Motorcycle specifications TriumphNouvelle 1200 Speed Triple RS 2025 the "a little more, a little less" tactic

Now that we hardly ever see it on our roads, or at least much less than its little Street Triple sister, we're beginning to forget the Speed, as we like to affectionately call it. This motorcycle, in its contemporary era, is a little less than others, but also a little more than others... Sometimes more powerful, sometimes less powerful, sometimes lighter, sometimes heavier, do we still understand its positioning?

Let's give Triumph credit for being a little ahead of the game in the sporty roadster category. Failing to renew the big Daytona (and then the little one) and in the original spirit of British motorcyclists (the famous Café Racer), the brand positioned itself very early on, with the 1050 in 2005, in the niche of a good all-round bike. Sportier than the basic Japanese roadsters of the time, and slower on the track than the pure sports bikes, Triumph had the ideal proposition of motorcycles packed with character and capable of going fast in many circumstances.

However, the competition quickly entered the segment, and Triumph seems to have fuelled the Street Triple to bring in cash rather than focusing on the big Speed. Today, with a little tolerance, let's say that the Speed is undeniably a good bike, but are its arguments enough for the die-hard biker?

Engine: the calm after the storm?

After a notable evolution in 2021 (+30 hp), the awakening in 2025 is more difficult. The engineers found a few extra horsepower, with the bike going from 180 to ... 183 hp at 10,750 rpm. Oh my! You'll have to be a tuner to feel any difference. This extra energy is mainly due to the new exhaust system, as is the gain in torque with 128 Nm at 8,750 rpm (+3 Nm available a little earlier). It's a fine piece of equipment, manufactured by Akrapovic. The muffler features a titanium outer shell and mounting bracket, finished off with a carbon-fiber tip and laser-engraved Akrapovic logo. British engineers have also reworked the crankshaft balance to enhance engine character.

Where does this Speed RS 2025 stand?

More powerful than an S1000R but less powerful than the M1000R, it can't compete with the Italian missile, the Ducati Streetfighter V4. Nor is the Speed Triple RS the lightest in its class, even if it isn't the heaviest! This Ni-Ni strategy reminds us of something else... With 199 kg on the scale ready to ride, it's lighter than a Yamaha MT-10 (which is disappearing from the European catalog), for example. A good argument, you may say! But its other problem lies in its price positioning. While its price doesn't reach the wildest heights of the hyper-sporty roadster market, its (new) price of 19,995 euros isn't exactly affordable either... even if, in 2024, Triumph managed to sell just under 500 units in France. That's four times less than the Street Triple.

And the price is perhaps even more unsustainable for the 2025 model year! In fact, the price increase of just over 1,500 euros is likely to make it disappear even further.

What justifies such an increase?

The Speed Triple RS 2025 is now equipped with Öhlins SmartEC3 semi-active "spool valve" suspension. And? The previous equipment was already copious, with Ohlins TTX36 and NIX30. These suspensions are electronically assisted by the Öhlins Objective Based Tuning Interface (OBTi), which allows owners to easily adjust the suspension's dynamic damping characteristics in different driving scenarios. The seven independently adjustable parameters are: Front firmness, Rear firmness, Brake assist, Acceleration assist, Start assist, Cornering assist and Cruise Control. There are also new independently-adjustable functions: wheeling control, engine brake control, and fully-adjustable cruise control.

An electronic suspension package that adds to an already copious level of assistance (like all machines in the segment, which now require an engineering degree before they can be ridden). Thus, the Speed Triple retains its 2024 attributes with (among others): a front wheel lift control system, which integrates inputs from the six-axis inertial measurement unit (IMU) to determine the bike's inclination, according to four levels of adjustment. Engine brake control can be customized to the rider's preferences, complementing the adjustable throttle mapping. Brake slip assist, available only in track mode, optimizes ABS calibration for track riding by allowing greater front wheel slip and rear wheel lift. Before you know it, you'll be able to compete for a WSBK position with any team!

The Speed Triple also features five riding modes: Rain, Road, Sport, Track, Rider (programmable). ABS and traction control also work at an angle. Gears can also be shifted on the fly, up or down, thanks to the quickshifter.

Braking is still assured by Brembo Stylema calipers, virtually the best on the market. The wheels change from Metzeler Racetec tires to dual-compound Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP V3. It's not the changes to the riding position, with slightly wider and higher handlebars, that will position you at a better angle to swallow the inflation pill, no ... The slightly narrower seat, on the other hand?

All these features can be read and set from the 5" TFT display and 5-button joystick. The standard My Triumph connectivity system provides turn-by-turn navigation, phone and music control. A new emergency deceleration warning function activates high-frequency flashing of the brake light to alert other road users to sudden braking and rapid deceleration. The ignition, steering lock and fuel filler cap are keyless on the Speed Triple 1200 RS. For added security, the wireless function can be deactivated at the touch of a button.

What does the Speed Triple really need?

If we like to tease this Speed, it's because we love it so much. I'm sorry that, apart from the single-sided design, the Speed Triple doesn't have a more distinctive look than the 765. I wish it had evolved like MV-Agusta's Brutale 1,000 to keep its soul. A radical, uncompromising look! Because if you're going to pay top dollar for a motorcycle in the €20,000 range, it might as well be exceptional! Sensational is no longer enough, as many machines have become so.

M.B - Manufacturer's photos