Triumph Speed Twin 1200 vs BMW R 12 G/S
Specs side by side, plus our verdict on which one is the smarter buy for the way you ride.
The Triumph Speed Twin 1200 and BMW R 12 G/S are among the most cross-shopped modern classic bikes of 2026. The Triumph Speed Twin 1200 undercuts the BMW R 12 G/S by about $2,800, so value is squarely on the table. On paper the BMW R 12 G/S leads on power with 109 hp. Below we put them head to head on price, performance, weight and seat height, then give our verdict on which one is the smarter buy for the way you ride.
Our pickTriumph
Triumph Speed Twin 1200
BMW
BMW R 12 G/SThe verdict
The Triumph Speed Twin 1200 edges it overall at 8.1/10, but the BMW R 12 G/S wins on most exciting, so let how you ride decide.
Triumph Speed Twin 1200
105 hp.
BMW R 12 G/S
109 hp and 0.48 hp/kg, the strongest here.
Triumph Speed Twin 1200
Our 8.1/10 at $13,595, the most bike per dollar.
Triumph Speed Twin 1200
216 kg with an 805 mm seat, the easiest to throw around.
Triumph Speed Twin 1200
Our top score in this matchup at 8.1/10.
Cyan marks the best figure in each row. Specs are the most-cited for the current model; verify before relying on them.
Still torn between them?
Answer a few questions and we'll rank every bike by how well it fits you.
Triumph Speed Twin 1200 vs BMW R 12 G/S: your questions answered
Which is faster, the Triumph Speed Twin 1200 or the BMW R 12 G/S?
The BMW R 12 G/S makes the most power at 109 hp and 115 Nm, giving it the edge on outright performance.
Which is cheaper, the Triumph Speed Twin 1200 or the BMW R 12 G/S?
The Triumph Speed Twin 1200 is the most affordable here with an MSRP around $13,595.
Which is lighter, the Triumph Speed Twin 1200 or the BMW R 12 G/S?
The Triumph Speed Twin 1200 is the lightest at 216 kg, which makes it the easiest to manage at low speed and in the bends.
Which is better for a beginner, the Triumph Speed Twin 1200 or the BMW R 12 G/S?
For a new rider we'd point to the Triumph Speed Twin 1200: 105 hp and 216 kg make it the most approachable of the group.
