2018 Triumph Tiger 1200 XC and XR First Look

Rennie Scaysbrook | November 7, 2017

Triumph’s world crushers get a full house upgrade for 2018.

Tiger 1200 XCx-RHS-Jet-Black copy
The off road-focused Triumph Tiger XCx gets a lot of upgrades for 2018.

Triumph’s premium adventure models in the Tiger XR and XC will be getting a full house of upgrades for the 2018 model year, not least of which, a name change.

Gone is the “Explorer” tag from the name as well as the dropping of two variants of the Tiger line up. In all, there are six different models, four for the off-road-focused XR and two for the off-road biased XC Tiger 1200 range.

They all share the same base motor in the shaft driven 1215cc inline triple pumping out a claimed 135 hp; Triumph’s semi-active suspension; traction control; cornering ABS; Ride-By-Wire throttle; heated grips, rider and passenger seats, immobilizer and two 12V power sockets and a USB for charging appliances.

Triumph engineers have lopped 22 lb from the motor, chassis, and exhaust of the new 1200, as well as working on reducing the backlash in first gear for better bottom-end response. New for this year is the Triumph Shift Assist, Adaptive Cornering Lighting, Arrow exhausts, all LED lighting, Off-Road Pro riding mode, keyless ignition and cruise control.

Tiger 1200 XRT-RHS-Korosi-Red copy
The top of the line XRT gets every upgrade Triumph can throw at it for next year.

For the adventure-focused XC range (depending on the spec you choose), changes include the new 5 inch TFT dash, new switch blocks, Arrow titanium exhaust and LED Cornering lights (XCA only), Off-Road Pro Riding mode, keyless ignition, LED head and Daytime Running Lights, blacked out spoked off-road wheels, engine crash bars, and Triumph’s clutchless up and down Shift Assist and LED fog lights (XCA only).

On the road, the XRT is the big daddy of the XR range and thus gets everything, including Triumph’s Shift Assist, Hill Hold Control, Cornering lights, Arrow silencer, and LED fog lights exclusively, with the XR, XRx XRx Low, getting cast wheels, a lighter weight silencer and cruise control.

With so many bikes working off the same platform, the Triumph engineers have done two things for you. The first is made going through the specs sheet a complete nightmare, the second is giving you the ability to customize your new Tiger 1200 to the nth degree.

Below is the full press release from Triumph that will enlighten you as to what each model does and doesn’t come with.

The all-new TIGER 1200 XC and XR

Triumph Motorcycles has launched the brand new 2018 Tiger 1200 XC and XR line-up, the most advanced Tiger models ever. The all-new range is the latest addition to a legendary bloodline that began 80 years ago and has been purpose-built to handle the ultimate in on-road adventures and off-road challenges, with every single new technological innovation, engine enhancement, premium specification, and style update designed specifically to help deliver a perfect ride.

 Significantly lighter
o Up to 22lbs (10kg) lighter than the previous generation
o Weight savings achieved across the engine, chassis and exhaust components o Up to 100 improvements per motorcycle over the previous generation.
o Delivering improved maneuverability and better off-road agility and handling.

 More capable for every road and serious all-day riding
o Significant engine upgrade for more immediate power delivery and feel enhanced rider

ergonomics and comfort.

 The highest level of state-of-the-art technology ever on a Tiger

o New Adaptive Cornering Lighting
o New Adjustable full-color TFT Instruments
o New All-LED lighting

o New “Off Road Pro” riding mode, with a choice of up to six riding modes
o New Illuminated, ergonomically-designed backlit switchgear
o New Triumph Shift Assist for clutchless gear changes, both up and down the gearbox o New Keyless ignition
o New Updated cruise control
o All of these add to the Tiger 1200’s extensive core state-of-the-art tech.

 Even more Tiger style
o New premium bodywork
o New cast and spoked wheels
o New metalized tank badge and side panels o New contemporary graphics
o New colors.

 A Tiger for every adventure
o Even more choice with both XC and XR models now even more distinctive and

purposeful for their type of adventure

The new Tiger 1200 family range

Triumph’s brand-new Tiger 1200 range has taken major steps forward with significant engineering and technological updates – the result is an even more responsive adventure bike that combines both maximum enjoyment on the road with complete confidence off-road.

Purposeful, muscular and distinctive, the legendary 80-year Triumph Tiger bloodline is unmistakable. The 1200’s silhouette now carries even more style with new premium bodywork details and finish, so there’s a Tiger for every road, every rider, and every adventure.

Paul Stroud, Chief Commercial Officer for Triumph Motorcycles said; “The new Tiger 1200 range is so advanced it has taken a full four years to develop, and today we’re proud to launch a family of motorcycles that altogether boasts significant class-leading engine characteristics, rider-focused technological innovations, and premium styling; all in the name of first-class riding enjoyment. These are by far the most adventure-ready Tigers ever built.”

Benefits of the new Tiger 1200

Significantly lighter by up to 22lbs (10 kgs)

The new Tiger 1200 range sees a substantial weight reduction of up to an incredible 10kg compared to the previous generation thanks to a range of developments across the engine, chassis and exhaust system. This has improved each model’s responsiveness and dynamic capability even further, while significantly enhancing its agility and maneuverability – both on and off-road. The result is an engine that delivers all the power needed for complete freedom to ride anywhere and everywhere, with a high first major service interval of 10,000 miles (16,000 km).

Technological advancements

Now even more fully loaded, no other Tiger range has ever boasted this level of state-of-the-art technology. Both XR & XC models include all-new innovative Triumph Adaptive Cornering Lighting for active enhanced visibility when cornering, updated cruise control, new adjustable full-colour TFT display screen, all-new LED lighting, new ergonomically sculpted backlit switchgear and heated grip function, new Triumph Shift Assist for smooth clutchless changes up and down the gearbox, rider-friendly keyless ignition on higher spec models, and an all-new ‘Off-Road Pro’ riding mode on the XC models.

New generation engine

Maintaining its position as the most powerful shaft-driven engine in its class with an impressive 139HP, a significant new engine update gives the Tiger 1200 a more immediate power delivery lower down the rev range and an even better soundtrack. The new torque- laden 1200cc engine enables a breathtakingly smooth reliable delivery through the torque- assist clutch, helping rider control on all surfaces. Complementing these updates are silencer developments offering the same thrilling Tiger Triple sound through an even lighter system. This new generation of Tiger is single-mindedly bred to push every adventure further, in first-class comfort.

Superior riding experience

A new seat compound, revised handlebar positioning, and updated frame geometry enhance rider ergonomics for a more commanding riding position and ultra-long-distance comfort. All improvements including the new off-road tire specifications have been carefully chosen to improve rider enjoyment.
Premium style

New elegant sculpted bodywork and stylish wheel specifications enhance the presence and muscular style of the new model, while new metallic badges, signature LED lighting and contemporary graphics create eye-catching points of interest. The Tiger 1200’s even higher quality finish includes wet-painted engine covers that contrast with the black crinkle-effect crankcases and titanium colored powder-coated frame.

Tiger 1200 core specifications Core technology

On top of the new generation state-of-the-art technology, the new Tiger 1200 range offers a huge choice of ‘core’ features, innovations and benefits to deliver a superior riding experience; fully integrated management systems controlled by an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), integrated braking system (developed with Continental), optimised cornering ABS & traction control, hill hold, ride-by-wire throttle, and up to six riding modes to configure the motorcycle to suit its terrain at the press of a button. An electrically-adjustable windscreen, heated equipment, and power sockets make every journey even more comfortable.

High specification

The new Tiger also maintains its premium levels of finesse with high specification Brembo brakes, adjustable WP suspension controlled by Triumph’s Semi-Active Suspension technology, a two-position seat height (32.8 – 33.6in), adjustable to suit riding style and terrain, and a Low Ride Height XRx model variant that at 32-32.8 in is 0.8in (20 mm) lower than the standard seat.

Set-up and ready to go

In addition, the entire Tiger 1200 line-up is also backed by an extensive range of dedicated accessories including all-purpose aluminum luggage giving you the load capacity for any trip and to take you anywhere, anytime.

Tiger 1200 models

The new XR line-up is tailor-made to deliver the ultimate on-road/off-road adventure; from the base model XR to the mid-specification XRx and the highest specification XRT. An XRx Low Ride Height model is also available, making the Tiger 1200 even more accessible to every adventurer.

The new XC line-up has been specifically designed to respond to the most challenging of adventures thanks to a range of specialized off-road features offering even more rough terrain capability, from the XCx to the highest specification XCA.

Tiger 1200 category-defining technology

Specification highlights (varies depending on model)

NEW FEATURES

  •   Triumph Shift Assist – Providing seamless clutchless up and down gearshifts, this system facilitates silky smooth gear changes and significantly reduces rider fatigue
  •   Adaptive Cornering Lighting – Advanced dynamic system providing enhanced night-time visibility, with increasing lighting intensity dependant on lean angle
  •   Arrow titanium and carbon fiber silencer – High specification, lightweight and stylish Arrow silencer, finished with a titanium wrap and carbon fiber end cap and strap
  •   All-LED lighting – Providing more enhanced visibility and style, Triumph’s LED signature lighting creates clear views ahead and from behind
  •   5-inch adjustable TFT instruments – Full color and clear instrumentation providing precise rider information with an intuitive operation
  •   Backlit handlebar switch cubes and 5-way joystick control – New ergonomically-designed fully backlit handlebar switch cubes and joystick to make night-time use even easier
  •   “Off-Road Pro” riding mode – Delivering the most focused off-road set up ever, advanced riders can opt to turn off rider aid systems and be in total control with no traction control or ABS intervention
  •   Keyless ignition – Now even easier to live with daily, featuring a premium keyless ignition
  •   Updated cruise control – Accessed easily through the left-hand switch cube, the new singlebutton cruise control helps to reduce rider fatigue CORE TECHNOLOGY FEATURES include:
  •   Unique 1215cc triple engine with shaft drive (the most powerful shaft driven motorcycle in segment, delivering 139HP)
  •   Triumph Semi-Active Suspension incorporating WP adjustable front and rear suspension
  •   Brembo Monobloc 4-piston radial calipers and integrated braking system
  •   Up to six riding modes
  •   Hill hold control
  •   Electrically adjustable touring screen
  •   Inertial Measurement Unit (six axis)
  •   Optimised cornering ABS
  •   Optimised cornering traction control
  •   Ride-by-wire throttle
  •   Heated grips & heated rider and pillion seats
  •   Advanced onboard computer and immobilizer
  •   Power sockets (2 x 12v, 1 x USB).

Clothing and accessories

Triumph Motorcycles has also launched its new technical adventure clothing line to complement the new Tiger range. Constructed with the highest quality materials available and incorporating Gore-Tex® fabric technology, this new technical riding apparel offers first class ‘all-weather’ protection against the elements. In addition to this specialist clothing range, a new stylish line-up of men’s and women’s casual adventure clothing is also available.

The Tiger 1200 range also boasts over 50 optional accessories, allowing you to customise your bike to maximise your riding experience, whichever model you choose.

— At-a-glance The Tiger 1200 family guide — Tiger XC Range

NEW FEATURES

Tiger 1200 XCx

Tiger 1200 XCA

5″ TFT adjustable instruments

Backlit handlebar switch cubes and 5-way joystick control

Arrow titanium and carbon fiber silencer

LED adaptive cornering lighting

Off-Road Pro riding mode

Keyless ignition

LED headlight and LED daytime running lights

Fully blacked out off-road ready spoked wheels

Lighter weight silencer

Engine protection bars

Triumph Shift Assist

LED fog lights

CORE FEATURES

Tiger 1200 XCx

Tiger 1200 XCA

Inertial Measurement Unit (six axis)

Triumph Semi-Active Suspension

Optimised cornering ABS

Optimised cornering traction control

Five riding modes

Six riding modes

CORE FEATURES cont:

Tiger 1200 XCx

Tiger 1200 XCA

Ride-by-wire throttle

Hill hold control

Cruise control

Electrically adjustable screen

Electrically adjustable touring screen

Advanced onboard computer and immobiliser

Heated rider and pillion seats

Centre stand

Heated grips

Handguards

LED self-canceling indicators

Comfort rider and pillion seats

Aluminium sump guard

Radiator guard

Power sockets (2 x 12v, 1 x USB)

Tiger XR Range

NEW FEATURES

XR

XRx

XRx (low)

XRT

Triumph Shift Assist

Adaptive cornering lighting

Arrow titanium and carbon fiber silencer

LED fog lights

5″ TFT adjustable instruments

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Backlit handlebar switch cubes and 5-way joystick control

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Keyless ignition
LED headlight and LED daytime running lights

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Cruise control

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Bulb headlight with LED position light

Cast wheels

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Lighter weight silencer

CORE FEATURES

XR

XRx

XRx (low)

XRT

Five riding modes

Hill hold control

Heated rider and pillion seats

Electrically adjustable touring screen

Electrically adjustable screen

Inertial Measurement Unit (six axis)

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Triumph Semi-Active Suspension

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Adjustable suspension

Optimised cornering ABS

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Optimised cornering traction control

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ABS and traction control

Four riding modes

LED self-canceling indicators

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Ride-by-wire throttle

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Three riding modes

Advanced onboard computer and immobiliser

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LCD instrument displays

Centre stand

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Sump guard

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Power sockets (1 x 12v, 1 x USB)

Power sockets (2 x 12v, 1 x USB)

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