Triumph has finally unveiled its new generation Tiger 1200 and has a lot to unpack.
- Two model ranges, two fuel tank sizes
- Target of BMW R 1250 GS
- Gets the new 150hp, 1,160cc three-cylinder engine
The new Tiger 1200 will be offered in two model ranges – the road-biased GT and the off-road focused rally range. Additionally, both styles can be found in the ‘Explorer’ model, which comes with a larger 30-liter fuel tank as opposed to the standard 20-liter tank. There are five variants in total – GT, GT Pro, GT Explorer, Rally Pro and Rally Explorer.
Triumph Tiger 1200: New engine
The detail of the title is that this is a complete ground-up conversion for the Tiger 1200, the bike now follows the same formula that was first seen with the new Tiger 900. This includes a new T-plane firing order for the 1,160cc Three. Cylinder engine. The bore and stroke figures of this motor are identical to the new speed triple, but Triumph says that it is a completely different engine. It now produces 150hp and 130Nm, which is nine times more horsepower than before. Compared to the BMW, the Triumph weighs 14hp more, but the torque is 13Nm less. Like the Tiger 900, this engine uses twin, side-mounted radiators.
Triumph Tiger 1200: New chassis
The bike uses a new chassis that weighs 5.5 kg less than before. The Tiger 1200 no longer has a one-way swingarm, but its new ‘tri-link’ swingarm and shaft drive setup help save 1.5kg. Weight saving is the primary goal and to that extent, even fuel tanks are now made of aluminum. Triumph says that this bike is 25 kg lighter than its predecessor. Moreover, the base GT now weighs 240kg, which is 9kg lighter than the equivalent of the R 1250 GS.
The whole bike is designed to be slimmer and it can also be seen in the exhaust sitting near the bike. Seat height is adjustable on both the GT 850-870mm and the Rally 875-895mm. It’s too long, but Triumph claims that slimmer bikes mean it’s easier for riders to get to the ground now. An optional 20mm bottom seat.
All models now receive electronically-controlled sleeping semi-active suspension as standard. The system allows for nine levels of damp adjustment between comfort and sport and allows the rider to set the spring preload electronically.
In the GT model range, the suspension travel is set to 200mm on both ends, while for Rally models it increases to 220mm. The GT runs on 19-inch wide alloy wheels at the front and 18-inch wide at the rear, and runs on Metzella’s Turans tires. Rally, meanwhile, uses a 21-inch / 18-inch tubeless spoke wheel combination and Metzella’s Karu Street tires. For those who want more aggressive tires, Triumph Michelin has approved Anaki Wild tires for assembly use.
Braking is operated by Brembo Stilema caliper clamp down on twin 320mm rotor. The Tiger 1200 uses Magura radial master cylinders for front brakes and clutches.
Triumph Tiger 1200: Design and Features
The design is reminiscent of the Tiger 900, and the new windscreen is designed to be adjustable with one hand. The handlebars will now be 20mm wider than before and the Explorer handlebars will be 16mm wider. Triumph claims better air protection than previous models, less engine heat by the rider and more spacious seats.
As far as features go, the Tiger 1200s is full of technology. The Explorer models receive a standard fit radar system from Continental that provides a blind spot and lane change warning system. This was something that the Ducati Multistrada V4 debuted, but unlike the Triumph, the Ducati also has a forward-facing radar that enables adaptive cruise control.
A new 7-inch TFT display comes with MyTriumph connectivity, which comes with audio and GoPro controls. Get all LED lighting standard and lean sensitive cornering lights on all models from GT Pro. There are up to six riding modes depending on the variant, the Base GT has three – Rain, Road (less power at 100 hp) and Sport.
Cornering ABS and traction control are standard while all the top models of the GT Pro get an up / down quickshifter, heel hold, cruise control, heated grips and a center stand. Also, the Explorer models get a tire-pressure monitoring system and heated rider and pelion seats. All models get a keyless start system, which works on the steering lock as well as the fuel tank.
As for accessories, there are over 50 options, including luggage options designed in conjunction with the GV. Triumph has also forged a new partnership with the military for Bluetooth communicators. The bikes finally come with a 3 year, unlimited mileage warranty and 16,000 kilometers of service interval.
Triumph Tiger 1200: Price and India launch
Prices in the UK start at £ 14,600 and go up to £ 19,100. This makes the bike more or less equivalent to the BMW 1250 GS, if some models are a little more affordable. We expect the Tiger 1200 to launch in India next year. Prices will depend on which models Triumph has decided to bring here, but ex-showroom prices are expected to start at around Rs 19-20 lakh.
