Triumph’s long-awaited new Tiger 1200 is here. Actually, two families of Tiger 1200 models are here. Triumph says that the 2022 Tiger 1200 has been thoroughly revamped and is its lightest, most powerful, and capable big Tiger yet. And the new bikes have more of just about everything except that huge bugaboo, weight. The changes are so significant that from the outside, it seems there’s little of the earlier version’s DNA in the new Tiger 1200s.

虎1200反弹探险家

Tiger 1200 Rally Explorer with engine and tank protection bars.

For 2022, Triumph has broken the Tiger 1200 into a “GT” family and a “Rally” family. The GT family comes in three versions: Tiger 1200 GT, Tiger 1200 GT Pro, and Tiger 1200 GT Explorer. Think of this group of machines as more road and travel-oriented. Ramping up the off-road capability is the “Rally” family of bikes. There are two versions of these machines, the Rally Pro and the Rally Explorer.

Tiger 1200 Explorer versions

In addition, each of the families’ “Explorer” versions is equipped with a 30-liter (7.9 gallon) fuel tank to provide an extended range capability. To help you visualize the new Tiger 1200 family, Triumph breaks down the bikes as follows:

Tiger

The Triumph Tiger 1200 family.

There are so many new things in the Tiger 1200 family, here’s the TL; DNR version of “what’s new:”

  • New T-Plane triple crank engine making more power: 148 horsepower (150 ps) – 9 more than the previous generation
  • More peak torque: 96 lb-ft @ 7,000 rpm (130 nm).
  • Improved acceleration as a result of increased power and reduced weight
  • A frame nearly 12 lbs (5.4 kg) lighter than its predecessor.
  • Overall weight reduced by 55 lbs (25 kg) from the previous Tiger
  • Lighter shaft drive setup
  • New Tri-link design swingarm
  • New twin radiator design for improved cooling and a more forward engine placement
  • Two fuel tank capacities: 20 liter (5.2 gallons) and 30 liter (7.9 gallons) for extended range
  • Two wheelsets dedicated to expected riding conditions. GT (road/travel) versions have 19-inch front and 18-inch cast-aluminum wheels, while Rally versions have a 21-inch front and 18-inch rear tubeless spoked wheelset.
  • Showa semi-active suspension technology that automatically adjusts preload and allows the rider to adjust front and rear damping electronically.
  • Brembo Stylema calipers at both front and rear
  • Adjustable reach Magura radial master cylinder
  • Improved ergos with narrower waist for a better riding position, wider handlebars, taller handlebars (Explorer version), adjustable seat height, and one hand adjustable windscreen.
tiger 1200

The Tiger 1200 GT.

TL; DNR continued

  • A new technology package including:
    • Blindspot radar (standard on Explorer models)
    • Cornering traction control
    • New TFT instrument panel including “My Triumph” connectivity system (phone, music, navigation, and GoPro control)
  • 所有LED照明L
    • Lean sensitive “adaptive cornering lights” and LED auxiliary lights (except GT)
  • Advanced riding modes including Rain, Road, and Sport. The GT Pro and GT Explorer add an off-road mode and a rider selectable mode. The Rally and Rally Explorer add an Off-Road Pro mode.
  • 胜利帮助允许向上和向下转移ward gear changes without using the clutch lever.
  • Electronic hill hold (except GT)
  • Electronic cruise control (standard on Rally models)
  • Keyless operation including ignition start, steering lock, and fuel filler cap.
  • New aluminum fuel tank design
  • Less bodywork with a slimmer design

Clearly, Triumph has spent a lot of time redesigning its biggest adventure bike. At least from the number of changes, it looks like Triumph really wants to up its large displacement adventure bike game.

Now let’s get into the details about the new Tiger 1200 family.

Tiger 1200 Engine

All Tiger 1200s carry a new 1160 cc triple-cylinder engine making a claimed 148 hp (150 ps) and 96 lb-ft (130 nm) of torque @ 7,000 rpm. According to Triumph, that equates to about 9 more (hp and ps) than the previous Tiger 1200 and more than (14 hp and ps) than the closest shaft drive competition.

T-plane engine

The Tiger 1200’s all new T-plane triple cylinder engine.

The engine uses a T-plane triple crank with an uneven firing order. Triumph says it has been tuned for “enhanced low down tractability” and responsiveness and a “more exciting and engaging mid-range to top end response and feel.”

Chassis and suspension

The 2022 Tiger 1200 sports an all-new chassis with what Triumph calls a “class-leading specification of equipment.” The bike’s frame weighs in at about 5.4 kg (~12 lbs) lighter than the previous generation. It is all-new and now has a bolt-on aluminum subframe. The swingarm is also new and uses a “tri-link” setup that is lighter and stronger than its predecessor.

shaft drive monoshock

The Tiger 1200’s slim looking shaft drive and rear mono-shock setup.

Both ends of the bike feature Showa’s semi-active suspension technology. Up front, you’ll find a 49 mm upside-down fork. The GT models feature 200 mm of travel while the Rally models have 220 mm. According to Triumph, the semi-automatic system automatically “adapts RSU preload settings for rider size and payload, and according to the riding mode.” Damping is adjustable by the rider using the bike’s backlit controls.

At the rear, there’s a Showa monoshock with semi-active damping and automatic electronic preload adjustment. The GT has 200 mm of travel, while the Rally has 220mm of available travel.

Weight

All Triumph Tiger models have lost weight. Actually, quite a lot of weight. The frame has dropped more than 12 pounds, the swingarm about 3 pounds, and overall, the GT weighs 55 pounds less than the previous Tiger 1200.

That said, the Tiger 1200 is a big bore machine, and there’s no way around the fact that they have big powerful engines and frames that must be able to handle the engine’s power and “off-road” conditions. The bike’s power is transmitted by a shaft drive which offers ease of maintenance at the expense of additional weight.

正如你想象的,不是所有的老虎1200模型igh the same. As you add more fuel and accessories, weight is bound to increase. The extended range Explorer models add 10 more liters of fuel. That extra fuel will weigh in at about 16 pounds. As a result, Triumph claims the following wet weights for each model (with 90% fuel):

models tiger weights

In pounds, the weights are:

  • GT = 528
  • GT-Pro = 539
  • GT-Explorer = 561
  • Rally Pro = 548
  • Rally Explorer = 572

Braking

At the front, braking comes courtesy of Brembo M4.30 Stylema monoblock radial calipers gripping twin 320 mm floating discs. Transmitting the brake inputs is a Magura HC1 span adjustable radial master cylinder with a separate reservoir. At the rear, you’ll find a Brembo single-piston caliper clamping on a single 282 mm disc.

Brembo stylema

All Tiger 1200s come with Brembo Stylema monoblock front calipers.

Electronics

Electronics continue to make their way onto motorcycles, and the Tiger 1200 is no exception. It comes with a full suite of electronics designed to provide the rider with more information and assistance.

Advanced traction control is standard on all models. The Tiger 1200’s setup uses an inertial measuring unit (IMU) to provide what Triumph says is “the optimum traction control response for the riding conditions.”

All Tiger 1200 models come standard with rider selectable “advanced” riding modes. Each has Rain, Road, and Sport modes as standard. In addition, the GT Pro and GT Explorer add an off-road mode and a rider configurable mode. Lastly, the Rally and Rally Explorer models add an Off-Road Pro mode.

The ride modes can adjust throttle response, ABS, traction control, and suspension settings for enhanced rider control in different riding conditions. The Off-Road Pro riding mode, exclusive to the Rally Pro and Rally Explorer models, is Triumph’s off-road setup for advanced level off-road adventure. It turns the ABS and traction control off and provides an off-road throttle map. At the other end of the spectrum, rain mode delivers the most intervention and is limited to 99 hp (100 ps) for enhanced control when conditions are compromised.

Completely new this year is the Triumph Blind Spot Radar System. It is standard on the Tiger GT Explorer and Rally Explorer models. The system was developed in partnership with Continental and offers two safety features; Blind Spot Assist and Lane Change assist. Each uses a rear-facing radar to let the rider know that another vehicle is in their blind spot or provide a warning if the rider indicates a lane change and a vehicle is approaching.

TFT Display

Completing the electronics suite is a new 7-inch TFT display which features a new graphics package. It is also equipped with Triumph’s “My Triumph Connectivity System,” which allows a rider to connect a smartphone, obtain turn-by-turn navigation, and control GoPro cameras.

TFT display

The Tiger 1200’s new TFT full color display.

Ergonomics and comfort

While thoroughly revising the Tiger 1200, Triumph also took a hard look at the bike’s ergonomics. They say the new Tiger 1200 possesses enhanced comfort and control over the previous model. All of the new Tiger 1200 models come with new “seat and tank ergonomics.”

座位已经“瘦身”,它符合the fuel tank. And it features a built-in adjustable two-position seat mechanism to allow the rider to change the seat height by 20 mm (about 0.75 inches). That adjustability gives the GT models seat heights of 850 and 870 mm (33.5 inches and 34.25 inches). Rally models get a seat height of 875 mm (34.45 inches) and 895 mm (35.25 inches). If any of these seat heights are still too lofty for you, Triumph offers an accessory low seat 20 mm lower than stock.

Tiger cockpit

Tiger GT cockpit.

The handlebars connect you to the bike, and Triumph has made changes here too. Triumph says that the revised bars are 20 mm (.75 inches) wider than before. And on the Rally models, they are now 16 mm (.6 inches) higher.

Heated items

To increase comfort on cold days, the Explorer models offer heated rider and pillion seats as standard. The passenger can control their seat temperature independent of the rider’s heat setting. All other models can add heated seats as an accessory.

On Rally models, heated grips are also standard but can also be added as an accessory on Tiger GT models.

Storage and charging

All Tiger 1200s have underseat storage and a USB charging port.

Cruise control

For the Rally models, electronic cruise control is standard. However, it can be added to GT models as an accessory.

Hill Hold control

This electronic system prevents the bike from rolling backward on a steep incline. It applies the bike’s rear brake until the rider starts moving forward.

Keyless access

With the Tiger 1200’s new keyless system, you can keep your key in your pocket and manage the ignition, steering lock, and fuel cap. You can also disable the keyless function for greater security.

Adjustable windscreen

A new one-hand adjustable windscreen is standard to provide protection from the wind. In addition, Triumph says that it comes complete with diffusers that “deflect the wind off both the rider and pillion.” Finally, the footpeg position has been “refined to deliver optimum rider comfort and control.” Unfortunately, they do not say how the pegs were moved.

Tire pressure monitoring

You can also monitor your tire’s pressure on the Explorer models via the bike’s TPMS system. TPMS can also be fitted as an accessory on all other models.

Bike protection

Triumph has added several protective features. All models have handguards as standard. In addition, there’s an aluminum skid guard on the GT Pro and GT Explorer, while the Rally Pro and Rally Explorer get an aluminum sump guard. If you are wondering, the difference between the guards is size, with the sump guard the significantly larger of the two.

A closeup view of Triumph’s sump guard and engine protection bars.

The GT Explorer and both Rally variants also get engine protection bars, while the Rally Explorer adds fuel tank protection bars.

Warranty and maintenance

Each Tiger 1200 comes standard with a 3-year unlimited mileage warranty with an option to extend it (pricing and term not yet available).

The service level has also been moved up to 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 12 months.

Paint colors

There are several color schemes to choose from and they vary by model. Your color options are as follows:

  • Tiger 1200 Rally Pro and Rally Explorer
    • Snowdonia White
    • Sapphire Black
    • Matt Khaki
  • Tiger 1200 GT Pro and GT Explorer
    • Snowdonia White
    • Sapphire Black
    • Lucerne Blue
  • Tiger 1200 GT
    • Snowdonia White

Pricing

Triumph has priced the 2022 Tiger 1200 GT with a starting MSRP of $19,100. Pricing for other models is to be announced. You should start to see the new Tigers in US dealerships this Spring.

What does it all mean?

It’s clear that Triumph has made very significant changes to its Tiger 1200 model. However, since the bike’s arrival has been delayed for some time now, we’ve yet to get a chance to throw a leg over one. But Triumph has promised us a test ride, and as soon as we have the opportunity, we’ll let you know how the new Tiger 1200 measures up. Stay tuned.

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