Triumph Motorcycles long-awaited update to the brand's large capacity adventure machine has finally come, with the Tiger 1200 leaping ahead to the top of the adventure pack.
Headlining the changes for the 2022 Tiger 1200 are a massive drop in weight, a more powerful engine and chassis improvements to allow the Tiger to swing it out with the best in the business when it comes to both on-road and off-road capability.
Triumph Motorcycles New Zealand says the Tiger 1200 is expected in the first half of the year, but with global shipping still seeing delays across the board, the actual arrival date of the hot new Tiger fleet will be announced closer to the date along with pricing.
The Tiger 1200 family, as Triumph tends to do, will be a range of five sub-models to cover all aspects of adventure riding from a more road-focussed Tiger 1200 GT to the extreme off-road Tiger 1200 Rally Explorer.
There are no bones about who Triumph is gunning for with the new Tiger, with the more road focussed models clearly gunning for BMW's iconic GS, while the 21 and 18-inch wheels of the Tiger 1200 Rally Pro and Rally Explorer clearly taking aim at KTM. Triumph clearly thinks that offering multiple sub-models of the platform will allow them to take a serious chunk out of the competition.
In the engine and driveline department, Triumph has retained the shaft final drive the Tiger 1200 is known for, but the triple-cylinder engine has seen a host of revisions.
The all-new engine makes use of the same T-plane crank design which Triumph debuted with the Tiger 900 line, with peak power up 9PS over the previous generation with 150PS at 9,000rpm and peak torque a healthy 130Nm at 7,000rpm. Triumph says that the new engine not only boasts better acceleration but also offers "enhanced low down tractability and responsiveness and a more exciting and engaging mid-range to top-end response and feel."
From an accessibility perspective, the GT models are the easier to mount options with a seat height ranging from 850mm-870mm thanks to the adjustable seat. The two Rally models gain a bit of height at measuring in at 875mm-895mm. For those really lacking in inseam, the seat can also be lowered an additional 20mm with an accessory low seat option.
The screen upfront is adjustable from the rider's seat. All models come with handguards as standard, however, there is extra protection in the way of sump guards, skid plates and more becoming available the higher up the spec list you go.
For the 2022 Tiger 1200 Triumph really focussed on slaying the nemesis of the big-bore adventure bike market – weight. They've done a pretty bang-up job here, with the 2022 Tiger 1200 weighing in a full 25kg lighter than the outgoing model. Not only will the bikes be easier to manage, this also gives the power to weight ratio a good boost as well.
Equipped with Showa Semi-active suspension with 200mm fork travel for the GT model and 220mm of travel for the Rally. all models are equipped with Brembo Stylema monoblock brakes, Magura radial master cylinders, new cornering optimised ABS and traction control.
Triumph isn't known for skimping on the tech side of things and along with the GoPro integration that we've come to expect, there is plenty to keep tech-hungry riders happy on the new Tiger 1200.
As is the norm, the Tiger 1200s come with rider modes, with all bikes getting Rain, Road, and Sport. The higher-end sub-models gain and Off-road and Off-Road Pro mode.
The high-end Explorer models also get an integrated Blind Spot Radar, with little lights fitted to the wing mirrors. Just like in the car world, these mirror-mounted lights light up to indicate when there is a car in your blind spot.
From the cockpit, there's a 7 inch full TFT display with built-in My Triumph app integration, Triumph has teamed up with intercom giant Sena with a Triumph branded 50S unit becoming available, as well as the aforementioned GoPro integration. All models apart from the basic GT get a quick shifter and hill hold, these are optional extras for the base GT model. The two Explorer models also come with heated rider and pillion seats, and a tyre pressure monitoring system.
Keyless ignition is also standard equipment, with Triumph including a function to turn the key off to immobilise the vehicle.
Triumph has also worked hard to be a class leader in terms of servicing costs, with the new Tiger 1200s only needing an annual service at 10,000miles/16,000 kilometres or once a year.
Triumph definitely looks like they have done what it takes to really send the Tiger out into the wilderness to take on the other big cats of the adventure segment. We can't wait to put it through its paces when it lands in New Zealand next year.