Triumph Tiger 1200 XRX 2019 — Specifications

What’s the point of a large 1200 cm3 trail bike loaded with electronics in 2019, when the trend is towards lighter and more agile models? The Triumph Tiger 1200 XRX offers its own answer, and it’s not solely focused on paved roads. Weighing in at 244 kg dry, it doesn't cut corners, but it's precisely this physical presence that constitutes its first argument against competitors like the BMW R 1250 GS or the Ducati Multistrada 1260. Its 1215 cm3 three-cylinder engine is a true signature, delivering 141 horsepower with a generosity in the mid-range that is sometimes lacking in flat twins. The 122 Nm of torque is there, supple and present, making acceleration brisk without ever being brutal. On the highway, it devours the kilometers with the serenity of a cruise ship, the shaft drive ensuring clean and maintenance-free transmission, a real plus for the long-distance traveler.

However, don't be fooled by this weight on paper, as it disappears once in motion, especially thanks to a remarkably low center of gravity. The 835 mm seat height may be intimidating, but the "low" version exists precisely for those who prefer to keep both feet on the ground. The studied geometry and the electronically adjustable WP front fork allow you to load the machine into corners with disconcerting confidence. It is here that the Triumph Tiger 1200 XRX test reveals its character: it doesn't have the frugality of a 900, but it offers stability and composure in tight turns that few large-displacement bikes can match. The Brembo monoblock brakes are of formidable effectiveness, and ABS, of course, is switchable for those who want to venture onto a gravel path.

Where does this Tiger 1200 XRX find its place? Clearly, it targets the demanding touring rider who covers long distances on the road, with the option of escaping onto a forest track or a gravel road. It is not an off-road beast like the KTM 1290 Super Adventure R, its preferred terrain remains asphalt, even rough. Its announced consumption of 4.9 L/100 km is honorable for the displacement, and the 20-liter tank promises beautiful ranges. At 18,000 euros new, it positioned itself as a charming and well-equipped English alternative to Bavarian hegemony. Today, on the used market, a Triumph Tiger 1200 XRX 2019 or even a 2018 model represents a sensible purchase: you find accomplished technology, a charismatic engine and a high-end travel comfort.

Its main drawback remains its size, which can be intimidating when maneuvering at low speeds or in parking lots. The comparison between the Tiger 1200 XRX and the more touring and luxurious XRT version is then about the accessories and additional comfort. But for the rider looking for a machine capable of doing everything without falling apart, with a unique engine character and a reassuring chassis, this Tiger retains an incredible charisma. It proves that a large trail bike doesn't need to be a show-off in off-road conditions to be captivating, it just needs to be incredibly competent and enjoyable on the road that represents 95% of its use. A character oddity in an increasingly sanitized world.