Triumph Tiger 1200 XCx, Track Test

Ever since its launch in 2012, the Tiger 1200 has continued to be a desirable adventure bike. And, in terms of appearance, its rugged look is quite difficult to resist. The new 2018 XC model comes with all the bells and whistles that make it excellent on the road and, at the same time, allow it to handle light trails. Certainly, it’s not an extreme off-roader – mostly because of its suspension travel, which isn’t the best in the segment. 

Triumph has successfully marketed the Tiger 1200 as a big and fully capable adventure tourer. However, the reality is that it’s more of a sports tourer than an all-terrain conqueror. Sure, it comes with different riding modes, but, still, the suspension doesn’t allow for too much movement. Plus, the bike has a dry weight of 248kgs, which doesn’t help much in its accessibility or everyday usability. Only seasoned riders will enjoy the bike and use it to its full potential.  

The Tiger is very powerful and very enjoyable on tarmac though, and that’s primarily because it has superb throttle control, which is very smooth. The triple motor is vibration free and very easy going, thanks to its wonderful mid-range. The top-end power is also incredibly responsive. It certainly feels like a classy motorcycle in terms of overall refinement.  
 
While it does come with all the features that you’d ever need and has a great build-quality, along with pleasurable handling, it loses out because of its girth – and that’s to say nothing of its high price, which doesn’t help its case either.

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