Break out the maps of less-travelled places, because here’s the newest adventurer from storied British motorcycle makers Triumph: the very latest Triumph Tiger 1200. Updates are focussed on making the Tiger even more effective as an adventure motorcycle, defined as a powerful ‘bike with more than just a little off-road capability. Translation: if you see a dirt road winding into the mountains while on a trip aboard your Triumph Tiger 1200, just head that way and the Tiger will take good care of you.
At the heart of it all is a refined version of Triumph’s renowned 1,160 cc triple-cylinder engine, featuring innovative “T-plane” technology, which Triumph says allows for particularly smooth cruising and also, as some aficionados have noted, just coincidentally provides a distinctive soundtrack. They’ll know you’re coming at your next rest stop. A beefy 150 bhp available on the 2024 Triumph Tiger 1200 means you’ll be getting there pretty swiftly, too.
Rider comfort on the Triumph Tiger 1200 is enhanced by improved ergonomics with redesigned seating and an innovation which Triumph call "Active Preload Reduction”. Push the right button and - as you hurtle to a stop - the seat lowers by 20 mm for firmer footing. It’s an example of the advanced technology that lurks beneath the handsome exterior of the Triumph Tiger 1200. Those brakes are high-end Stylema by market-leaders Brembo, semi-active suspension is by Showa while there are also essential niceties such as multiple ride modes and a seven-inch Bluetooth-enabled display. We’d advise not watching cat videos while tackling the rough stuff, however.
For many lovers of Triumph motorcycles, the appeal is not just all of that tech and the undoubted off-road ability of the Triumph Tiger 1200. It’s the sheer heritage of this marque, way more than a mere brand. The first Triumph motorcycle was produced in 1902 and by the mid-1920s more than 30,000 found homes every year. Triumph counts victory in the demanding Isle of Man TT among its competition victories. The present company might be a relaunched version of the original, but competition is still at is core, with Enduro World Champion Ivan Cervantes using a Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Explorer to break a world record for the greatest distance travelled on a motorcycle over 24 hours.
Beyond the added comfort, Cervantes might well enjoy the aesthetic improvements on the latest Triumph Tiger 1200, too. The form-follows-function look stays, showcasing the tubular skeletal frame. What’s new is a range of catchily-named colourways as you specify your next Triumph Tiger 1200. Snowdonia White and Sapphire Black are joined by Carnival Red, Matt Khaki and Matt Sandstorm. When you consider that every Triumph comes with all the heritage of more than 120 years of constructing motorcycles built-in, pricing is more than competitive. Your next Triumph Tiger 1200 is ready to order now, starting at £17,295. Ours is the one in Matt Sandstorm.
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