BMW’s all-new R 1300 GS might be one of the most significant new motorcycle launches of 2024, but that hasn’t stopped Triumph from getting in on the act with a host of updates to its rival Tiger 1200.
The current generation Tiger 1200 has provided a refreshing alternative to the ubiquitous GS since hitting the marketplace three years ago, the three cylinder engine providing a unique selling point in a category full of twins, and the 2024 updates are aimed at making Triumph’s flagship adventure bike more refined and accessible. The new bikes might look very similar at first glance but, beneath the skin, there are a number of small changes aimed at improving comfort, gaining ground clearance and refining the riding experience.
The Tiger 1200 range has been rationalised, with the base 1200 GT being dropped to leave four variants and some new colour choices. The Tiger 1200 GT Pro and GT Explorer are the more road focussed of the quartet, with their cast aluminium 19” front wheels contributing to a lower seat height. These come in what Triumph call Carnival Red, as well as the previous options of Snowdonia White and Sapphire Black. The taller Tiger 1200 Rally Pro and Rally Explorer, Triumph’s alternative to the R 1250 GS Adventure, are available in stylish new Matt Sandstorm, as well as Jet Black and the popular Matt Khaki. The Rally models feature spoked 21” front wheels and longer travel suspension, while the key differences between the Pro and Explorer versions is the fuel tank, which is 20 litres on the Pro and 30 litres on the Explorer.
The 150bhp 1160cc engine, always the Tiger’s distinguishing feature, gets a revised crankshaft, alternator rotor and balance shaft to increase engine inertia, which Triumph says will make the bike smoother and easier to control at low speeds. The engine retains what Triumph dubs its ‘T plane’ crankshaft configuration, which delivers an uneven firing order to simulate the characteristics of a big twin at the lower end of the rev range, while delivering the performance of a triple up top.
Ergonomics get a subtle upgrade and there’s a focus on comfort. Not only us the engine said to be smoother and more relaxing to ride, the GT Pro and Rally Pro variants now get the dampened handlebars and risers previously fitted to the more off-road focussed Explorer models. These are expected to increase rider comfort, while also giving better visibility from the mirrors.
The rider seat is new and has a flatter profile, with more space and comfort for the rider. An accessory low seat is also available, which reduces the seat height by 20mm. With this fitted, the GT Pro has a lowest possible seat height of 830mm – a fairly accessible figure for a big capacity adventure bike. The new increasingly popular active preload reduction feature, which was revealed in August 2023, offers the rider greater confidence by reducing the rear suspension preload as the Tiger 1200 slows to a stop. It lowers the seat height by up to further 20mm at the press of a button, helping the get their feet down as they come to a halt. Footpeg positions have also been modified on the GT Pro and GT Explorer versions, moving them slightly higher and more inboard for increased ground clearance when banked over through corners. There’s also a longer clutch lever on all versions, another change made for comfort reasons. Without going into every detail, the overall specification is very high with all the gadgets and rider aids you would expect from a top of the range adventure bike.
Triumph says that the updates are as a result of feedback from customers and prices start at £17,295 for the Tiger 1200 GT Pro.
