Bike Review | 2024 Triumph Tiger 1200 GT and Rally launch

The Triumph Tiger name is recognised as one of the elite bunch of front-runners in the adventure motorcycle class the world over. With a comprehensive range of 900cc and Tiger 1200 dual-sport models, as well as 850 and 660cc Sport models. We test the latest 1200s

“The latest generation of 1200 Tiger has been a success story for Triumph since its release selling 14,000 units worldwide”…

The Tiger range caters for the most serious of long-haul adventure riders through to those that like the style and ergonomics these bikes have to offer, yet don’t stray from the tarmac. A far cry from the plush, heavy and large 955i Tiger of the early 2000s [like your favourite green one on that 2002 Two Wheels comparo we did Jeffro…], Triumph revamped its big-bore adventure machine in 2012 with the release of the Triumph Explorer. With more power, better handling and tailored more for the needs and wants of the seasoned adventure rider, the Explorer was the class-defining machine of the time…

Triumph’s range of updated 2021 Tiger 1200’s was enough to excite any adventure bike fan… Global sales boomed.

In 2021, Triumph’s big adventure bike came out with its biggest revamp to date, bringing it more in tune with the needs and wants of the highly-critical big-bore adventure market. These machines are a big spend and, as such, performance, comfort, functionality and style are must haves for success in this market. The new Tiger 1200 range did not disappoint and was instantly a benchmark in all these areas of the hotly contested adventure bike market. And to stay that way, 2024 marks a mid-model cycle update to keep the Tiger 1200s at the front of the pack.

There are four models in the Tiger 1200 range – the road-biased GT Pro and GT Explorer, and the off-road inclined Rally Pro and Rally Explorer…

The latest generation of 1200 Tiger has been a success story for Triumph since its release selling 14,000 units worldwide – doubling the consumer take-up of the previous generation in the last two years of the previous generation that was in production for five years. There are four models in the Tiger 1200 range – the road-biased GT Pro and GT Explorer, and the off-road inclined Rally Pro and Rally Explorer. The difference in these models is that the GT’s get cast-aluminium wheels, with a 19-inch front and 18-inch rear. The Rally’s get spoked aluminium alloy wheels with a 21-inch front and 18-inch rear. The biggest difference outside of the wheels, is the fuel capacity – Pros get 20 litres, while Explorers get 30 litres.

2024 Triumph Tiger 1200 Rally Pro.

2024 Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Pro.

2024 Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Explorer.

2024 Triumph Tiger 1200 Rally Explorer.

All four Tiger 1200 models carry the same engine, frame, semi-active SHOWA suspension, Brembo Stylema monobloc brakes, but the Rallys get 20mm more suspension travel and heavier-duty crash protection while the GTs have slightly different footpeg positions for greater clearance cornering. The remainder of the differences are goodies on the Explorers – more on that later.

Triumph Tiger 1200 Rally off-road.

Triumph Tiger 1200 Rally on-road.

For 2024 the updates are, put succinctly, better power delivery, greater comfort, better ergonomics and more ground clearance when cornering on the GTs. All changes are aimed at improving the riding experience for each machines intended environ and, as we all know too well, an enjoyable ride is a longer ride – just what you want on an adventure tourer.

“Comfort is excellent on the Tiger – there is little vibration onboard, plenty of room to move about on the seat, and ample protection from the elements”…

In the engine, the precise placement of one kilogram of steel between the crank, alternator rotor and flywheel has both facilitated a smoother delivery of power through the rev range and improved low rpm torque delivery. This balance of weight was optimised to rid the engine of unwanted vibrations at highway speeds, something aided by the damped handlebar and risers, now fitted on the Pro models and already on the Explorers.

Brembo Stylema front brakes.

17in spoked rear wheel on Rally.

Shaft drive.

Bashplate.

The Ride

The Tiger pulls away easily from a standstill – no feathering the clutch to pull away in a hurry, just a strong and constant stream of power that surges through the rev range. The quick-shifter takes effort out of gear changes and the in-line triple purrs its way effortlessly through the ’box. So controlled at low-speed yet powerful everywhere else, it’s a real Jekyl and Hyde character this machine has. And that’s without calling on any of the electronic aides. Fuelling is clean, and the triple offers bottom-end punch with top-end urgency. Best of both worlds… and no shortage of power.

“The 21-inch front wheeled Rallys are where I felt most at home, purely because this set-up is the style of motorcycle I usually ride”…

In the box of electronic goodies is cornering traction control, five riding modes on the GT and an additional ‘Off Road Pro” mode on the Rallys, keyless ignition, adaptive cornering lights, cruise control and hill hold assist. While blind-spot monitoring comes standard on the Explorer, tyre pressure monitoring, heated grips and seats do too, but are also available as accessories on the Pro models. There is everything you need and more, with user-friendly accessibility via the intuitive switchgear and the 7in TFT display with My Triumph Connectivity system integrated (can be used with SENA 50S).

Tall screen.

TFT Display.

Various seat options.

Easy to use switchgear.

In the handling department, there is little discernible difference between the riding dynamic of each of the four models. The 21-inch front wheeled Rallys are where I felt most at home, purely because this set-up is the style of motorcycle I usually ride. The 19-inch fronts were more planted on the tarmac, but I’d forsake that for the benefits a 21-inch front gives off-road. It’s down to personal choice, and this four-model range delivers enough variation to satisfy very different types of riders. Both models are balanced and neutral steering, the 19in more flickable of course, and the brakes are fantastic with exceptional feel and modulation on offer.

“Cornering traction control, five riding modes on the GT and an additional ‘Off Road Pro” mode on the Rallys”…

I didn’t get enough time between the Pro and Explorer models to definitively say how different 10 litres of fuel capacity makes the overall handling dynamic, but where it was mostly felt was in slow-speed situations like on tight forest trails or U-turns on the road. Get things wrong and go for a panic dab with your boot and you feel the extra weight is carried up high. But there are so many options on offer with the suspension set-up that any issues can easily be dialled out. I found the suspension on both bikes to be fantastic in the pre-set modes or on standard settings over a wide range of riding conditions.

All models carry an active preload function that takes 20mm of seat height out via the semi-active SHOWA shock…

The seat height of the Tiger 1200 is imposing for shorter riders at 850mm for the GT and 875mm for the Rally in the low settings, but there are lower accessory seat options. All models carry an active preload function that takes 20mm of seat height out via the semi-active SHOWA shock at the touch of a button on the right-hand switchgear. It might sound like a gimmick, but you won’t say so tip-toeing during a slippery full-lock U-turn on a hill laden with pillion and luggage.

Comfort is excellent on the Tiger – on both variations. There is little vibration onboard, plenty of room to move about on the seat, and ample protection from the elements by the small fairing, and even more from the Explorer models thanks to the slightly different shape and size of the 10-litre larger fuel tank.

Ride modes for all conditions.

Comfy stand up ergonomics.

The road-biased GTs have more ground clearance via a different footpeg mount that is higher and further in towards the bike. I noticed this immediately on the GT and preferred the position of the Rally. Again, more my style of ride so something I was more at home with.

“The GTs have more ground clearance via a different footpeg mount that is higher and further in towards the bike”…

Looking over the spec sheet on the four Tiger 1200 models, you can see there is quite a high base-specification of extras they come fitted with off the showroom floor. Do a bit of shopping around and you’ll also see that the price point of all four-machines against the various competitors machinery is pretty hard to beat.

Engine protection.

On/Off-road footpegs with removable inserts.

LED lighting all-round.

Two tank size options.

Conclusion

They all may look alike and vary subtly, but the Tiger 1200 range is four different enough motorcycles that cater for four very different types of adventure touring riders – Triumph’s sales figures are testament to this and the fact that the global market is divided evenly between each of the four bikes in the range. Triumph has listened and built the four big-bore adventure bikes the people want. We will endeavour to get the Pro and Rally back for a full test so we can dig deeper into these machines, which offer a huge amount of chassis, engine and electronic options to put to the test.

Triumph Tiger 1200 Tech Talk

ENGINE
The 1160cc triple engine now delivers a more refined riding experience, with superior low speed control, while retaining the exciting and unmistakable triple character from its T plane crank. With changes to the crankshaft, alternator rotor and balancer to increase engine inertia, plus some associated engine calibration changes, the Triumph engineering team has been able to create a smoother and more precise low rev torque delivery.

Changes to the crankshaft, alternator rotor and balancer to increase engine inertia, plus some associated engine calibration changes…

An updated clutch design will also mean that riders experience a smoother engagement when changing into first gear. Triumph has also enhanced the all-day comfort of the Tiger 1200 for customers looking for long-distance touring capability. The engine itself is now even smoother and more refined, thanks to a revised engine balancing strategy, which improves comfort through all the key touch points.

CHASSIS
The dampened handlebars and risers, which have proven so popular in the Explorer models, have also been introduced to the GT Pro and Rally Pro, delivering a smoother ride with increased mirror visibility. The rider seat has been re-designed with a flatter profile, providing more space for the rider which will help reduce fatigue on longer trips.

The accessory low seat, which reduces the seat position by 20mm to give a lowest seat height of 830mm on the GT Pro and 855mm on the Rally Pro, has also been designed to be significantly more comfortable. A longer clutch lever has also been introduced, providing increased space for riders’ fingers adding further comfort especially on longer journeys.

Triumph has also increased the cornering ground clearance of the Tiger 1200 GT Pro and GT Explorer model…

Triumph has also increased the cornering ground clearance of the Tiger 1200 GT Pro and GT Explorer models, by lifting the footpeg positions and moving them closer to the bike. The new Active Preload Reduction feature, which was revealed in August 2023, offers the rider greater confidence by reducing the rear suspension preload as the Tiger 1200 slows to a stop, lowering the seat height by up to 20mm, simply by pressing the ‘Home’ button on the switch cube for one second.

DETAILS
The Tiger 1200 is now available in four variants, with new colours for 2024. The Tiger 1200 GT Pro and GT Explorer, tailor made for the perfect road-focused adventure ride, are now available in eye-catching Carnival Red, as well as the previous options of Snowdonia White and Sapphire Black. The Tiger 1200 Rally Pro and Rally Explorer, perfect for an all-terrain adventure, are available in stylish new Matt Sandstorm, and Jet Black options, as well as the popular Matt Khaki.

Stylish new Matt Sandstorm, and Jet Black options, as well as the popular Matt Khaki…

First launched in 2021, the latest generation Tiger 1200 was designed to be a seriously capable, agile and manoeuvrable large capacity adventure motorcycle. Since then, the Tiger 1200 range has seen global sales success, and the Tiger 1200 GT Explorer with its 30 litre tank, was even the bike of choice for Enduro World Champion Ivan Cervantes when he took the Guinness World Records title for riding the greatest distance in 24 hours on a motorcycle.

Triumph Tiger 1200 Rally 1200 Rally Pro.

Triumph Tiger 1200 Rally 1200 Rally Pro.

Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Pro.

Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Pro.

TIGER 1200 FAMILY
Tiger 1200 GT Pro (20-litre tank)
Tiger 1200 GT Explorer (30-litre tank)

Tiger 1200 RALLY FAMILY
Tiger 1200 Rally Pro (20-litre tank)
Tiger 1200 Rally Explorer (30-litre tank)

HIGHLIGHTS

• Dedicated wheel dimensions for enhanced capability tailored to the ride 21in front / 18in rear tubeless spoked set-up for off-road supremacy (Rally Pro & Rally Explorer)
• 19in front / 18in rear cast aluminium set-up for dynamic road riding capability (GT Pro & GT Explorer)
• Large fuel tank capacities 20-litre (GT Pro & Rally Pro, 30-litre (GT Explorer & Rally Explorer)
• Lightweight frame with bolt-on rear aluminium sub-frame and pillion hangers
• Light and strong ‘tri-link’ swingarm
• Brembo Stylema® monobloc brakes plus optimised cornering ABS with IMU
• Advanced SHOWA semi-active suspension set-up tuned for maximum road and off-road capability
• Adjustable seat height, which can be lowered even further with an accessory low seat
• 150PS{110kW]@9000rpm and 130Nm@7000rpm
• Triumph Blind Spot Radar System, developed in partnership with Continental

(GT Explorer and Rally Explorer only)

• SHOWA semi-active suspension set-up for dynamic rider control
• 7in TFT instruments with integrated My Triumph Connectivity System
• Optimised Cornering Traction Control with IMU
• Up to six riding modes
• Keyless system, including ignition, steering lock and fuel cap
• LED lighting with DRL, plus Adaptive Cornering Lights
• Triumph Shift Assist as standard
• Heated grips and seats (heated seats standard on GT Explorer & Rally Explorer only)
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (standard on GT Explorer & Rally Explorer only)
• Hill Hold
  

ACCESSORIES

• 50+ Genuine Triumph Accessories for capability, comfort, style, technology and protection
• Full luggage systems – all hard luggage developed in partnership with GIVI
• Trekker panniers – moulded luggage, side/corner opening
• 52-litre Trekker twin helmet top box with upholstered passenger backrest
• Expedition panniers – alloy luggage, top opening
• 42-litre Expedition top box with two-piece passenger backrest
• Precision engineered tubular stainless-steel engine and tank protection
• Heated seating options
• Rider, pillion, standard height and low seat options
• Triumph SENA Bluetooth communication system

TRIUMPH TIGER 1200 R/A PRICING 2024
Tiger 1200 GT Pro from $30,790
Tiger 1200 GT Explorer from $33,390
Tiger 1200 Rally Pro from $32,490
Tiger 1200 Rally Explorer from $34,690

Three years/unlimited-kilometre warranty, High service intervals: 16,000km / 12 months