If you are looking for a bike that can take you anywhere, from the smooth highways to the rugged trails, you might want to consider the Triumph Tiger 1200. This is the flagship adventure motorcycle from the British brand, and it has received massive upgrades for 2022. In this blog post, we will review the Triumph Tiger 1200 and see what makes it stand out among its competitors.
The Triumph Tiger 1200 is a successor to the Tiger Explorer, which was launched in 2012. The Tiger 1200 name was introduced in 2018, along with some cosmetic and technical updates. For 2022, the Tiger 1200 has undergone a major overhaul, with a new engine, new chassis, new bodywork, new tech and even new naming conventions.
The Triumph Tiger 1200 is available in four variants: GT, GT Pro, Rally Pro and Rally Explorer. The GT and GT Pro are more road-focused models, while the Rally Pro and Rally Explorer are more off-road oriented. The GT Pro and Rally Pro are the top-of-the-line models, with more features and equipment than the base GT and Rally Explorer.
Specifications
The Triumph Tiger 1200 is powered by a new 1160cc inline-triple cylinder engine that produces 148 bhp at 9000 rpm and 130 Nm of torque at 7500 rpm. This makes it the most powerful shaft drive motorcycle in its class. The engine is mated to a six-speed gearbox with a slipper clutch and a bi-directional quickshifter.
The Tiger 1200 is built around a new steel trellis frame that is 5.5 kg lighter than the previous model. The single-sided swingarm has been replaced by a new tri-link setup that also saves weight. The fuel tank is made of aluminium and has a capacity of 20 litres.
The suspension system consists of WP forks and shock absorbers that are electronically adjustable on the GT Pro and Rally Pro models. The GT models have a suspension travel of 200 mm at both ends, while the Rally models have a longer travel of 230 mm at the front and 220 mm at the rear.
The braking system comprises of Brembo Stylema monobloc calipers with dual 320 mm discs at the front and a single 282 mm disc at the rear. The brakes are equipped with ABS and cornering ABS on all models.
The wheels are different for the GT and Rally models. The GT models run on cast aluminium wheels with Metzeler Tourance tyres, while the Rally models have spoked wheels with tubeless Pirelli Scorpion Rally tyres. The wheel sizes are 19-inch at the front and 18-inch at the rear for both variants.
The Triumph Tiger 1200 also comes with a host of electronic features, such as ride-by-wire throttle, cruise control, traction control, hill hold control, tyre pressure monitoring system, heated grips, heated seats (front and rear), LED lighting (including cornering lights), TFT instrument cluster (with Bluetooth connectivity), six riding modes (Rain, Road, Sport, Off-Road, Off-Road Pro and Rider) and keyless ignition.
Highlights of Specifications
- Engine: 1160cc, liquid-cooled, 12-valve, DOHC, inline 3-cylinder with T-Plane triple crank
- Power: 148 bhp @ 9,000 rpm
- Torque: 130 Nm @ 7,000 rpm
- Transmission: 6-speed, shaft final drive
- Fuel Capacity: 20 liters (GT models), 30 liters (Explorer models)
- Gearbox: 6 speed
Power and Performance
The Triumph Tiger 1200 is a powerful machine that can deliver exhilarating performance on any terrain. The new engine is more refined and responsive than the previous one, and offers a smooth and linear power delivery across the rev range. The triple-cylinder engine also has a distinctive sound that adds to the riding pleasure.
At the heart of the Triumph Tiger 1200 lies its spirited T-Plane triple engine, updated to deliver smoother, more responsive power across the entire rev range. The T-Plane crank provides a unique blend of low-end torque and engaging power delivery, making it a pleasure to ride. Whether tackling challenging off-road trails or cruising comfortably on the highway, the Tiger 1200 has the power to tackle it with ease.
The gearbox is slick and precise, and the quickshifter allows for seamless upshifts and downshifts without using the clutch. The clutch lever is light and easy to operate. The throttle response is crisp and smooth, thanks to the ride-by-wire system.
Top Speed of Triumph Tiger 1200
The Triumph Tiger 1200 can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in about four seconds, and reach a top speed of over 200 km/h. The fuel efficiency is decent for a bike of this size and power, averaging around 18 km/l on mixed riding conditions.
Chassis, Brakes & Suspension
The Triumph Tiger 1200 has a solid and stable chassis that can handle any kind of road or trail with ease. The new frame is stiffer and lighter than before, improving the handling and agility of the bike. The steering is precise and responsive, allowing for confident cornering and manoeuvring.
The suspension system is one of the highlights of the Triumph Tiger 1200. The WP forks and shock absorbers are fully adjustable on the fly on the GT Pro and Rally Pro models, using buttons on the handlebar and the TFT screen. The suspension can adapt to different riding modes, load conditions and terrain, providing optimal comfort and control.
The brakes are another strong point of the Triumph Tiger 1200. The Brembo Stylema calipers are powerful and progressive, offering excellent stopping power and feedback. The ABS and cornering ABS are effective and unobtrusive, enhancing the safety and stability of the bike.
The wheels and tyres are suitable for the intended use of the GT and Rally models. The cast aluminium wheels and Metzeler Tourance tyres are ideal for road riding, offering good grip and durability. The spoked wheels and Pirelli Scorpion Rally tyres are perfect for off-road riding, offering traction and puncture resistance.
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Build & Design
The latest Triumph Tiger 1200 features a sharper, more purposeful design. With a lighter overall build, it has a leaner and more aggressive profile. Elements like a distinctive headlight design, sculpted fuel tank, and a narrow tail section contribute to its athletic stance.
The Triumph Tiger 1200 has a rugged and muscular design that reflects its adventure character. The bike has a tall and imposing stance, with a large front fairing, a beak-shaped fender, a high windscreen, a sculpted fuel tank, a stepped seat, a high-mounted exhaust, a luggage rack and a tail light.
The bike is available in 12 colours, depending on the variant. The GT models come in Sapphire Black, Matt Silver Ice or Korosi Red. The GT Pro models come in Sapphire Black or Matt Silver Ice with red accents. The Rally models come in Matt Khaki Green or Sapphire Black with white accents. The Rally Pro models come in Matt Khaki Green or Sapphire Black with orange accents.
The build quality and fit and finish of the Triumph Tiger 1200 are top-notch, as expected from Triumph. The bike has a premium feel and look, with high-quality materials and components. The bike also has some nice details, such as the Triumph logo on the fuel cap, the Tiger 1200 badge on the side panels, the LED daytime running lights and the TFT screen.
Riding Comfort
Triumph has put comfort at the forefront, ensuring the Tiger 1200 is suitable for all-day riding adventures. The ergonomics are well-thought-out, with an adjustable seat height that suits varying rider sizes. Wind protection is excellent, minimizing rider fatigue. Plus, heated seats and grips are available as options for those riding in colder conditions.
The Triumph Tiger 1200 is a comfortable bike to ride for long distances and durations. The seat is spacious and well-padded, offering good support for the rider and the pillion. The seat height is adjustable from 850 mm to 870 mm on the GT models, and from 860 mm to 880 mm on the Rally models. The seat can also be heated on all models, except the base GT.
The handlebar is wide and upright, offering a relaxed and commanding riding position. The handlebar can also be heated on the GT Pro and Rally Pro models. The windscreen is large and adjustable, offering good wind protection. The footpegs are rubber-mounted, reducing vibrations.
The ergonomics of the Triumph Tiger 1200 are well-designed, with easy access to the controls and switches. The TFT screen is clear and legible, displaying all the relevant information and settings. The screen can also be connected to a smartphone via Bluetooth, enabling navigation, music, calls and messages.
The Triumph Tiger 1200 also has ample storage space, with a luggage rack at the rear and optional panniers and top box. The bike also has a 12V socket and a USB port for charging devices.
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Electronics and Technology
The Triumph Tiger 1200 is packed with advanced electronics and technology that make it a smart and versatile ride. Some of the features include:
- A 1160cc inline-triple cylinder engine that delivers 148 bhp and 130 Nm of torque, making it the most powerful shaft drive motorcycle in its class.
- A new chassis that is 5.5 kg lighter than the previous model, improving the handling and agility of the bike.
- A tri-link swingarm that replaces the single-sided swingarm, saving weight and enhancing stability.
- An aluminium fuel tank that reduces weight and increases capacity to 20 litres.
- A TFT instrument display that shows all the essential information in a clear and customizable way.
- A six-axis IMU that monitors the bike’s movement and adjusts the traction control, ABS, cornering ABS, hill hold control, cruise control and semi-active suspension accordingly.
- A keyless ignition system that allows you to start the bike without using a key.
- A My Triumph connectivity system that lets you pair your smartphone with the bike and access navigation, music, phone calls and GoPro control via the handlebar switches.
- A shift assist system that enables clutchless upshifts and downshifts for smoother and faster gear changes.
- A heated seat and grips that keep you warm and comfortable in cold weather.
- A LED lighting system that includes a daytime running light, indicators, tail light and cornering lights for better visibility.
- Radar (Explorer models): Blind Spot Radar and Lane Change Assist offer greater awareness of your surroundings, especially on long rides.
- Ride Modes: Multiple ride modes tailor the bike’s power delivery, ABS, traction control, and suspension settings to match the conditions.
Service and Customization
The Triumph Tiger 1200 is designed to be easy to service and customize according to your preferences. Some of the service and customization options are:
- A two-year unlimited mileage warranty that covers any defects in materials or workmanship.
- A 10,000 km service interval that reduces the maintenance costs and downtime of the bike.
- A wide range of accessories that let you enhance the performance, comfort, protection, luggage capacity and style of your bike. Some of the accessories include panniers, top boxes, engine guards, crash bars, fog lights, windshields, hand guards, tank bags, GPS mounts and more.
- A Triumph Configurator that allows you to build your own Tiger 1200 online with your choice of colours, accessories and finance options.
Who Should Buy the Triumph Tiger 1200
The Triumph Tiger 1200 is a bike for those who want to explore the world on two wheels. It is suitable for riders who:
- Appreciate a powerful and refined engine that can tackle any road or off-road challenge.
- Value a high-tech and user-friendly bike that offers multiple riding modes, safety features and connectivity options.
- Seek a comfortable and ergonomic bike that can accommodate different heights, weights and riding styles.
- Enjoy a versatile and adaptable bike that can be customized with various accessories to suit different purposes.
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Triumph Tiger 1200 Price in India
The Triumph Tiger 1200 price varies depending on the variant, colour and location. The average ex-showroom price for each variant in India is:
- Tiger 1200 GT Pro: Rs. 19,39,000
- Tiger 1200 Rally Pro: Rs. 20,49,000
- Tiger 1200 GT Explorer: Rs. 20,99,000
- Tiger 1200 Rally Explorer: Rs. 21,99,000
These prices are subject to change without notice. For the latest prices and offers in your city, please contact your nearest Triumph dealer or visit their website.
Competitors
The Triumph Tiger 1200 faces competition from other large-capacity adventure bikes in the market. Some of the main competitors are:
- BMW R 1250 GS: The BMW R 1250 GS is a legendary adventure bike that features a 1254cc boxer engine with variable valve timing, a dynamic ESA suspension system, a TFT display with connectivity options, a shift assist pro system and more. The BMW R 1250 GS price in India starts from Rs. 20.45 lakh (ex-showroom).
- Ducati Multistrada V4: The Ducati Multistrada V4 is a new entrant in the adventure bike segment that boasts a 1158cc V4 engine with variable valve timing, a radar-based adaptive cruise control and blind spot detection system, a semi-active skyhook suspension system, a TFT display with connectivity options, a quick shifter system and more. The Ducati Multistrada V4 price in India starts from Rs. 18.99 lakh (ex-showroom).
- Honda Africa Twin: The Honda Africa Twin is a popular adventure bike that features a 1084cc parallel-twin engine with variable valve timing, a dual-clutch transmission system, a six-axis IMU with various riding modes and safety features, a TFT display with connectivity options, a cornering ABS system and more. The Honda Africa Twin price in India starts from Rs. 15.96 lakh (ex-showroom).
Conclusion
The Triumph Tiger 1200 is an impressive adventure bike that can do it all. It has a powerful engine, a capable chassis, a sophisticated suspension system, a strong braking system, a host of electronic features, a rugged design, a high build quality and a comfortable ride. It is a versatile bike that can tackle any road or trail with ease.
The Triumph Tiger 1200 is the marque’s flagship adventure bike, known for its potent engine, supreme comfort, and advanced riding technology. The latest generation has received a major overhaul, featuring weight reductions, updated styling, and a refined engine promising even greater on-road capability and off-road prowess. It comes in a range of variants to cater to various riding styles and preferences.
The latest Triumph Tiger 1200 represents a major step forward in adventure motorcycle design. Its lighter weight, more powerful T-plane triple engine, advanced technology suite, and long-distance comfort make it a top contender in the segment. If you demand a premium, capable adventure bike, the Triumph Tiger 1200 deserves serious consideration.
Disclaimer: Prices and specific feature availability may vary based on regional markets.
Triumph Tiger 1200 FAQs
What is the fuel efficiency of the Triumph Tiger 1200?
The fuel efficiency of the Triumph Tiger 1200 depends on various factors such as the riding mode, speed, terrain, load and maintenance. The ARAI-certified mileage of the Tiger 1200 is 18 kmpl. However, this may vary in real-world conditions.
What is the top speed of the Triumph Tiger 1200?
The top speed of the Triumph Tiger 1200 is not officially disclosed by Triumph. However, some sources claim that it can reach over 200 kmph.
What is the seat height of the Triumph Tiger 1200?
The seat height of the Triumph Tiger 1200 is adjustable between 850 mm and 870 mm for the GT variants and between 860 mm and 880 mm for the Rally variants. This allows riders of different heights to find their optimal position on the bike.
Is the Triumph Tiger 1200 a good beginner motorcycle?
While manageable for some experienced riders, it’s generally best to gain skills on a smaller displacement bike before moving to the Tiger.
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