Triumph Tiger 1200 Gets Update on Showa Semi-Active Suspension, Can Now Lower Seat Height at a Standstill

The Tiger 1200 range has been quite important for Triumph motorcycles, both in international as well as Indian markets. Launched in an all-new avatar in 2022, the Triumph Tiger 1200 is available in four variants – the GT Pro, Rally Pro, GT Explorer, and the Rally Explorer. It is lighter and more powerful than the earlier version, as the motorcycle features a revised chassis, a new powerplant upping the output by 9bhp and 8Nm, and new suspension hardware. Speaking of its cycle parts, Triumph already offers the Tiger 1200 range with Showa semi-active suspension units – which have now been further enhanced by the motorcycle manufacturer. This enhancement, known as Active Preload Reduction, is claimed to reduce the rear suspension preload as the Tiger 1200 slows down, thereby facilitating a reduction in seat heights. This has been done to offer the rider greater ease at getting their feet down.

"This new feature can be enabled on the fly, lowering the centre of gravity at slower speeds, making it even more accessible, offering riders more confidence at slow speeds and better contact with the ground as they come to a stop", said Steve Sargent, Chief Product Officer, Triumph Motorcycles.  

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The Triumph Tiger 1200 comes in multiple variants. The GT variants are shod with a 19-inch wheel at the front and an 18-inch at the rear. The GT variants offer two seat height options – 850mm and 870mm, while the Rally variants, which are more off-road oriented, get seat height options of 875mm and 895mm and are equipped with a larger 21-inch wheel at the front and an 18-inch at the rear. Both GT and Rally variants already allow riders to lower their seat positions by an additional 20mm, offering a seat height of 830mm to the GT riders and 855mm to the Rally riders. 

Triumph Tiger 1200 Range: How This New Feature Works?

With this new feature, these seat heights can now be lowered further by up to 20mm at slow speeds, according to Triumph Motorcycles. The Tiger 1200 already comes equipped with a semi-active electronically controlled Showa mono-shock, and this new minimum preload feature potentially lowers the preload setting at slower speeds and at a standstill, thereby decreasing the riding height. 

New Triumph Tiger 1200 customers will be able to activate this new preload feature by pressing the 'Home' button on the switch cube for one second, whereas existing owners can access this feature through their respective dealerships.

Triumph Tiger 1200 Range: Engine, Chassis

The Tiger 1200 gets a 1,160cc triple motor producing 148bhp and 130Nm of peak torque, which marks an increase of 9bhp and 8Nm over its predecessor. The engine is mated to a six-speed gearbox, with a two-way quick-shifter connected to the wheels via a shaft drive.

Besides, it gets a redesigned chassis, which allows for a reduction of close to 25kg of weight over the previous Tiger 1200. It also has other features, including cruise control, a 7-inch TFT display, and heated grips.

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Triumph Tiger 1200 Range: Pricing

Currently, The Tiger 1200 range consists of four variants, with the entry-level GT Pro priced at Rs 19.19 lakh, followed by the Rally Pro at Rs 20.19 lakh, the GT Explorer at Rs 20.69 lakh, and finally the Rally Explorer at Rs 21.69 lakh. Prices are ex-showroom. The Triumph Tiger 1200 mainly rivals the Harley-Davidson Pan-America, the Ducati Multistrada V4, and the BMW R 1250 GS.