The 2024 Tiger 1200 line received several key updates designed to refine their already capable motorcycles. The new Triumph Tigers are easier to to ride off-road, more comfortable for eating pavement miles, better in the corners, and friendlier to their riders. The bikes in question are the Rally and GT Explorer models, the only two Tiger 1200s coming to the States this year.
Tiger 1200 Basics
For those not familiar with the Tiger 1200s, they feature a 1160cc three-cylinder engine that produces a claimed 147 horsepower at 9,000 rpm. Torque peaks at 7,000 rpm with 95.8 pound-feet. Needless to say, this bike will not only get you down the road quickly, but, per Triumph, with a “characterful and distinctive soundtrack.” These Tigers are shaft drive machines, eliminating both the maintenance and mess of chain drive. They have been in Triumph’s lineup since 2022.
Tiger 1200s have high-capacity fuel tanks–7.92 gallons–to support their long-distance travel mission. Fill up in the morning and ride all day. Filling that tank brings the Rally model to 578 pounds and 564 for the GT. They’re not light, but lighter than the other big adventure bike with that sized tank, the BMW R 1250 GS.
The GT Explorer model is the least expensive of the pair, starting at $23,975. It sports cast aluminum wheels in a 19-/18-inch front/rear configuration and shod with Metzeler Tourance tires. That, and its 8-inch rear suspension and 7.8-inches up front, make it the more street-oriented of the two Tigers. The Rally Explorer starts at $24,895, wears slightly more aggressive Metzeler Karoo Street tires on its 21- and 18-inch rims, and provides 8.8 inches of rear suspension, with the forks allowing 8.7. Both use a pair of Brembo monoblock radial calipers with two 320mm floating discs and to haul in the front wheel. The back binders are single piston Brembo calipers with a single 282mm disc. Both ends have optimizing cornering ABS.
Improved Low End
Triumph’s T-Plane triple is known for its 1, 3, 2 firing order and asynchronous firing pulses. Cylinders 1 and 3 fire 180 degrees apart, then there’s a 270-degree lull until cylinder 2 ignites. Triumph gives this design credit for more tractable low end, important for dirt riding, and a smooth, powerful top end. For 2024 they’ve modified the crankshaft and other internals to add engine inertia and re-calibrated the motor to create a smoother low-end power delivery for both acceleration and deceleration. Along with this, the 2024 Tiger 1200s have a new clutch that smooths out a downshift into first gear.
Tiger 1200 Ride Improvements
Who doesn’t want a more comfortable motorcycle off the showroom floor? The Tiger 1200s are built for piling on the multi-surface miles. Doing so requires a comfortable perch, so Triumph flattened the rider’s seat profile to provide more sitting space. For those with shorter legs, an accessory seat drops the seat height to 33.7 inches for the Rally Explorer and 32.7 inches for the GT. The standard seats are adjustable between 34.4 and 35.2 inches on the Explorer and 34.4-34.5 inches on the GT. A longer clutch lever was fitted to give more space for a rider’s fingers.
The final seat-related feature is Triumph’s Active Preload Reduction, another way to make riders feel more comfortable. Press a button for one second as the bike comes to a stop, and the rear suspension reduces its preload by 0.8 inches, allowing riders to get more boot on the tarmac. Triumph gave the 2024 GT model more cornering clearance by subtly lifting the footpegs and positioning them closer to the chassis.
Amenities Galore
The list of standard features for these motorcycles includes the Triumph Blind Spot Radar System, six riding modes for the Rally, five for the GT, and Triumph Shift Assist (a quick-shifter). A large 7-inch TFT display provides data visibility, including the tire pressure monitor, and integrates with Triumph’s connectivity suite. Hill hold means easier starts on inclines, and heated grips ensure a comfy ride when the weather tanks.
There are also plenty of accessories to add to the 1200s, like two styles of panniers, engine guards, and tank protection among the over 50 add-ons in the Triumph catalog.
Triumph’s 2023 Tiger 1200 sales were over twice those of their introductory year. Chief Product Officer Steve Sargent is bullish on 2024, saying: “The updates to the Tiger 1200 Explorer range for 2024 will deliver an even more refined ride, broadening its global appeal.” And, “Our world-class engineering team is always looking for new ways to refine and enhance every mode.” As it should be in this competitive market.
Read more: 2023 Triumph Tiger
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