TIGER 1200: YOUR QUESTIONS, OUR ANSWERS
We headed to Portugal to showcase the new Tiger 1200 to the global motorcycle press – and we gave our fans and followers the chance to get involved and send us their questions about the new bike. Here’s everything you wanted to know about the new Tiger 1200, answered by the Triumph team.
Q: WHAT ARE THE MAIN DIFFERENCES COMPARED TO THE PREVIOUS TIGER 1200?
A: The new Tiger 1200 is over 25kg lighter than the previous generation and has a purposeful new adventure style. The new T-Plane triple engine provides a more responsive and exciting ride, and the bike is packed with new technology for improved safety and total comfort.
Q: HOW DOES THE PERFORMANCE COMPARE TO THE TIGER 900?
A: The Tiger 1200 delivers 150PS peak power and 130 Nm peak torque, which is almost 60% more power and 50% more torque than the Tiger 900. However, despite the larger engine, shaft drive and semi-active suspension, the comprehensive weight savings on the Tiger 1200 mean that there is only a 10% difference in weight. The result is an even more responsive ride and a significant increase in acceleration.
Q: IS IT SUITABLE FOR SMALLER RIDERS?
A: The standard seat height is adjustable by 20mm on all models and, combined with the team’s focussed effort on tightly packaging the central section to deliver a very narrow stand over width, makes it really easy to get your feet on the ground. There is also an accessory seat available which reduces the seat height by a further 20mm. In addition, the clutch and brake levers are adjustable for reach, the brake and gear pedals are adjustable for height, and the new adjustable screen features a very easy to use single-handed adjustment mechanism, making it easy to find the perfect riding position for you.
Q: HOW IS THE BIKE SO MUCH LIGHTER THAN THE PREVIOUS TIGER 1200?
A: This is an all-new motorcycle, and our design team focused on optimising the weight of every single component on the new Tiger 1200 to achieve a saving of more than 25kg while fully optimising the specification. In particular, large weight savings made across the new engine, the new Tri-Link swingarm and new lightweight frame with forged aluminium outriggers, bolt-on aluminium rear subframe and magnesium front subframe contribute significantly to the overall 25kg saving.
Q: WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF THE NEW ENGINE?
A: The T-Plane engine and its uneven firing intervals deliver exciting and engaging performance throughout the rev range, with increased power and torque, enhanced low-down tractability and responsiveness, combined with all the benefits of a triple through the mid-range and top-end – providing traction in tough conditions and characterful performance on road and off.
Q: WHAT KIND OF RIDING IS THE TIGER DESIGNED FOR?
A: The new Tiger 1200 is perfect for all kinds of riding, with dynamic road handling, superior touring ability, and genuine off-road capability. The shaft drive allows you to focus on the ride without needing to consider chain maintenance or adjustment, especially useful for long-distance touring, and the semi-active suspension automatically adjusts the preload to ensure optimum performance and comfort whether you’re riding on your own, two up with luggage, or anything in between.
Q: HOW FAR CAN YOU GO ON A SINGLE TANK?
A: You can travel up to 400km on the 20 litre models and up to 600km on the 30 litre Explorers, depending on how you ride. Both of the fuel tanks are now made from aluminium, as part of the focus to keep weight as low as possible across the bikes.
Q: I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR HOW IT SOUNDS!
A: Watch the video below!
Q: WHY DID YOU CHOOSE AN 18” REAR WHEEL?
A: The 18” rear delivers superior off-road capability, while maintaining excellent on-road performance. The 19”/18” cast wheels on the GT family are optimised for outstanding on-road performance, while the Rally models now come with a 21” tubeless spoked front wheel and 18” rear wheel to deliver a real advantage when riding off-road.
Q: IS THIS THE SAME SEMI-ACTIVE SUSPENSION SYSTEM AS THE PREVIOUS MODEL?
A: No, this is a brand new semi-active system from Showa, designed to deliver optimum performance in a range of riding scenarios. The GT models have 200mm of travel and are set up to give great road riding comfort and capability. The Rally models have an extra 20mm of travel, at 220mm, and a more off-road biased setup. The aim of the semi-active system is to deliver a very natural ride feel, with optimised grip, traction, and bump absorption. The system continuously takes real-time inputs from multiple sensors across the bike and uses algorithms within the suspension control unit to provide the optimum suspension settings for the current conditions and the rider’s selected preferences, with electronically controlled solenoid valves adjusting damping settings within milliseconds.
Q: HOW HAS THE HOT AIR MANAGEMENT BEEN OPTIMISED?
A: The new generation features twin side-mounted radiators and new ducting incorporated into the bodywork, designed to improve cooling performance and direct hot air away from the rider. The new radiator positioning also gives more space for longer travel suspension and the 21” front wheel on the Rally models.
Q: WHAT ARE THE MAIN ADVANTAGES OF THE NEW TRI-LINK SWINGARM?
A: The Tri-Link swingarm is over 1.5kg lighter than the old single-sided design. The reduced mass helps the suspension to control the wheel movements more easily, in turn allowing the bike to be set up for even better comfort, control and dynamic handling.
Q: WHAT DOES THE BLIND SPOT RADAR SYSTEM DO?
A: The Blind Spot Radar system is fitted as standard on the two Explorer models and uses a radar unit fitted at the rear of the bike to provide two new rider assistance features. ‘Blind Spot Assist’ illuminates a light below the rear-view mirror to give the rider a warning if there is another vehicle behind them in their blind spot, and ‘Lane Change Assist’ give a more prominent warning by flashing the light if the rider indicates to change lane but there is a vehicle in their blind spot or approaching.
Q: WHAT ACCESSORY OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE?
A: There is a range of over 50 Genuine Triumph Accessories, to allow you to tailor your bike to suit your adventure. Two hard luggage options are available, both made by Givi for Triumph. The moulded Trekker luggage features side/corner opening panniers and a 52L top box capable of holding two full face helmets, and the aluminium Expedition panniers and 42L top box are available in a brushed or black finish with an optional two-piece passenger backrest. In addition, there is a comprehensive protection range including stainless steel engine and tank protection bars, as well as heated seat options and a new Triumph Sena 50S headset with Harman/Kardon sound.
