Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/1534384
P114 RIDE REVIEW I 2025 TRIUMPH SPEED TRIPLE 1200 RS In the standard Road mode, the suspension prioritizes comfort, mak- ing city and town riding smooth and forgiving. The fueling is soft, the Shift Assist quickshifter is smooth, and the Brembo brakes are forgiving. Despite the bike's power, the RS felt relaxed and approachable—so much so I even considered touring with it, as the bike is spacious enough for both tall and short riders. Cruise control and backlit switchgear add comfort for longer rides. When the roads became more challeng- ing, I switched to Sport mode. The suspension became firmer, and the throttle map sharpened, though power delivery and response remained smooth, with the bike's easy handling aided by the Pirelli Diablo Super - corsa SP V3 tires. Weigh- ing in at 438 pounds, the RS isn't exactly light, but it's surprisingly nimble. The wider 'bars and lighter wheels make it easier to flick around and have fun with. The 2025 Speed Triple 1200 RS brings a level of refinement that makes its sporty performance accessible to more riders. The suspension, in par - ticular, offers confidence even as the pace in- creases. The new wheelie control and engine braking systems worked well, though I found the wheelie control on its lowest set - ting a bit too conservative. Option four is needed to impress your mates. As the rain arrived, I switched back to the standard Road mode, and despite the slippery roads, the bike delivered grip and feed - back. When traction was lost, the traction control stepped in smoothly to bring power back gently. While the new ride modes and electronic aids were a lot of fun to experiment with, the five-inch dash was a bit sluggish and unintuitive, like using an old laptop. That said, by the end of the day, I was thoroughly impressed. The Speed Triple RS is easy to ride in all conditions, with the Öhlins Smart EC3 sus - pension truly standing out for its comfort and performance—it's the best of both worlds. (Top) The new Öhlins Smart EC3 suspension can be set to Comfort, Normal or Dynamic in active mode, or alternatively, three "fixed" settings in which the suspension is no longer semi-active. (Bottom) Brembo Stylema calipers are carried over from the previous bike and grip 320mm floating discs. Smart EC3 Öhlins electronic suspension features for the first time on a Triumph.