Imagine a world where you have a machine with all the performance of a superbike but essentially none of the restrictive drawbacks. You can commute on this bike and even do some relatively comfortable touring.
Well, the market asked for this some time ago, and the super naked class was born, and Triumph's top offering in this niche, the Speed Triple RS, just got a much-needed update for 2025.
Of all the upgrades for the 2025 model, the most interesting and most needed is found in the suspension. This motorcycle features Ohlins' latest-generation SmartEC3 semi-active suspension, which uses 'spool valve' technology to make even faster adjustments to suspension settings on the move than previous iterations of semi-active suspension. The system includes Ohlins Objective Based Tuning Interface (OBTi), which continuously monitors and adjusts the suspension damping characteristics.
Triumph gave the Speed Triple a hefty overhaul for the 2024 model year, which happened to be the unit's 30th anniversary. Although it was never accused of being a slouch on the track, it was criticized by some as being too harsh and sharp on the road. So, while the new Ohlins Smart EC3 suspension should take even more seconds off its lap times, it should also make it a comfier ride on the roads.
Further ensuring lap times should decrease is the added horsepower and torque on tap from the 1160cc triple engine, which now puts out 180.5 hp at 10,750 rpm and 94.4 lb-ft of torque at 8,750 rpm. The power bump is relatively modest when compared to the previous iteration but still produces healthy overall figures.
Like the 2024 Speed Triple, everything's brought to a halt are Brembo Stylems calipers and a Brembo MCS span and ratio adjustable lever, and like the previous model, it rolls on Pirelli Diablo Supercorse SP V3 tires, which are about as close to a track day tire as you can get while still being street legal.
More power and better suspension means riders will be happy to know that the electronic package is more capable now, too. Just when talking about the suspension alone, riders have seven adjustable parameters to choose from, which are:
- Front firmness
- rear firmness
- Braking support
- Acceleration support
- Initial acceleration support
- cornering support
- Cruising support
Further, the electronic aid package is a new independently adjustable Front Wheel Lift Control, Engine Braking Control, Brake Slide Control, and fully adjustable cruise control.
Although it's not an all-new bike, the styling is notably sharper, matching the bike's performance gains. One of the most noticeable differences is the new, new free-flowing exhaust system, which features a more compact and lightweight silencer and appears to be the main reason Triumph managed to eek out an extra 3 hp and 2.2 lb-ft from the relatively unchanged engine. If you really want to hear the new Speed Triple bark, you can add the new Akrapovic silencer, which is lighter, finished with a carbon fiber endcap, and has a laser-etched Akrapovic logo.
When speaking about the upcoming model, Triumph Motorcycle's Chief Commercial Officer, Paul Stroud, said, "In 2024, we celebrated the Speed Triple’s 30th Anniversary with owners, fans, and collectors, clearly demonstrating how every iteration of this model has been as groundbreaking as that original hooligan we launched in 1994. Back then, it sparked the birth of a whole new category of naked sports bikes. Today, we are setting a new benchmark for triple powered performance with this new Speed Triple 1200 RS."
The new bikes will arrive in dealerships in March and have a starting price of $19,995 USD. Along with the new features, buyers will have three new colors to choose from: Jet black, Granite and Diablo Red, or Granite and Performance Yellow.
Has Triumph done enough to get you to part with the best part of $20,000? Let us know in the comments.
