Triumph Motorcycles this week uncovered its 2022 Tiger 1200 adventure bike range, which is expected to hit local showrooms in the second quarter of next year.
The new Triumph Tiger 1200 is significantly lighter, faster and better equipped than its predecessor, as the English bikemaker looks to dominate the full-size adventure bike segment occupied by the likes of the BMW R 1250 GS, KTM 1290 Super Adventure and Ducati Multistrada V4.
For 2022, the Triumph Tiger 1200 will be available in Australia in four full-time variants, GT Pro, GT Explorer, Rally Pro and Rally Explorer.
The GT versions are the more road oriented of the Tiger 1200 family, with 19- and 18-inch cast wheels with Metzeler Tourance tyres, while the Rally variants are better suited to off-road riding with 21- and 18-inch tubeless spoked wheels shod in Metzeler Karoo Street rubber.
The GT Explorer and Rally Explorer are higher-specification grades that are distinguished by a 30-litre fuel tank, as opposed to the 20-litre capacities of the GT Pro and Rally Pro.
Explorer variants also benefit from a blind spot radar system, heated seats and grips and a tyre pressure monitor, among other upgrades.
The 2022 Triumph Tiger 1200 range is built on an all-new platform that features a version of Triumph’s 1160cc triple-cylinder engine, in this case tuned to produce 110kW and 130Nm.
For comparison, the current BMW R 1250 GS is motivated by a 1254cc 100kW/143Nm boxer motor, while the KTM 1290 Super Adventure uses a 118kW/138Nm 1301cc V-twin setup.
Notably, the new Triumph Tiger 1200 is up to 25 kilograms lighter than its predecessor, and Triumph claims it to be 17kg lighter than its closest shaft-driven competitor at 240kg (wet), thanks in part to its new lightweight frame and swingarm.
Standard across the Australian 2022 Tiger 1200 line-up is Showa semi-active suspension, a new 7.0-inch TFT dash, optimised cornering traction control and ABS, a full keyless system, electronic cruise control, a centre stand, adaptive cornering lights, an up/down quickshifter, and hill hold.
GT variants offer five rider modes, Road, Rain, Sport, custom, and Off-Road, while the Rally versions gain an extra Off-Road Pro mode for increased adjustment on slippery terrain.
As part of an overhauled styling package that is familiar to the recently updated Tiger 900 range, the new Tiger 1200 features all-new bodywork, twin radiator and exhaust, an adjustable seat and new adjustable windscreen.
The ergonomics have also been adjusted with new bar and foot-peg positioning, which Triumph says is more comfortable.
Pricing for the new Triumph Tiger 1200 range has yet to be confirmed.
Spencer has a keen eye for hard news, and does some of his best living on deadline day. He loves more than anything to travel on his motorcycle, and is adamant that Melbourne Bitter is a world-class lager. He also knows how to operate the big computery thing in the office. By night, Spencer plays guitar with Melbourne punk outfit LOUTS.
