Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Pro 2023 — Specifications

When we talk about high-end road trail bikes, a massive shadow always looms over the segment, that of the BMW R 1250 GS. For years, competitors have tried to scratch the Bavarian, often without much success. But with this new Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Pro, you feel that the duel is becoming serious, almost passionate. The tiger has transformed, and it has returned with sharpened fangs.

The heart of this metamorphosis is its engine. Triumph made the bold choice of grafting the Speed Triple RS’s inline three-cylinder engine, a jewel of responsiveness. The result? 150 horsepower that arrives with a certain vehemence and 130 Nm of torque available early on. The roadster soul is felt, offering a liveliness that was sometimes lacking in previous iterations. All this while losing weight, a crucial point for a bike that still weighs 245 kg fully fueled. The shaft drive is remarkably smooth, eliminating the jolts sometimes criticized with shaft drives.

The real revolution, for those who have known the older Tiger models, is in the chassis. The abandonment of the rear monobrach and the adoption of a thinner frame and a lighter swingarm radically transform the handling. The beast loses its legendary sluggishness. In corners, it leans with surprising docility, supported by semi-active Showa suspension that reads the road like an open book. The Brembo Stylema brakes are up to the task, offering bite and modulation that inspire absolute confidence. It is here, in this mix of stability at high speed and agility in tight corners, that the Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Pro scores decisive points.

For a price approaching 21,400 euros, the equipment must be generous, and it is. The 7-inch TFT screen, the five riding modes, the cruise control, the adaptive headlights, and the heated grips are standard. The active pre-load function, which lowers the 850 mm saddle by 20 mm when stopped, is a brilliant find for those with shorter legs. One might just regret that the manually adjustable screen does not offer more generous protection for tall riders. Fortunately, the accessories market for the Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Pro is vast, from cases to crash bars to silencers, to perfect personalization.

So, who should succumb? This trail bike is aimed at the demanding road rider who covers thousands of kilometers on asphalt, with sometimes a dirt path as a bonus. It targets those for whom the engine's dynamism and character take precedence over pure off-road capability. Faced with the GS, more versatile and intuitive off-road, the Triumph opposes a more sporty temperament and an electronics-pack that is just as sophisticated. The tiger no longer just roars in the jungle, it fights for domination. And this time, it has all the weapons to win.