adventure motorcycles

Triumph Tiger 1200: Specs, Performance, Ergonomics, and More

Triumph Tiger 1200: Specs, Performance, Ergonomics, and More

1. Introduction

Do you have an obsession with travel and adventures? If yes, get ready to experience the pleasure of the wind in your hair and navigate the road curves with the finest of bikes in today’s market. You just need to plan your adventure with confidence and the best adventurous bikes. If you are looking for the best adventure ride, the Triumph Tiger 1200 is an excellent option for you. This bike provides you with superior ride comfort and ease of handling. Ultimately, you can experience an unforgettable journey with the Triumph Tiger 1200. However, if you are a beginner, it is best not to take risks as the Triumph Tiger 1200 is best handled by experienced riders.

2. A Brief History

It started in 1936 when Sangster appointed Edward Turner as Triumph’s head engineer. Turner designed a new range of lightweight single-cylinder motorcycles, which were introduced as the Tiger 70, the Tiger 80, and the Tiger 90. In 1939, the Tiger T100 was developed and introduced in the market.


In 1993, Triumph introduced its first adventure bike, the Tiger 900, in the US market. As the Yamaha Super Ténéré, the Honda Africa Twin, and the BMW R100 GS already had established markets, the Tiger 900 was aimed to compete with all of them.


After 2001, a continued Tiger series emerged, which included the Tiger 955i, Tiger 1050, middle-weight Tiger 800, and Tiger 800XC. Today in 2023, Triumph offers 11 different unique and mesmerizing models. Among them, the Tiger 1200 and all five variants including GT, GT Pro, GT Explorer, Rally Pro, and Rally Explorer are stealing the limelight.

3. Triumph Tiger 1200’s Details

Maker Triumph
Model Triumph Tiger 1200
Year Model 2023
Introduced in 2012
Motorcycle Type Adventure Bike
Production Status Continued
Base Price GT: $19,595.00
GT PRO: $21,895.00
GT EXPLORER: $23,595.00
RALLY PRO: $22,995.00
RALLY EXPLORER: $24,695.00

3.1. Engine and Performance

Displacement 1,160 cc
Engine Type Liquid-Cooled, 12-Valve, 1,160cc Inline Three-Cylinder, DOHC Engine
Compression Ratio 13.2:1
Horsepower 148 hp at 9,000 rpm
Torque 95 lb-ft at 7,000 rpm
Stroke 2.38"
Bore 3.54 in
Starting Mechanism Electric
Fuel  System Multipoint Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection with Electronic Throttle Control
Gearbox/Transmission  Six-Speed
Crank 270-Degree

3.2. DriveTrain

Clutch Hydraulic, Wet, Multi-Plate, Slip and Assist
Final Drive Shaft

3.3. Suspension and Chassis

Frame Tubular Steel Frame with Forged Aluminum Outriggers. Fabricated, Bolt-on Aluminum Rear Subframe
Front Suspension Showa 49 mm, Semi-Active Damping USD Forks
Front Wheel Travel 7.87 in 
Rear Suspension Showa Semi-Active Damping Mono-Shock, with Automatic Electronic Preload Adjustment and New Active Preload Reduction Feature
Rear Wheel Travel 200 mm
Instrument Display and Functions Full-Color 7” TFT Instrument Pack with My Triumph Connectivity System
Swingarm Twin-sided "Tri-Link" Aluminum Swingarm with Twin Aluminum Torque Arms

3.4. Braking

ABS Dual-Channel ABS
Front Brake Brembo M4.30 Stylema Monoblock Radial Calipers, OC-ABS, Twin 320 mm Floating Discs. Magura HC1 Span Adjustable Radial Master Cylinder with Separate Reservoir.
Rear Brake Brembo Single Piston Caliper, OC-ABS, Single 282 mm Disc. Rear Master Cylinder with Remote Reservoir.

3.5. Wheels and Tires

Wheels Front:  Cast Aluminum, 19 x 3.0 in
Rear:  Cast Aluminium, 18 x 4.25 in
Tires Front: Metzeler Tourance, 120/70R19 (M/C 60V TL)
Rear: Metzeler Tourance, 150/70R18 (M/C 70V TL)

3.6. Dimensions

Overall Height Without Mirrors Low Screen 56.53", High Screen 58.93"
Overall Width Handlebars 33.42", Handguards 38.66"
Seat Height Adjustable 33.46/34.52"
Rake 24.0 º
Trail 4.72 in
Wheelbase 61.41 in
Wet Weight 529 lbs
Fuel Tank Capacity 5.28 US gal
Fuel Consumption 40 mpg (US) or 5.9 l/100km
CO2 Figures 224 g/mile or 139 g/km FTP 75 Cycle

4. Design and Look

Design and Look
Photo Credit: @triumphmotorcycles

The design of the Triumph Tiger 1200 bike is extremely captivating and also provides the additional benefit of a weight savings of 55 pounds. A highly slim silhouette always leaves people in awe. The downward position of the exhaust silencer and dual radiator system also makes this bike unique in terms of its apparent look. The chassis is perfectly designed for the toughest terrains. The shape of the fuel tank is narrower, providing the benefit of confident footing. Ultimately, the rider gets the best riding position at the Triumph Tiger 1200.

5. Different Variants of the Triumph Tiger 1200

The latest Triumph Tiger 1200 is available in five different variants, which are as follows:

  • GT
  • GT Pro
  • GT Explorer
  • Rally Pro
  • Rally Explorer

All the above-mentioned variants of the Triumph Tiger 1200 have an identical basis but the main differences lie in their features. Both Tiger 1200 GT and Tiger 1200 Rally models are distinguished in terms of features, curb weights, and damping rates.


Triumph Tiger 1200 Variants Key Features
GT Pro and GT Explorer Ideal for trail riding
Features off-road and Rider modes
Rally Pro and Rally Explorer Advanced Off-Road Pro mode
Knobbier tubeless tires, and tubeless 21-/18-inch spoked wheels
Longer Suspension travel
Rally Pro: 5.3-gallon fuel tank that can cover 207 miles
Rally Explorer: 7.9 gallons of fuel for approx 310 miles

6. Engine and Performance

The old Triumph 1200 was heavier as compared to the latest 2023 Triumph Tiger 1200. Even the firing three-cylinder motor in the old Triumph 1200 was suitable for sport touring but the latest model of the Triumph 1200 is lightweight and has the new 1160 cc triple with T-Plane crank. The power delivery of the engine is also greater as compared to other adventure bikes.


This bike involves the Liquid-Cooled, 1,160cc Inline Three-Cylinder engine along with 148 hp horsepower and 95 lb-ft torque at 7,000 rpm


After every engine cycle, T-Plane exhibited the firing order of 1-3-2. The crankshaft is rotated to 180 degrees which is followed by 270-degree movements between the firing strokes. Due to this arrangement, an exhaust sound is generated that resembles the V twin. An inbuilt lightweight silencer is also present which results in sound enhancement.

7. Advanced Suspension & Brakes

Showa semi-active suspension is present in the Triumph Tiger 1200. The presence of the Active Preload Reduction feature efficiently decreases the back suspension preload as seat heights decrease when the bike slows down.


Brembo Stylema brake calipers are present on the front wheels. The mechanical slipper clutch is hydraulically activated by the HC-1 Radial Master Cylinders along with the Magura levers.


During emergency brakes or increased speed, the possibility of slippage is also reduced due to the integrated ABS and traction control. Onboard IMU also assisted in the better form of damping so the rider could take a less risky maneuver. There is also a small-sized servo motor that maintains the Rear preload depending on the weight factors. When the bike slips or the wheels get stuck in any obstacle then in-built sensors also get activated which immediately aware the rider regarding the hazards. The 220mm Rally suspension lifts the seat height to 20 mm above position.

8. Ride Quality

Road handling of the Triumph Tiger 1200 is highly neutral on both paved and unpaved terrains. Riders can peacefully enjoy their rides without taking the stress of falling into turns. Bike acceleration is also normal and does not allow the premature lift of the front side wheels.


Triumph Tiger 1200 has the best traction control as the rider can easily identify when the motorbike loses traction. After detecting the alarming situation, riders can control the throttle easily as the ham-fisted whack on the throttle gets activated quickly bringing the back wheel around to avoid a crash. Maneuvering at low speed is also decent without any chance of risks. Triumph Tiger 1200 also offers a better hold control feature. This technology feature is easily activated and prevents the backward rolling of the bike on steep inclines.

9. Ergonomics

Triumph Tiger 1200 offers a more controlling riding position, allowing riders to tackle both on and off-road travel with confidence. The rider’s seat of the Triumph Tiger 1200 is highly spacious, allowing the rider to move forward and backward easily. A manually adjustable windscreen is also available on the Tiger 1200 that protects riders from extreme wind. Additionally, a tire monitoring system is also present on the Tiger 1200 that monitors the tire pressure. In terms of comfort, the Triumph Tiger 1200 is one of the best, as riders even have the advantage of seat adjustment between 33.5 and 34.25 inches. Similarly, the presence of a heated seat also makes the Tiger 1200 more capable of ensuring enjoyable long rides.

10. Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Explorer’s New Blind Spot Detection System

The New Blindspot Detection system of Triumph Tiger 1200 provides the additional benefit of safety along with better convenience. When any vehicle enters the blind spot region of the Tiger 1200, rear-facing radar and lights attached to the side mirrors are activated which immediately inform the rider of any approaching vehicle in blindspots.


Some other important features available on the Pro and Explorer models include a quick shifter, LED lights, a center stand, emergency lights, and cruise control. Additional protective bars for the engine and fuel are also available in Rally Explorer and Rally Pro models.

11. Three-Year Warranty

Don't stress regarding reliability as the new generation Triumph Tiger 1200 bike offers a three-year limitless mileage guarantee. If your bike faces any kind of damage after this period, you can still avail of the Triumph Factory Extended Warranty which provides a one or two-year extension of the factory warranty. But this extended warranty can only be achieved within 18 months.

12. Triumph Tiger 1200 Pros

  • Incredibly Good Looks
  • Highly Agile
  • Ideal for Long-Distance Touring
  • Rider Focused Technology
  • Adjustable Rider’s Seat
  • Ideal for Both Solo Ride and Ride with Full-Weight Load
  • On-Road and Off-Road Touring Capabilities
  • Lightweight
  • Improved Power-to-Weight Ratio
  • Better Slow-Speed Control
  • Improved Riding Position
  • Better Ground Clearance

13. Triumph Tiger 1200 Cons

  • Excessive Engine Noise and Vibrations
  • Low Mileage

14. FAQs

14.1 What is the Top Speed of the Triumph Tiger 1200?

The top speed of the Triumph Tiger 1200 is 137 mph.

14.2 Is the Triumph Tiger 1200 Suitable for Touring?

Yes, the Triumph Tiger 1200 is ideally designed for long-hauls due to the presence of tire-pressure monitoring systems, larger gas tanks, blind spot radar, etc. Riders can comfortably enjoy both on-road and off-road riding on this motorcycle.

15. Concluding Thoughts

The brand new Triumph  Tiger 12000 with all standout features is worth buying. As compared to all other models, the Tiger 1200 is stronger and can be easily handled both on and off-road journeys. The presence of a Liquid-Cooled, 12-valve, 1,160cc Inline Three-Cylinder Engine provides the best performance on roads. All five variants are highly adaptable and provide comfort to riders on long-haul adventure rides.  To Improve your adventure motorcycle look you get aftermarket motorcycle luggage including side cases, luggage systems, tank bags, tail bags, backpacks, and accessories.

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