2026 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster vs 2025 BMW R 12 S

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2026 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster 2026 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster

Custom / cruiser

Engine
Four stoke, parallel twin, 270° crank angle, SOHC, 4 valve per cylinder
Power
57.5 kW / 76.9 hp @ 6000 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
263 kg / 580 lbs
2025 BMW R 12 S 2025 BMW R 12 S

Custom / cruiser

Engine
Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, two camshafts and four radially aligned valves per cylinder, central counter balancer shaft.
Power
81 kW / 109 hp @ 7000 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
220 kg / 485 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year20262025
Make ModelTriumph Bonneville SpeedmasterBMW R 12 S
Dimensions
Seat Height705 mm / 27.8 in795 mm / 31.3 in
Wheelbase1500 mm / 59.1 in1511 mm / 59.5 in
Height1055 mm /41.5 in-
Length2220 mm / 87.4 in2131 mm / 83.9 in
Width910 mm / 35.8 in871 mm / 34.3 in
Weights & Capacities
Fuel Capacity14 Litres / 3.7 US gal15.9 Litres / 4.2 US gal
Wet Weight263 kg / 580 lbs220 kg / 485 lbs
Performance
Max Power57.5 kW / 76.9 hp @ 6000 rpm81 kW / 109 hp @ 7000 rpm
Max Torque106 Nm / 78.2 lb-ft @ 3750 rpm115 Nm / 81 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm
Engine
Displacement1198 cc / 73.1 cu-in1170 cc / 71.4 cub in
Engine DetailFour stoke, parallel twin, 270° crank angle, SOHC, 4 valve per cylinderFour stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, two camshafts and four radially aligned valves per cylinder, central counter balancer shaft.
Bore x Stroke97.6 x 80 mm101 x 73 mm
Compression Ratio10.0:112:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooledAir/oil cooled
EmissionsEuro 5+Controlled 3-way catalytic converter, exhaust emission standards EU-59
ExhaustChromed stainless steel 2 into 2 twin-skin exhaust system with chromed stainless silencers-
Fuel InductionElectronic fuel injection with electronic throttle control. 2 riding modes (Road, Rain)Electronic intake pipe injection / digital engine management system: BMS-O with throttle-by-wire
Fuel Type-Unleaded super (premium), octane number 95-98 (RON) (rated output at 98 RON)
IgnitionDigital-
LubricationWet sumpWet sump
Starter-Electric
Drivetrain
ClutchWet, multi-plate, slip & assistSingle dry plate clutch, hydraulically operated
Final DriveX-ring chainShaft
Gear Ratios-1st = 2.375, 2nd = 1.696, 3rd = 1.296, 4th = 1.065, 5th = 0.939, 6th = 0.848
Primary Drive Ratios-1.737
Transmission / Drive6-Speed6-speed, claw-shifted transmission with separate transmission housing
Chassis
Frame TypeTubular steel, twin cradle frameFour-part frame concept with front frame and three-part rear frame, load-bearing engine-gearbox unit, rear-seat frame removeable for one-up riding
Suspension - Front47 mm Showa cartridge forksUpside-down 45 mm forks, compression, rebound and spring preload adjustable;
Suspension - RearKYB Mono-shock RSU with linkage and preload adjustmentCast aluminium single swinging arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever; central spring strut, spring preload fully adjustable by hook wrench, adjustable rebound-stage damping
Rake25.3°27.7 °
SwingarmTwin sided tubular steel-
Trail91.4 mm / 3.6 in112 mm / 4.4 in
Wheel Travel - Front-120 mm / 4.7 in
Wheel Travel - Rear-120 mm / 4.7 in
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front2 x 310mm disc, Brembo 2-piston floating calipers, OCABSTwin disc brake, floating brake discs, diameter 310 mm, 4-piston Monobloc radial brake caliper
Brakes - RearSingle 255mm disc, Nissin single piston sliding caliper, OCABSSingle 265 mm disc, 2 piston floating caliper
ABSStandardBMW Motorrad ABS Pro, partial integral
Rims - Front-3.50 x 17
Rims - Rear-5.50 x 17
Tyres - Front130/90-16120/70 - ZR17
Tyres - Rear150/80-16180/55 - ZR17
Wheels-Aluminium cast wheels
Wheels - FrontWire 32-spoke, 16 x 2.5 in-
Wheels - RearWire 32-spoke, 16 x 3.5 in-

Verdict

Too close to call

The 2026 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster and the 2025 BMW R 12 S are evenly matched across the key measurable criteria. Your decision comes down to personal preference, riding style, and which brand's dealer network best suits your location.

Key Differences

2026 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 705 mm vs 795 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.

2025 BMW R 12 S - Advantages

  • Higher torque: 115 Nm vs 106 Nm - more pulling power across the rev range.
  • Lighter: 220 kg vs 263 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.

2026 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster vs 2025 BMW R 12 S - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2026 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster and 2025 BMW R 12 S?
The 2026 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster uses Four stoke, parallel twin, 270° crank angle, SOHC, 4 valve per cylinder, while the 2025 BMW R 12 S is powered by Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, two camshafts and four radially aligned valves per cylinder, central counter balancer shaft..
Which is lighter, the 2026 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster or the 2025 BMW R 12 S?
The 2025 BMW R 12 S is lighter at 220 kg compared to 263 kg for the 2026 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster - a difference of 43 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2026 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster or the 2025 BMW R 12 S?
The 2026 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster has the lower seat at 705 mm, making it more accessible. The 2025 BMW R 12 S sits higher at 795 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2026 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster or the 2025 BMW R 12 S?
Both are strong choices. The 2026 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster has the edge in lower seat height and liquid cooling, while the 2025 BMW R 12 S stands out for higher torque and lighter kerb weight. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.