When we revealed that Triumph’s new, 2026 version of their popular Thruxton cafe racer would be a 400cc single, it was met mostly with applause. Many of our magazine’s younger readers were pleased to see the British manufacturer address the needs of riders uninterested in large-capacity machines and the fact that 400s generally sell at a much lower price point tan bigger bikes didn’t hurt matters either.
But hold onto your helmets, Triumph fans: news just surfaced this morning that the company is releasing an updated version of their scorching, 1200cc Speed Twin in full-on cafe racer guise. Folks in the know are aware that the Speed Twin was upgraded last model year with new, inverted Showa forks with full adjustability and improved, piggyback shocks. These changes made the ST a more focused performance retro that was worthy of wearing the Thruxton name.
The new machine is a limited-edition special with only 800 units being produced worldwide. Released as an early 2027 model, The Speed Twin 1200 Cafe Racer Edition has a more racy, committed riding stance with low clip‑on handlebars, clean bodywork and a tapered rear end, that shift the rider forward and create a distinctly athletic silhouette.
Triumph say the Cafe Racer ST wears a striking, Competition Green and Aluminum Silver color scheme that “blends contemporary elegance with classic racing heritage.” The 4-gallon fuel tank is finished in Aluminum Silver as the primary color, delivering a clean, modern metallic base with subtle depth and sheen. We really dig the large numbers appearing along the sidepanels, giving the bike a racetrack effect and strong visual presence.
The suspension is ever higher spec than the bouncy bits on the Thruxton 1200 with fully adjustable Marzocchi forks paired with Öhlins twin rear shocks. Braking performance is delivered by twin Brembo Stylema calipers – the type generally fitted to race-replicas- squeezing 320 mm discs, while high‑performance Metzeler Racetec RR K3 tires come fitted as standard, delivering confident braking performance with direct, consistent feel at the lever.
Of course, with a bike like this, it’s all about wicked levels of thrust and the ST doesn’t disappoint. Power comes from Triumph’s high‑compression Bonneville 1200 twin engine, producing 103.5 ponies at 7,750 rpm and delivering strong, sustained performance all the way to the 8,000 rpm rev limit. The distinctive 270‑degree firing order, combined with a low‑inertia crankshaft, ensures an immediate throttle response and characterful power delivery, while strong torque is maintained throughout the rev range, peaking at an impressive 83 ft-lb.
There’s the usual, 21st Century sprinkling of electronic rider aids; expect three selectable modes – Road, Rain, and Sport – while there’s optimized cornering ABS and Traction Control fitted as standard.
We don’t have a retail price as of yet, but with just 800 examples due in showrooms, the Speed Twin 1200 Cafe Racer should sell like pints of ale at happy hour. Best of al, I have a suspicion that brisk sales of their special edition Triumph will likely spur the release of a regular edition version sometime in the near future. Let’s hope so.
