed by the Speed Triple’s 1,160cc engine. Claiming 180.5 horsepower at 10,750 rpm and 94.4 lb-ft at 8,750 rpm, the Inline-Three delivers plenty of oomph, even if it did take a slight hit for the sake of Euro5+ compliance. Still, the emissions standards doesn’t stop the Speed Triple 1200 RS from screaming like a banshee as it approaches its 11,150 rpm redline.

Highs: The Front Wheel Lift Control Is Bonkers

The Speed Triple RS is the first Triumph to use an independently adjustable four-level front wheel lift control. Or at least, that’s what it’s officially called. We prefer the term “wheelie assist,” as turning it up to level four makes the Speed Triple 1200 RS rear up like a stallion.

Highs: Suspension Takes A Step Forward

Öhlins’ impressive Smart EC3 is a welcome upgrade over the previous suspension. The semi-active system works faster and with a broader range of settings based on feedback from the road surface, throttle input, and lean angle. Even more impressive, the Speed Triple 1200 RS’ $19,995 price tag is about 10k less than the MSRPs of other motorcycles equipped with the same suspension.

Sighs: TFT Display Could Benefit From A Streamlined UI

As impressed as we were with the electronics systems, we did find it frustrating to navigate Triumph’s various menus. The text is too small for the 5-inch TFT display, and we noticed the user interface felt a little slow to initialize.

Like most naked bikes, the lack of any wind protection leaves you exposed to the elements, especially on the racetrack. Of course, we don’t expect a full fairing like a sportbike, but shelling out a bit more for the accessory flyscreen would be a smart idea, both at the track and on the street.

Sighs: A Bit Thirsty There, Mate

Triumph claims the Speed Triple 1200 RS gets about 37.3 mpg, which isn’t stellar. And good luck getting that figure if you ride it the way it’s intended to be ridden.

Part of the Speed Triple charm is that it blends a brutish allure with British sophistication. Triumph delivered a well-rounded package, effectively hitting every mark in the performance books with the 2025 Speed Triple 1200 RS.