Triumph’s latest Speed Twin 1200 models have been launched, with the standard variant priced at Rs 12.75 lakh and the higher RS variant at Rs 15.50 lakh. Both models share their engine, overall styling and most of their features and the main difference comes down to the cycle parts.
- Speed Twin 1200 models powered by same 105hp engine
- RS gets Brembo brakes, Ohlins suspension
- Quickshifter fitted as standard on the RS
Both the Speed Twin 1200 and the RS are powered by the same liquid-cooled, 1,200cc parallel-twin engine as before, but this motor now gets a new cam, a sportier tune, and a higher 8,000 rpm redline. It is now rated at 105hp at 7,750rpm and 112Nm at 4,250rpm. Power is up by 5hp and is made 500rpm later in the rev band; this is the same output as the erstwhile Thruxton.
Both models come with a slip-and-assist clutch-controlled 6-speed gearbox, but only the RS gets a bidirectional quickshifter – the first Triumph neo-retro model to do so. And this unit cannot be fitted to the standard 1200 due to the differing footpeg placement on it.
The instrumentation on the Speed Twin 1200 models has also changed, with the twin digi-analogue dials making way for the LCD/TFT unit from the Trident 660, seen on a growing number of Triumph models today, including the newly launched Speed Twin 900. The switchgear, too, is the same on both the Speed Twin models, and a USB-C charging port is standard.
The base 1200 has relatively more comfortable ergonomics compared to the higher-spec RS, which has lower bars and more rearset footpegs. The RS is also the better specced-out variant of the two with a fully-adjustable Marzocchi fork and Ohlins shock absorbers as well as Brembo Stylema calipers mated to 320mm discs. The RS variant rolls on very sticky Metzeler Racetec RR rubber.
Predictably, the cycle parts on the base Speed Twin 1200 are simpler than those on the RS. Suspension is handled by a non-adjustable 43mm fork and twin shock absorbers, both provided by Marzocchi. Braking is handled by Triumph-branded radial 4-piston calipers biting down upon dual 320mm discs, and the standard Speed Twin rolls on Metzeler M9RR rubber.
The standard Speed Twin 1200 is available in three colours: white, red, and silver, while the RS variant comes in two paint options: black and orange. In typical Triumph fashion, a vast number of factory-supplied optional extras are available, including, for the first time, clip-on bars and a solo seat for that quintessential cafe racer look.
At Rs 12.75 lakh, the base Speed Twin 1200 is Rs a significant 1.66 lakh more expensive than the earlier Speed Twin 1200 (Rs 11.09 lakh). And the Rs 15.50 lakh Speed Twin 1200 RS sits in the same ballpark as the Ducati Monster SP. In terms of rivals, the Triumph 1200s will go up against the BMW R12 nineT, which is a much pricier proposition, at Rs 20.90 lakh