Newly introduced electronic suspension / Machine explanation
The 2025 model of the Speed Triple 1200RS has been released, undergoing its first minor change in four years. While retaining 30-year-old traditions like the twin headlight and single-arm swingarm, the new model boasts significant internal improvements. The engine’s focus is on the 1160cc water-cooled, three-cylinder engine. While it’s powerful in terms of numbers, with a maximum output of 183 horsepower (+3 hp) and maximum torque of 128 Nm (+3 Nm), the reduced torque generation speed makes it easier to handle from city riding to high-speed driving.
The electronic controls are also cutting-edge. Features like cornering ABS with a 6-axis IMU, traction control, and engine brake control ensure reliable rider support. New features include a “Brake Slide Assist” system that adjusts the ABS while allowing the rear tire to slide, and an “Emergency Deceleration Warning” system that flashes the brake lights during sudden deceleration.
The suspension is also well-equipped. The highlight is the newly adopted Ohlins electronically controlled suspension, which automatically adjusts the damping force according to the riding mode and road surface, achieving both comfort and stability. It also comes equipped with Brembo calipers, lightweight wheels, and road-legal Pirelli super sports tires, making it a truly comprehensive three-cylinder roadster flagship. The new Speed Triple is generously packed with the latest technology and high-performance parts, making it a true Triumph-style “serious bike for adults.”
The engine and driving feel are even more refined.
Test drive impressions
At first glance, it looks much like the previous model, but that’s the British Triumph way. As a brand that values tradition, the design hasn’t changed dramatically, instead evolving through maturity. However, the moment you step on it, you notice the slightly wider handlebars and a change in riding position, giving it a more fighter-like stance. When you flip the main switch, the TFT display pops up, and your stiff feet sink under their own weight, lowering the vehicle height, making you realize, “Ah, this is electronic suspension.” It also feels like your feet are easier to reach
the ground. The engine is agile and light, with slightly more power and torque than before. The rotation feel is also more refined, with the “rough, rough” feel of the previous generation disappearing. However, the powerful acceleration provided by the thick low- and mid-range torque unique to a three-cylinder engine has actually increased, creating a dynamic feel at any rev range. The Brembo front and rear brakes are still in good condition, maintaining powerful braking power while remaining incredibly sensitive and controllable with just one finger. Furthermore, the brake lever with MCS (Multi-Click System) is excellent, and not only the span but also the lever ratio can be adjusted, so you can get a touch that suits your hand size and preferences.
The five riding modes can be easily switched with the left-hand switch while riding. For example, selecting “Rain” allows for gentle cruising in urban areas, while the most powerful “Track” changes to aggressive characteristics for the circuit. It is also equipped with a quick shifter, so clutch operation is almost unnecessary except for starting and stopping. Furthermore, the cornering-compatible ABS and traction control provide solid support to the rider, so you can ride with peace of mind even on poor road conditions, leading to a great sense of security. Since it was a special venue, we were not able to fully utilize its performance, but we were able to see its good basic characteristics.
The sense of stability during cornering is unmatched
Of particular note is the new “Smart EC3.0” system. This semi-active system not only allows the rider to fine-tune settings via a menu screen, but also monitors the riding conditions in real time and automatically adjusts the damping force to the optimum level. This results in smoother changes in body position during acceleration and deceleration, and significantly reduces the feeling of being jolted over bumps. The ride quality is so high it’s like a completely different beast.
I actually had the opportunity to test the same bike on the circuit later, and the unevenness of the road that had previously bothered me was completely unnoticeable with the new model. Whereas previously I would have had to lean the bike slightly upright while banking to avoid bumps, the new model allows me to maintain a deep lean and pass through them as if nothing had happened. It’s as if the bike is saying, “It’s okay, leave it to me,” which ultimately relaxes the rider and allows them to concentrate on their riding. This is an important point that directly affects riding pace and reduces fatigue. A
particularly significant feature of this RS is the addition of electronically controlled suspension, previously only available on the RR model. This has resulted in a dramatic improvement in comfort and cornering performance, dramatically increasing its versatility for everyday riding and sports riding. While it doesn’t feature the flashy aerodynamic devices that are popular these days, such as wings, this bike undoubtedly boasts top-level performance. And above all, I think its high cost performance compared to rival bikes is a major attraction.
Since the special venue was set up in a parking lot, we were only able to use a small portion of the engine’s performance, but we were able to experience the unique sound of the three-cylinder engine, its powerful torque, and its light footwork.
Styling Commentary
The design is powerful and luxurious, befitting the top model of the triple roadster series. The neat form that is typical of Triumph is impressive. The differences that can be seen at a glance from the previous model are the wheel design and the shorter, more compact silencer.
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Riding position explanation
The riding position is suitable for a wide range of riding styles, with the handlebars close and the upper body leaning forward slightly. The footpegs are positioned quite high to allow for a good banking angle. The seat height is 830mm, but the electronic suspension improves foot reach. The lightweight body, weighing less than 200kg, is easy to handle.
The rider is 179cm tall and weighs 73kg.
Detailed explanation
The lightweight and compact liquid-cooled in-line 3-cylinder DOHC 4-valve engine, which incorporates Moto2 technology, produces a maximum output of 183ps from a displacement of 1160cc, which is 3ps higher than the previous model.Maximum torque is also 3Nm higher, and is achieved at a 250rpm lower rotation speed.
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It is equipped with the latest electronic devices such as 6-axis IMU-controlled cornering ABS and traction control, adjustable wheelie control, engine brake control, brake slide assist for circuit driving, and a bidirectional quick shifter.The frame is an aluminum cast twin spar type that features a traditional twin-tube style design.
The front brake is equipped with a φ320mm twin floating disc + Brembo Stylema monoblock caliper, and the Brembo MCS radial master cylinder allows for delicate input control at the hand.
The rear brake is a 220mm single disc with a Brembo twin-piston caliper. The most noticeable changes are the wheel design and muffler shape. The standard tires are Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP V3, which are also suitable for circuit use.
The Speed Triple’s traditional twin headlights have been given a sharper, more ferocious design with each generation. The latest model has evolved into a full LED type equipped with DRL. In front of the under bracket, you can see the newly equipped adjustable steering damper, which helps with stable driving at high speeds.
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The simple cockpit is typical of a fighter. The slightly wider and more open handlebars create agility when cornering and make it easier to control inputs. The voluminous fuel tank capacity remains unchanged at 15.5L.
The seat design remains largely unchanged, but the backrests are now larger and more professionally designed. The rear seat covers have also been given a slimmer, more refined design.
The taillights and turn signals, which are based on the Triumph “T” motif, are also full LED types. A new feature has also been added: an “emergency deceleration warning” that flashes the brake lights when the bike suddenly slows down. The sturdy aluminum license holder bracket also exudes a sense of luxury.
The Öhlins φ43mm inverted fork is equipped with the new generation electronically controlled suspension “Smart EC3”. In addition to being set by riding mode, it optimizes the damping characteristics according to the bike’s posture changes and behavior. The smooth and stable operating feel is different from conventional suspension.
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The rear link-type mono shock also uses the Öhlins Smart EC3, with 120mm of wheel travel for both front and rear suspension.
The 5-inch full-color TFT display allows you to set five riding modes (Rain, Road, Sport, Track, Rider) as well as various electronic devices.
The right-side switch box houses the starter and kill switch, which also doubles as the ignition, the hazard lights, and the switch for accessing the TFT menu screen. Because it is an electronically controlled throttle, there are no wires and it is simple.
The left switch box is lined with switches for cruise control, mode switching, menu selection, etc. You’ll get used to the controls as you play around with them, but normally you should be able to enjoy an optimized ride just by switching between riding modes.
Speed Triple 1200RS Main Specifications
Engine Type: Water-cooled, DOHC, 12-valve, in-line 3-cylinder
Displacement: 1160cc
Bore x Stroke: 90.0mm x 60.8mm
Compression Ratio: 13.2:1
Maximum Power: 183PS / 180.5bhp (134.6kW) @ 10,750rpm
Maximum Torque: 128Nm @ 8,750rpm
Fuel Supply: Multi-point sequential electronic fuel injection (with electronic throttle control)
Exhaust System: Stainless steel 3-into-1 header + under-thread primary silencer + side-mounted secondary silencer
Final Drive: X-ring chain
Clutch: Wet multi-plate clutch (with slip & assist mechanism)
Transmission: 6-speed return type
Frame: Aluminum twin-spar frame (bolt-on aluminum rear subframe)
Swingarm: Aluminum single-sided swingarm (single-sided)
Front Wheel: Cast aluminum 17 x 3.50 inch
Rear Wheel: Cast aluminum 17 x 3.50 inch 6.00-inch
Front Tire: Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP V3 120/70ZR17 58W
Rear Tire: Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP V3 190/55ZR17 75W
Front Suspension: Öhlins 43mm inverted (USD) fully adjustable fork / electronically controlled compression / rebound damping (SmartEC 3.0 OBTi) Stroke: 120mm
Rear Suspension: Öhlins monoshock (link type / RSU) / electronically controlled compression / rebound damping (SmartEC 3.0 OBTi)
Wheel Travel: 120mm
Front Brake: 320mm floating double disc, Brembo Stylema monoblock caliper, Brembo MCS radial master cylinder, OC-ABS
Rear Brake: 220mm single disc, Brembo twin-piston caliper, OC-ABS
Meter: Full color 5-inch TFT display;
Overall width (handlebar): 810mm ; Overall height
(excluding mirrors): 1,085mm ; Seat height: 830mm ; Wheelbase: 1,445mm ; Rake: 23.9° ; Trail: 104.7mm ; Kerb weight (curb weight): 199kg (including fuel and oil) ; Fuel tank capacity: 15.5L ; Service interval: 10,000 miles (16,000 km)/12 months (whichever comes first) and a 2-year manufacturer's warranty are standard; Fuel economy: 5.5L/100km (51.4 mpg); Emissions: 127g/km. Euro 5+ CO2 emissions and fuel economy data are measured in accordance with regulation 168/2013/EC. Fuel economy data is calculated based on specific test conditions and is for comparison purposes only. It may not reflect actual driving results.
