Triumph Tiger 1200 XCA 2018 — Specifications

Imagine a motorcycle that can devour the highway in grand touring mode, then tackle a dirt track without a second thought, all with the elegance of a British triple? That’s the bold bet of the 2018 Triumph Tiger 1200 XCA. It’s not the lightest in its class, with a dry weight of 248 kg, but it deploys state-of-the-art engineering to make you forget it. Its steel trellis frame and single-sided swingarm house a shaft drive, a rarity in the world of road trails, promising minimal maintenance and an incomparable feeling of smoothness.

The heart of the beast is this inline three-cylinder engine with 1215 cm3. It doesn’t seek peak power at all costs, with 141 horsepower at 9350 rpm, but focuses on generous and accessible torque of 122 Nm. On the road, this translates to crisp acceleration from mid-range, a suppleness that makes overtaking almost too easy. Fuel consumption, around 5 liters per 100 km, is remarkable for a machine of this size. Faced with a BMW R 1250 GS, which is more powerful at low rpm, the Triumph offers a more linear and refined curve, typical of the brand's sonic and vibrational signature.

The real magic happens thanks to its semi-active electronic suspension signed by WP. The 48 mm inverted forks and the single shock absorber adapt in milliseconds to the quality of the road surface. You go from smooth asphalt to a rocky path without having to get off the saddle to turn a knob. Radially mounted Brembo brakes offer precise bite, with an ABS that can be deactivated at the rear for off-road riding. The stumbling block for some riders will be the seat height, displayed at 835 mm, which may intimidate those of a more modest build.

This machine is for the demanding globetrotter who wants a unique motorcycle, capable of transcontinental journeys in absolute comfort, with the ability to stray from the main road without breaking a sweat. The price of 21,150 euros at the time placed it in the top tier. Today, looking for a Triumph Tiger 1200 XCA, whether it’s a 2018, 2019, or even 2020 model, represents an opportunity to acquire cutting-edge technology at a more reasonable price. It’s a less common motorcycle than a GS, for a rider who seeks both character and versatility. A test ride of the Triumph Tiger 1200 XCA of this generation remains the best way to understand how it manages to make its high weight feel so right.