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For 2022, Triumph gave the big Tiger a substantial overhaul that prioritizes power, weight, and performance.
At times during their introduction of the model to the press, I got the impression that they rolled a BMW R 1250 GS Adventure into their R&D building, studied it carefully, and then set out to beat it with the next-gen Tiger.
The new Tiger 1200s are available in two distinct trims, following the same approach we saw with the introduction of the 900 models. Tiger 1200 GT models have cast aluminum wheels (19-inch front, 18-inch rear) for riders who mostly stick to the street. Tiger 1200 Rally models have tubeless spoked wheels (21-inch front, 18-inch rear) and extra suspension travel for off-road excursions.
Both the GT and the Rally can be ordered with Triumph’s new Explorer option, which most notably bumps the fuel capacity from 5.3 gallons to 7.9. (That’s about the same fuel capacity as a Toyota/Scion iQ!) Where would you ride with over 370 claimed miles of range? In all, there are five Tiger 1200 variations: base GT, GT Pro, GT Explorer, Rally Pro, and Rally Explorer.
To distinguish their new models from others in the hot ADV segment, Triumph says there were some key elements they wanted to include with the new Tiger design: their iconic inline triple engine, a shaft drive, plenty of tech, sharp handling, and all-day comfort. Let’s get into the new Tiger 1200 line’s details to see what they delivered.
Engine and frame
The heart of the updated Tiger 1200 is Triumph’s celebrated three-cylinder mill. It displaces 1,160 cc and features Triumph’s “T-plane” firing order for a rather unique sound and power curve. Speaking of power, the 1200’s good for 148 horsepower at 9,000 rpm and 95.6 foot-pounds of torque at 7,000 rpm in this state of tune. All Tiger 1200 models deliver the same power, from base GT to Rally Explorer. New twin radiators are said to improve cooling performance, weight distribution, and rider comfort.
A total redesign of the chassis, guided by a focus on weight optimization, dropped more than 55 pounds from the Tiger’s overall weight. (Customers ordering the monstrous Explorer gas tanks will especially appreciate this.) Most of the fat was trimmed from the wheels, frame, and subframe. Longtime Tiger fans will be happy to hear that the subframe is removable, as are the passenger footpegs. Triumph also introduced a slick new “Tri-Link” swingarm design for their shaft drive system. All these changes add up to a wet weight of 529 pounds for a base Tiger 1200 GT.
Braking, wheels, and suspension
Front suspension is handled by a semi-active fork from Showa. The GTs have 7.9 inches of fork travel, whereas the Rally models have 8.7 inches to work with. The Showa rear suspension is also semi-active, and it’ll auto-level the motorcycle to account for passengers and payload. In a similar division of intended uses, the GTs wear Metzeler Tourance tires while the Rally variants come equipped with Metzeler Karoos. Triumph recommends Michelin Anakee Wilds for aggressive off-road riding.
Brembo Stylema monobloc calipers grip generous double discs for respectable stopping power. The bikes have cornering-enhanced ABS, cornering-enhanced traction control, and Megura master cylinders for added braking performance. Off-Road Pro mode completely disables ABS and traction control if desired.
Tech and features
The biggest tech update for the 2022 Tiger 1200s is the addition of radar for the GT Explorer and Rally Explorer models. This allows for a blind spot detection system and lane change assist.
The bike’s tech, ride modes, and vitals are managed from a seven-inch TFT display. Keyless operation and all-new LED lighting make for a fully modern riding experience. Lean-sensitive cornering lighting is available for all trims except base GT. Same goes for advanced riding modes, Triumph Shift Assist, Hill Hold Control, and aluminum engine guards. All of those options can be added to a base GT if you’d like, but at that point, a higher spec model probably makes more sense.
For more comfort, Triumph retained their popular adjustable seat system for all models, along with an optional low seat that makes it even easier to get a foot down at stops. Adjustable windscreens require just one hand to manipulate, and side diffusers can be angled on the fly to cut down on wind blast. MyTriumph connectivity allows for the usual integrations with phones, communications units and action cameras.
Service intervals are every 10,000 miles, and Triumph offers a three-year warranty on these bikes. Intended for “competitive customers,” Triumph went all-out with this Tiger update, and we’re looking forward to trying the new models out for ourselves.
The Tiger 1200 GT is available in Snowdonia white only, while the GT Pro and GT Explorer add Lucerne Blue and Sapphire Black. The Tiger 1200 Rally Pro and Rally Explorer also get the Sapphire and Snowdonia options, plus Matt Khaki on a white frame for a unique look. Look for Tiger 1200s in U.S. dealerships starting in spring of 2022. Prices start at $19,100 for the Tiger 1200 GT.
| 2022 Triumph Tiger 1200 line | |
|---|---|
| Price (MSRP) | $19,100 (base), $21,400 (GT Pro), $23,100 (GT Explorer), $22,500 (Rally Pro), $24,200 (Rally Explorer) |
| Engine | 1,160 cc, liquid-cooled DOHC triple |
|
Transmission, final drive |
Six-speed, shaft |
| Claimed horsepower | 148 @ 9,000 rpm |
| Claimed torque | 95.6 foot-pounds @ 7,000 rpm |
| Frame | Tubular steel with aluminum subframe |
| Front suspension | Showa 49 mm fork, semi-active damping; 7.9 inches of travel (GT), 8.7 inches (Rally) |
| Rear suspension | Showa RSU, semi-active damping, automatic preload; 7.9 inches of travel (GT), 8.7 inches (Rally) |
| Front brake | Dual Brembo Stylema M4.30 calipers, 320 mm discs, ABS |
| Rear brake | Brembo single-piston caliper, 282 mm disc, ABS |
| Rake, trail | 24.1 degrees, 4.72 inches (GT, 23.7 degrees, 4.41 inches Rally) |
| Wheelbase | 61.4 inches |
| Seat height | 33.5-34.3 inches (GT), 34.4-35.2 inches (Rally) |
| Fuel capacity | 5.3 gallons (base) 7.9 gallons (Explorer models) |
| Tires | Metzeler Tourance (GT) or Karoo (Rally), 120/70R19 (GT), 90/90/R21 (Rally) front, 150/70R18 rear |
| Claimed weight | 529 pounds (base GT), 548 pounds (base Rally) |
| Available | Spring 2022 |
| Warranty | 36 months |
| More info | triumphmotorcycles.com |
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