2020 Triumph Tiger Specials

22nd January 2020

Alpine Edition | Desert edition | 1200cc

Triumph Motorcycles has once again warmed over a couple of mounts from the stable (or is that big cats from the cage?) and re-presented them as something ... well, special. Hence these two new 1200 Tigers; the Alpine Edition (immediately above), and the Desert Edition (immediately below).

Nothing wrong with either motorcycle, mind. The Triumph Tiger range is a very well thought out riding package with keen handling, great performance, a comprehensive suite of goodies and a top level build quality. We were very impressed with everything except the weight which strikes us as way too high—but don't ask us how to bring that down, because we just can't imagine which essential bits to lop off. That's a job for the designers.

No, the general problem with special edition bikes is that given the context from which they're drawn, they're usually not special enough. And these Tigers are no different inasmuch as they offer a few extra bits and bobs, notably a Triumph Shift Assist (TSA), a carbon fibre wrapped Arrow silencer, and a couple of funky new graphics followed by the usual marketing hype. And that's it.

Of course, you have to be realistic. Triumph wants to make a profit and has to rationalise its product. So there are limitations on what can be offered. But as we've suggested, these two bikes, nice as they are, simply don't strike us as special enough.

Perhaps it would be better if Triumph tried getting rid of a few bells and whistles and removing some fat and offer us the Triumph Tiger Ultra Raw version, or something of that ilk. But as it stands, we've got what we've got, and we can buy it or not.

So what does Hinckley have to say about these bikes?

Alpine Edition:

"Inspired by the epic alpine adventures that Tiger 1200 riders have enjoyed across one of the most breathtakingly beautiful mountain ranges in the world, the Tiger 1200 Alpine Edition features a one-off Special Edition paint scheme and a unique high specification set-up designed to deliver maximum capability and even greater value for money."

Desert Edition:

"Inspired by epic motorcycle adventures the Tiger 1200 has taken across the most inhospitable and challenging deserts in the world, the new Tiger 1200 Desert Edition features a one-off Special Edition paint scheme and a unique high specification set-up designed to deliver maximum capability and even greater value for money."

Colours are "Sandstorm" for the Desert version, and "Snowdonia White" for the Alpine model—and yes, Snowdonia in Wales does apparently have an alpine topography. We checked.

The Alpine Edition is being offered at £14,700. The Desert Edition is asking £15,500. The basic 1200 Tiger range begins with the Tiger XR which currently carries an OTR price of £12,200. And even as we write, these motorcycles should be on their way to a showroom near you.

Triumph Tiger 1200 Alpine Edition specifications

Triumph Tiger 1200 Alpine Edition

Engine: Liquid-cooled, 12-valve, DOHC, in-line triple
Capacity: 1,215 cc
Bore & stroke: 85mm x 71.4 mm
Compression ratio: 11:1
Power: 139bhp (141PS) @ 9,350rpm
Torque: 122Nm @ 7,600rpm
Fuel system: Fuel injection, ride-by-wire
Exhaust system: 3-into-1 header, Arrow titanium silencer
Final drive: Shaft
Clutch: Wet, multi-plate, torque assist
Transmission: 6-speed
Frame: Tubular steel trellis
Swinging arm: Single-sided, cast aluminium alloy
Front wheel: 19-inch cast aluminium alloy
Rear wheel: 17-inch cast aluminium alloy

Front tyre: 120/70 R19

Rear tyre: 170/60 R17

Front suspension: WP 48mm inverted fork, electronically adjustable damping, 190mm travel
Rear suspension: WP monoshock, electronically adjustable semi-active damping c/w automatic preload adjustment, 193mm travel

Front brake: Twin 305mm discs, radial monobloc Brembo 4-piston calipers

Rear brake: Single 282mm disc, Nissin 2-piston sliding caliper

Dry weight: 532lbs (242kg)

Fuel capacity: 4.4 gallons (20 litres)

Instruments: TFT multifunctional instrument pack, digital speedometer, trip computer, digital tachometer, gear position indicator, fuel gauge, service indicator, ambient temperature, clock and riding mode display

Triumph Tiger 1200 Desert Edition specifications

Triumph Tiger 1200 Desert Edition

Engine: Liquid-cooled, 12-valve, DOHC, in-line triple
Capacity: 1,215 cc
Bore & stroke: 85mm x 71.4 mm
Compression ratio: 11:1
Power: 139bhp (141PS) @ 9,350rpm
Torque: 122Nm @ 7,600rpm
Fuel system: Fuel injection, ride-by-wire
Exhaust system: 3-into-1 header, Arrow titanium silencer
Final drive: Shaft
Clutch: Wet, multi-plate, torque assist
Transmission: 6-speed
Frame: Tubular steel trellis
Swinging arm: Single-sided, cast aluminium alloy
Front wheel: 19-inch cast wire
Rear wheel: 17-inch cast wire