Two years ago, Triumph introduced a new-generation Tiger 1200 featuring an all-new engine, a revised chassis, an updated electronics package, and a lighter curb weight. Updating the Tiger so soon after its debut shows just how important it is to Hinckley to remain at the pointy end of an incredibly competitive category. Now, Triumph increased the engine’s rotational inertia, adopted Active Preload Reduction on the rear shock, and refined the ergonomics. Does this revised Tiger 1200 truly live up to its promise as a worthy choice for your next adventure?
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SportsTranscript
00:00 For 2022, Triumph introduced an all-new Tiger 1200.
00:04 We're talking engine, chassis, suspension, electronics, and a lighter curb weight.
00:10 Now, just two years later, Triumph has updated the engine, the suspension, and the ergonomics.
00:15 After a day riding in Scotland, I can definitely say that the updates are beneficial.
00:20 Are they game changers? Maybe not. We'll talk more about that later.
00:24 The biggest change for 2024 is to the engine.
00:27 To increase inertia, Triumph updated the crankshaft, the balancer shaft, and the alternator rotor.
00:33 As such, low-rpm torque delivery is much smoother.
00:37 The update is especially effective for low-speed maneuvers.
00:40 I wish I could say we tried it off-road, but today we were only on the street.
00:44 And I would describe the power delivery as sneaky fast.
00:47 So above, say, 6,000 rpms, it really starts to come into its own.
00:52 It's not one of these bikes that you can just leave in top gear to get by a car and just go.
00:57 I'd say click down a gear or two, and then it's off.
00:59 My biggest criticism of this bike is an abrupt on/off throttle response.
01:04 It's not a big deal, but in the morning, straight away, it was the first thing I noticed.
01:08 Once you're on the throttle, neutral throttle and above, it's fine.
01:12 But that first initial touch of the throttle can be a little bit abrupt.
01:16 In the afternoon, however, it really didn't bother me as much.
01:19 But if that's the biggest complaint, then I think Triumph did a really good job.
01:22 So the Tiger 1200 uses Showa semi-active suspension.
01:26 And at the end of last year, Triumph introduced active preload reduction,
01:30 which means when you come to a stop, you hold this home button for about a second,
01:35 and it lowers the rear shock by about 20 millimeters.
01:39 It just helps you get your feet on the ground that much easier.
01:42 But now for 2024, it's standard across all the models.
01:46 One of my favorite features about the semi-active suspension
01:48 is that you can pull up the damping right on the dash,
01:51 and you can on the fly adjust from comfort to sport.
01:54 So on today's really bumpy roads, I just turned it all the way down to comfort
01:58 and could cruise, and it was incredibly smooth.
02:01 And then when we could wick it up a little bit in spite of the rain,
02:05 I had a lot more braking support and could really dive into corners with much more confidence.
02:10 Ergonomic updates include a flatter profile seat, a longer clutch lever,
02:15 damped handlebar risers, and the GT models also have improved ground clearance
02:20 with higher, closer-in footpegs.
02:22 Triumph puts on parts such as the Brembo M4.30 calipers.
02:27 One thing that's important to note for U.S. customers is that for 2024,
02:31 only the Explorer models will be available.
02:34 In 2025, Triumph says that the full range will be available once again.
02:38 Explorer models include a larger capacity gas tank, blind spot detection,
02:43 a heated seat as standard, and tire pressure monitoring system.
02:46 What I like most about the 2024 updates is that it's evidence that Triumph
02:51 is really listening to its customers.
02:53 If you already own a 2022 or 23 model, is it worth trading it in for one of these new ones?
02:59 Probably not.
03:00 But is it added value for customers who are first-time buyers who are looking at the 2024 model?
03:05 Definitely.
03:06 So check it out at your local Triumph dealer.
03:08 [Music]