We’ve had quite a few limited-edition Triumphs of late – but this is definitely our favourite so far this year. It’s the new 2025 Speed Triple 1200 RX, and it’s a bit special, with some extra chassis kit, posh bodywork, tweaked riding position, and a limited production of just 1200 bikes worldwide.
It’s closely based on the current standard Speed Triple 1200 RS, which has the latest semi-active electronic system from Öhlins, using 43mm fully adjustable NIX30 EC (SV) Spool Valve USD forks with 120mm travel up front and a rear shock is a TTX36 EC (SV) Spool Valve rear shock with 120mm rear wheel travel.
Both ends are controlled by a SmartEC3 OBTi system electronic compression/rebound damping control unit.
But on the RX, Triumph’s also added an Öhlins SD EC steering damper, which is also controlled by the SmartEC3 suspension ECU. It’s a small thing on the face of it, but on a super-naked like this, with no extra aerodynamic stability winglets or the like, it might make a lot of sense when riding hard on track. It’s also pretty cool, which we always like.
Away from the suspension, the RX motor is the same 1,160cc 12-valve triple as on the RS, with a sweet 180.5bhp peak power and 128Nm of torque. The only detail change in the powerplant department from the RS is a slightly different road-legal exhaust from Akrapovič, featuring a titanium outer wrap and mounting bracket, carbon fibre endcap and exhaust valve cover, and a laser-etched Akrapovič logo..
As ever, the signature torque power delivery of the Triumph three-cylinder motor will give it an extra dollop of midrange compared with inline-fours, making up a little for the peak power deficit against something like a Ducati Streetfighter V4 or the BMW M1000R. It’s a (very) long way from the original 885cc 97bhp Speed Triple 900 from 1994….
Triumph says the Speed Triple 1200 RX also has sharper handling on track, thanks to a more aggressive riding position. Some posh rear-set footpegs and a different machined top yoke means the bars are 69mm lower and 52mm further forwards compared with the RS, while the rider’s footrests are 14.5mm higher and 22.5mm further back.
Small changes on the face of it, but enough to put more weight over the front end, and together with the steering damper, should make a difference when pushing harder on track.
Finally, the RX has a posh performance seat, unique racing yellow and black paint, carbon fibre front mudguard and tank covers.
Is it worth it? On the face of it, it looks a bit tight – at £18,995 you are paying an extra £1500 over the base RS, which may seem like a lot for a can, steering damper, carbon panels and rearsets/clip-ons.
On the other hand, you can’t easily fit an integrated semi-active electronic damper as an aftermarket part (it’s not clear if you can retrofit the Öhlins steering damper to an RS: it’s not listed as an official option on Triumph’s website).
A high quality set of rearsets will be a good few hundred quid at least. And the official Akra can for the RS is nearly £1500 alone.
So the closer you look, the fairer the price hike seems. Our advice would be to have a look, and if you’re already thinking of a Speed Triple 1200 RS, and will use the extra track ability, it’s well worth considering.
More info: www.triumphmotorcycles.com
Speed Triple 1200 RX tech highlights
Limited to just 1200 motorcycles worldwide
Fully focused riding position with more aggressive, sportier ergonomics
Enhanced electronic control, with state-of-the-art Öhlins electronic suspension and premium SD EC steering damper
Akrapovič silencer with lightweight titanium body fitted as standard
1,160cc triple engine delivers 183PS@10,750rpm and 128Nm@8,750rpm
Even sportier styling with carbon fibre bodywork, exclusive RX graphics and a striking Triumph Performance Yellow paint scheme