Triumph’s Latest Performance Motorcycle Is One Stunning, Supersonic Space Invader

The over-the-top Speed Triple 1200 RX somehow gets even sportier and more aggressive than its hard-charging predecessor.

2026 triumph speed triple 1200 rx tank macro

By Steve Mazzucchi

Published May 13, 2025

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Updated May 13, 2025

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Some motorcycles are what you might call immediately approachable.

Even if you don’t currently ride, it’s relatively easy to look at, say, the CFMoto 450CL-C and imagine yourself swinging a leg over the saddle and going for a spin.

2026 triumph speed triple 1200 rx hero — The RX is simultaneously sportier, torque-ier and generally more menacing than the RS is.

On the far other end of that spectrum are bikes better described as intensely aspirational.

Now, they don’t have to be crazy expensive. All it takes is a stance so adrenalized that even experienced riders blink, then resume staring.

This bike is like if the Speed Triple 1200 RS shotgunned a six-pack of Monster Energy and then casually suggested, “hey, let’s hit the track.”

Which brings me to the latest from Triumph, the alien spacecraft known as the 2026 Speed Triple 1200 RX Limited Edition. G’head and look away, I dare ya.

Amped up

Avid moto fans might be thinking, WTF, didn’t they just launch a new Speed Triple a couple of months ago?

And they’d be right: the 2025 Speed Triple 1200 RS debuted in March.

2026 triumph speed triple 1200 rx action — I would probably avoid school zones on this bike, as it feels pretty much impossible not to ride very, very fast.

But Triumph was apparently so fired up about the follow-up, they had to take the wraps off long before the calendar ticked over to a new year.

The RX doesn’t just get a fresh coat of paint, either. In addition to its stunning look, this bike is like if the RS shotgunned a six-pack of Monster Energy and then casually suggested, “hey, let’s hit the track.”

Here are just a few highlights that illustrate what I mean.

Power trip

The RX’s 1160cc triple engine takes things up a notch or two when it comes to power and torque.

It makes 180.5 horsepower at 10,750 rpm and 94.4 ft-lb of torque at 8,750rpm, numbers that just edge those on the previous generation of the Speed Triple, as Triumph looks to squeeze every ounce of performance out of the bike.

2026 triumph speed triple 1200 rx akrapovic exhaust detail — In business since 1990, Slovenia-based Akrapovič has established itself as *the* name in performance silencers.

A key element is drawing from learnings gathered during Triumph’s Moto2 engine development that translate into a powerful and durable engine that remains light and compact.

Power flows freely courtesy of an eye-popping titanium and carbon fiber Akrapovič silencer that streamlines gas flow while retaining the engine’s unmistakable growl.

Track ready

Triumph made ergonomic adjustments that dictate an even more aggressive riding posture than you get with the RS.

The clip-on bars and machined top yoke are 2.71 inches lower and 2.04 inches more forward, while the footpegs are .57 inches higher and one inch farther back.

2026 triumph speed triple 1200 rx knee drag — You don’t *have* to drag a knee to ride this bike, but as Wooderson might say, it’d be a lot cooler if you did.

In other words, your whole body is extended just a bit more, which is not exactly ideal for, say, interstate travel, but is perfect for ripping laps at the track.

Ensuring you don’t put your helmet and airbag suit to the test is a state-of-the-art Öhlins electronic suspension, enhanced with the Öhlins SD EC steering damper.

Without getting too jargon-y, I can tell you this tech supports nimble handling and maximized stability, enabling you to push things to the edge and keep the shiny side sideways, er, up.

Rider-friendly tech

It feels kinda funny to talk about “rider-friendly tech” with a bike I’ve already nicknamed the Death Wish, but the RX has it in spades.

After all, it offers an adjustable front wheel lift control system, customizable Engine Braking Control and Brake Slide Assist (available only in Track mode) that dials in ABS calibration by allowing more front wheel slip and more rear wheel lift.

Through the 5-inch TFT display, you can also toggle through five distinct riding modes: Rain, Road, Sport, Track, Rider.

2026 triumph speed triple 1200 rx cockpit detail — All adjustments to the bike’s various systems and ride modes can be made via the 5-inch TFT display.

There’s also Optimized Cornering ABS, switchable Optimized Cornering Traction Control, and the Triumph Shift Assist, a quick shift capability that seamlessly taps into a trend I’ve been seeing more and more of lately.

Another cool new addition? Emergency Deceleration Warning activates a rapid flash of the brake light to alert those behind you of a hard braking situation, hopefully triggering their brakes and warding off a potentially deadly rear-ending.

Last but not least is the last feature you might expect to see, but a very welcome one just the same: cruise control.

Availability and pricing

The 2026 Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RX Limited Edition is available now at a starting price of $21,495. Just 1200 such bikes will be produced worldwide.

2026 Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RX Limited Edition

Triumph follows up March’s release of the 2025 Speed Triple 1200 RS with an even sportier, more aggressive new bike — as if the RS shotgunned a six-pack of Monster Energy and then casually suggested, “hey, let’s hit the track.” Highlights include an 1160cc triple engine making 180.5 horsepower at 10,750 rpm and 94.4 ft-lb of torque at 8,750 rpm, an even more dynamic riding position, state-of-the-art Öhlins Smart EC3 electronic suspension and carbon fiber bodywork complementing an eye-popping yellow paint scheme.

$21,495 at Triumph Motorcycles

About the Author:

Now managing editor, Steve has served in a variety of roles with GP since 2019. Having previously written and edited for such publications as Men’s Health, Men’s Journal, Esquire and ESPN, he enjoys covering a range of topics — but mostly those pertaining to cycling, snow sports, pocket knives and motos — and dreams of a utopian world in which everyone’s bike seat is at the proper height.