2023 Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Explorer

2023 Triumph Tiger 1200GT Explorer

Lucerne Blue

Triumph Expedition Aluminum Panniers and Top Box

Now, with the launch of the Tiger 1200 generation, Triumph once again sets its sights on raising the bar and resetting the benchmark in the large capacity adventure world, with a line-up that represents nothing less than a complete transformation in weight, handling, triple-powered performance, character and Tiger style.

The Tiger 1200 GT family has been engineered to become the benchmark in large-capacity road-focused adventure motorcycles, with a specification, performance and technology to match, including an innovation in Blind Spot Radar technology on both Explorers. With the two Rally machines, these truly live up to their name with genuine off-road capability and all-road focus, courtesy of their 21” tubeless spoked front wheel and a chassis designed for the toughest terrain. For those really looking to go the distance and take on the world, an Explorer version of both the GT and the Rally adds a further 50% of riding range with a 30-liter (7.92 gal) tank capacity.

When the first modern Tiger hit the streets in 2010, it ignited the passions of a generation of adventure riders and created a bloodline of triple-powered machines that have gone on to define the middleweight adventure motorcycle category and set the benchmark for handling, character, quality and all-round riding capability.

With the launch of the award-winning Tiger 900 in 2019, Triumph redefined what ‘great’ looks like and rides like, with the innovative T-plane triple engine and a revolution in handling.

Handling and comfort are a huge part of the Tiger success story, and when you ride this generation you’ll know immediately that it has that “just right” feeling, and that it handles in a way that a large capacity Tiger has never done before. With a narrower fuel tank shaped for more confident footing and an ideal riding position, together with a low center of gravity, the Tiger 1200 is equally at home threading through the rush hour traffic as it is tackling motorway miles and remote trails.

The unique, lightweight, new 1160cc T-Plane triple engine was optimized for capability, character, and performance.

The signature 1,3,2 firing order is the result of years of development to create the best of both worlds: all the benefits of a twin-cylinder engine at low revs, with all the rich character and performance of a triple higher up.

Tractable and torquey low in the rev range, the power delivery gives the precise throttle control needed in technical terrain and the traction for slippery off-road situations. As the power builds through the punchy mid-range, the familiar feel of a triple becomes even more apparent all the way to the top-end, with an even more responsive and exciting feel. Peak power output is 147HP, 8HP more than the previous generation, and more than its closest shaft driven competitor.

Characterful, with an extremely addictive soundtrack, this all-new large-capacity triple is the perfect, no compromise, adventure motorcycle engine.

To meet the brief of delivering the world’s most agile, compact, and maneuverable large capacity adventure motorcycle, the first task was to significantly reduce weight without sacrificing the Tigers’ planted feel and well-earned reputation for comfort.

The all-new 1160cc engine, lightweight tubular chassis, unique Tri-Link swingarm, and high-specification suspension and brakes resulted in an incredible weight saving of more than 55lbs compared to the previous generation, making it up to 37lbs lighter than its closest shaft driven competitor (based on equivalent specification comparison).

The result of the engineering team’s focused determination to deliver a transformation in overall mass went much deeper than just a number on a spec sheet, for a new generation that feels lively yet assured, agile yet planted. 

Ultimately the new Tiger lineup delivers a large adventure motorcycle for every adventure ride, all supremely balanced and easy-to-ride on all types of road, with the genuine off-road capability at your fingertips from the all-new Rally Pro and Rally Explorer. 

The most memorable adventures are often the toughest tests of both rider and machine. Each Tiger 1200 was designed to feel as good on the last mile of your adventure as it did on the first, and with a 3-year unlimited mileage warranty you can focus on enjoying the ride with maximum peace of mind.

Following an exhaustive program of testing and development, each element of the new generation was crafted and refined to deliver in every condition, to give you the ultimate adventure ride. From the new lightweight frame, with its separate rear subframe and removable pillion footrest hangers, to its optimized new Tri-Link swingarm with integral shaft drive, the new Tiger 1200’s chassis was developed for the perfect balance of strength, stability, and weight. 

Combined with the new, more commanding riding position, slimmer seat and tank, enhanced bar and footpeg positions, and high-specification semi-active Showa suspension and Brembo brakes, the new generation takes the Tiger’s agile and dynamic handling to a whole new level.

The Tiger 1200 has an adjustable seat height of 33.46in to 34.25in on the GT, GT Pro and GT Explorer, and 34.44in to 35.23in on the Rally Pro and Rally Explorer, with an option to go 0.78in lower still with the low accessory seat.  

The Tiger 1200 now comes with an Active Preload Reduction feature, this feature allows these seat heights to be reduced further. Depending on the combined weight of rider, pillion and luggage the feature could lower the riding height by up to 0.78in when the motorcycle comes to a standstill, offering greater ease and confidence.  

This new feature is accessible by simply pressing the ‘Home’ button on the switch cube for one second. 

Exploring the unknown is what adventure riders dream about. The adrenaline of discovery, the rush of riding in new landscapes. 

If taking your ride off-road sits at the heart of your ambition the new Tiger 1200 Rally Pro and Explorer were built to take you there. Plenty of ground clearance, true off-road wheel sizes (21” front, 18” rear), tubeless spoked rims, and Metzeler Karoo tires all come as standard (Michelin Anakee Wild tires are available as a handbook-approved option for extreme terrain).

Add a perfectly proportioned all-road riding position, an engine with a tractable bottom end, high quality 8.6in long travel semi-active Showa suspension, and dedicated Off-Road and Off-Road Pro riding modes, and the result is a new benchmark in large capacity adventure off-road capability, for the ultimate all-road adventure.

If your ideal ride is fully road-focused and off-road is only an occasional foray, the GT Pro and GT Explorer come ready equipped for light off-road adventures with a dedicated Off-Road riding mode and 7.8in of suspension travel.

The latest technology was incorporated seamlessly into the new Tiger lineup to help you ride further, for longer, more safely, and in total comfort. Here are just a few highlights.

Both Explorers come equipped with an all-new Triumph Blind Spot Radar system, developed in partnership with Continental, which delivers two key safety features with Blind Spot Assist and Lane Change Assist. 

All-new Showa suspension automatically adjusts to the payload, and the semi-active system continuously monitors and adjusts the damping as you ride, with the rider being able to select their desired settings at the touch of a button. No tools, no compromise for the conditions, just the ideal setup when you need it.

Optimized Cornering ABS and Optimized Cornering Traction Control bring safety and reassurance in challenging conditions. The slick, clutchless gear changes delivered by the Triumph Shift Assist system (Accessory option for the Tiger 1200 GT) ensure a smooth ride, passenger comfort, and reduced rider fatigue.

Up to six riding modes alter the throttle response, Traction Control, ABS, and suspension settings to suit rider preferences and terrain.

The fully keyless system means no struggling with gloves, and assists with speedy fuel stops. There is an option to disable wireless functionality for even greater security when you are away from your bike.

Multi-setting heated grips come as standard on all models except the GT, with the Explorer variants also benefiting from independently adjustable heated rider and pillion seats. 

Hill hold control, all-LED lighting with adaptive cornering lights, a bonded 7” TFT screen, cruise control, USB charger, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), and a light action, hydraulically actuated slip and assist clutch all combine to add the highest level of safety, comfort, and luxury to the Tiger 1200’s exciting and dynamic performance (features may not be present as standard on all models).