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
P120 RIDE REVIEW I 2025 TRIUMPH SPEED TRIPLE 1200 RS Given that the track never fully dried, I can't say for certain how the bike's ground clearance or Brembo brakes will hold up on the limit, or how the suspension will behave in dry conditions. But if a bike feels this confident and stable in the wet, it should perform just as well in the dry. VERDICT We still have a few unanswered questions since we didn't get to fully test the Speed Triple 1200 RS's chassis on track. However, we can confidently say Triumph has made significant improvements over the previous model, with the Smart EC3 Öhlins suspension being the standout upgrade. On the road, the suspension is plush and forgiving, offering a ride as comfortable as a good sports tourer. When you switch to track mode, though, it transforms the bike into a race-ready streetfighter. It's like having three bikes in one. The suspension is so impressive it almost overshadows other advancements, like the excellent front wheel lift control, perfect for those still working on their wheelies. The bike also comes with neat features like backlit switchgear, cruise control, keyless ignition, and Triumph's usual high-quality finish. The Brembo Stylema brakes provide strong stopping power, adding to the overall sharpness of the package. While the slight increase in horsepower is hard to notice, the engine still delivers plenty of character and sounds fantastic, even if the exhaust isn't the prettiest. The dash, however, feels a bit outdated and is slow to process and display information. And, while most riders probably won't care, it's worth noting that you can't deactivate the wheelie control and traction control (TC) at the same time—something that's only an issue for regulars at tracks like Portimão (and me). At $19,995, the price has risen from 2024, but it's still one of the most affordable super-nakeds on the market with EC3 Öhlins suspension. Impressive both on the road and on a damp track, the new Speed Triple 1200 RS is more accessible, versatile, and easier to ride than its predecessor, which is a major improvement. But the real test will come in better weather against its high-end competitors. CN 2025 TRIUMPH SPEED TRIPLE 1200 RS ($19,995) ENGINE 4-stroke inline-3 cylinder DISPLACEMENT 1160cc VALVETRAIN DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder BORE X STROKE 90 x 60.8mm COMPRESSION RATIO 13.2:1 COOLING SYSTEM Liquid MAX POWER (CLAIMED) 180.5 hp @ 10,750 rpm MAX TORQUE (CLAIMED) 94 lb-ft @ 8750 rpm FUEL SYSTEM Bosch Multipoint sequential EFI; electronic throttle control, ride-by-wire EXHAUST 3-1 TRANSMISSION 6-speed ELECTRONICS Rider Modes: Rain, Road, Sport, Track plus two Rider modes. Cornering ABS, four throttle maps, five traction control, four-engine brake control, and four front wheel lift control maps CHASSIS Aluminum twin spar, bolt-on aluminum rear subframe FRONT SUSPENSION Öhlins SmartEC3 semi-active, 43mm NIX 30 inverted fork, fully adjustable REAR SUSPENSION Öhlins SmartEC3 semi-active, TTX 36 twin-tube monoshock, fully adjustable WHEEL TRAVEL (FRONT/REAR) 4.7 in. FRONT BRAKE Dual 4-piston Brembo Stylema radial-mount calipers, 320mm discs w/ABS REAR BRAKE 2-piston caliper, 220mm disc w/ABS FRONT TIRE 120/70 ZR17 in. REAR TIRE 190/55 ZR17 in. RAKE 23.9° TRAIL 4.1 in. WHEELBASE 56.9 in. SEAT HEIGHT 32.7 in. FUEL CAPACITY 4.1 gal. WEIGHT (WET, CLAIMED) 439 lbs. S P E C I F I C AT I O N S