Triumph Speed Twin 1200 RS in the Barcelona Test

The big sister of the Speed Twin 900 cuts a sharp and undeniably eye-catching figure, especially in its orange livery. But even at first glance, the Speed Twin 1200 RS makes it clear that it's not just a pretty face. There's a lot more hiding beneath the surface. The liquid-cooled 1200cc parallel twin with 8 valves and 270° firing order produces 105 hp at 7,750 rpm and develops maximum torque of 112 Nm at 4,250 rpm. In other words: no unnecessary revving to high heaven, just instant grunt whenever you need it. That's not only fun, it also makes overtaking and pulling away on steeper stretches - which are hardly rare around Barcelona - a lot easier. Throttle response is direct but never too aggressive, so you can always meter the engine cleanly. You could almost forget you're sitting on a retro bike - the power delivery feels like a modern naked bike. What I really liked was the grunty yet smooth character, along with the engine mapping, especially through the many varied corners. This harmonious interplay of qualities builds trust in the bike right from the first kilometer. The tires, Metzeler Race Tech RR, contribute to that as well, offering wonderful feedback. They also allow for spirited riding without any worries about grip. Only the heat build-up from the engine is a small blemish on the résumé - it gets properly hot even at a standstill, and while riding you shouldn't keep your legs too close to the engine block. Personally, though, it didn't cause me any real trouble. And once you hear the mighty, grunty sound of the Speed Twin, all the minor gripes are forgotten anyway. Anyone who enjoys the odd pop from a misfire will find it hard not to crack a wide grin here.

But power alone doesn't make a good bike. The real magic happens once the road gets twistier. And that's exactly where the Speed Twin proves it's not just sporty in looks. The 43mm Marzocchi upside-down fork up front and the Öhlins twin shocks with external reservoirs (piggy back) at the rear deliver a combination of stability and comfort that's not easy to find in this measure. The chassis soaks up bumps in the road while staying taut enough to deliver precise feedback. The wide aluminum handlebar plays its part too: a short input is enough, and the bike willingly tips into lean. Add to that the 120/70 R17 and 160/60 R17 tires, which inspire confidence from the very first moment - even when the tarmac isn't in perfect condition.

When it comes to braking, the Triumph again shows its best side. The Brembo Stylema four-piston calipers on 320mm twin discs up front and a Nissin two-piston brake at the rear, combined with the optimized cornering ABS, deliver enormously direct deceleration. Especially on the steep descents and twisty stretches around the area, that's a real blessing. No spongy feeling, no dragging out the braking - just crisp deceleration exactly when you need it. The bike does stand up slightly and come somewhat out of lean when trail braking into a corner, but thanks to its agility you can correct the line without much effort. For a bike that presents itself so stylishly and classically, the Speed Twin brakes almost disrespectfully well.

But what about everyday use? Can the Speed Twin do more than just have fun? Well, let's put it this way: anyone looking for storage space should rather look into a tank bag. There's nothing here except a pure riding machine. And that's exactly what makes it appealing. The seat is firm but comfortable, and the upright riding position allows for longer rides without back pain. Wind protection is - unsurprisingly - non-existent. But let's be honest: who buys a retro roadster to ride for hours on the highway? For everything else, the Speed Twin is absolutely suited to everyday use. It's nimble enough for city traffic, quick enough for country roads, and always conveys that uplifting sense of freedom that only a bike with character can offer.

With a tank volume of 14.5 liters and moderate consumption, the range remains more than sufficient for everyday use. Standard equipment includes optimized cornering ABS, traction control, three riding modes (Road, Rain, Sport), a Triumph quickshifter, as well as an LCD multifunction instrument with integrated TFT color screen. If desired, you can also equip it with optional accessories such as heated grips, cruise control, or the My Triumph connectivity module.

In terms of price, the Speed Twin 1200 RS costs 16,195 euros in Germany and 18,695 euros in Austria. Anyone willing to make the investment gets a true symphony of quality and riding pleasure. You can find my colleague Valentin's ride report straight from the Triumph launch here.