The Triumph Velocity Triple turns 31 this yr. In these three-plus many years, it has advanced in leaps and bounds and constructed an unmatched cult following. Scores of riders like it for its unapologetic appears, sharp dealing with, and characterful triple-cylinder engine—this author included.
The brand new Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS takes every thing good concerning the latest incarnation of the Velocity Triple and cranks it up one other notch. Visually, there’s not a lot to tell apart the 2025 Velocity Triple 1200 RS from the outgoing mannequin—however though the updates are refined, they’re additionally impactful.
To be truthful, final yr’s Velocity Triple hardly wanted a refresh. First launched in 2021, it boasted a brand new 1,160 cc engine and a light-weight, razor-sharp construct that made it deal with higher than bikes half its weight. For 2025, Triumph has merely tweaked its current components to tick the few containers that have been nonetheless empty.
The Velocity Triple’s revised triple-cylinder engine maintains its 1,160 cc capability, but it surely now ekes out 3 PS and three Nm extra, bringing its output to 183 PS [180,5 hp] and 128 Nm. Torque peaks barely decrease than earlier than, at 8,750 rpm. Going deeper, Triumph modified their dynamic crankshaft balancing methodology, to refine the already responsive motor even additional.
The bike will get a brand new free-flowing exhaust system too, with a burly Akrapovič silencer out there as an non-compulsory further. The aftermarket can comes with a carbon fiber finish cap and a titanium bracket.
The most important, and most welcomed, addition to the 2025 Triumph Velocity Triple 1200 RS is its new Öhlins SmartEC3 semi-active digital suspension. Using the clumsily-named Öhlins Goal Primarily based Tuning Interface, it screens and adjusts the entrance and rear suspension’s damping traits in real-time, regularly adapting to the highway circumstances and your driving type.
It seems like snake oil, however I can report from private expertise that’s the actual deal. I’ve sampled the café racer-styled Velocity Triple 1200 RR, which makes use of the earlier model of the Öhlins system, and it really works eerily nicely, making a magic carpet-like really feel, notably beneath arduous cornering. The truth that Triumph has transferred this tech to the Velocity Triple 1200 RS is a implausible omen.
The system could be fine-tuned by way of the Velocity Triple’s TFT show, which sports activities a brand new electronics package deal for 2025. The complete record consists of cornering ABS and traction management, switchable rider modes, a quick-shifter, cruise management, a Bluetooth connectivity suite, plus totally adjustable entrance wheel raise, engine braking management, and brake slide help methods (a few of that are solely out there in monitor mode).
The brand new Velocity Triple 1200 RS additionally sports activities wider and better handlebars, a steering damper, and an up to date prime yoke to accommodate these adjustments. Brembo Stylema calipers and Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP V3 tires assist preserve issues in test, whereas a brand new Lithium-ion battery helps shave weight. Regardless, the brand new Velocity Triple weighs a kilo greater than earlier than, clocking in at a nonetheless respectable 199 kg [438.7 lbs].
For those who’re already a fan of the outgoing Velocity Triple’s often-polarizing aesthetic, relaxation assured that the brand new mannequin appears simply as wild. Triumph has retained the sharp insectoid twin headlight and sculpted bodywork, refining the general look with a brand new rear cowl. A low-slung exhaust, sporty alloy hoops, and a beautiful single-sided swingarm stylishly complement the bike’s signature twin-spar body.
The truth that the Velocity Triple helped outline the streetfighter style is clearly not misplaced on Triumph’s designers—nor their engineers. This new iteration of the marque’s beloved hooligan machine hits each observe, making it the bike that I’m most excited to trip in 2025.
Supply: Triumph Motorcycles
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