I take the 2022/23 model year Triumph Tiger 1200 out to see if it is a worthy contender to my 2018-21 Tiger 1200. Just how much better is it? Part 1 of 2
I am a bit of a short arse, so the latest 1200 Tigers are just too tall. So, I went to test ride the 900 GT Pro but I felt it had a little vibe. Came across. A 2020 1200 Alpine with only 2006 miles on it. Now a very proud owner and I’m loving it.
Those special editions were the very best value bikes of all the Gen 3 1200’s. I believe some owners who were into two up work managed to get the hill hold added by the dealer at no cost too. Enjoy, fabulous bike 👍.
Nice personal review sir. I still like the look of the old 1200 and the 900cc, but the cockpit on that new bike are a very pleasent place to be. Ride safe
Hey Terry! I can' believe I missed this one! 🤔 I liked the bottom tray feature on my last 2020 1200 XCX. The new bike doesn't have an odometer display so you have to go into the "Service menu" to see how many miles are on the bike The hand guards were nicer on my last one too. Other than that, everything is better on the new one IMHO. The heated grips and seats are far better. The Showa suspension is a lot better than the WP on my last one. A lot less nose dive. The riding position is superior to my last one and I have 4-6 inches space in front of me to the tank. My last one I was always rubbing the tank. The weight loss made a huge difference on handling. The new T Plane engine is wonderful!!! My last one was smoother but this one make me smile more! The bike feels lower because it is a lot narrower. I just had my first service done and the dealer had to enter the TPMS sensor numbers into the ECM because Triumph leaves it up to the dealers to do. Cheers Terry! Ride SAFE and BE safe Sir! 🙌🖖✌🤙👌👏👏👏👏👏👏👍👋🙂
Ha ha, cheers for catching up! Yes, lots of positives to take away, a better bike by far, so light compared to what we are used to. Best not see the odometer, you’ll just be reminded of how much you spent on gas 😬. Ride Safe 🙏👍
@@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff Terry I top off my 8 gallon tank when I am at half empty mark and my last half tank was $32.00 US!!!! My bike is telling me that I'm getting 44.5 MPG so that's great. My new Speed Triple RR has a 4 gallon tank and a range of 134 miles. I have to fill it with the good stuff before every ride!!! YIKES!!! Cheers Ed
Hi Terry, good review! I've just got back from a 4 hour test ride on a 1200 explorer courtesy bike, as my 2020 Tiger Sport 1050 was in for a service.( Signed 1000GBP excess no debit card involved) Would have liked to have tried the GT but it wasn't available. But at 6'2" managed ok on the explorer. Brilliant bike, very agile and confidence inspiring for overtakes on the very twisty Yorkshire Dales back roads.(rung it's neck as no rain and dry roads Terry!!) Tight balanced U turns where easy. Engine has character and smooth enough at higher speeds. Have to mention never had much fuel in the tank with it being a loaner. Looking at the price over £19,000 Think I'll stick with my Tiger sport for now. Cheers Graham
Thanks for the feedback on the Explorer, another good looking variant. Yes, I think we both got the same impression of this bike but you have the height advantage over me which I expect would of made it a little nicer for you. You were lucky to escape with your wallet intact!
@@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff I'm Yorkshire Terry, it was easy! Did I mention, it'll go another 8km plus beyond zero on the fuel range, handy to know😉
I tried the 1200 Rally at the ABR and loved it. Felt like the 900 weight wise (to me anyway!). A strong contender for my next bike, once I drum up the money! :D
Looked at one yesterday and the weight difference is amazing. But….just put a new set of Road 6’s on my 2020 Desert Tiger so I may lol again in another year or so.
😁 This is Ireland, riding in the rain is a given in this part of the world. 🌧️. The season gets very short otherwise 😬. It is an awesome bike though, congrats on the Rally Explorer, it is a superb looking bike 👍.
I have the 1200 xrt 2018.I speculate my self.I’ve tried the Rally Pro my self.Total different from my xrt of course. I have to try the GT pro.To see if it worth upgrade.
Very nice ride in the rain😁I have a tiger 1200 alpine. Thanks to you I have also lowered mine 2 cm, now it fits well (Seat in low position + cool cover from U.K, perfect, nice comfort). I have been sitting on a gt pro in the show room and barely reached the ground. I have never riden it yet and I am not sure if the weight loss is worthwile changing the bike, since I love the silky engine of my alpine edition / wind protection? The only thing I do not like so much about the older tiger are its ranking qualities but it's a great bike for 2 up riding. Are there also some improvements with the new tiger?
I found the new GT Pro a fantastic bike in so many areas but the engine doesn’t feel as substantial as our current model. A little less wind protection too. I can imagine it will be fine for a pillion. It’s height gets me in a certain way, more on that in part 2!
On each rider mode the damping is set as a suggestion by Triumph. In normal rider mode it is halfway, position 5. You can firm it right up to position 9 with the joystick within that rider mode or change into Sport rider mode which is set firmer at position 8. Unlike a BMW ESA you have a total of nine damping levels and you can control that in every rider mode.
Did you get much vibration at motorway speeds? I test rode a 1200 GT a couple of weeks ago. Awesome bike, but at about 120-130 kph, the vibration was very noticeable and it rather spoiled was is otherwise a great bike. Would love to hear your thoughts
I did put in some motorway miles at those speeds but wasn't bothered at all about vibration. I think we are all different in terms of sensitivity to these things though. If it doesn't gel with you then it is not right Chris. If you bought the bike you will never stop thinking about the vibes. It was the seat height that did it for me. I tend not to spend a lot of time on motorways either, I avoid them if at all possible as I find them so dull, but unfortunately sometimes necessary.
@@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff Thanks for the info. The bike I rode was a test bike and had about 15000km on it. I do wonder if it was that bike and not indicative of a new one. I am still very tempted as I’m large and tall and the bike just felt right
My short legs! 😀. The seat in the low position compromised my seat to peg distance more than I wanted, too much pressure on the hips but that is just me being a creaky old man 😮.
‘Character’? It just doesn’t sound very nice to me, (compared to your other 1200). Sounds like a revved up tractor. This new firing order thing is like the emperors new clothes to me I’m afraid…🙂
It does take some getting used to and definitely not for everyone. A good mix would’ve been a standard firing order for the GT’s and this for the Rally’s. 👍
TEL, I love your review but you are stark raving bonkers. You post a video on TH-cam showing you‘re doing 120mph and then you confess to ditching your glasses because you „won‘t see with them anyway“. Let‘s just hope Plod didn‘t come knocking on your door. 😂😂😂
I am a bit of a short arse, so the latest 1200 Tigers are just too tall. So, I went to test ride the 900 GT Pro but I felt it had a little vibe. Came across. A 2020 1200 Alpine with only 2006 miles on it. Now a very proud owner and I’m loving it.
Those special editions were the very best value bikes of all the Gen 3 1200’s. I believe some owners who were into two up work managed to get the hill hold added by the dealer at no cost too. Enjoy, fabulous bike 👍.
Nice personal review sir. I still like the look of the old 1200 and the 900cc, but the cockpit on that new bike are a very pleasent place to be. Ride safe
Cheers Toby, it’s a fine bike, weight loss and distribution is something else.
Hey Terry!
I can' believe I missed this one! 🤔 I liked the bottom tray feature on my last 2020 1200 XCX. The new bike doesn't have an odometer display so you have to go into the "Service menu" to see how many miles are on the bike The hand guards were nicer on my last one too. Other than that, everything is better on the new one IMHO. The heated grips and seats are far better. The Showa suspension is a lot better than the WP on my last one. A lot less nose dive. The riding position is superior to my last one and I have 4-6 inches space in front of me to the tank. My last one I was always rubbing the tank. The weight loss made a huge difference on handling. The new T Plane engine is wonderful!!! My last one was smoother but this one make me smile more! The bike feels lower because it is a lot narrower. I just had my first service done and the dealer had to enter the TPMS sensor numbers into the ECM because Triumph leaves it up to the dealers to do.
Cheers Terry!
Ride SAFE and BE safe Sir!
🙌🖖✌🤙👌👏👏👏👏👏👏👍👋🙂
Ha ha, cheers for catching up! Yes, lots of positives to take away, a better bike by far, so light compared to what we are used to. Best not see the odometer, you’ll just be reminded of how much you spent on gas 😬. Ride Safe 🙏👍
@@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff Terry
I top off my 8 gallon tank when I am at half empty mark and my last half tank was $32.00 US!!!! My bike is telling me that I'm getting 44.5 MPG so that's great. My new Speed Triple RR has a 4 gallon tank and a range of 134 miles. I have to fill it with the good stuff before every ride!!! YIKES!!!
Cheers
Ed
Hi Terry, good review!
I've just got back from a 4 hour test ride on a 1200 explorer courtesy bike, as my 2020 Tiger Sport 1050 was in for a service.( Signed 1000GBP excess no debit card involved)
Would have liked to have tried the GT but it wasn't available. But at 6'2" managed ok on the explorer.
Brilliant bike, very agile and confidence inspiring for overtakes on the very twisty Yorkshire Dales back roads.(rung it's neck as no rain and dry roads Terry!!) Tight balanced U turns where easy.
Engine has character and smooth enough at higher speeds. Have to mention never had much fuel in the tank with it being a loaner.
Looking at the price over £19,000
Think I'll stick with my Tiger sport for now. Cheers Graham
Thanks for the feedback on the Explorer, another good looking variant. Yes, I think we both got the same impression of this bike but you have the height advantage over me which I expect would of made it a little nicer for you. You were lucky to escape with your wallet intact!
@@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff I'm Yorkshire Terry, it was easy!
Did I mention, it'll go another 8km plus beyond zero on the fuel range, handy to know😉
I tried the 1200 Rally at the ABR and loved it. Felt like the 900 weight wise (to me anyway!). A strong contender for my next bike, once I drum up the money! :D
And I just got to the bit where you said "This feels like a Tiger 900" :D
@@anto687 🤣
Best of luck with the Piggy Bank!
Looked at one yesterday and the weight difference is amazing. But….just put a new set of Road 6’s on my 2020 Desert Tiger so I may lol again in another year or so.
Oh yes, gotta use up that good rubber first, especially one so nice 😃. Something to look forward too Bob…
Riding in the pouring rain. brave man‼ I have a Tiger 1200 Rally Explorer and its an awesome bike.
😁 This is Ireland, riding in the rain is a given in this part of the world. 🌧️. The season gets very short otherwise 😬. It is an awesome bike though, congrats on the Rally Explorer, it is a superb looking bike 👍.
@@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff I guess you have a point lol. I live in California US. Great video. Keep it up 👍🏼 and thank you
@@jesseonamotorcycle 🍻 was in the LA mountains last month during the 109 degrees heatwave on a pan European, it was HOT! 🥵
Thanks Terry, another great video!
Dave Tiger Coward 🇨🇦
Cheers Dave 👍
I have the 1200 xrt 2018.I speculate my self.I’ve tried the Rally Pro my self.Total different from my xrt of course. I have to try the GT pro.To see if it worth upgrade.
Enjoy the test. Not ridden the Rally but I can imagine the GT Pro will be a little more agile. I loved it, weight weight weight!
Very nice ride in the rain😁I have a tiger 1200 alpine. Thanks to you I have also lowered mine 2 cm, now it fits well (Seat in low position + cool cover from U.K, perfect, nice comfort). I have been sitting on a gt pro in the show room and barely reached the ground. I have never riden it yet and I am not sure if the weight loss is worthwile changing the bike, since I love the silky engine of my alpine edition / wind protection? The only thing I do not like so much about the older tiger are its ranking qualities but it's a great bike for 2 up riding. Are there also some improvements with the new tiger?
I found the new GT Pro a fantastic bike in so many areas but the engine doesn’t feel as substantial as our current model. A little less wind protection too. I can imagine it will be fine for a pillion. It’s height gets me in a certain way, more on that in part 2!
@@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff As usual very helpful, thank you - take care😉
Oh! Hope the credit card didn't take a knock!
@@peterimwinkelried353 very kind Peter, thankyou.
@@tonycallanan3078 hmmm??
I had a demo on the 1200 gt pro the front fork dip is terrible it's way to soft,but other than that I loved it
On each rider mode the damping is set as a suggestion by Triumph. In normal rider mode it is halfway, position 5. You can firm it right up to position 9 with the joystick within that rider mode or change into Sport rider mode which is set firmer at position 8. Unlike a BMW ESA you have a total of nine damping levels and you can control that in every rider mode.
Did you get much vibration at motorway speeds? I test rode a 1200 GT a couple of weeks ago. Awesome bike, but at about 120-130 kph, the vibration was very noticeable and it rather spoiled was is otherwise a great bike. Would love to hear your thoughts
I did put in some motorway miles at those speeds but wasn't bothered at all about vibration. I think we are all different in terms of sensitivity to these things though. If it doesn't gel with you then it is not right Chris. If you bought the bike you will never stop thinking about the vibes. It was the seat height that did it for me. I tend not to spend a lot of time on motorways either, I avoid them if at all possible as I find them so dull, but unfortunately sometimes necessary.
@@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff Thanks for the info. The bike I rode was a test bike and had about 15000km on it. I do wonder if it was that bike and not indicative of a new one. I am still very tempted as I’m large and tall and the bike just felt right
I still love the old bike. But this new one is starting to rub off on me. Great video
Me too Miles
@@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff how's the GS working for you? If you bought it yet...
They have little lady’s riding these big bikes. What are you worried about?
My short legs! 😀. The seat in the low position compromised my seat to peg distance more than I wanted, too much pressure on the hips but that is just me being a creaky old man 😮.
‘Character’? It just doesn’t sound very nice to me, (compared to your other 1200). Sounds like a revved up tractor. This new firing order thing is like the emperors new clothes to me I’m afraid…🙂
It does take some getting used to and definitely not for everyone. A good mix would’ve been a standard firing order for the GT’s and this for the Rally’s. 👍
@@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff I agree.
TEL, I love your review but you are stark raving bonkers. You post a video on TH-cam showing you‘re doing 120mph and then you confess to ditching your glasses because you „won‘t see with them anyway“. Let‘s just hope Plod didn‘t come knocking on your door. 😂😂😂
Aah but I'm living in Ireland and my speedo is in km/hr! :-)