Billed as “the best of all worlds” Triumph took the wraps off their new Tiger 1200 family simultaneously with launch events in New York, Atlanta near their U.S. HQ and in Long Beach at Roland Sands new digs. After hinting the brand was going to get dirty, there was an expectation of a motocross or harder edged enduro machine in some quarters, however Triumph is going after the ADV/Rally area with its three new Tigers.
A whopping 55 lbs. lighter than its predecessors (and 37 lbs. lighter than any competitor in the class) and getting a corresponding bump in horsepower from the 1160cc “t-plane” triple, the big Tiger appears to be the cat’s meow… at least on the spec sheet and the sweet B-Roll they shared at RSD. Dealers should also dig the fact that the big bikes launched with more than 50 Genuine Triumph Accessories for customers to make the bikes their own… and dealers to make a little margin. A partnership with GiVi means panniers complete the package, but everything from heated seats to Harmon Kardon sound systems and Sena connectivity are included in the comprehensive range of dealer-installed accessories.
“Significantly lighter and much more powerful, with class leading handling and specification, plus all of Triumph’s new T-plane triple performance advantage, the all-new Tiger 1200 has been designed to be the world’s most capable, agile, and maneuverable large capacity adventure motorcycle,” Triumph’s Director of Marketing VP Adam VanderVeen. “Delivering a transformation in capability and performance on road, and the most dynamic and exciting experience off-road, the new generation brings the best of all worlds with a whole new Tiger line-up, including for the first time two all-new 30-liter/7.93 GAL tank Tiger Explorer options.”
Tiger 1200 GT family is tailor-made for road-focused adventure riders, with 19” front and 18” rear cast aluminum wheels and a 20-liter/5.3 GAL tank. The GT Explorer gets a 30-liter/7.93 GAL tank for venturing even further afield. For the Rally/Raid fans, the more off-road oriented Tiger 1200 Rally Pro and Rally Explorer get 21” front and 18” rear tubeless spoked wheels. Rally Pros get the 20-liter/5.3 GAL tank, while the Rally Explorer gets the bigger 30-liter/7.93 GAL tank/
Spec Sheet Highlights
• New lightweight frame with bolt-on rear aluminum subframe and pillion hangers
• New lighter and stronger ‘tri-link’ swingarm
• New category leading Brembo Stylema monobloc brakes plus optimized cornering ABS with IMU
• Advanced Showa semi-active suspension set-up tuned for maximum road and off-road capability/
More about that motor: The all new 1160cc triple was designed to set a new benchmark for engine character, according to VanderVeen. It also delivers more power with 147 HP at 9,000rpm and more torque with 95LB-FT at 7,000rpm on tap. For those keeping score at home, that is 8 HP more than the previous generation, and 13 HP more than the closest shaft drive competition. “The unique T-plane triple crank with uneven firing order delvers enhanced low-down tractability and responsiveness, while still having an exciting and engaging mid-range to top-end response.”
Price, service and availability
Three years unlimited mileage warranty, with the option to extend
High service intervals: 10,000 miles (16,000 km) / 12 months
Competitively priced, starting at $19,100 for the Tiger 1200 GT
Available in dealers from Spring 2022