Triumph Launches Two New Special-Edition Tiger 1200 Models
Desert and Alpine model variants added to Triumph’s Tiger 1200 lineup.

The big news for Triumph in 2020 has been the release of the all-new Tiger 900, but new launches from the Hinckley manufacturer continue rolling in. Today Triumph announced two special-edition Tiger 1200s that take the core features of the range to the next step with high-spec equipment packages and dedicated paint schemes.
The new variants, dubbed the Tiger 1200 Desert Edition and Tiger 1200 Alpine Edition, build on either the street (XRx) or dirt (XCx) focused line. Specifically, the Desert Edition is the more rugged version featuring tubeless, wire spoked wheels while the Alpine sticks to more touring oriented cast wheels.


The new special-edition Tiger 1200s both add to the mid-spec Tiger XRx and Tiger XCx specification set-up with an even higher level of equipment including a lighter Arrow titanium silencer and Triumph Shift Assist for clutchless up- and down-shifts.
In addition, Triumph has introduced two exclusive color schemes and graphics for each model including custom ‘SE’ radiator badges.


Dedicated Features
- Lightweight Arrow titanium silencer
- Triumph Shift Assist for clutchless up- and down-shifts
- Special edition ‘Sandstorm’ paint scheme with dedicated ‘Desert Edition’ graphics (Desert Edition)
- Distinctive ‘Snowdonia White’ paint scheme with dedicated ‘Alpine Edition’ graphics (Alpine Edition)
- New metallised ‘SE’ radiator badges.
State-of-the-art Technology

Both versions offer a wide array of core features.
- Adjustable full color TFT instrument – Full color and clear instrumentation providing precise rider information with an intuitive operation
- Optimised Cornering ABS and Traction Control – Enabled via an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), this system supports the automatic selection of the appropriate level of ABS and Traction Control intervention by constantly measuring roll, pitch, yaw and acceleration rates, in order to calculate the lean angle. This fully integrated technology system ensures greater riding stability at all times.
- Rider modes (Rain, Road, Off-Road, Off-Road PRO, Sport) – The riding modes adjust throttle response, ABS and Traction Control settings for maximum rider control in all riding conditions. The Off-Road PRO (Desert Edition only) riding mode is Triumph’s most extreme off-road set-up for advanced off-road adventure, with ABS and Traction Control turned off, and an off-road throttle map.
- All LED lighting – Providing enhanced visibility and style, Triumph’s LED signature lighting creates clear views ahead and from behind
- High specification Triumph Semi-Active Suspension (TSAS) – Featuring premium adjustable WP suspension, allowing the rider to electronically control the type of ride with the TSAS controlling the front and rear suspension damping. It also automatically adapts the RSU pre-load settings to maintain optimal ride height for different rider sizes and payloads. There are two TSAS modes: Auto / Off-Road
- Triumph Shift Assist – Providing seamless clutchless up and down gearshifts, this system facilitates silky smooth gear changes and significantly reduces rider fatigue
- Illuminated backlit buttons – Ergonomically-designed fully backlit handlebar switch cubes and joystick to make night-time use even easier
- Keyless ignition – Easier to live with daily, featuring a premium keyless ignition
- Cruise control – Accessed easily through the left hand switchcube, the new single button cruise control helps to reduce rider fatigue
- Electrically adjustable touring screen – Configure the screen height on the road through intuitive backlit switch cube for exceptional long distance comfort.
- High levels of standard technology specification, including ride-by-wire throttle, heated grips and three power sockets including a handy USB socket under the seat.
High Specification Chassis

The new Tiger Desert Edition maintains the Tiger’s well known premium equipment standard with high specification Brembo brakes, adjustable WP suspension controlled by Triumph’s Semi-Active Suspension technology, and a two-position seat height (835-855 mm), adjustable by 20 mm to suit riding style and terrain.

Look for these new Triumph Tiger 1200 models arriving on US showroom floors mid March to early April with an MSRP for the Alpine Edition of $19,300 and $20,100 for the Desert Edition.
2020 Triumph Tiger 1200 Specs
Alpine Edition | Desert Edition | |
Engine Type | Liquid-cooled, 12 valve, DOHC, in-line 3-cylinder | Liquid-cooled, 12 valve, DOHC, in-line 3-cylinder |
Capacity | 1,215 cc | 1,215 cc |
Bore/Stroke | 85 x 71.4 mm | 85 x 71.4 mm |
Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
Maximum Power | 139 bhp (104 kW) @ 9,350 rpm | 139 bhp (104 kW) @ 9,350 rpm |
Maximum Torque | 90 LB-FT @ 7,600 rpm | 90 LB-FT @ 7,600 rpm |
Fuel system | Ride by Wire, fuel injection | Ride by Wire, fuel injection |
Exhaust | 3-into-1 header system, Arrow titanium silencer with carbon fiber end cap, side mounted | 3-into-1 header system, Arrow titanium silencer with carbon fiber end cap, side mounted |
Final drive | Shaft drive | Shaft drive |
Clutch | Wet, multi-plate hydraulically operated, torque assist | Wet, multi-plate hydraulically operated, torque assist |
Gearbox | 6-speed | 6-speed |
Frame | Tubular steel trellis frame | Tubular steel trellis frame |
Swingarm | Single-sided, cast aluminum alloy with shaft drive | Single-sided, cast aluminum alloy with shaft drive |
Front Wheel | Cast aluminum alloy 10spoke 19 x 3.0 in | 32 spoke, aluminum rim, for tubeless Tires 19 x 3.0 in |
Rear Wheel | Cast aluminum alloy 10spoke 17 x 4.5 in | 32 spoke, aluminum rim, for tubeless Tires 17 x 4.5 in |
Front Tire | 120/70 R19 | 120/70 R19 |
Rear Tire | 170/60 R17 | 170/60 R17 |
Front Suspension | WP 48 mm upside down forks, electronically adjustable damping, 7.48 in travel | WP 48 mm upside down forks, electronically adjustable damping, 7.48 in travel |
Rear Suspension | WP monoshock, electronically adjustable semi active damping with automatic preload adjustment, 7.6 in wheel travel | WP monoshock, electronically adjustable semi active damping with automatic preload adjustment, 7.6 in wheel travel |
Front Brake | Twin 305 mm floating discs, radially mounted monobloc Brembo 4-piston calipers, switchable ABS | Twin 305 mm floating discs, radially mounted monobloc Brembo 4-piston calipers, switchable ABS |
Rear Brake | Single 282 mm disc, Nissin 2-piston sliding caliper, switchable ABS | Single 282 mm disc, Nissin 2piston sliding caliper, switchable ABS |
Width (Handlebars) | 32.68 in | 32.68 in |
Height Without Mirrors | 57.87 in | 57.87 in |
Seat Height | 32.9 – 33.7 in | 32.9 – 33.7 in |
Wheelbase | 59.84 in | 59.84 in |
Rake | 23.2 º | 23.2 º |
Trail | 99.9 mm / 3.93 in | 99.9 mm / 3.93 in |
Dry Weight | 534 lb | 542 lb |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 5.28 gal | 5.28 gal |
Instruments | TFT multi-functional instru ment pack with digital spee dometer, trip computer, digital tachometer, gear pos ition indicator, fuel gauge, s ervice indicator, ambient temperature, clock and riding modes. | TFT multi-functional instru ment pack with digital spee dometer, trip computer, digital tachometer, gear pos ition indicator, fuel gauge, s ervice indicator, ambient temperature, clock and riding modes. |
Fuel Consumption | 54.3 MPG | 54.3 MPG |
CO2 Emissions | 122 g/km | 122 g/km |
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This may be narrow-minded of me but part of the appeal of other (vs. BMW) brands of big-bore adventure bikes is price. I am a past GS owner (trashed in an accident a couple of years ago) but the question is, can I get most of what I might from a GS at a lower price from another brand? But some of these other brands are starting to get really close to GS pricing, meaning I might as well just stick with the GS. Is this a silly viewpoint on my part?
Hey Randy. What exactly is it that the BMW offers that you aren’t quite getting from the other bikes like this Tiger 1200?
That might be why I’m being narrow-minded. The only one I’ve spent any time on was the GS. But the various electronics, comfort, maintenance-free final drive and place in the market have biased me perhaps. I’m also wondering, given the nature of my accident (into the side of a van headfirst at around 70km/h – not my fault), if the BMW front end provided more protection than a set of the usual forks?
Do the others offer enough of an advantage or difference that someone would be swayed enough to pay the same price? Unfortunately, around my area (Toronto, Canada) there are very few (if any) opportunities to actually ride a prospective bike so I’m stuck with reviews and maybe sitting on the bikes at a show. I am hoping the new Triumphs are at the Toronto-based show in February.
Wow, head-on with a van at that speed is not good. Hope you are all right now? As far as the Tiger 1200 is concerned, it’s on par with the R1250GS in terms of electronics, comfort and has a maintenance-free driveshaft as well. Most would not think of a Triumph as a cheaper option to a BMW. It’s another premium European brand with top notch fit/finish/features that has a similar price tag to a BMW. Both are great bikes with remarkable performance but they differ significantly in their character. You should give the Tiger’s unique triple motor a try before you make a decision. Although when you are paying around $19-22k USD, it really comes down to which bike you like the most. If you are looking for something that does most of what your GS did at a lower price, you might also consider the Yamaha Tenere 1200 or Honda VFR1200X @ $16K, which are also shaft-drive. Oh and the Moto Guzzi V85 TT @ $13K is worth checking out too. Hope that helps!
Thanks for the advice, appreciate it. I need to spend a bit of time on my DR650 to make sure I can actually still ride first. Spiral fracture in my right arm, and a non-union that is probably permanent near the wrist. I will certainly have a closer look at the other big bores. I really like the big KTMs but 160hp at 62 years old with a permanently broken wrist may not be a good idea!