Triumph is getting very serious about capturing a larger slice of the Adventure bike market. The Tiger 1200 was almost ready to go to market, but as their Tiger 900 was already proving to be a phenomenal motorcycle, Triumph decided to ride the Covid wave and rethink the 1200. Much of what made the 900 so successful was incorporated into the new 1200 and they share similar design cues. Triumph then pitted the 1200 against it nearest competitors to make sure that they brought something really spectacular to market. To see if they achieved that, Triumph invited us up to Whiteriver, Mpumalanga to come and experience the bikes first-hand.
The range is divided into two distinct models, namely GT and Rally. The GT has a definite road bias with alloy wheels and a 19” front wheel. The Rally on the other hand has a more off-road bias and nothing says that better than spoked wheels and a 21” front wheel. Both the GT and Rally models have an Explorer version that adds more standard equipment and a 30 litre fuel tank, compared to the standard version’s 20 litres. The Explorer version also comes standard with blind-spot monitoring that will alert you to a vehicle in your blind spot. This happens via a very bright orange light located on the mirrors.
What Triumph achieved with weight saving on the new bike is nothing short of remarkable. To achieve that, the subframe is now bolt-on, just like on the 900, and the rear swingarm has been made lighter, but stronger. The engine has also shrunk in capacity, but has more power. Overall the new Tiger is a staggering 25 kg lighter than the model it replaces. It rides on the all new Showa semi-active suspension and stops with the latest Bremo Stylema brakes.
When you see the new Tiger in the flesh you will appreciate how small the bike looks. The bike also has a narrow waist and the seat tapers to the front. That means that you can easily plant your feet while the bike is stationary.
Riding the bikes was a revelation. The GT performs well on the road and the Rally model is equally at home when the tar ends. The engine is still Triumph’s triple and it has a raspy tone to it, urging you to ride it hard. What I really appreciated though was the suspension that you could adjust while you are riding, setting it firm for the twisty bits, and then to comfort on the long stretches. We rode through varying conditions on the Rally from hard packed gravel, to sand, to mud and even a small river crossing and the big rig just took it all in its stride.
Triumph set out to make the most agile and manoeuvrable large adventure bike, and I personally think that they exceeded their expectations. Triumph also has an extensive catalogue of accessories to kit out your Tiger. I would personally choose the GT version, purely for its no-fuss riding fun!
Article: Brian Cheyne, Photos: Joe Flemming
