Triumph Tiger 1200 XRT 2019 — Specifications

Are you looking for an adventure touring bike that devours asphalt and trails without sacrificing a certain British elegance, but you feel the market is dominated by the Teutonic brands? Let me tell you about an alternative with character, the 2019 Triumph Tiger 1200 XRT. It’s not a newcomer, but on the used market, it represents a significant argument against the GS and similar models, especially when you look under the hood at the specifications.

Its heart beats to the rhythm of a 1215 cm3 inline three-cylinder engine, a Triumph signature that makes all the difference. With 141 horsepower at 9350 rpm and 122 Nm of torque available relatively early, it lacks neither punch nor flexibility. This engine is a real treat, more vehement and sonorous than its Bavarian boxer twin rival, it gives the ride a more sporty and lively feel. The shaft drive on this model is an appreciable luxury, eliminating the chain greasing chore for those who cover long distances. For a test ride on a 2019 Triumph Tiger 1200 XRT, it is often this engine that sways the opinion.

But an adventure touring bike is also a question of balance and size. With a dry weight of 243 kg, the Tiger 1200 XRT is not a featherweight; it clearly displays its status as a large touring machine. However, once in motion, this balance is remarkable and the mass disappears thanks to a well-lowered center of gravity. The 837 mm seat may be intimidating, but the slim bodywork at the tank helps. The equipment is royal for the new price at the time, around €20,300: semi-active electronic WP suspensions, Brembo brakes, a complete TFT dashboard. Today, the price of a used Triumph Tiger 1200 XRT makes it a serious deal for those looking for high-end technology without the German depreciation.

So, who rides this beast? Clearly for the demanding globetrotter who wants to put on the miles in relative comfort, but without sacrificing the pleasure of a vibrant engine. It is less “off-road” than a GS in standard version; its 19-inch front tire and its steering damper primarily destine it for roads, even bumpy ones. It is a machine for those who, on a Triumph Tiger 1200 XRT forum, will seek advice on how to personalize it with the right accessories, because its potential is enormous. If you want extreme off-road adventure, look elsewhere. But if you want a grand touring bike with a strong character, capable of deviating onto a dirt track without a murmur, this Tiger 1200 XRT, whether from 2018, 2019 or 2020, deserves more than just a glance at its specifications. It has that soul that is sometimes lacking in its too-perfect competitors.