Have you been saving your pennies, and thinking about a new adventure bike to take on all the trips you’ve been planning this winter? If you have been giving the Triumph Tiger 1200 a solid look and thinking that maybe this could be your next new bike, a couple of special editions might just push you over the edge.
British Delights:
Both of the bikes, built from the Tiger 1200 model, are “inspired by epic adventures.” Makes sense, because they’re adventure bikes. One is a “Desert” Edition and the other an “Alpine” edition. Sure, mountains and deserts can be adventures on motorcycles, but other than unique paint schemes and bold new graphics, what sets these bikes apart from an everyday Tiger 1200?
The Alpine bike, based on the Tiger 1200 XR, comes in “Snowdonia White” and the Desert, based on the XC trim level, comes in, of course, “Sandstorm.” Each has “dedicated graphics” specific to the edition as well as “metallized radiator badges.” The two bikes are shipped with Triumph Shift Assist “for clutchless up and downshifts.” This is probably the same thing as the Triumph Easy Shift, offered on the Triumph website as an add-on accessory for the base models, to the tune of $495. The special editions also come outfitted, standard, with an Arrow exhaust, which is also available to the non-special bikes as an accessory, for $895.
All editions of the Tiger 1200 are powered by a liquid-cooled 1213cc in-like three-cylinder engine that puts out 141hp and 90ft/lb of torque. They’re fuel-injected, ride on a single-sided swingarm with shaft drive, and deliver power to the rear wheel through a 6-speed transmission and a wet multi-plate clutch. They have adjustable suspension and switchable ABS. All of them ship with a multifunction TFT screen that tells you just about everything except what to make for dinner, and that’s where you can choose from among the six pre-programmed riding modes, too.
Gallery: Triumph Tiger 1200 Special Editions 2020
Each of these two special editions is priced at $400 more than their base counterparts. What Triumph does not stress, and, in my humble opinion, very much should, is the suspension setup the special editions receive over their XC and XR counterparts. The XR and XC base models both ship with cast wheels, and only the XR with an electronically adjustable, semi-active suspension. According to the Triumph website, the special edition of the same bikes, for only $400 over base, ship with the aforementioned quick-shift and silencer add-ons, as well as electronically-adjustable suspension for both. The Desert edition gets spoked rims that run tubeless tires on top of all that. These might seem like tiny differences to folks that don’t do too much off-roading, but electronic suspension and spoked wheels are a big deal in the realm of adventure bikes.
Triumph is making a great showing among the rest of the adventure-bike field, and with these upgrades and a price tag of $20,100 the Desert Edition is a fantastic value for the price tag. If you don’t care too much about tubeless spoked wheels, the Alpine Edition, at $19,300, is nothing to sneeze at either.
Source: Triumph Motorcycles
NEW 2020 TIGER 1200 DESERT AND ALPINE SPECIAL EDITIONS
Inspired by the world’s most epic motorcycle adventures
Triumph is pleased to announce two new very special Tiger 1200s, the Tiger 1200 Desert edition and Tiger 1200 Alpine edition. Inspired by some of the world’s most thrilling motorcycle adventures from all over the world, these new motorcycles incorporate a unique high specification set-up and dedicated paint schemes, to deliver even greater adventure capability, style and value for money.
- Two very special editions
- Tiger 1200 Desert Edition - Inspired by epic adventures taken across the most inhospitable deserts in the world, from the Sahara, to the Kalahari and beyond.
- Tiger 1200 Alpine Edition - Inspired by the epic alpine adventures riders have made across one of the most breathtakingly beautiful mountain ranges in the whole world.
- Exclusive dedicated Desert and Alpine edition paint schemes and detailing
- Special edition ‘Sandstorm’ paint scheme with dedicated ‘Desert Edition’ graphics for the new Tiger 1200 Desert Edition.
- Distinctive ‘Snowdonia White’ paint scheme with dedicated ‘Alpine Edition’ graphics for the new Tiger 1200 Alpine Edition.
- All the distinctive and purposeful style of the exceptionally capable Tiger 1200.
- Dedicated high specification set-up with even greater value for money
- The new Tiger 1200 Special Editions both add to the mid-spec Tiger XRx and Tiger XCx specification set-up with an even higher level of equipment, designed to enhance the ride and deliver even greater value for money
- Higher specification features:
- Lightweight Arrow titanium silencer
- Triumph Shift Assist
- Incredible standard of triple powered performance, rider technology and premium specification equipment
- Powerful and responsive 1,215cc triple engine, delivering peak power of 141PS @ 9,350rpm, maximum torque of 122Nm @ 7,600rpm and an incredible sound from a lightweight Arrow titanium silencer
- State-of-the-art rider technology. Including: Triumph Shift Assist, adjustable full colour TFT instruments, optimised cornering ABS & traction control, up to 5 riding modes, all LED lighting, Illuminated buttons, keyless ignition, cruise control, Electrically adjustable windscreen, heated grips and multiple power sockets.
- Premium specification equipment. Including: Triumph semi-active suspension (TSAS), Brembo Monobloc brakes, Adjustable seat height
NEW TIGER 1200 DESERT EDITION
Inspired by the epic motorcycle adventures the Tiger 1200 has taken across the most inhospitable and challenging deserts in the world, the new Tiger 1200 Desert Edition takes all of the distinctive and purposeful Tiger 1200 XC line-up looks and incredible capability, whilst bringing an even higher standard of finish, including:
- Exclusive ‘Sandstorm’ special edition paint scheme.
- Dedicated ‘Desert Edition’ graphics.
- New metallised ‘SE’ radiator badges.
In addition to its unique paint scheme, the Tiger 1200 Desert Edition also features higher specification equipment compared to the mid spec XCx model, designed to further enhance its adventure capability and affordability. These dedicated features are;
- Lightweight Arrow titanium silencer
- Triumph Shift Assist for clutchless up- and down-shifts
Tiger triple engine
The new Desert Edition features the Tiger 1200’s 1215cc Triple engine, the most powerful shaft-driven engine in its class, delivering smooth and immediate response through the gears up to a peak power of 141PS @ 9,350rpm. This is derived by the high quality engine components
(including lightweight flywheel, lighter crankshaft and magnesium cam cover) that allow the engine to spin up fast for instant power delivery and maximum torque of 122Nm @ 7,600rpm.
In addition, the lightweight Arrow titanium silencer enhances the bike’s agility and improves the already thrilling Tiger Triple soundtrack.
State-of-the-art technology
The new Desert Edition offers a huge choice of core features and benefits to deliver a superior riding experience. This ride enhancing technology includes:
- Adjustable full colour TFT instrument - Full colour and clear instrumentation providing precise rider information with an intuitive operation
- Optimised Cornering ABS and Traction Control - Enabled via an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), this system supports the automatic selection of the appropriate level of ABS and Traction Control intervention by constantly measuring roll, pitch, yaw and acceleration rates, in order to calculate the lean angle. This fully integrated technology system ensures greater riding stability at all times.
- 5 rider modes (Rain, Road, Off-Road, Off-Road PRO, Sport) – The riding modes adjust throttle response, ABS and Traction Control settings for maximum rider control in all riding conditions. The Off-Road PRO riding mode is Triumph’s most extreme off-road set-up for advanced off-road adventure, with ABS and Traction Control turned off, and an off-road throttle map.
- All LED lighting - Providing enhanced visibility and style, Triumph's LED signature lighting creates clear views ahead and from behind
- High specification Triumph Semi-Active Suspension (TSAS) - Featuring premium adjustable WP suspension, allowing the rider to electronically control the type of ride with the TSAS controlling the front and rear suspension damping. It also automatically adapts the RSU pre-load settings to maintain optimal ride height for different rider sizes and payloads. There are two TSAS modes: Auto / Off-Road
- Triumph Shift Assist - Providing seamless clutchless up and down gearshifts, this system facilitates silky smooth gear changes and significantly reduces rider fatigue
- Illuminated backlit buttons - Ergonomically-designed fully backlit handlebar switch cubes and joystick to make night-time use even easier
- Keyless ignition - Easier to live with daily, featuring a premium keyless ignition
- Cruise control - Accessed easily through the left hand switchcube, the new single button cruise control helps to reduce rider fatigue
- Electrically adjustable touring screen – Configure the screen height on the road through intuitive backlit switch cube for exceptional long distance comfort.
- High levels of standard technology specification, including ride-by-wire throttle, heated grips and three power sockets including a handy USB socket under the seat.
High specification chassis
The new Tiger Desert Edition maintains the Tiger’s well known premium equipment standard with high specification Brembo brakes, adjustable WP suspension controlled by Triumph's Semi-Active Suspension technology, and a two-position seat height (835-855 mm), adjustable by 20 mm to suit riding style and terrain.
NEW TIGER 1200 ALPINE EDITION
Inspired by the epic alpine adventures that Tiger 1200 have enjoyed across one of the most breathtakingly beautiful mountain ranges in the world, the new Tiger 1200 Alpine Edition features all of the distinctive and purposeful Tiger 1200 XR line-up style and incredible adventure capability, whilst bringing even higher standard of finish, including:
- Exclusive ‘Snowdonia White’ special edition paint scheme.
- Dedicated ‘Alpine Edition’ graphics.
- New metallised ‘SE’ radiator badges.
Based on the mid spec XRx model, the Tiger 1200 Alpine Edition adds even higher specification features in order to enhance its long distance adventure capability and affordability. These features are;
- Lightweight Arrow titanium silencer
- Triumph Shift Assist for clutchless up- and down-shifts
Tiger triple engine
The new Alpine Edition features the Tiger 1200’s 1215cc Triple engine, the most powerful shaft-driven engine in its class, delivering smooth and immediate response through the gears up to a peak power of 141PS @ 9,350rpm. This is derived by the high quality engine components (including lightweight flywheel, lighter crankshaft and magnesium cam cover) that allow the engine to spin up fast for instant power delivery and maximum torque of 122Nm @ 7,600rpm.
In addition, the lightweight Arrow titanium silencer enhances the bike’s agility and improves the already thrilling Tiger Triple soundtrack.
State-of-the-art technology
The new Alpine Edition offers a huge choice of ‘core’ features and benefits to deliver a superior riding experience. This ride enhancing technology includes:
- Adjustable full colour TFT instrument - Full colour and clear instrumentation providing precise rider information with an intuitive operation
- Optimised Cornering ABS and Traction Control - Enabled via an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), this system supports the automatic selection of the appropriate level of ABS and Traction Control intervention by constantly measuring roll, pitch, yaw and acceleration rates, in order to calculate the lean angle. This fully integrated technology system ensures greater riding stability at all times.
- 4 rider modes (Rain, Road, Off-Road, Sport) – The riding modes adjust throttle response, ABS and Traction Control settings for maximum rider control in all riding conditions.
- All LED lighting - Providing enhanced visibility and style, Triumph's LED signature lighting creates clear views ahead and from behind
- High specification Triumph Semi-Active Suspension (TSAS) - Featuring premium adjustable WP suspension, allowing the rider to electronically control the type of ride with the TSAS controlling the front and rear suspension damping. It also automatically adapts the RSU pre-load settings to maintain optimal ride height for different rider sizes and payloads. There are two TSAS modes: Auto / Off-Road
- Triumph Shift Assist - Providing seamless clutchless up and down gearshifts, this system facilitates silky smooth gear changes and significantly reduces rider fatigue
- Illuminated backlit buttons - Ergonomically-designed fully backlit handlebar switch cubes and joystick to make night-time use even easier
- Keyless ignition - Easier to live with daily, featuring a premium keyless ignition
- Cruise control - Accessed easily through the left hand switchcube, the new single button cruise control helps to reduce rider fatigue
- Electrically adjustable touring screen – Configure the screen height on the road through intuitive backlit switch cube for exceptional long distance comfort.
- High levels of standard technology specification, including ride-by-wire throttle, heated grips and three power sockets including a handy USB socket under the seat.
High specification chassis
The new Tiger Alpine Edition maintains the Tiger’s well known premium equipment standard with high specification Brembo brakes, adjustable WP suspension controlled by Triumph's Semi-Active Suspension technology, and a two-position seat height (835-855 mm), adjustable by 20 mm to suit riding style and terrain.
SPECIFICATIONS
| Final drive | Shaft drive | Shaft drive |
| Clutch | Wet, multi-plate hydraulically operated, torque assist | Wet, multi-plate hydraulically operated, torque assist |
| Gearbox | 6-speed | 6-speed |
| Frame | Tubular steel trellis frame | Tubular steel trellis frame |
| Swingarm | Single-sided, cast aluminium alloy with shaft drive | Single-sided, cast aluminium alloy with shaft drive |
| Front Wheel | Cast aluminium alloy 10-spoke 19 x 3.0 in | 32 spoke, aluminium rim, for tubeless tyres 19 x 3.0 in |
| Rear Wheel | Cast aluminium alloy 10-spoke 17 x 4.5 in | 32 spoke, aluminium rim, for tubeless tyres 17 x 4.5 in |
| Front Tyre | 120/70 R19 | 120/70 R19 |
| Rear Tyre | 170/60 R17 | 170/60 R17 |
| Front Suspension | WP 48 mm upside down forks, electronically adjustable damping, 190 mm travel | WP 48 mm upside down forks, electronically adjustable damping, 190 mm travel |
| Rear Suspension | WP monoshock, electronically adjustable semi active damping with automatic preload adjustment, 193 mm wheel travel | WP monoshock, electronically adjustable semi active damping with automatic preload adjustment, 193 mm wheel travel |
| Front Brake | Twin 305 mm floating discs, radially mounted monobloc Brembo 4-piston calipers, switchable ABS | Twin 305 mm floating discs, radially mounted monobloc Brembo 4-piston calipers, switchable ABS |
| Rear Brake | Single 282 mm disc, Nissin 2-piston sliding caliper, switchable ABS | Single 282 mm disc, Nissin 2-piston sliding caliper, switchable ABS |
| Width (Handlebars) | 830 mm | 830 mm |
| Height Without Mirrors | 1,470 mm | 1,470 mm |
| Seat Height | 835 - 855 mm | 835 - 855 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,520 mm | 1,520 mm |
| Rake | 23.2 º | 23.2 º |
| Trail | 99.9 mm | 99.9 mm |
| Dry Weight | 242 Kg | 246 Kg |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 20 L | 20 L |
| Instruments | TFT multifunctional instrument pack with digital speedometer, trip computer, digital tachometer, gear position indicator, fuel gauge, service indicator, ambient temperature, clock and Riding Modes. | TFT multifunctional instrument pack with digital speedometer, trip computer, digital tachometer, gear position indicator, fuel gauge, service indicator, ambient temperature, clock and Riding Modes. |
| Fuel Consumption | 5.2 l/100 km (54.3 MPG) | 5.2 l/100 km (54.3 MPG) |
| CO2 Emissions | 122 g/km | 122 g/km |