Triumph Tiger 1200: The Adventure Bike That’s Part History, Part Luxury

Triumph’s Tiger adventure bikes have long been the choice of two-wheeled adventurers, from rock stars to reality TV hosts. Our test of the new Alpine and Desert editions reveals why this British icon remains the ultimate machine for grand touring.

Motorcycle Review: Triumph Tiger 1200

Few motorcycle brands are as famous as Triumph. From Elvis Presley to David Beckham, the Leicestershire-based company has always been a favourite for two-wheeled celebrities. The Tiger is the world’s oldest surviving motorcycle name, as ridden by Bob Dylan and Bear Grylls.

With Britain’s extended heatwave offering the perfect weather for bikers, we’ve taken the opportunity to rev up on one of the firm’s most popular models – the 1200cc Tiger adventure bike. And not just one but two special editions: the Alpine and Desert. Both are available with 900cc engines but we’ve opted for the bigger 1200 models, loaded with equipment and striking new paint schemes.

Living with a heavyweight adventure bike in London can often feel like steering a container ship through a canal. However, the Tiger defies its dimensions once outside in the countryside.

While all adventure bikes began life as rugged pieces of machinery, designed for serious off-road use, modern versions are more of a luxury lifestyle statement, squarely aimed at those with deep pockets.

For example, our Alpine Edition test bike starts at around £17,000—the more off-road focussed Desert model another £1,000 on top—and that’s before you add must-have travel accessories, like panniers and a GPS map system.

Positioned squarely against the best-selling BMW GS series, as ridden by Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman, Triumph’s flagship adventure machine is engineered for riders who want a commanding road presence, all-day luxury and the mechanical character of a British triple-cylinder engine.

Both the Desert and Alpine editions are built around the ethos of effortless, mile-munching indulgence, whether you are hacking across the Cotswolds or on a long-haul ride through the Alps. These latest generation bikes have also undergone a massive fitness routine, shedding weight to offer a leaner, more athletic profile.

True, at a standstill, the Tiger 1200 is undeniably a massive, beefy machine. However, Triumph’s ingenious Active Preload Reduction system can help with shorter riders. Hold the home button on the handlebars while rolling to a stop and the semi-active suspension lowers itself by up to 20mm, allowing shorter riders to confidently plant their feet on the Tarmac.

The only real reminder of the Tiger’s 240kg+ mass comes when trying to manually paddle it backward into a tight parking spot. It requires some muscle, though the sleek, centralised frame keeps the bike from feeling top-heavy.

To ride safe and in comfort, both new edition models feature heated rider and pillion seats as well as heated hand grips, plus blind spot mirrors that warn of passing vehicles, just like those fitted in cars.

However, where the Tiger 1200 truly transforms your lifestyle is on the open motorway, turning tedious border-crossing journeys into an absolute joy – it’s perfect for a grand tour two up. The ergonomics are incredibly plush. Hours in the saddle are possible without experiencing pressure-point aches or knee cramps.

And if you travel with a partner, the Desert or Alpine offer some of the finest pillion platforms on the market. Showa suspension automatically adjusts for the extra passenger weight. When equipped with the official hard top-box, your passenger gets a secure, comfortable backrest for all-day touring too.

The instrumentation features a crisp, MacBook-like digital TFT screen that cleanly manages your riding modes. The standard navigation is only turn-by-turn instructions though—a map system is extra.

Both these new Tiger adventure bikes are grand tourers to rival the best of BMW. And remember: you’re riding a little piece of British history that dates back to 1937.

Discover more about the Triumph Tiger 1200 at triumphmotorcycles.co.uk