TRIUMPH TIGER 1200 XR (2018 - on) Review
At a glance
| Owners' reliability rating: | |
|---|---|
| Annual servicing cost: | £250 |
| Power: | 139 bhp |
| Seat height: | Medium (32.9 in / 835 mm) |
| Weight: | High (536 lbs / 243 kg) |
Prices
Overall rating
Next up: Ride & brakesThe third generation of Tiger 1200 has matured into a serious contender in the adventure market with an impressive spec list and beautifully refined ride. It won’t beat the GS in terms of overall sales, but could certainly tempt a few undecided buyers away from BMW dealerships. Good work Triumph.
Ride quality & brakes
Next up: EngineAt slow speed you are aware that the Tiger is taller and heavier than its rivals by about 20kg (Triumph won’t admit a wet weight), but the updated riding position helps mask this by moving the bars closer to your body, putting you more in control. However once on the go the semi-active suspension delivers such a lovely plush ride you quickly forget the extra weight and it feels just as agile as its rivals while the Metzeler Tourance Next E tyres deliver bags of grip and the up and down quickshifter is faultless.
Engine
Next up: ReliabilityYes it’s more powerful than the GS, but that’s not the point, what makes Triumph’s triple stand out is a superb throttle connection and overall feeling of quality. The transition from a closed throttle to a partially open one is incredibly smooth and the triple motor is vibe-free and oh so easy-going thanks to its abundant mid-range as well as pleasingly zingy up the top end. It just feels a classy unit and this impression of refinement is further enhanced by Triumph’s clever use of technology.
Reliability & build quality
Next up: ValueThe overall level of finish appears good on the Tiger, but previous generations have suffered a bit when it comes to retaining their looks. Reliability has never been called into doubt, but visually they can look tatty if used and not cared for. Service intervals are pleasingly high with the major one due every 20,000-miles.
Value vs rivals
Next up: EquipmentWith a price tag of £16,150 (£525 more than the GS TE) the XRT is the most expensive adventure bike currently on the market, but the Triumph does boast features its competition lacks. If you want to save a few quid, lower spec options are available with the XR costing £12,200 and the XRX £14,150.
Equipment
The XR comes in three formats – base, X and T – with the spec increasing alongside the price tag. The top of the range T version is absolutely loaded with kit and comes as standard with cornering ABS and TC, a TFT dash, 5 power modes, heated grips and seat, semi-active suspension, cruise control, adaptive cornering lights, hill start assist, and up and down quickshifter and more besides. The base model lacks angle sensitivity in its ABS and TC and has conventional suspension (the X has the same spec chassis as the T) and fewer power modes, but it is still an impressive spec list.
Specs |
|
| Engine size | 1215cc |
|---|---|
| Engine type | Four-stroke, liquid-cooled triple |
| Frame type | Tubular steel trellis |
| Fuel capacity | 20 litres |
| Seat height | 835mm |
| Bike weight | 243kg |
| Front suspension | WP monoshock, semi-active damping with automatic preload adjustment (standard XR non-semi-active) |
| Rear suspension | WP monoshock, semi-active damping with automatic preload adjustment (standard XR non-semi-active). |
| Front brake | 2 x 305mm disc, four-piston radial caliper Brembo; Cornering ABS |
| Rear brake | 282 disc, two-piston caliper Cornering ABS |
| Front tyre size | 120/70X19 |
| Rear tyre size | 170/60x17 |
Mpg, costs & insurance |
|
| Average fuel consumption | 54.3 mpg |
|---|---|
| Annual road tax | £93 |
| Annual service cost | £250 |
| New price | £16,150 |
| Used price | £9,900 - £14,700 |
| Insurance group |
- How much to insure? |
| Warranty term | - |
Top speed & performance |
|
| Max power | 139 bhp |
|---|---|
| Max torque | 90 ft-lb |
| Top speed | 140 mph |
| 1/4 mile acceleration | - |
| Tank range | 220 miles |
Model history & versions
Other versions
Triumph Tiger 1200 XR – price £12,200 and Triumph Tiger 1200 XRX – price £14,150.
Owners' reviews for the TRIUMPH TIGER 1200 XR (2018 - on)
2 owners have reviewed their TRIUMPH TIGER 1200 XR (2018 - on) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.
Review your TRIUMPH TIGER 1200 XR (2018 - on)
Summary of owners' reviews |
|
| Overall rating: | |
|---|---|
| Ride quality & brakes: | |
| Engine: | |
| Reliability & build quality: | |
| Value vs rivals: | |
| Equipment: | |
| Annual servicing cost: | £250 |
Version: XRT
Year: 2018
Annual servicing cost: £250
I previously rode a 1200 Explorer which was a great bike, but the Tiger XRT is a big step change from the previous model. particularly noticeable is the change in the ergonomics, with the bars a little closer it's gives a much more comfortable and stable ride. The engine is superb and having a quickshifter is something I've gotten used to very quickly. At first I thought the 5 rider modes would be just a bit of a gimmick, but they really make a difference to the way the bike rides, the rain mode gives a lot of confidence when the roads are wet and greasy, and the Sport mode definitely gives the bike a bit more oomph...although as a fairly heavy adventure bile you're never going to be able to mix it with a sports bike, but it's fun all the same. Overall this is about as good a bike as you could ask for, it does everything well and is easy and comfortable to ride.
ride quality is exceptional. You can easily spend all day in the saddle without getting fatigued. The brakes are excellent and very predictable.
Probably the Triumph's party piece. the 1215cc Triple is an outstanding machine. Throttle is very smooth and linear with good, predictable power coming throughout the rev range.
The bike has behaved impeccably and hasn't put a foot wrong.
It's a big bike and, if ridden briskly, can be a little thirsty. In the 2 and a half years I've had the bike I can normally get 170-180 miles from a tank.
The XRT has just about everything you could wish for on a bike. The quickshifter has been great and little things like the hill hold function just make life easier and the riding less stressful.
Buying experience: Bought from Bulldog Triumph in Wokingham who have provided excellent service throughout the buying and ownership process.
Version: XRx
Year: 2019
Annual servicing cost: £250
The bike is supremely comfortable for long distance work, with the ability to offer good fun on A and B roads. The triumph luggage is also good quality for those touring trips. Having owned a first generation Tiger Explorer, this generation 3 model is very big leap forward. Very impressed with the bike, highly recommended.
Thanks to the semi active WP suspension, the ride quality and handling is sublime. The bike absorbs the uneven surfaces amazingly. The feel of the bike through corners offers confidence and the Brembro brakes have a great feel and pull the bike up effortlessly.
The Triumph triple is a proven unit that offers great torque and ample power. This gives the bike good performance and makes overtakes very easy.
The bike feels and looks constructed from premium components. The build quality is of a high quality as you would expect from a bike in the price bracket. Reliability so far is good with no issues.
The first running in service at 500 miles cost £90.00, and I am lead to believe that the first annual service or 10K service is around the £250.00 mark.
The Tiger 1200 is laden with technology, including the semi active suspension, TFT screen, electrically operated screen, riding modes, heated grips, cruise control just to mention a few.
Buying experience: I bought my Bike from Laguna Triumph in Ashford. The guys there made the buying experience very enjoyable and I could recommend them to anyone. This is my 8th bike from Laguna, so that speaks volumes.
