Much has been said and even more rumored about just what sort of motorcycle would replace Triumph’s speedy, sharp-looking Bonneville Thruxton. The factory cafe racer has been a hot seller around the world since the early 200s when the air-cooled, 865cc version captured a sizeable market share for its racy, retro 1960s looks and unintimidating performance. The Thruxton Bonneville was so popular it spawned single-make roadracing series and fostered a huge aftermarket parts backup that could turn the middling parallel twin into a genuine backroads scorcher. Fans rejoiced when the new, 120cc water-cooled Thruxton emerged in 2016, a factory cafe racer that had the serious performance to back up its racy image.
The 96 horsepower 1200 was inexplicably cut from the British firm’s lineup for ‘25, but news just surfaced that its replacement may be an improvement after all. The Speed Twin 1200 – and tastier RS version- which share the same water-cooled engine platform as the outgoing Thruxton, will become the company’s flagship cafe racer going forward. Triumph addressed some of the Speed Twin’s shortcomings, namely the budget rear suspension, which has been generously upgraded with adjustable, piggy-back twin shocks (the RS gets Ohlins units.) Redesigned bodywork, bold new graphics and a more aggressive riding position are all on offer. There’s upside-down forks, numerous chassis upgrades and new, cornering traction control along with a horsepower increase in power, making this 105 pony roadster the sportiest ST ever. A smaller, 900cc version is also due for 2025, designed with similarly sophisticated tech including ABS, riding modes and other electronic rider aids.
There’s plenty of performance improvement in store, from the rear shocks which are 10mm taller for more aggressive cornering action and a nose-down riding stance, to the early superbike handlebars that are now a 1/4″ more forward and a bit wider, affording the rider more leverage. We especially dig the lines of the revised fuel tank that features deeper knee indents and the angular side covers that were designed to blend gracefully into the throttle body covers (the former still built to resemble old school Amal GP carburetors.)
This being a new, not old Triumph, there will be accessories galore for buyers eager to personalize their Speed Twins. while it shouldn’t take long for an organized crew of dedicated speed freaks to launch a new Speed Twin Cup racing series. We’ll keep you posted on a possible price and test ride in the months to come.