VIDEO: Triumph Tiger 1200 first look – is this the GS killer?

The new Triumph Tiger 1200 is here – the fight between the big shaft-drive adventurers is about to commence

There are not many big shaft-drive adventure bikes out there, so it’s clear whose sales Triumph is targeting with the new Tiger 1200 – but does it have what it takes to bring down the GS that has dominated sales charts?

On paper at least, it looks like Triumph has a pretty good weapon for the fight. There are two strands in the Tiger 1200 family. The first is the road-going lot: the GT, GT Pro and GT Explorer. All these run on 19in front and 18in rear cast wheels, with the first two having a 20-litre tank, and the Explorer a massive 30-litre tank. Then there are the ‘all-terrain’ models, the Rally Pro and Rally Explorer. These feature 21in front and 18in rear wire spoked wheels and tubeless tyres, as well as taller suspension. Fuel tanks are 20 litres for the Pro, 30 litres for the Explorer.

All the models share the new 1160cc T-plane triple engine. There’s more power with 148bhp at 9,000rpm and more torque with 130Nm at 7,000rpm. Triumph is keen to point out that it’s 9bhp more than the previous generation, and 14bhp more than the closest shaft drive competition.

More impressive than the added power is the weight loss that the Triumph engineers have squeezed out of the new bikes. There are points where the weight has been lost, but the new lightweight frame with bolt-on rear aluminium subframe and pillion hangers, and the new lighter and stronger ‘tri-link’ swingarm are worth mentioning. According to Triumph, the new models are more than 25kg lighter than the previous generation, and up to 17kg lighter than the GS range.

As you’d expect, the components of the new Tigers are high-spec. All models get Showa semi-active suspension, Brembo Stylema monobloc brakes, cornering ABS and traction control, up to six ride modes, keyless keys, and depending on the model you get, blind spot radar system, cornering lights, heated grips and seat, quickshifter, tyre pressure monitor and hill hold.

The bikes have been given new rider ergonomics designed for a comfortable and stable ride, as well as a slimmer waist and a more compact overall design. There are more than 50 accessories already available for the bikes, including panniers, top boxes, protectors, Sena Bluetooth communication system and plenty more.

All models come with a three-year unlimited mileage warranty, with the option to extend. Service intervals are 10,000 miles or 12 months. Prices start at £14,600 for the Tiger 1200 GT, and the bikes will be available in dealers from Spring 2022.

Triumph Tiger 1200 Specification

Engine:                 1160cc liquid-cooled, 12 valve, DOHC, inline 3-cylinder

Power:                 150 PS / 148 bhp (110kW) @ 9,000rpm

Torque:                130 Nm (96lb-ft) @ 7,000rpm

Transmission:     6-speed, shaft final drive

Frame:                  Tubular steel

Suspension:        Showa semi-active setup. GT travel 200mm, Rally travel 220mm.

Brakes:                 Brambo calipers, (F) twin 320mm discs, (R) 282mm discs

Wheels:                GT range 19/18in, Rally 21/18in

Fuel Tank:            20 litres for the GT and Pro models, 30 litres for Explorer models

Wet weight:       From 240kg to 261kg depending on model

Contact:               www.triumphmotorcycles.co.uk