Words: Autocar
Published 29 January 2026
Triumph has revealed the Speed Twin 1200 Cafe Racer Edition, a limited-run Modern Classic that leans heavily into the spirit of Britain’s original cafe racers of the 1960s, while sitting firmly at the top of the Speed Twin range.
Production is capped at just 800 units globally, with New Zealand receiving a mere five examples — making it one of the rarest Modern Classics Triumph has ever offered locally.
Based on the Speed Twin 1200 RS, the Cafe Racer Edition gains clip-on handlebars, a single-seat configuration with a brown bullet seat and removable cowl, and a suite of bespoke styling touches. A Certificate of Authenticity is supplied with every bike.
The riding position is notably more committed, with low clip-ons pushing the rider forward over the tank. Machined bar-end mirrors, ribbed clutch and alternator cover badges, black head bolt covers and sculpted knee pads sharpen the minimalist aesthetic. Pillion footpegs are deleted as standard, though supplied in the crate for owners who want to reinstate two-up capability.
An exclusive Competition Green and Aluminium Silver paint scheme completes the look, paired with Aluminium Silver wheels and a colour-coded Competition Green headlight bowl. Empire Gold coachlines and graphics add a premium finishing touch, while brushed aluminium mudguards provide contrast.
Performance mirrors the Speed Twin 1200 RS. Power comes from Triumph’s high-compression Bonneville 1200 twin, producing 105 PS at 7,750 rpm and 112 Nm of torque. Fully adjustable Marzocchi forks and Öhlins rear suspension are fitted, along with Brembo Stylema calipers on 320 mm discs and Metzeler Racetec RR K3 tyres.
Electronics include Road, Rain and Sport riding modes, optimised cornering ABS and traction control, plus Triumph Shift Assist. A combined LCD and TFT display offers navigation, phone connectivity and a USB-C charging socket.
The Speed Twin 1200 Cafe Racer Edition will be available to order from $31,300, with bikes arriving in dealerships from March 2026.
