Triumph Tiger 1200 XRT 2018 — Specifications

It’s impossible to forget the weight. When you straddle this 2018 Triumph Tiger 1200 XRT, its 243 kilograms dry weight, before filling its 20-liter tank, immediately reminds you that this isn't a lightweight motorcycle. It’s the legacy of the Explorer, a giant that was sharpened for long-distance trails. The steel trellis frame and the single-sided swingarm that houses the shaft drive set the tone: a serious mechanical package, built for endurance.

But where this 1215 cm³ beast reveals its genius is on the road. Its inline three-cylinder engine, a Triumph signature, delivers 141 horsepower at 9350 rpm and a torque of 122 Nm available early. Comparison with a BMW R 1250 GS Adventure, more binary, or a Multistrada 1260, more lively, is inevitable. The Tiger 1200 XRT plays the card of versatility and fluidity. Its six-speed gearbox and shaft drive offer appreciable tranquility for the long-distance traveler, even if the weight is felt in tight corners.

The main strength of this XRT version is its equipment. The semi-active WP suspension, electronically adjustable, is a real comfort, swallowing imperfections and stiffening with a click for a more sporty pace. The Brembo monoblock brakes at the front inspire absolute confidence, aided by intelligent ABS. With a 837 mm seat height, it remains accessible, but its wheelbase of 1520 mm confirms its appetite for high-speed stability more than for urban trials.

At nearly 20,000 euros new at the time, the price of the Triumph Tiger 1200 XRT clearly positioned the machine in the high-end segment. Today, looking for a used Triumph Tiger 1200 XRT, a 2019 or 2020 model, is a sensible option to acquire this technology at a lower cost. It’s a motorcycle for the demanding globetrotter who covers thousands of kilometers on all types of surfaces, prioritizing comfort and high-tech equipment over pure agility. For the rider seeking an agile and lively trail bike, the weight will remain a limitation. But for those who see the horizon as a straight line to devour, this machine remains a reference, a charismatic British alternative to German heavyweights.