If big-bore adventure bikes are your cup of tea, Triumph just rolled out a family of five all-new Tiger 1200s. The fully-redesigned 1160cc lineup features three GT models for tarmac-inclined adventuring and two Rally models designed for off-road overachievers.
Here at Overland Expo, we tend to find ourselves riding in the dirt, so I won’t go too far down the GT rabbit hole, but the offerings include the GT, GT Pro, and GT Explorer. With cast aluminum wheels, an all-new Showa semi-active suspension, and a robust technology package, the GTs are primed for on-road adventure touring. What’s more, the GT Explorer boasts a 7.9-gallon tank, making it “the only cast wheel, 30-liter tank, adventure bike in the class,” according to Triumph.
For dirt road adventuring, the Tiger 1200 Rally models have the requisite tubeless spoked wheels for adventure riding, with a 21” front and 18” rear. Triumph has a Rally Pro and Rally Explorer version, the latter of which features the same fuel capacity as the GT Explorer. The mega-tank Explorers also feature a new Blind Spot Radar system and Lane Change Assist that use a rear-facing radar to alert you if you try to ride into oncoming traffic.
Of course, the Tiger 1200 Rallys are rife with the latest bike tech, including a full-color TFT display, cruise control, Hill Hold, Shift Assist, and up to 6 ride modes that adjust throttle response, ABS, traction control, and suspension. The Off-Road Pro riding mode, exclusive to the Rally models, goes all out and allows you to turn ABS and traction control off completely.
READ MORE: Roll in Gold on the New Triumph Scrambler 1200 Gold Line Edition
Of course, Triumph does triples better than just about anyone, and the Tiger’s new T-plane triple crank promises more power in a lighter package. The engine delivers both the low end tractability for off-road and the performance benefits at the top end, for the inevitable highway between home and the dirt you’re headed towards.
“Lighter” is always a relative term when it comes to big bikes, and the Rally Pro tips the scale at 550 pounds wet, and the Rally Explorer hits the 570-pound mark with its 30-liter tank topped off. That said, Triumph certainly did their due diligence, and “the new generation is now more than 25kg [55lbs] lighter than the previous Tiger, and up to 17kg [37lbs] lighter than the closest shaft drive competition, based on a comparable specification of motorcycle.”
When it comes to big bikes, the Tiger 1200 gang certainly seems like a strong contender in the space. And, given the fact that the Brits have a habit of keeping it classy and doing things right, I’d venture that Triumph’s redesign of the Tiger will be the perfect bike to ride on your way to high tea– particularly if you prefer your chai along rugged roads in remote locations.
