Triumph Motorcycles have unveiled the new Tiger 1200. It is being referred to as the result of one of the most ambitious projects in Triumph’s history. And if the specifications sheet is anything to go by, it might very well be. It is lighter, sharper, and more powerful than before. Seemingly equipped with all that a rider can ask for, the new Triumph Tiger 1200 may well be on its way to lead the segment.
Building on the previous generation’s strengths, including its practical shaft drive set-up and its great long-distance comfort, plus the triple engine platform which suits touring so well, the new Tiger line-up introduces a new generation of T-plane triple engine, lightweight chassis and advanced technology – all focused on delivering the most agile and capable large-capacity adventure motorcycle you can buy.
With all-new names to reflect the new capability, each Tiger 1200 model is now more tailored and focused to suit the adventures that different riders want.
The new road-focused GT and higher-spec GT Pro come with cast wheels, 19” on the front and 18” on the rear, plus all-new Showa semi-active suspension, tuned to deliver the ultimate road-focused adventure ride.
With the new Rally Pro, this brings for the first time a dedicated 21” front and 18” rear tubeless wire-spoked wheel set-up, plus the new Showa semi-active suspension with even longer travel, tuned to deliver the ultimate in all-terrain riding, off-road and on.
Completing the new 5 bike line-up, for the first time Triumph introduces two new 30 litre tank Tigers, with the new Rally Explorer and the GT Explorer – the only cast wheel, 30 litre tank, adventure bike in the class. Both featuring the new Triumph Blind Spot Radar system, these bikes are built to travel the world in comfort and style, with the highest level of specification and capability ever.
Designed to deliver all the advantages that have made the Triumph Tiger 900 so successful in the middleweight category, the new T-plane triple crank brings the best of both worlds, with the low down tractability of a twin at the bottom end, making it great off-road, combined with the performance benefits of a triple at the top end, which makes the Tiger even better on the road where riders spend most of their time.
Technically, the T-plane crank gives the new Tiger 1200 engine firing pulses at 180, 270 and 270 degrees, resulting in one short gap and two long gaps between the firing, delivering improved character and tractability at low rpm.
The new 1,160cc engine brings a major step up in performance with 150PS peak power at 9,000rpm, 9PS up on the previous generation, making it the most powerful shaft drive motorcycle in the class. The torque is also significantly higher than the previous generation, with 130Nm of peak torque at 7,000rpm, 8Nm up on the previous engine.
In addition to the step-up in power and torque, the new engine, tune and T-plane triple crank also bring improved acceleration and a much more responsive and exciting character, where the uneven firing interval gives excellent feel and tractability at the bottom end, combined with the really strong triple power and torque delivery all the way through the rev range.
Completing the transformation, every Tiger features the new lightweight low-maintenance shaft drive, a key practical advantage valued by adventure touring riders. Add to that the new minimal lightweight silencer, and the result is a significantly enhanced soundtrack, with a new distinctive triple tone and bark.
Compared to the previous generation engine, absolutely everything is new, including new bore and stroke, crank, cylinder head, gearbox and clutch, and a completely new shaft drive and bevel box. Overall, every single component has been designed to be significantly lighter and more compact, which has allowed the new engine to have a much tighter overall package, transforming the riding dynamics.
The Tiger 1200 has been designed to set the new benchmark for road and off-road adventure handling, courtesy of a major reduction in weight, an all-new lightweight chassis, a class-leading specification of equipment and all-new rider ergonomics.
Following an extensive mass optimisation programme across the whole bike, encompassing every component, the new generation is now more than 25kg lighter than the previous Tiger, and up to 17kg lighter than the closest shaft drive competition, based on a comparable specification of the motorcycle.
For this new generation, each Tiger 1200 family now comes equipped with dedicated wheel dimensions, tailored to suit the adventures that different riders want. On the Rally Pro and Rally Explorer, there is a 21”/18” tubeless spoked set-up for incredible all-road ability, and on the GT, GT Pro and GT Explorer there is a 19”/18” cast aluminium arrangement for more dynamic road riding ability.
Ensuring outstanding grip and stability, Metzeler Tourance™ tyres are fitted to all of the GT models, while the Rally models feature Metzeler Karoo Street™ tyres for true all-terrain riding. For advanced off-road riding, the Michelin Anakee Wild is the handbook approved option.
Class-leading Brembo Stylema® brakes are fitted to all Tiger 1200 models for powerful and progressive performance. These have been selected to meet the demands of long-distance road riding and the advanced off-road adventure capability of the Rally models.
The incredible stopping power provided by the Brembo callipers is managed by the advanced Optimised Cornering ABS system fitted to all of the new models, which is supported by a sophisticated IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit), which continuously measures the motorcycle’s movement (pitch rate, yaw rate, roll rate, vertical acceleration, lateral acceleration, longitudinal acceleration) to calculate the lean angle of the bike and deliver the optimum level of ABS intervention. Magura HC-1 levers, adjustable for reach, deliver a progressive feel and further enhance rider comfort and control.
Making a significant contribution to the transformation in weight and handling capability, the Tiger’s new frame, which is 5.4kg lighter than the previous design, features a bolt-on aluminium rear sub-frame and bolt-on pillion hangers, enhancements developed from customer feedback.
Additional weight savings comes from the new aluminium fuel tank and all-new tri-link swingarm, which is 1.5kg lighter and stronger than the previous single-sided set-up and incorporates a smaller and lighter shaft drive and bevel box.
Bringing the rider enhanced confidence at low speeds and during non-riding manoeuvres, as well as enhanced comfort and control, all of the new 1200s come with new seat and tank ergonomics, where the seat has been slimmed down at the front, where it meets the tank. To further enable each rider to find their comfort zone, all models feature a built-in easily adjustable two-position seat mechanism which enables the rider to change the seat height by 20mm to their preferred set-up.
For the GT, GT Pro and GT Explorer there are two seat height settings – 850mm and 870mm, while for the Rally Pro and Rally Explorer these are 875mm and 895mm. Through the accessory-fit low seat option, customers will also be able to lower the seat position by an additional 20mm.
A further enhancement to comfort is provided by the new easily adjustable screen, with a simple one-handed adjustment mechanism, plus new aero screen diffusers that deflect the wind off both the rider and pillion.
The handlebar position has been optimised to suit each model in the Tiger 1200 range, contributing to the bike’s improved agility and ensuring great rider comfort. These are 20mm wider than the previous generation for improved off-road control.
On the GT Explorer and Rally Explorer, the handlebars are 16mm higher than the other models in the line-up to deliver an even more commanding position. The footpeg positions have also been refined to deliver the optimum rider comfort and control for each model.
All models within the Tiger 1200 line-up have an extensive level of protection for a more secure and comfortable ride: handguards are standard for all models, aluminium skid-guard is fitted as standard on the GT Pro and GT Explorer, while an aluminium sump guard is a standard fit for the Rally Pro and Rally Explorer.
Additional protection is provided on the GT Explorer and both Rally variants by the engine protection bars, while the Rally Explorer also comes with fuel tank protection bars. These items can all be added as accessories to the models where they are not standard fit.
The new generation sets a new standard for Tiger technology, with the introduction of a host of advanced features designed to enhance the ride and deliver a step up in safety, comfort and control.
The GT Explorer and Rally Explorer exclusively feature the all-new Triumph Blind Spot Radar system, developed in partnership with Continental, which delivers two key safety features. Blind Spot Assist uses a rear-facing radar to let the rider know when another vehicle is in their blind spot, and Lane Change Assist, which gives a more prominent warning if the rider indicates to change lane and there is a vehicle approaching.
Optimised Cornering Traction Control comes as standard on all of the new line-up, which is supported by the bike’s advanced IMU to deliver the optimum traction control response for the riding conditions.
All of the key information the rider needs is presented through the new class-leading 7” TFT instruments with an optically bonded display, which features a new graphics package. The My Triumph Connectivity System is also fitted as standard on all models, enabling phone calls,
turn-by-turn navigation and GoPro control.
Depending on the model, there are up to 6 riding modes available, which adjust throttle response, ABS, traction control and suspension settings for maximum rider control in all riding conditions. The Off-Road Pro riding mode, exclusive to the Rally Pro and Rally Explorer models, is Triumph’s most extreme off-road set-up for advanced off-road adventure, with ABS and traction control turned off, and an off-road throttle map. Rain mode has been tailored to deliver the most intervention and is limited to 100PS for enhanced safety and control when conditions are compromised.
Tiger 1200 Rally Pro and Rally Explorer:
Road, Rain, Sport, Rider-configurable, Off-Road and Off-Road Pro
Tiger 1200 GT Pro and GT Explorer:
Road, Rain, Sport, Rider-configurable and Off-Road
Tiger 1200 GT:
Rain, Road and Sport
Great visibility in any riding condition is ensured by the new full-LED headlight with a distinctive new signature Daytime Running Light (DRL). Additional visibility and illumination whilst cornering are provided by the lean-sensitive new Adaptive Cornering Lights, which come as standard on all models except the Tiger 1200 GT.
Triumph Shift Assist comes as a standard fit feature on all models, except the Tiger 1200 GT where it is available as an accessory upgrade. Triumph Shift Assist enables easy up and down gear-shifting without needing to action the clutch. Hill Hold is standard on all models except the Tiger 1200 GT. Hill Hold prevents the bike from rolling backwards when setting off on a steep incline, applying the rear brake until sensing the rider is starting to move off.
For enhanced long-distance riding comfort in every weather condition, all models except the Tiger 1200 GT come with heated grips as standard, plus the GT Explorer and Rally Explorer also come with heated rider and pillion seats, and also a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System to ensure the highest possible level of rider safety. For all other models, heated seats and TPMS can be added as accessory options.
Completing the new Tiger’s comprehensive technology package, all of the new models come with a host of additional features designed to enhance the ride, including intuitive and easily accessible switch cubes with unique-in-segment 5-way joystick control, plus illuminated switches and under-seat storage with a USB charger. Adjustable electronic cruise control and a centre stand also come as standard on all models except the Tiger GT.
Following a brief for styling that was just as ambitious as the handling and performance updates, the new Tiger 1200 line-up delivers a distinctive new look with a more upright, commanding stance enhanced by the new redesigned minimal bodywork, clean contemporary lines and a visually
lighter front end.
Each model family has been designed with a more focused look, with the GT family delivering even more road-biased style, whilst the Rally family brings even more off-road attitude and stance, courtesy of the new 21’’ front wheel set-up.
The new generation also features a much slimmer waist and more compact design with a narrower standover, which not only makes it easier to get your feet on the floor but also makes it easier to move around while riding.
Colour Options
Tiger 1200 Rally Pro and Rally Explorer:
– Snowdonia White
– Sapphire Black
– Matt Khaki
Tiger 1200 GT Pro and GT Explorer:
-Snowdonia White
– Sapphire Black
– Lucerne Blue
Tiger 1200 GT
– Snowdonia White:
A tailor-made line-up of the very best options needed to enhance any rider’s adventure is available for the new Tiger 1200, with more than 50 Genuine Triumph Accessories to choose from to enhance the bike’s capability, comfort, style and protection.
Key accessory options include:
-Two full luggage systems, with new Trekker moulded panniers and 52-litre twin helmet top box with passenger backrest, and new aluminium top-opening Expedition panniers, with matching 42 litre top box and backrest, available in both brushed aluminium or matt black finish, all developed by Triumph in partnership with Givi.
-Comprehensive protection range, with engine bars, tank protection bars and aluminium sump guard.
-Heated rider and pillion seats, plus low height heated seat.
-Adjustable screen aero deflector
-Triumph Shift Assist
-LED fog lights
-Scrolling LED indicators
-Centre stand
-All-new Triumph Sena Bluetooth headset, a new partnership, which works with the integrated My Triumph Connectivity System and comes with Sena’s updated sound system by Harman Kardon
-Triumph Track+ tracking system
-Triumph Protect+ alarm system
