We received exciting news today from Triumph. An all-new Tiger 1200 is coming and it’s in the final stages of testing. We reported last year about the prototype being seen out on the road testing, along with spy shot photos that revealed some of the changes we could observe, but this is the first time we’ve gotten official confirmation from Triumph about the new machine. They must have been in quite a hurry to show it off to the world though, because the bike still has its black and white prototype camo wrap. 

So what’s new? Triumph claims “With an astonishing transformation in weight” the new 1200 will offer “class-leading agility, control and handling” and will be “significantly lighter than its closest competition.” They also say “the word ‘transformation’ simply doesn’t do it justice.” Those are strong words from the Hinckley-based brand, which imply it’s going to weigh less than a KTM 1290 Super Adventure R at 478-pounds dry. Currently, the Triumph Tiger Desert Edition weighs in at 542 pounds dry, so that would be a significant weight loss if they are able to pull it off.

Triumph is also announcing the all-new Tiger 1200 will have a more powerful engine. It’s not clear how they are going to increase power without increasing the displacement in an era of EURO 5. Typically, manufacturers have had to bump up their cc’s to maintain power while compensating for more stringent emission standards. What we can see from the photos are new twin radiators, which should help improve mass distribution and cooling. There is also a new bolt-on rear sub-frame with removable passenger peg mounts that will make the bike easier and less costly to repair. What’s more exciting though, is the 21-inch front and possibly even an 18-inch rear spoked wheel set. 

From the looks of the ground clearance in the photos, the bike seems significantly taller than the outgoing Tiger 1200. So perhaps Triumph is pointing this right at KTM in terms of having an aggressive off-road focus that competes with the 1290 Super Adventure R. This would be a surprising move as most liter-plus entries have instead looked toward the BMW R1250GS as their primary competition. The KTM 1290 SA R has really been in a class of its own for some time now.

The old Tiger 1200 XCa was always a capable machine for its size, but if they can do what they did with the Tiger 900 Rally for the Tiger 1200 — lighter, more powerful, with top-shelf suspension — this will be a true off-road beast we can’t wait to ride! Hopefully, we won’t have to hold our breath long because it looks to be in near production form. We expect an announcement with full details for the 2022 model year Tiger 1200 (GT and Rally) to come soon. Stay tuned!

Author: Rob Dabney

Rob Dabney started a lifelong obsession with motorcycles at the age of 15 when he purchased his first bike – a 1982 Honda MB5. Through his 20’s and 30’s he competed in off-road desert races, including the Baja 250, 500 and 1000. Eventually, his proclivity for exploration led him to dual sport and adventure riding. Rob’s never-ending quest to discover what’s around the next bend has taken him on Adventures in Latin America, Africa, Europe, Asia, and throughout the American West. As a moto journalist, he enjoys inspiring others to seek adventure across horizons both near and far.