New 2025 Triumph Speed Twin 1200 vs RS: Which Should You Buy?

[@Mike-d2m2u]

Hmm, beautiful bikes, but if you can get a MY24 model, it seems like a better choice. You get the twin clocks (dash) and the Brembo's up front (plus the 3 riding modes), for less than the lower grade MY25 standard model (not to mention the MY25 Standard model now gets Plastic mud guards). Put a set of Ohlins on rear of the MY24 and you're done.

[@gerryryan2302]

supposed to be “retro” which i do like , but part of that is the riding position ..looking down at that crap LED screen ..absolutely not

[@midlifecruiser]

Or just get a 24 model and upgrade the suspension.

[@Northernbiker64]

A good call, plus you would get the ‘retro’ clocks as opposed to the shocking effort Triumph have put on these new bikes.

[@josephsaia5527]

@@midlifecruiser I want electronic cruise. I wish pre 25 Speed T Twins could be fitted with factory cruise

[@josephsaia5527]

@@Northernbiker64 If I had a choice I rather the twin clocks but upgraded to the black background like the immaculate 22 Speed Twin for sale near me but no Cruise available. I use my Speedmaster CC often on longer rides. Still no Carpal Tunnel but arthritis has arrived at 74 yo. Been riding for 59 years

[@rhapsodyofice8184]

@@Northernbiker64It seems Triumph has taken this model in a neo-classic direction for sure, more than before. TRIUPH: The 'Retro' you're talking about? get a Bonneville lol

[@ellwoodwolf]

That dash is horrendous at that price point

[@ukvamp]

Strongly agree with that, I wish they had a TFT like the one royal enfield have been using, I'd have been happy with that

[@lbnyrider5666]

Can’t believe this is essentially the new Thruxton. I prefer my 2023 Thruxton looks, dual analogue dash, clip on bars for improved sportier riding. This bike isn’t ugly at all but I don’t like the digital dash and the headlight looks like a weird modern retro fusion on some angles

[@kaveiros75]

I too prefer the looks - and riding position - of the Thruxton. Too sad to see it removed! If they had a non - Öhlins version, and the bike was more affordable, maybe they had gotten some decent sales, enough to keep it in production. But at 16-17.000, it's no wonder why it didn't sell much.

[@andrewbecker3700]

The biggest difference I've noticed, is the angle of the frame is pitched foward a few degrees on the RS. If you look at my '22 or the standard '25, the engine craddle is basically parallel with the ground. The RS frame is clearly rolled foward a bit. I'd imagine this makes them uncomfortable to ride more that an hour at a crack. Lower bars and footpegs being moved back, are to keep the rider triangle livable. The Thruxton was discontinued for a reason. Personally, I think anyone considering one should buy a '24 before they're all sold out. The brakes, wheels and overall astetics are way better. Peace!

[@ONEly-uc4et]

In the US it starts at $16k for the RS. That puts it at more than $20k out the door. That is a bit dear. Not to mention the clocks. (At least copy RE.)

[@palashkale]

Even RE with their new bear 650 and the leaked updated interceptor 650 seem to have borrowed the dash from the new himalayan, which means no more twin clocks, this is a very bad design choice, the digital displays don't give us much in terms of functionality, just a compromise in aesthetics and daylight visibility. At least the RE dash is a decent display with full map navigation collaborated with Google, but it has one fatal flaw, the map only works as long as you have the RE app opened in your phone with the screen on, which makes it impossible to keep in your pocket, something else will he tapped on the touchscreen, which means to use that map, you have to keep the phone screen on and in a bag, but it also heats up the phone a lot and the battery life takes a significant hit, but at least the map is much better than simple arrow directions, but there is no perfect solution until manufacturers integrate the full carplay functionality. 😢

[@ONEly-uc4et]

@palashkale Agree, I have a 2017 Street Cup (30k miles) with dual clocks. I look at screens all day the last thing I want when I ride/drive is to look at another screen. I keep waiting for triumph to make a new bike that I want. I am still waiting. As far as GPS goes I use Beeline. That works great. The point of the RE mention was that is at least a well designed display despite the short falls that you rightly point out. Seems like Triumph kind of "phoned it in" when creating that dash. Budget constraints are real. If it was a $5k bike one could accept that. On a bike that cost $20k plus. There are other bikes in the market to look at. Cheers

[@palashkale]

@@ONEly-uc4et yeah, getting the dash from the beginner bike trident is definitely a bad decision, the trident for all intents and purposes is the entry level Triumph, although there is the speed 400 but that's made in collaboration with Bajaj, though they have done a good job with it, trident is the true beginner Triumph, and moving up the same dash to the bread and butter product of the brand makes no sense whatsoever. They definitely cheaped out here, even if they wished to integrate a digital display in a modern retro bike, aesthetics are the primary focus after functionality. Even fake aircooling fins are added just to keep the look intact. What were they even thinking.

[@simonbowen6653]

As a T100 owner I think the standard at £12.5k is way too expensive never mind the RS. Go and test the new Honda CB1000 Hornet at sub £9k instead.

[@jamiemcgrory1964]

The price is really the killer here, I was waiting to upgrade to the 1200 RS because I wanted the rumoured QS/cruise control to make longer trips easier. At £15k with those optioned it pushed it into the price range of some VERY strong competition. I've ended up getting a year old Speed Triple 1200 RS instead.

[@DESTRUCTOR-jf3sp]

Cb may be a good bike but one who thinks of getting bikes like these will ever get one. There's a huge difference between the 2 and comparing the 2 bikes doesn't make any sense. On the price point tho I too feel the new ST's are a bit overpriced maybe if the RS costed £12k or £13k and the standard £11k it would've made a lot more sense

[@urbanstrencan]

They are doing just such an amazing job lately, THIS new Triumphs Speed Twin 1200 are just gorgeous 😍😍 Would go for RS version

[@Neil_Llewellyn]

As a speed twin owner I wouldn't replace my current bike with a new model. Its lost its design principles and become too modern. That new clock, the quick shifter and the lines (line from plastic cover to the engine cooling fins) are all wrong. They have attempted to give it the street triple aggressive angles. The models are not good value when you compare what I got for my 2020 design. A shock upgrade is not that expensive. Why would you not just buy the street triple. Today I would probably buy a second hand T120 and pay for a Down and Out custom.

[@JLo1960]

Or you could buy a Hornet 1000SP with ohlins and 157bhp for £9,999. Its not a retro but for the money its unbeatable. Honda have reset the market and all other manufacturers will have to adjust their pricing structure.

[@mark675]

Shame the hornet looks like a cheap commuter bike

[@gypsyemperor7535]

Completely uninspiring Honda design, absolute snoozer.

[@j.d.mcginn6946]

Hornet is a 4 cyl thus a rice burner. I'm a person who only likes retro singles and inline twins in motorcycles nothing else appeals to me.

[@TemplarLove]

It’s a no without a twin clocks! 🙂‍↔️

[@flatcapcaferacer]

As a Thruxton R owner for over 8 years I can appreciate a cheaper and ergonomically more comfortable model of the original Speed Twin 1200. I would have preferred Triumph kept the Thruxton RS in the lineup and try harder of keeping the price down with understanding that a lower profit margin Thruxton RS being acceptable for a low volume model. They have lost the positive attributes of the orginal 1200 Speed Twin and didn’t reach the best attributes of the Thruxton RS. So I fail to understand the appeal of a poor man's Thruxton RS with the Speed Twin 1200 RS.

[@tomostinato2918]

Gen 1 had the looks nailed. Been downhill from there.

[@BharatWaala]

My 2022ST is already better than rs. :)

[@dblhelx]

Another great video and what a special bike. Always thoroughly enjoy your videos. I think the term "competitive pricing" is about to change thanks to Honda and thr pricing wizardry they pulled off with the Hornet. Not comparing the Speed Twin and Hornet...but I think Honda just initiated a paradigm shift that may reverberate through the motorcycle world.

[@lapinobel]

NONE... until they offer decent clocks again

[@ellwoodwolf]

Is that from the Trident 660 ?

[@lapinobel]

@@ellwoodwolf yes, Triumph cheaped out on us Speedtwin lovers big time. I've never been so disappointed since I have been waiting to get one until the RS was there. Gonna see if I can source a 2024 somewhere, or go second hand (which might be the most sensible thing to do)

[@MRo55i74]

@@lapinobelyou can get a brand new 2024 speed 1200 for under £10,000 now

[@lapinobel]

@@MRo55i74 not in belgium... nothing in stock anymore

[@Jacob99174]

Really should’ve asked get 2025 vs 2024…..

[@andrewroberts5416]

Having regretted selling my 2023 Speed Twin 1200, and then seeing the 2025 iteration I thought there’s no chance I’m buying one of those! So, I snapped up a brand new 2024 bike at an extremely good price and couldn’t be happier! 😀

[@bikegeist]

This title is KZbin engagement gold. 👏 👏 👏 Well played, sir.

[@ollynelson6352]

To not offer cruise as standard on the RS yet the trident comes with Cruise from factory makes no sense. I was looking to purchase a 25 based on equipment/price but to fleece the consumer for those little optional extra’s when the price has significantly gone up just shows how out of touch Triumph are. BMW always comes to mind with cruise and heated grips as standard on a few models for similar money. Ended up with a 24 on run out. Which ive already put pipes, rear shock upgrade, rad guard, bobbins, custom seat, tail tidy, painted items, replaced covers, new mirrors, new short fender and I am still $2.5k aud under a new RS. By the way love my twin dials 😜

[@alanfrazer3291]

Has there been a specific instruction to not mention the now discontinued Thruxton RS? All the reviewers seem to have already forgotten the Thruxton.

[@Jorge_RPG]

NONE… just get a 2024 1200🎉

[@NazirKhambati]

It would be interesting to have a comparison video with the earlier gen 2022 Speed Twin to the new ones ...specially RS.

[@hakanunal5300]

I didnt like the new tank shape, tough paint looks nice.

[@ukvamp]

For me at the price of the RS now I'd probably go for the BMW R12 Nine T, still get twin clocks, and you get cruise as standard too. Think if i do upgrade from my 2021 speed twin i think i may go for the BMW which is a shame

[@fyorbane]

The BMW is even more pricey. It is a nice bike but again way overpriced. The Honda 1000 Hornet is showing up the overpricing of these bikes.

[@suniljagdeo7043]

I do like the new Speed, but Triumph should have kept the two analogue clocks. I prefer my second-generation Speed Twin, which has the dual clocks, Brembo brakes, and all three riding modes. I believe you can still buy them for £10k, so get one while you can.

[@Nils_Martin]

Oh yeah.. the RS is my cup of tea..!! ♥️

[@dr.mahera9284]

None..they are over priced by 20%..the only reason to own them is their Retro vibe..but the market has some decent value options in the Retro look-alike too..

[@josephsaia5527]

If I buy a RS I would get my friend who has a. Vinyl graphics shop cover those stripes with something that looks better and making it mine. The electronic cruise is the only reason I am considering the RS over the great deals out there on slightly used Speed Twins in the $8,000. USA dollars range

[@BIGGIEsmalls13]

As with almost the entire population: Clocks issue, tank needs to be bigger and the RS should come with Sport touring tyres not track rubber. This model is getting so confused its rather sad. The actual overall design will be a modern classic but an asymmetric placky clock and too small a range is a foolish and ignorant decision.

[@fyorbane]

Triumph has clearly lost the plot, at least with the Speed Twin. So many people are saying this and so much lost potential with customers including myself.

[@chrisbike77]

Still love the Speed Twins, the neck-friendly Thruxton i was always either looking for....but ,pleeeeease with the clocks.......

[@SlapshodWingnut]

How much? With THOSE clocks? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA Foot in gob on this one Triumph.

[@chrismeyler]

I'll keep my 2020 thanks. I think Triumph dropped the ball on this. Why get rid of the Thruxton if you are going to offer a ThruxTwin?

[@malcolmosborne1592]

Not with those clocks. Ill take a gen 1/2 cheers

[@karanveersinghdulku]

Make it more retro bro, the dash looks awfully modern. Twin analog pods oldskool style for the win

[@NisarAhmed-jl2ek]

Which muppet came up with the one round instrument clock😦

[@telemaster]

For me Triumph hasn’t got the vibe of this bike right. It’s not retro, it’s not modern. It’s a dad bike now. I’d rather sport up a T-120 or go for the new Hornet 1000 over one of these. New Speed Twin sits in no man’s land for me. Good stuff as always, Bob.

[@glideman]

I would never buy another until they change the cheap looking clocks, they really spoil the bike 😢

[@logangodofcandy]

Buy an older model and add the upgrades yourself

[@mosscowbosscow]

Doing what you said would be cheaper still than buying a new model. It’s awful.

[@naveenbhat1930]

What's the point of having 2 variants of the speed twin 1200? Is the standard version replacing the T120 now onwards......?

[@martinaraya8728]

The RS is supposed to replace the Thruxton, which has been discontinued

[@kaveiros75]

Probably the RS version replaces the Thruxton. Which is rather sad, in my opinion...

[@gasgas8752]

The model before was better !!!!!!!

[@leonardoandrade2280]

The standard model doesn't make any sense and the RS is the old 1200 with decent suspension and generic dash. I'm pretty confident that soon a nice analog dash will be in the accessories catalog.

[@Mohammed68099]

Im thinking of selling my 2022 speed twin for the new tiger 800. any idea when videos will be out for this motorbike? 🙃

[@DODO-D0D0]

Can we get twin clock in accessories

[@MotoRiderTube]

The stupid dash kills this bike

[@timday6087]

Triumph really do seem to have dropped the ball with the Speed Twin in terms of the dash. The comments section in every single review I have read/watched is filled with negative feedback; I wonder if Triumph will accept their mistake and change it for 2026? It’s one of the bikes on my short list (and I like the 2025 silver paint scheme) but it’s difficult to get past the dash. It’s something that would annoy me on every single ride, which isn’t surprising as you can’t avoid it!

[@matthewhaag2138]

Neither One I’ll keep my 23 ST1200RS

[@bikerbeliever8169]

Cruise control?

[@juniorkang]

Who is going to buy this at 5k more than a Honda Hornet SP?

[@fyorbane]

Exactly.

[@ramapur6851]

No twin clocks??

[@dw1168]

I would buy the RS and put the standard handlebars/risers back on, best of both worlds, lol

[@kaveiros75]

I would do the exact opposite! 😁

[@kaveiros75]

The colours don't do justice to any of these two bikes. Besides that, I can understand everything, but not having the "sport" mode on the base bike, while it is the exact same engine and electronics, it feels like a robbery to me!

[@gasgas8752]

2024👍👍👍👍 2025👎👎👎👎

[@gowthamt9420]

Having a analog tachometer might look good instead of digital one but I guess it's Triumph's decision to go all digital 😅

[@fyorbane]

Then at least put a quality one on them and not a budget one from the 660 Trident. The one on the 1200 Speed Triple would have done the job. Simple.

[@stewy62]

A press launch in Minorca to launch “new” models, the RS is hardly new is it ? And reading the comments a lot of people think the old model year bikes were better 🇬🇧

[@bradleyalexander5821]

Far too rich for my wallet. Clock is out of place on a retro. I’ll pass, too many choices for less cash 💵.

[@mosscowbosscow]

I’d rather buy a Royal Enfield than this over priced parts bin of a bike. I loved the previous Speed Twin but this is lame.

[@fyorbane]

Way overpriced bikes for what it in reality are fairly basic parallel twins with a steel cradle frame. No exotic materials used and they don't even give you cruise control for the exorbitant prices. A complete rip off. Avoid. Instead buy this years model with the lovely twin dials, Brembo brakes and metal mudguards [cheap plastic on the new base model] and upgrade the rear shocks with an after market set tuned to your weight and riding style. Oh and the paint jobs are classier on the 24 model. That big natty 1200 sticker on the new base model looks horrendous.

[@DODO-D0D0]

I think most of people look for z900 rs atleast it have twin clock

[@jonomasonILoveU]

Thinking about trading my 2024 KTM on a new 2025 Triumph...

[@aromaticsnail]

All the '25 modern classic models should be left to rot in triumph dealerships; from the 900's to the 1200's. It seems Triumph is clueless on what to do with the line-up and simply went the dumb route adding needless tech or "modernizing" the bike design. They believe a classic bike should look more modern!! And let's not forget the price. With the latest offerings in this segment, these Triumphs are starting to make no sense. Only hard core brand fans could justify this, and look what that did to other brands like Harley. Keep your older bonevilles people, they just became a lot more valuable for you and the second hand market.

[@Stratocasterhead51]

The choice to cheap out on the analog dials will be the single reason why 99% of potential buyers will opt out. Triumph shooting themselves in the foot big time. The whole point of these bikes is the looks. And if the dash looks like absolute shite then we dont want it.

[@VelkePivo]

the gold bits seem incongruous with the style

[@andrewbecker3700]

God forbid a rider wants a Bonneville? What are these? Gotta be one of my biggest pet peeves. Its a Triumph Bonneville Speed Twin mate. Get it?

[@Yurii_Ko]

You should buy none of them. That decision to replace clocks was very much wrong

[@JT-si6bl]

DownAndOut customs are pretty amazing for making T12 look incredible. Give them your money.

[@kikoy08]

I cant get over with my rninet

[@palashkale]

Please, no digital dash! I love everything about modern retro bikes, but this is a step in the wrong direction. Gear position indicators and riding modes are great features, but these are just two simple pieces of information-easily displayed with traditional dual clocks and a small integrated display. A fully digital dash isn't necessary for such basic functionality. Plus, mimicking the daylight visibility of a traditional needle-based dash is no small feat. High-end displays with extreme brightness (e.g., 3000 nits) are required, and even then, they never quite match the clarity and charm of analog gauges. Most manufacturers can't justify the cost for such displays, and negative LCDs, while decent, still fall short. Unless you're offering something significant in return, like full CarPlay or advanced navigation, there’s no reason to replace the elegance of traditional clocks with a digital readout-especially on a retro bike. Digital displays might work for modern naked or sport bikes, where they fit the aesthetics, but retro bikes thrive on their timeless appeal. Basic direction arrows as navigation don't cut it; they aren't useful enough to justify this change. Keep the retro charm alive!

[@dante556]

If I were the CEO of Triumph, the people responsible for the decision to install these crappy Chinese clocks would definitely be fired. The motorcycle looks like cheap crap, and apparently Triumph has been telling customers for years that it is premium. Premium my ass

[@JayBee-cr8jm]

After buying one new Triumph, I won't buy another. I'd buy just about anything else.

[@Jacob99174]

Please do share. I’m considering getting a Triumph, but why not??

[@united23419]

​@@Jacob99174 it's just a bot, or paid comment... Triumph has the best customer satisfaction index of all the premium manufacturers, both in ownership and sales...go get it

[@JayBee-cr8jm]

@@Jacob99174 I bought a brand new Triumph Tiger and it burned oil from new. Endless complaining to the dealership got me nowhere so I took it to a different Trump dealership who found low compression on #3 (a common issue for these bikes). I then called "Triumph After Sales". They offered to help but had to speak with my dealership first. For reasons I'll never understand, they told them that I; "never informed them of my oil consumption issues and that they hadn't seen me since the 600 mile service" . Boom, just like that, no warranty for me. I sent my service history to Triumph, proving that I had the bike in the dealership numerous times and they responded with: "This is a problem between you and your dealership and does not concern Triumph After Sales". Then there was two voltage regulator failures, heated grip failures, two transmission failures (shift shaft and shifter pawl), bad wheel spacers, flaking frame paint, soft wheel powder coat . It also had weak anodization. The mirror stems went from black to grey to bare steel in just three years. After just 3 years and 44k miles the bike was worn out. It looked as if it'd be dragged from a river despite being maintained carefully, stored indoors and most miles being on the interstate. The front wheel had a nasty hop to it due to stiction in the forks. The steering lock never worked. The locking pin was too short and would not engage the hole. You could ride the bike with the steering lock engaged. That is how bad design, testing and engineering is at Triumph. Then there was the twice annual 6 week wait for parts. It's amazing I got as many miles on it as I did considering how much time it spent sitting around waiting for parts. The forums were little help. "Oh well, that's a known issue" is how folks there described these bikes. Bad bike, bad dealership, bad manufacturer support. Three strikes, they're out. My Japanese bikes start, run, stop and aren't corroding into dust. If I want to impress people, I show them my watch, not my bike.

[@BarnettSpeedSuzukiThou]

Neither, both cheapened and overpriced.

[@ellwoodwolf]

Rather get a z900rs

[@1100andFortyEight]

Neither, Triumph killed the retro looks with that off-center dash, there’s nothing really retro about the bike anymore, paint and graphics included. ☹️👎

[@TestTest-pf9qp]

None, to much cost for a flat seat, no passenger hand support, no packet support, no thruxton, no windshield, no central crutch, 30-50% overpriced.

[@g0ral]

Wasted opportunity... bring back double clock for god sake

[@lestersmyth692]

Which one is right for me? neither I’m afraid the Mickey Mouse speedo is a major put off 🤔

[@alfredkhoo1353]

largest triumph fail of the decade

[@jackgilchrist6344]

Why is Triumph flopping so much lately?

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Speet Twin 1200: blub blub blub blub blub Z900RS: zrroooooooooooommm

[@Flubberkoekje]

Can you please stop pointing things out by saying "this bike". Not everyone's actually glued to the screen all the time, most times you say "this bike", I've no clue which bike you're actually talking about, especially when the current shot is B-roll without you actually pointing it out.

[@halash_gowda5127]

Take of that Shtty digital meter and get the classic dual meters