2020 Triumph Tiger 1200

The Triumph Tiger 1200 is meant to handle both on- and off-road adventures; no limitations. The Triumph Tiger 1200 XR is designed for the long back road stints and tame dirt road challenges, whereas the XC versions will tackle the rougher, dirt-oriented ones. The XCs offer five ride modes (which includes an Off-Road Pro riding mode), engine protection bars, and spoked wheels, whereas the XR has three-to-five riding modes (depending on model) and 10-spoke cast aluminum wheels.

The adventure-ready machine is powered by the 1,215cc triple engine that is claimed to produce peak power of 139 hp at 9,350 rpm, and max torque of 90 pound-feet at 7,600 rpm. In addition to LED lighting, the Tiger 1200 features tech like a full-color TFT dash, backlit switch gear, Triumph Shift Assist, and keyless ignition. Off-road intentions are further indicated by the 19-inch front wheel with 7.5 inches of travel and commanding ergos for comfortable street and off-road riding. Triumph also offers the mid-spec XRx and XCx and the high-tiered XRT and XCA if you want to up your moto ante. The manufacturer’s also gonna raise you one more with the new-for-2020 mid-spec-based Desert and Alpine special editions.

When we rode the Tiger 1200 in Spain, contributor Seth Richards commended the Tiger saying it “is equally happy galloping through the corners as it is trotting along at a leisurely pace, a light push on the bars dipping it toward the apex. It places no demands on the rider in terms of how it must be ridden. It makes everything easy… I would expect a motorcycle of such size, weight, and power to be a bit of a handful in the gravel and sand, but the Tiger is just as unflappable and easy to use as it is on pavement.”

The tricked-out adventure category has many to compare and choose from: BMW 1250 GS Adventure, Suzuki V-Strom 1050XT, KTM 1090 Adventure R, KTM 1290 Super Adventure, Yamaha Super Ténéré ES, Honda Africa Twin, and Ducati Multistrada 1260 Enduro.

The 2018 Triumph Tiger 1200 was heavily revised in the ergo, weight, and tech departments, but the machine does not see any major manicures made to this model year.

Something that is new for 2020 are the Desert and Alpine special editions, based on the XCx and XRx models respectively. These include exclusive paint schemes/detailing and higher spec components like the Arrow titanium exhaust and the Triumph Shift Assist. Other premium equipment includes semi-active suspension, Brembo brakes, and an adjustable seat height.