Triumph is gearing up to release its 2022 Tiger 1200 range in the first half of next year, and while it has yet to fully reveal the all-new model, fresh pictures and details have emerged that give us a strong indication as to what we can expect.
We now know that the new-generation adventure bike will be lighter and narrower than its predecessor, and draw power from Triumph’s latest 1160cc triple engine, which generates 132kW/125Nm in the recently released Speed Triple 1200 RS and forthcoming Speed Triple 1200 RR. We would expect a slightly reduced peak power output, possibly more mid-range and certainly more torque befitting of the Tiger 1200 character and intended usage (including two-up with luggage).
Notably, the new Tiger 1200 swaps out the single-sided swingarm of the outgoing model for a new dual-sided shaft-drive system to help reduce unsprung weight.
If the middleweight Tiger 900 range is anything to go by, the full-sized Tiger 1200 adventure bike line-up will be offered in road-biased GT variants, as well as off-road focussed Rally variants that add things like knobby tyres, semi-active suspension and – as a Tiger 1200 first – a 21-inch wire-spoked front wheel.
The inclusion of a 21-inch front wheel on Rally variants is significant as it surpasses the BMW GS’s 19-inch setup, and matches that of the KTM Super Adventure R, which should give it an edge on rough terrain.
Pictures published today with Triumph development rider Ricky Carmichael suggest that the English bikemaker is looking to increase its off-road credentials ahead of the release of its all-new motocross and enduro bikes.
With BMW’s R 1250 GS, and KTM’s Super Adventure models its primary targets, the new Triumph Tiger 1200 will likely be available with the choice of two fuel capacities, with the standard bike using a 20-litre tank, and a long-range version offering around 30 litres.
A large TFT dash will likely carry over from the Tiger 900, matched with full LED lighting with spotlights, and touring features like heated seats and grips, sat-nav and smartphone connectivity.
All variants are expected to feature Brembo Stylema brakes with dual 320mm discs on the front end.
With a new chassis, Triumph says that the new Tiger 1200 will be ‘significantly lighter than its closest competition’, indicating that it will be less than 250 kilograms (wet) based on the BMW R 1250 GS’s weight figure.
For reference, the BMW R 1250 GS is sold from $26,295 rideaway in entry-level guise, while the higher-spec R 1250 GSA is available from $28,365-$36,851.
KTM’s latest 1290 Super Adventure range is similarly positioned from $28,395 in base trim, up to $32,130 for the range-topping R variant.
Meanwhile, the outgoing Triumph Tiger 1200 line-up ranges from $26,600, up to $31,990 for the top-spec XCa variant.
INFO MOTO anticipates a small price increase for the new-gen Tiger 1200 range, however, it will likely remain in close competition with its BMW and KTM rivals.
Earlier this week, Triumph confirmed the local release of its new Tiger 900 Bond Edition, which builds upon the top-spec Tiger 900 Rally Pro variant with a number of James Bond-themed design elements and performance accessories.
INFO MOTO can report that the Triumph Tiger 900 Bond Edition is priced from $31,290 rideaway, with just a handful of the 250-unit production run allocated for Australia.
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.
It brings a tear to your eyes… Triumph used to make such pretty bikes, but this is so pig ugly it’ll make even Hondas and KTMs feel better about themselves.