Ever since its debut in 2019, the Triumph Speed Twin 1200 has been an upright, sporty model within the company’s Modern Classic range, just below the Thruxton. In 2021, the Speed Twin became even sportier with the addition of a USD fork and superbike-spec (for the time) Brembo M50 monobloc calipers. Now, it seems like Triumph will yet again up the Speed Twin 1200’s sporty quotient, with the addition of an RS variant, revealed via a teaser on its social media.
- Could use Thruxton’s 1200cc motor making 105hp
- Suspension, brakes likely to be upgraded as well
- New orange/black/silver paint scheme visible
Triumph Speed Twin 1200 RS: what to expect
The teaser released by Triumph shows a twin-cylinder motorcycle, with a catchy orange paint scheme with silver and black accents. Further, a few, very brief stills reveal a golden USD fork and black twin shock absorbers with a golden piggyback reservoir – both trademarks of Ohlins. Since the Thruxton was discontinued last year, Triumph hasn’t had a flagship sporty model in its neo-retro line-up and it could be looking to remedy that with the Speed Twin 1200 RS.
The standard Speed Twin 1200 is already in a pretty high spec with equipment like a non-adjustable 43mm Marzocchi USD fork, Brembo M50 brake calipers, grippy Metzeler Racetec RR tyres and its 1,200cc, parallel-twin pushing out 100hp and 112Nm of torque. With the higher RS variant, Triumph will likely upgrade the cycle parts as well as bestow the Speed Twin 1200 with the Thruxton’s motor, which was rated for 105hp.
While the Thruxton has sadly been axed from the brand’s line-up, there still continues to be limited yet fervent demand for a top-spec sporty retro. And with the Speed Twin 1200 RS, Triumph could be looking to fill just that niche. Since the bike in the teaser looks completely ready, expect it to be revealed soon. Since Bajaj retails the full Triumph line-up in India, we expect the Speed Twin 1200 RS to also make its way here in the coming months. Currently, the Triumph Speed Twin 1200 is priced at Rs 11.09 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) and we expect the RS variant to command a premium, considering the up-spec equipment on offer.
Vishal Venugopal
Ved Janve
Azaman Chothia
