There is a new Triumph Tiger 1200 on the prowl, and it has its sights set on the BMW GS. With an all-new shaft drive, the updated Tiger 1200 discarded the old o-ring chain to improve its durability and attract more ADV enthusiasts to the brand. And that's not the only improvement made on the big Tiger, as Triumph redesigned the bike from the ground up, making it faster and lighter in the process.
These bold moves show Triumph's willingness to take on the major players in the ADV market, as the Tiger 1200 looks to dethrone the current king of this segment.
A Tiger Built To Take On BMW
Since its release in 1980, with the launch of the R 80 G/S, BMW has dominated the large dual-sport motorcycle space. The capable boxer engine from Bavaria, outfitted with a shaft drive, is an ideal combination for those looking to take trips both on and off-road.
But that dominance could soon come to an end with the release of the 2022 Triumph Tiger 1200 line. Triumph immediately made its intentions known when it replaced the chain drive from the previous generation with a shaft-drive system.
Whether driving across the country or navigating off the beaten path, a shaft drive is nearly bulletproof, requiring less maintenance even during the stresses of a long haul. Many buyers view a shaft-drive system as a necessity on their big ADV bikes, and clearly Triumph sees this as an opportunity.
In all the press materials associated with this new Tiger 1200 line, Triumph continually pointed out the bike's advantages over "the closest shaft drive competition" (manufacturer code for BMW).
To power the Tiger 1200, Triumph turned to a new 1160 cc triple-cylinder engine. This triple cranks out 147 hp and 95 lb-ft of torque, and thanks to its T-plane design it has the low-end characteristics of a twin and the high-revving ability of a four cylinder. All that power propels a machine that is 55 lbs lighter than the previous generation.
Triumph achieved this feat with incremental savings across the bike, including a new lightweight frame with bolt-on rear aluminum subframe, as well as a lighter and stronger "tri-link" swingarm.
The Family Of Tigers Set To Ambush The Competition
Knowing the various uses for a big adventure bike, Triumph tailored this line to suit the needs of a wide range of riders. For the road warriors, Triumph designed the Tiger 1200 GT, Tiger 1200 GT Pro, and Tiger 1200 GT Explorer with asphalt in mind.
The GT models come with 19-inch front and 18-inch rear cast aluminum wheels. The GT and GT Pro come standard with a 5.3 gallon tank, while the GT Explorer receives a 7.93 gallon tank to rack up more miles between fill ups. For those looking to get a bit dirtier, the Tiger 1200 Rally Pro and the Tiger 1200 Rally Explorer offer 21-inch front and 18-inch rear tubeless spoked wheels.
All the bikes utilize a Showa suspension system and Brembo brakes. They also deliver information to the rider via a new 7-inch TFT display that offers up to six ride modes depending on the model. Additionally, the Explorers (both the GT and Rally) feature an innovative Triumph Blind Spot Radar System, developed in partnership with Continental. When a vehicle approaches the bike from behind, the radar system alerts the rider in an effort to avoid ill-timed lane changes. The bikes even come with a hill hold system (except the 1200 GT) to aid the rider when starting off on an incline.
From top to bottom, the Tiger 1200 line addresses the needs of a modern rider and does so in a spirited fashion. It aims to take a big bight out of BMW's ADV sales when it hits the market starting at $19,100 (for the Tiger 1200 GT) beginning in the spring of 2022.