Triumph made waves this year by discontinuing its faired Speed Triple 1200 RR and crowning the 2025 Speed Triple 1200 RS as its new flagship hyper-naked.
At its core is a reworked 1,160cc inline-triple engine that pumps out 180.5 horsepower and 94.4 lb-ft of torque, making it the most potent Speed Triple yet.
But the real showstopper? Triumph’s decision to equip the RS with Öhlins Smart EC 3.0 semi-active suspension, a first for the model, signaling a sharp focus on blending track agility with street comfort.
Does 180.5 HP Change the Rules of the Naked-Bike Game
The 2025 RS’s engine isn’t just about brute force—it’s smarter, smoother, and steeped in Moto2 racing DNA.
Compared to the previous RS (177.5 HP), Triumph squeezed out an extra 3 HP and 2.2 lb-ft of torque while shifting peak torque 250 rpm lower for punchier mid-range thrills.
The secret? Lessons from Triumph’s role as a Moto2 engine supplier include reduced friction, optimized combustion, and a lighter crankshaft.
This triple isn’t just fast; it’s intentionally accessible, with linear power delivery that’s less “hooligan” and more “controlled chaos.”
Did Triumph Tweak to Balance Weight and Tech
Triumph’s engineers played a game of give-and-take. They shaved pounds with lighter cast wheels (reducing gyroscopic forces for quicker steering) and a lithium-ion battery but added weight via the Öhlins Smart EC 3.0 system.
The result? A wet weight of 438.7 lbs—just 2 lbs heavier than before. While not a drastic drop, the revised chassis geometry (sharper rake, adjustable steering damper) ensures the RS feels nimble on twisty roads.
As one reviewer said, “The bike flicks into corners like it’s reading your mind.”
Secret Rider Modes Hidden in TFT Screen
The 5-inch TFT dash is your mission control. Five ride modes—Rain, Road, Sport, Track, and Rider—tailor throttle response, ABS, traction control, and suspension behavior.
The star here is the independently adjustable wheelie control, letting you dial in lift from “Sunday cruise” to “controlled stoppies.” Lean-sensitive cornering ABS and traction control add safety, while Brake Slide Control (track-only) invites knee-down heroics.
Pro tip: Use the My Triumph app to sync turn-by-turn nav, though some testers wish menu navigation was quicker.
Can Öhlins Smart EC3 Suspension Be Both Plush and Pro-Level
Absolutely. The Öhlins Smart EC 3.0 system uses spool valve tech to adjust damping seven times faster than its predecessor.
On Michigan’s pothole-riddled backroads, it’s “forgiving.” On track? Swap to Dynamic mode and the RS firms up for surgical precision.
Early U.S. test rides praised its ability to “soak up bumps like a sport-tourer yet carve corners like a GP bike.” For purists, three fixed damping settings let you ditch the tech and go old-school.
What’s Behind That Razor-Sharp, Aggressive Styling
The RS stays true to Triumph’s minimalist ethos. The twin LED headlights and exposed aluminum frame scream aggression, while the new Granite/Diablo Red paint oozes sophistication.
A redesigned seat cowl slims the tail, and the chunky stock exhaust (replaceable with a sleek Akrapovic option) centralizes mass for better balance.
Unlike rivals with flashy winglets, Triumph relies on clean lines and rider ergonomics—10mm higher bars and a 32.7-inch seat height—to keep you comfy during marathon rides.
How Does It Feel When You Twist the Throttle on Asphalt
Crack the throttle, and the triple’s induction roar crescendos into an addictive howl. Mid-corner grunt is relentless, thanks to that torque-rich mid-range, while Brembo Stylema calipers deliver fade-free stops.
Testers in wet Portimao, Portugal, lauded the electronics for keeping slides in check, with one noting: “Even in the rain, the RS inspires stupid confidence.”
On dry Texas tarmac, the lighter wheels and sticky Pirelli Supercorsa SP V3 tires make flicking between apexes effortless.
Is the 2025 Speed Triple 1200 RS Worth the Hype (and $19,995)?
At $19,995, the RS undercuts rivals like the Ducati Streetfighter V4S ($29,295) and KTM 1390 Super Duke R Evo ($21,499) while matching their tech. For context, you’re getting:
- The latest Öhlins semi-active suspension
- Adjustable wheelie control
- Cornering ABS/TC
- A full keyless system
It’s a bargain for a bike that’s equally at home carving canyons or commuting.
Who Is This Bike Truly Built For
The RS is for the rider who wants it all:
- Weekend riders craving backroad precision.
- Track-day regulars valuing electronic safety nets.
- Tech junkies addicted to customizable dashboards.
With 180 HP on tap and a suspension that adapts to your mood, it’s a hyper-naked that refuses to compromise.
