Triumph’s Speed Triple needs little introduction, it’s been a class-defining super naked for over 30 years, ever since the launch of the original 900 in 1994. That machine arguably gave added impetus to the reborn marque, giving it a whole new direction.
This latest, ninth generation, version is a fairly major overhaul of the 2021 iteration, which had received some criticism for being too extreme and firm. It adds to and broadens its performance, updates its style and spec and, most significantly of all, introduces Ohlins Smart EC 3 semi-active suspension, which gives the optimum ride in real time on both road and track.
Nor does it end there. There are other updated electronics, new features and equipment, such as a steering damper, lighter wheels and tweaked styling. It all adds up to the best ‘Speedie’ yet, and by quite a distance too. They also add up to the priciest, most premium Speed Triple yet, too, although it probably remains good value compared to similarly equipped rivals.
The outgoing 1200 produced 180bhp making it (alongside the latest Rocket 3 Storm) the most powerful production Triumph of all time. This updated version, thanks to a new exhaust and internal engine changes to the crank and balancer shafts, sees Euro5+ met and gives three extra peak bhp to boot, helping the Speed Triple regain the outright crown as Triumph’s most powerful model.
Even more usefully, peak torque has been both boosted and shifted down the range. The result has the Triumph close to some four-cylinder rivals in terms of its sporting potency, but with far more road relevant low-down flexibility and that distinctive three-cylinder character. It’s a fabulous unit gilded further by a slick quickshifter/blipper, excellent rider electronics including five rider modes and new features to limit front wheel lift and brake slide.
But its ride and handling have been improved even further, due entirely to the new Ohlins Smart EC3 semi-active suspension system. This comprises semi-active NIX 30 EC forks and TTX 36 EC shock, which are linked and have their damping controlled by an electronic control unit. It’s all incredibly clever and customizable, while being intuitive and effective.
It essentially delivers the optimum damping according to your choice of presets – Comfort, Normal and Dynamic – and allows riders to modify settings according to their weight and riding environment – all adjusted in real time. It’s immensely impressive and effective, giving a plush, comfortable ride when just travelling or alternatively taut control when on the limit on track, but it may take some time to get your head around.
With the old 1200 lambasted for being too extreme, this new version is thankfully more relaxed and comfortable, with handlebars that are 10mm wider and 7mm higher. The result is ‘just right’ – sporty enough to be a scalpel on track, but also all-day comfortable on road, or at least as comfortable as any unfaired super naked can be.
Yes, windblast can be an issue when you get to the motorway speed limit, but that’s what you’re buying into. A small but effective flyscreen remains available as an extra cost accessory and alleviates things a bit. For those looking for a more extreme version, Triumph’s limited run Speed Triple RX delivers a sportier stance complete with lower handlebars.
Super nakeds are never as practical as more multi-facetted machines such as adventure bikes or sports-tourers like Yamaha’s Tracer or Ducati’s Multistrada but Triumph has been keen to make its latest Speedie the best super naked for the road. Day-long comfort is decent; there’s cruise control and options for heated grips, it’s nimble and manageable so great around town and unless you do masses of motorway miles or have a regular pillion you’ll have few complaints.
The original 1994 Speed Triple was a fairly basic bike – but not so anymore. The 1200 RS not only debuts Ohlins Smart EC3 semi-active suspension, but its electronics also now include wheelie and rear brake slide control; it has five riding modes and a sophisticated 5” TFT dash with Bluetooth connectivity, plus cruise control and the best in cycle parts – including Brembo Stylema brakes. If all that isn’t enough heated grips and, for the first time, an Akrapovic can are available as accessories.
Alas the days of a ‘cheap’ Speed Triple are no more. At launch, the 2025 Speed Triple 1200 RS costs £17,495, which is around £1500 more than the old model, although Triumph is at pains to point out its value compared to similarly specced rivals.
Today’s 1200 is batting against some high-end competition, including the likes of BMW’s S 1000 R, Ducati Streetfighter V4 and the Yamaha MT-10 SP, where customers have come to expect big prices in return for big spec. It looks pricy when compared to the inline fours from BMW and Yamaha, but is a positive bargain against the latest Streetfighter. The upspecced RX, incidentally, will set you back a further £1500. You can read our review on that here.
Like the Ducati, the Triumph is more than capable of cutting it both on track and, convincingly, on the road. It’s not only quick and classy, it’s comfortable practical and enviable, too. With over 110,000 sold since 1994 it looks like the Speed Triple is set to be a success for years to come…
2025 Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS Specification
Price: £17,495
Engine: 1160cc triple, DOHC, four valves per cylinder, liquid cooled
Power: 180.5bhp (134.6kW) @ 10,750rpm
Torque: 128Nm (94.4lb-ft) @ 8750rpm
Transmission: Six-speed, chain final drive
Frame: Aluminium twin spar, aluminium single-sided swing arm
Suspension: (F) 43mm USD Ohlins forks, fully adjustable with SmartEC3 OBTi system electronic compression / rebound damping (R) Öhlins RSU monoshock with SmartEC3 OBTi system electronic compression / rebound damping.
Wheels: Cast aluminium, (F) 17 x 3.5in/ (R) 17 x 6.0in
Tyres: Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP V3 (F) 120/70 x 17, (R) 190/55 x 17
Brakes: (F) 320mm disc, Brembo Stylema monobloc four-piston radial calipers, (R) 220mm disc, Brembo twin-piston caliper. Cornering ABS
Weight: 199kg (wet)
Wheelbase: 1,445mm
Seat height: 830mm
Fuel tank: 15.5 litres
Fuel consumption: 51.4mpg (claimed)
Service intervals: 10,000 miles/12 months
Warranty: 24 months unlimited mileage
Contact: https://www.triumphmotorcycles.co.uk
Words: Phil West
Photos: Triumph
