By NastyNils· ·
Motorcycle comparison · Retro Classic
Triumph Speed Twin 900 (MY2025) vs Speed Twin 1200 (DD01)
Triumph Speed Twin 900 vs Speed Twin 1200: which one to buy once you're past the looks.
Roll on the Triumph Speed Twin 900 out of a slow bend and it pulls from low revs with a push that won't catch you out. The Triumph Speed Twin 1200's throttle always has shove waiting.
So which one do you buy?
The Speed Twin 900 has the edge if…
Daily commuting & city riding
Small edge: Speed Twin 900
Through rush hour, the Speed Twin 900 is a little easier to live with. It's down to friendlier manners and easier maneuvering in tight spots.
The Speed Twin 1200 has the edge if…
Keeping running costs low
Narrow edge: Speed Twin 1200
On running costs, the Speed Twin 1200 edges it. Not by enough to bank on.
Character, looks and sound
By a nose: Speed Twin 1200
On style, the Speed Twin 1200 makes a slightly stronger case. The reason: a better engine note and more distinctive styling. Go see both in person.
Sporty riding on twisty roads
Edges it: Speed Twin 1200
On a winding road, the Speed Twin 1200 comes out a touch ahead. Most of that is harder acceleration. You wouldn't bet much on a gap like that.
What makes each one tick
Speed Twin 900
There's no tiptoeing at a light on the Speed Twin 900, whose seat sits just 30.7 in (780 mm) off the pavement. Lighter wheels and a shorter wheelbase let it flick from one lean to the next.
Speed Twin 1200
A rich bark comes out of the Speed Twin 1200's exhaust, and there's low-end torque on tap the moment you ask. The snap from closed throttle to drive in Sport mode is rough enough to break your rhythm, especially on less-than-perfect pavement. Rain mode smooths it out. Corner entry takes a deliberate press on the bar, since the bike won't dart in alone. Once it's pointed, the chassis tugs itself back toward upright.
Nils rode the Speed Twin 1200 in Spain in 2019 (NastyNils Testride).
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The Speed Twin 900 has the lower seat: 30.7 in (780 mm) vs 31.8 in (807 mm).
- The Speed Twin 1200 makes more peak power: 96 hp (71 kW) vs 64 hp (48 kW).
- The Speed Twin 1200 makes more peak torque: 83 lb-ft (112 Nm) vs 59 lb-ft (80 Nm).
Which one for the way you ride
Comfortable long-distance riding
Both miss here
Big miles aren't where either one shines. You'll be watching for the next rest stop.
Who each one is built for
What's good, and what you'll live with
Speed Twin 900
What owners say
Strengths
- Sleeker, more dynamic styling
- Approachable with friendly characteristics and low seat height
- Enough engine pep to drive out corners
- Genuine sporting capability from upgraded chassis
Speed Twin 1200
Strengths
- Built to Survive a Close Look
- Stops the Room Cold
- Feels Smaller Than It Is
- Torque Always On Tap
- Charismatic, torque-laden engine
Trade-offs
- Rear Brake Squeals When Worked
- USB Port Buried and Useless
- Cheap-feeling rear shock on bumpy roads
Known problems to check before you buy
Speed Twin 900
- Rear turn signal non‑compliance recall (SRAN630 / 25V141) Recall 25V141000 The red rear turn signals were installed too close to the tail light, failing to meet FMVSS 108. Dealers will replace them with amber signals free of charge. Affects all 2025 Speed Twin 900, 1200, and 1200 RS models.
- Hard starting when cold A 2025 owner reports the engine requires two start attempts and occasionally sputters or dies when cold; ambient temperature not believed to be a factor.
- Fork noise when cold A knocking or rattling noise may be heard from the front forks under compression over uneven road surfaces, particularly when cold.
Speed Twin 1200
- Warped front brake discs Some owners have reported warped front brake discs, causing pulsing through the lever and reduced braking effectiveness.
What they share
- Wet weight
- 476 lb (216 kg)
- Engine
- Parallel twin
- Cooling
- Liquid-cooled
- Final drive
- Chain
Where the spec sheets split
| Speed Twin 900 | Speed Twin 1200 | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 30.7 in (780 mm) | 31.8 in (807 mm) |
| Speed Twin 900 | Speed Twin 1200 | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 900 cc | 1200 cc |
| Power | 64 hp (48 kW) | 96 hp (71 kW) |
| Torque | 59 lb-ft (80 Nm) | 83 lb-ft (112 Nm) |
| Speed Twin 900 | Speed Twin 1200 | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel capacity | 3.2 US gal (12 L) | 3.8 US gal (14.5 L) |
| Speed Twin 900 | Speed Twin 1200 | |
|---|---|---|
| Gearbox | 5-speed | 6-speed |
| Fork | Upside-down (USD) | Telescopic |
| Front tire | 100/90-18 | 120/70-17 |
| Rear tire | 150/70-17 | 160/60-17 |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| Speed Twin 900 | Speed Twin 1200 | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise Control | Option | Not offered |
| Smartphone Connectivity | Option | Not offered |
| LED Headlight | Standard | Not offered |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
