Triumph’s response to the exploding middleweight adventure class is a bigger and better take on the Tiger concept – the Tiger 900.
Unlike previous iterations, Triumph has drastically simplified the naming conventions for the new Tiger family, dropping the confusing letter based designations for the much simpler Tiger 900 base model and mid-spec GT and Rally models with a Pro designation for the top specification versions of each.
As is the industry trend, the Tiger grows in capacity moving into 2020 and tightening Euro emissions standards. For next year the Tiger 900 will be boasting an 888cc triple-cylinder engine with 10% more torque than the outgoing model and a broader spread of power throughout the rev range. Peak power is a claimed 95PS (93.7hp/70.9kW) at 8,750rpm.
In addition to the radical new styling, which dramatically slims down the front end of the bike, Triumph claims to have dropped up to 5kg of weight when the Tiger 900 is compared to the Tiger 800.
Triumph has also worked to improve the rider ergonomics of the new Tiger 900 are also. With a narrower seat width and the handlebars positioned 10mm closer, the result is meant to be a more comfortable upright riding position as well as a greater level of rider control when static and on the move. Additionally, each model has a dedicated and unique footrest position to suit the expected style of riding and a built-in easily adjustable two-position seat height mechanism. This enables the rider to change the seat height by 20mm to their preferred set-up.
Triumph has clearly listened to feedback on the old Tiger 800 chassis, with the new 900 moving away from the single-piece frame to a bolt-on subframe design which also has the benefit of contributing to that lighter overall weight.
The move to the bolt-on aluminium rear sub-frame and bolt-on pillion hangers is likely a response to criticism that the pillion footpegs were vulnerable in heavy off-road use on the previous generation Tiger and had to potential to damage the frame in a fall.
Interestingly the base Tiger 900 and both GT versions are specced with Marzocchi suspension, with 45mm USD forks and rear shock. All the road-going versions feature 180mm and 170mm of suspension travel, with the GT Pro gaining electronic adjustment of the rear shock. The Rally and Rally Pro, however, get suspension courtesy of Showa and gain a full 60mm of suspension travel with 240mm from the forks and 230mm from the rear.
Braking comes in the form of Brembo Stylema brakes on all the Tiger 900 models, which Triumph says were chosen for due to their lightweight, compact, carefully sculpted and high performing nature.
But it is in the electronics suite where Triumph has really gone all-in on the new Tiger 900s.
Pride of place is a new 7-inch TFT display complete with Tiger 900 specific startup screen. The TFT is customisable by the rider to suit their needs, incorporating the ability to both display rider information in four different styles with complete clarity as well as four different colour options to choose from on top of high/low contrast settings for excellent visibility in all lights.
As is the case with an increasing number of modern motorcycles, Triumph has built in the ability for riders to connect directly to their motorcycle via a smartphone app and Bluetooth for the Pro designation models. The integrated My Triumph connectivity system and app enable phone call and music operation, turn-by-turn navigation, and GoPro control to all be accessed via the switch cubes and displayed on the dash.
Up to six riding modes are also built-in, with each adjusting throttle response, ABS and traction control settings to suit the rider’s wishes.
On top of the basic Rain/Road style modes, Triumph has included a new anti-stall feature on the Off-Road and Off-Road Pro modes which automatically increases the idle revs to prevent stalling. The Off-Road Pro riding mode is exclusive to the Rally Pro model, is Triumph’s most extreme off-road set-up for advanced off-road adventures and completely disables both the ABS and traction control systems as well as incorporating an off-road specific throttle map.
The GT Pro and Rally Pro models also feature a quickshifter as standard along with an IMU which allows for even greater control via ABS and traction control in a variety of scenarios.
Triumph Motorcycles New Zealand has confirmed that the new Tiger 900 will be available in New Zealand within the first half of 2020, with the first models expected to land in April. Pricing is yet to be announced but has been indicated to not be too different from the pricing of the current Tiger 800 lineup.
We’ll update you with more when it comes to hand.