We’ve had teaser shots, spy shots, leaked details and increased anticipation but, finally, the new-for-2022 Triumph Tiger 1200 has been revealed in all its glory.
This really is an all-new model and not merely a breathed upon 2021 Tiger 1200. Nothing remains from the old, apart from the already-impressive long-distance comfort and off-road ability, both of which have been significantly upgraded.
There are five main models: GT (not coming to SA) and GT Pro, which are the more road-biased models and the Rally Pro, which is the more off-road focussed model. Then there are two new models each having 30-litre petrol tanks, the GT Explorer and Rally Explorer.
Triumph is making barely concealed reference to the BMW R 1250 GS in the announcement. As both are shaft driven, Triumph is at pains to say that the GT Pro is 17kgs lighter than any other shaft-driven equivalent model (which means the GS!), running on cast wheels.
The Rally Pro is a huge 25kg lighter than the outgoing model and this has helped the 2022 Tiger 1200 attain a new level of off-road agility.
The engine is all-new. Now running the T-Plane crank as first seen in the Tiger 900, this gives the best of both worlds: low RPM grunt for plugging over rocks and through mud or snow and high RPM power for the open road. Power is up to 148bhp, a rise of only a few horses but, when combined with the improved rideability of the new crank, it should give a whole new feel. Torque is 130Nm.
Suspension is now Showa semi-active, automatically adjusting pre-load and damping, depending on terrain and riding style. Suspension travel is longer on the Rally Pro than the GT Pro. Braking is handled by Brembo Stylema calipers.
The electronics package has been given a full overhaul, with blind-spot radar detection developed in conjunction with Continental. Six riding modes adjust throttle response, traction control, ABS and suspension, while there is an Advanced Off-Road Pro in which all parameters can be selected by the rider via the 7″ TFT dashboard.
All lighting is LED, there’s keyless ignition, tyre pressure monitoring, cruise control, hill hold control, heated grips and seats and an up-and-down quick shifter while the Rally Pro and Rally Explorer get a full set of crash bars.
The whole bike is slimmer and more compact, while the twin radiators are carefully ducted to push hot air away from the rider.
If you want to accessorise your Tiger 1200, there are over 50 items in the catalogue to enable you to tailor the bike to your needs. Service intervals are 16,000km and there’s a three year, unlimited mileage warranty.
Bikes should be in showrooms by the second quarter of 2022. Prices have been announced as follows:
Tiger 1200 GT Pro – R285,000
Tiger 1200 Rally Pro – R305,000
Tiger 1200 GT Explorer – R315,000
Tiger 1200 Rally Explorer – R335,000
Can it hold a candle to BMW and KTM? That is something only time and riding them all back to back will tell but don’t expect Triumph to have gone off half-cocked on this new model: the stakes are too high.
History is on Triumph’s side: every time they have launched a new generation of a model, it has been significantly better than the old generation. So much so that it makes you wonder what they were thinking about with the old model.
Let’s hope it’s the same with the 2022 Tigers.
For more information visit: www.triumph-motorcycles.co.za
