TRIUMPH TIGER 1200 GT PRO (2022 - 2024) Review

Highlights

  • All-new 1160cc triple
  • 25kg lighter than previous Tiger
  • Optional Explorer model with 30-litre tank

At a glance

Owners' reliability rating: 4.4 out of 5 (4.4/5)
Annual servicing cost: £230
Power: 148 bhp
Seat height: Tall (33.5 in / 850 mm)
Weight: High (529 lbs / 240 kg)

Prices

New N/A
Used £9,700 - £15,200

Overall rating

Next up: Ride & brakes
5 out of 5 (5/5)

Triumph have to be congratulated on what can only be described as a radical transformation of the Tiger 1200 adventure bike. The 2022 update was quickly superseded by a new 2024 Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Pro and Explorer just two years on.

This generation of adventure bike more than lives up to their promise and in terms of performance, handling and technology are on a par with the BMW R1250GS.

The new T-plane motor’s vibey characteristics may not quite be to the taste of fans of the older generation’s silky smooth triple, but the work done trimming weight off the Tiger’s chassis has transformed its dynamics, making it a very impressive handling adventure bike with a high level of cleverly integrated electronics that work faultlessly.

Is it now a GS-beater? It’s going to be very close, which in itself is a huge achievement.

Ride quality & brakes

Next up: Engine
5 out of 5 (5/5)

The headline figure is a 25kg reduction when compared to the old Tiger model, which is a massive amount of weight to shed and it shows.

I always thought the old Tiger felt like a full-dress tourer with adventure bike clothes on as its weight made it roll through bends rather than flick in. It wasn’t bad handling, it just wasn’t agile.

The new model, however, is superb. The all-new chassis has given the GT a much-needed boost of agility and it can be thrown around a back road with gusto.

The semi-active Showa suspension, which has nine levels of damping as well as automatic preload adjustment, responds beautifully to any situation and delivers a plush ride quality that can be quickly tailored for sporty riding.

Riding the Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Pro on the road

While selecting the more relaxed 'Road' or 'Rain' rider modes sees its damping levels noticeably backed off to provide a more cushioned ride, in 'Sport' it firms up to give a lovely positive feel to the front end with very little fork dive under braking.

It’s taut, sporty and thanks to its linked brakes, which have bags of power and feel and also help keep it nice and level, is leagues ahead of the old bike. The Tiger is a now great handling adventure bike, although this new ability does now see its ground clearance sometimes called into question if you are really pushing on...

Should you opt for the big-tank Explorer model be prepared for a surprise. Triumph have been clever and by increasing the tank’s volume along its centre and the point it meets the seat it doesn’t splay your legs and feel wide when you sit on the bike - as a GS Adventure does.

Cornering on the Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Pro

Also, as it is on the ‘road’ version with its lower seat height, non long-travel suspension and 19-inch front wheel, the GT Explorer doesn’t feel very cumbersome and is pleasingly manageable at low speed as your feet are closer to the floor.

On the go with a full tank you certainly spot the extra 10-litres as the Explorer is slightly less keen to turn than the GT Pro (taller bars with better leverage help reduce this sensation) but once the fuel load drops it quickly regains its agility. If you want an extended fuel range, the Explorer isn’t at all intimidating – even with a full 30-litre tank.

Engine

Next up: Reliability
4 out of 5 (4/5)

Fire up the new GT Pro (using the keyless ignition, which is now linked to a keyless fuel cap and steering lock) and it sounds rough and gravelly.

This off-beat noise, which Tiger 900 owners will instantly recognise, is down to the all-new motor and its T-plane crank.

Like the Tiger 900 models, the Tiger 1200 has the firm’s 'T-plane' crank with its irregular 180, 270 and 270-degree firing order where the old Tiger 1200 models run an even 240-degree firing order.

According to Triumph this arrangement gives the bike enhanced low down tractability, which is better suited to adventure riding, as well as a unique sound and better acceleration. Unlike the turbine-like smoothness of the old Tiger 1200, when you pull away it has that slightly chuggy sensation low-down that makes you question if it is a triple at all.

Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Pro engine cases

It doesn’t rush forward and instead builds power with a lovely fluid feeling that is fast but not at all intimidating or over the top.

Power is roughly on a par with the old bike but the new engine has far more spirit, a better exhaust note and a faster-revving nature. However it will split opinions. When you are working it the engine vibrates quite a lot, which Triumph claim makes it far more engaging to use than the old one, however at a constant motorway speed this buzz remains.

It’s not horrific but it lacks that silky-smoothness of the old bike and some Tiger fans may not appreciating this new trait. Depending on the model, the Tiger can have up to six riding modes, which are linked to the ABS, semi-active suspension, traction control and throttle map.

The new Triumph Tiger range gets a new engine

Reliability & build quality

Next up: Value
5 out of 5 (5/5)

Early first-generation Tiger Explorer models did suffer a few engine issues but these were quickly ironed out and the new 2022 Tiger has an all-new motor.

Modern Triumphs tend to be very reliable and there is no reason to doubt the 1200 will be anything but. Service intervals of 10,000-miles is good and a three-year unlimited mileage warranty, with the option to extend, shows Triumph have confidence in their new product.

It is good to see the shaft drive system has been updated on the new bike as this was a weak point on the older generations and stories of it giving up after about 50,000 miles are common.

Overall, you should be able to buy with confidence and if you go for a three-year PCP deal you will be covered by the manufacturer’s warranty throughout.

Watch Neevesy's long-term test video review here:

Value vs rivals

Next up: Equipment
5 out of 5 (5/5)

Taking the £16,700 Pro as the price point, which is the model most riders are likely to opt for, if you want a similar-spec GS you will need to pay £17,505 while the Ducati Multistrada V4 S is £19,595 and KTM 1290 Super Adventure S £17,317.

The Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sport is £14,749 (£15,949 with DCT) and the Harley Pan America Special is £17,077. If you opt for the £18,100 Explorer, a similar-spec BMW GS Adventure is £19,215. So in terms of value for money and spec it is right up there.

The Pan America is far more agricultural and an acquired taste while the Africa Twin is lighter and a bit more off-road targeted than the GT. KTMs tend to attract a certain kind of owner and the Super Adventure S is more hardcore than the Triumph with a feistier V-twin engine.

The Multistrada’s V4 is sublime to use and you have the option (£800 more) of adding radar-assisted cruise control (standard on the KTM) but you pay a chunk more to own the Italian bike. During a (spirited) test ride MCN averaged 43mpg on the GT Pro and the Tiger has 10,000-mile/12-month service intervals and comes with a three-year warranty.

A front view of the 2022 Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Pro

Equipment

5 out of 5 (5/5)

The road-biased GT comes in base (£14,600), Pro (£16,700) or Explorer (£18,100) guises with paint options other than white adding £200 to the price tag.

They all have the same engine and chassis components (so that’s semi-active suspension, cornering ABS and TC, Brembo Stylema brakes and a TFT dash with connectivity) but the Pro adds cruise control, an up/down shifter, hill hold, auxiliary lights, cornering lights, heated grips, a centre stand and two extra power modes.

Most of these upgrades are available as official accessories aside from hill hold and cornering lights. The Explorer has all the Pro has as well as a 10-litre bigger 30-litre tank, tyre pressure monitors, blind spot detection (only available on the Explorer) and heated seats.

Headlights on the Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Pro

Or you can go for the off-road targeted Rally Pro (£17,700) or Rally Explorer (£19,100) models which have a 21-inch front wheel (spoke, not cast as on the GT models) and other difference to make them more suited to the rough stuff.

The only thing lacking is radar-assistance on the cruise control, but that’s not to everyone’s tastes. Triumph have already developed a comprehensive accessories package for the Tiger that includes Trekker moulded panniers and 52-litre top box (big enough for two full-face lids), aluminium Givi-made Expedition panniers and 42-litre top box, crash protection bars, heated seat, a low seat option, LED fog lights, a centre stand and more.

Specs

Engine size 1160cc
Engine type Liquid-cooled, 12v, triple
Frame type Tubular steel with forged aluminium outriggers. Aluminium subframe
Fuel capacity 20 litres
Seat height 850mm
Bike weight 240kg
Front suspension Showa 49mm USD forks with semi-active damping
Rear suspension Showa shock with semi-active damping. Auto preload adjustment
Front brake 2 x 320mm discs with four-piston radial Brembo Stylema calipers. Cornering ABS
Rear brake 282mm disc, Brembo single piston caliper. Cornering ABS
Front tyre size 120/70 x 19
Rear tyre size 150/70 x 18

Mpg, costs & insurance

Average fuel consumption -
Annual road tax £117
Annual service cost £230
New price -
Used price £9,700 - £15,200
Insurance group -
How much to insure?
Warranty term Three years

Top speed & performance

Max power 148 bhp
Max torque 95.9 ft-lb
Top speed -
1/4 mile acceleration -
Tank range -

Model history & versions

Model history

  • 2012 Triumph Explorer 1200 – The all-new Explorer 1200 is launched. Powered by a 1251cc triple, it comes with cruise control, ABS and TC as standard. Early issues with its cylinder head gain it the nickname ‘exploder...’
  • 2013 Triumph Explorer 1200 XC – The spoke-wheeled Explorer XC model joins the range with a bit more rugged attitude.
  • 2016 Triumph Explorer 1200 XR and XC – The second generation sees a comprehensive update to the Explorer’s electronics, chassis and engine. There are now six versions – three road-biased (XR) and three more rugged (XC) models. Semi-active suspension is now introduced alongside cornering ABS and TC.
  • 2018 Triumph Tiger 1200 XR and XC – The Tiger is updated (and no longer called the Explorer) in two forms – the road-targeted XR and more rugged XC. The XR comes in standard, X and T spec while the XC is available in X and A. The bike’s’ engine is tweaked with a lighter flywheel, weight reduced by 11kg and electronics updated.

Other versions

  • 2022 Triumph Tiger 1200 GT and Rally – The Tiger is completely overhauled with a new engine, 25kg lighter chassis and upgraded electronics package. The road-targeted GT comes in base, Pro or Explorer guise while the rugged Rally is available in Pro or Explorer.
    Although the basic chassis and engine is the same between models, the level of spec increases with the price tag and the Rally has a 21-inch front wheel (spoke) where the GT has a 19-inch (cast) one, the Rally also has longer travel suspension. The Explorer models increase the tank size from 20-litres to 30-litres on both the GT and Rally versions and come with radar blindspot detection but no radar-guided cruise control.

Owners' reviews for the TRIUMPH TIGER 1200 GT PRO (2022 - 2024)

8 owners have reviewed their TRIUMPH TIGER 1200 GT PRO (2022 - 2024) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.

Review your TRIUMPH TIGER 1200 GT PRO (2022 - 2024)

Summary of owners' reviews

Overall rating: 4.1 out of 5 (4.1/5)
Ride quality & brakes: 4.6 out of 5 (4.6/5)
Engine: 4.1 out of 5 (4.1/5)
Reliability & build quality: 4.4 out of 5 (4.4/5)
Value vs rivals: 4.2 out of 5 (4.2/5)
Equipment: 4.4 out of 5 (4.4/5)
Annual servicing cost: £230
3 out of 5 Huge disappointment - sadly!
18 October 2024 by RichG

Year: 2023

Easy bike to ride and surprisingly manoeuvrable even on winding European mountain roads. Let down by build quality.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 4 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 1 out of 5

Bought bike from new - within 7 months it had 3 warranty claims - leaking radiator, headstock bearing and clutch slave cylinder.

Value vs rivals 3 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
4 out of 5 Big Dave’s Big Tiger!
02 September 2024 by Dave Brown

Year: 2024

Having come from a Touno 1100 V4, the Triumph is a fairly radical departure for me! A 6000km holiday trip on a 900 GS made me realise my riding wants and needs had changed. Which bike to choose? BM’s just too common for me. Tested a Multistrada which was brilliant but expensive. So a Tiger 900 was the first choice. Liked that a lot but the motor was still a little vibey for my liking. Two days later MCN announced the new 1200 Tiger with a radically smoothed motor! Decision made. A long wait ensued for delivery but it was ready for collection. Initial reaction was just how big of the bike is! I’m 6’2” and she's a biggun! Initial riding experience is the weight disappears the moment you’re doing 5 mph. Beautiful neutral steering (like all Triumphs I’ve ridden) with lots of bar leverage. Direction change so easy with the wide bars. Really comfortable natural riding position. Engine feels so different, quite like a twin, if you’re used to 120 triples it’s nothing like them. The good news is it is super smooth, far better than the 900 even. For me the jury was initially out, did I like it? As the miles have increased I grow to love it more and more. I’ve owned over forty bikes and have loved some from the get go, but got bored quite quickly. The Triumph continues to win me over with each ride. Supremely comfortable, fast yet can be tickled around gently. Having ridden bikes for nearly fifty years I consider myself very experienced, yet this bike makes me ride even better. It eats up A and B roads. I’m sure the elevated riding position helps, the view over hedges and vehicles in front is a new thing to me. The screen easily adjusts and is excellent at keeping away wind blast. Slightly noisy if your earplugs aren’t properly in! Keep an eye on the speedometer! I keep seeing 90 mph when I think I’m doing 20 less! 1500 miles so far in a very short time period for me. Keep finding excuses to go out!

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

Brakes are very strong and progressive. I have found that I am using the rear brake more than I used to on previous bikes. I think a combination of the extra weight and the way the suspension works plays a part in this. The ride quality is superb. I initially backed the suspension off for a bit of experimentation and a bad back! So plush! The bike would move around a bit on these settings when cracking on. Nothing worrying at all , in fact fun to feel it moving around under you! Subsequently gone a bit stiffer now the suspension has bedded in from new. Sport setting gives even more feed back from the road. Great for chasing mates on sportier bikes. The 19” front wheel definitely helps reduce the effects of our crappy roads! For me, I’d like the handlebars pulled in a few degrees as my wrist goes to sleep after 50 miles or so. A shake of the wrist sorts that. Probably not helped by an old bike injury!However, I can do a full tank of gas in perfect comfort on every other part of my body! Don’t even have to shuffle your bum to regain circulation.

Engine 5 out of 5

Unusual!!! Blindfolded, you’d never know it is a triple! Feels and sounds like a smooth twin. So different from 120 degree triples ( I own a Daytona 675) you wouldn’t believe. Makes a lovely sound at high revs! I’ve fitted a very slightly louder exhaust and it sounds great! Will run at low revs without any issues. The gearbox is fine, shaft drive is undetectable. I only use the quick shifter at higher revs due to mechanical sympathy and it’s excellent. Auto blipper is ok but could probably do with 200 revs more on the blip. I still use the clutch on most down changes anyway, because don’t blip the throttle. It works well that way, and must be preserving gearbox life! Currently the bike will occasionally hang in third gear so you need to do a double change. That is seemingly improving with mileage. Overall Triumph has pretty much totally irradiated the vibration issues of the previous model. Love it!

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

Too early to say re the longevity of the finish. Previous Triumphs have been pretty good. The bike developed clutch slip after about 200 miles. Dealer rectified it in five minutes. A small adjustment required on the slave cylinder. Apparently not the first time it had happened on the 1200’s. Quite why the dealer didn’t check that on the PDI amazes me! Maybe a dealer bulletin from Triumph required. Other than that all good so far.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Early days yet. First service done. 40 mpg is the lowest recorded so far from a fast long journey. 44 average. Great range with the 20 litre tank. Previous Aprilia never did more than 30 so this is a revelation to me!

Equipment 3 out of 5

Equipment is excellent. Far more than I’m used to! Heated grips and seat a new revelation for me! Mirrors are good and don’t vibrate badly. I have fitted the Triumph interchangeable panniers and top box. You can fit these to either the rack or pannier location. My only gripe for the whole machine! The Triumph App and phone connectivity. Honestly, a poor effort from Triumph. The navigation App is next to useless! If you read the forums most people have issues. I’ve given up with it! I’m not a technophobe but honestly it’s just a frustration! Ironically, I have mates with Ducati’s and BMW’s that have similar issues with their connectivity! Maybe the manufacturers are using the same software? Triumph do need to sort that. The sat nav would be useful!! I don’t see why I should have to buy additional equipment! Gripe over!

5 out of 5
29 April 2024 by Hereford157

Version: GT PRO

Year: 2022

Nearing 20000 miles on and no regrets Much more engaging and fun than my previous gen 3 and vibes - whilst bit concerning on initial demo ride - have not been a problem. Do not feel the need to change !

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

Happy bumbling around or pushing on - outperforms my abilities for road use ! Great comfort can do several hours if needed- only issue foot space nearside ( with pannier) for pillion less than on gen 3 ??

Engine 5 out of 5

Brilliant- engaging and feel it’s tuned just right can’t even remember what gen 3 felt like now

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

No major issues - random stalling and slight issue with finding neutral rectified with software update- new clutch spring and bleed. Ridden through 2 winters without cleaning but ACF 50 throughly applied prior - cleans up well.

Value vs rivals 3 out of 5

For 10000 service - big one to come! So averages out around £600 per year

Equipment 5 out of 5

Pretty much everything you need - heated grips could be warmer - but better with thinner gloves! Even got the music/ nav connectivity to work well . But nav system is basic!

5 out of 5
18 December 2023 by TAG

Version: Explorer

Year: 2022

A significant upgrade on my 2013 Tiger 1200

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

Done many a tour and the comfort is first class.

Engine 5 out of 5

I absolutely love this engine

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Coming up to 20,000 miles and no issues. Excellent build quality.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 5 out of 5

Fully loaded!

Buying experience: Excellent service from Triumph York!

3 out of 5 2023 tiger gt pro
13 November 2023 by JPM

Version: Gt pro

Year: 2023

New bike is better than the old one in most ways, handling and balance are fantastic but it’s my last tiger I’m afraid, having owned them since the bloor era began and having had 5 previous 1200 models. The new T plane engine is poor, very rough and vibey, I do big (4000 mile plus) tours and the this engine is unpleasant after a couple of hours. Real shame.

Ride quality & brakes 3 out of 5

Brilliant, class leading in most ways, except for that engine

Engine 2 out of 5

Lots of power and revs very freely BUT, Rough, prone to vibration and for me unpleasant to use. What a massive leap backwards from the previous model

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Every triumph I’ve ever had, over 30 of them has been faultless

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

No issue

Equipment 4 out of 5

Mostly excellent however, I’d rather do without keyless ignition , a solution for a non existent problem that simply adds complexity

Buying experience: From my local dealer, service was excellent as it always is. As is the service and back up

3 out of 5
04 September 2023 by Paul m

Year: 2022

Annual servicing cost: £230

Handling and balance fantastic, but t plane engine powerful but too vibey and feels rough. Would not buy another as in my view the engine is a big backward step. Shame as all other areas, ride balance, weight etc are a big step forward from my previous tiger 1200’s

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Can (and do) ride in Europe for 9 hours a day, day after day. No issue at all. Ride is comfortable, smooth (except for the engine vibes) brakes ar v good, loads of feel and powerful.

Engine 2 out of 5

T plane is a big mistake. Having owned about 30 triumphs of the bloor era I’m very surprised triumph have made such an error. May be better on dirt but I know of no one who uses an £18k bike for trail riding ( I have a crf 300 for that). On road the old engine was far better.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

My 6th tiger 1200. All used for big mileage tours, all have been faultless

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Acceptable for a big 1200

Equipment 4 out of 5

I do not need or want tft screens or keyless ignition. Simply adds complexity for no gain. However ride quality is fantastic

Buying experience: Local dealer used. Great experience and deal

5 out of 5 New Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Pro
04 September 2023 by Stu Stokes

Year: 2023

The suspension and electronics on this bike are outstanding. The engine is a bit more vibey compared to the old bike but having had a KTM 890 adv R between the old Tiger 1200 and this new model it really is not bad at all.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

The ride quality is amazing. The semi active suspension is a massive improvement on the WP system on the previous model, and they were far from shaby. The available levels of damping are superb and allow you to adjust the ride to suit you. Personally I generally leave the damping in the pre set levels for the relevant ride modes. The top spec Brembo brakes have fantastic stopping power yet are surprising progressive and never feel over aggressive.

Engine 5 out of 5

Some triple purists may not like the uneven firing order, however many owners moaned the previous engine was dull. I personally love this new engine. It is powerful, with loads of torque, yet never intimidating. The sound of the engine and stock exhaust when you push on is a massive improvement over the odd turbine sound of the previous Tiger 1200.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

The quality and finish are typical triumph and to the expected high standard. So far nothing has failed on the bike but it is early days. That said my previous triumphs have all been reliable and I cannot see this bike being any different.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 5 out of 5

Greatt spec on the GT pro as standard. I dislike adaptive cruise control and do not miss it on this bike. Auxiliary lights, heated grips, quickshifter and blipper and cruise control are all things you would want to add to the standard GT, and for the difference in price you may as well go for the Pro.

Buying experience: I bought from Laguna Triumph in Ashford Kent, and have always had a positive experience and cannot recommend the dealer highly enough. I added full luggage at the time of purchase and got a good deal

5 out of 5 Best bike I’ve owned
11 August 2023 by Anthony Mallia

Year: 2023

Would recommend to anyone. Engine and suspension are wonderful. Brakes are exceptional. Nothing really wrong about the bike but if I were to nit pick I’d say a bit more thought could have been put out on the dash’s software. Also getting the thing into neutral takes a bit of getting used to.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

Did a long trip in May. As a rider could push on for hours without needing a stop. Very comfortable seat and decent enough wind protection. The ride quality is fabulous with the suspension really up to the job! Pillion is a different story… but depends on the individual I guess. Bike is comfy enough but pillions tend to need more breaks

Engine 5 out of 5

Ok a bit vibey but that noise and transformation between low down chug do triple howl is addictive!

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Only 4 k on the clock so far so a bit early to say. Looks well built and no signs of any corrosion.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

This was for 1st service after 1000 kms.

Equipment 5 out of 5

Well kitted out . Lovely suspension and headlights are a charm.Standard metzeler tyres are great providing grip all the time. Forget anything but the lightest offroad on these !

Buying experience: Official dealer

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