2018 Triumph Tiger 1200 XCx: Top 5 Facts

Triumph’s big gun, the 2018 Tiger 1200 XCx, has finally arrived in India. And with Triumph claiming to have made more than 100 changes over the outgoing version, we list down the top five facts about it.

How does it look?
The Tiger 1200 still retains its iconic silhouette. Amongst the 100 changes (as per Triumph), the most noteworthy, in terms of design, is the all-LED lighting and full-colour TFT instrument console, as seen on the 2018 Tiger 800. Subtle changes have been made to the faring and body, however, it’s not that radical. Nevertheless, we aren’t complaining, it still looks bloody darn good!

What powers the Tiger 1200?
The Tiger 1200 draws power from the same bassy 1215cc in-line triple motor, which delivers 141PS of power at 9350rpm and 122Nm of torque at 7600rpm, paired with a 6-speed gearbox. Despite essentially being the same engine, the increase in power comes courtesy a lighter flywheel, crankshaft, and magnesium engine covers on the 2018 model. All this translates to better power delivery and also makes it the most powerful shaft-driven engine in its class. Triumph has managed to shave an impressive 5kg off the Tiger 1200 XCx by including a titanium Arrow exhaust (drool worthy) and lightening the frame and chassis.

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A new age deserves new electronics –
This is where things get even more interesting, especially for geeks like us. The new bike receives an updated cruise control system, electronically adjustable windscreen, keyless ignition, a self-balancing semi-active suspension, quickshifter, cornering ABS, a hill-hold feature, adjustable traction control and adaptive cornering lighting. Aiding the rider are five different riding modes: Road, Rain, Sport, Off-Road, and Off-Road Pro (which turns off all rider assists, including ABS).
Surprisingly, that’s not it. The 2018 Tiger 1200 XCx also comes equipped with ride-by-wire, heated grips, knuckle guards and LED self-cancelling indicator. Sounds more like a car, doesn’t it?

Improved capabilities –
A ‘Go anywhere, Do anything bike’ surely will need the hardware to do so. To help it do just that, the Tiger 1200 uses a tubular trellis frame suspended on WP upside-down forks up front, and a WP monoshock at the rear. Both are electronically adjustable. Essentially, the Tiger XCx which is equipped with Triumph Semi-Active Suspension (TSAS) uses an IMU for sensing the motorcycle’s vertical, lateral, and longitudinal acceleration, as well as its pitch, yaw, and roll to adjust damping (on the fly) at 10-millisecond intervals.

Helping you put the anchor down are radially-mounted Brembo monobloc 4-piston calipers with twin 305mm floating discs up front. The rear gets a Nissin 2-piston caliper on a single 282 mm disc. Moreover, the ABS at both the front and the rear can be completely switched off - a big plus, considering the off-road orientation of the motorcycle.

Triumph has also re-worked the ergonomics of the bike by updating its handle bar and rider geometry for better long-distance touring. A new seat compound and construction leads to better all-round comfort which in turn improves the overall riding experience.

Costs an arm and leg?
Not really! Bearing in mind the improvements made to the engine and chassis, inclusion of the Arrow exhaust, the host of electronic aids, revised rider ergonomics and cosmetic updates, the 2018 Tiger 1200 is more of a bargain than a hole in the pocket. In fact, at Rs 17 lakh (ex-showroom), it is Rs 1.75 lakh cheaper than the 2017 variant. The 2018 Tiger 1200 XCx competes against the likes of the BMW R 1200 GS Adventure (17.1 lakh) and the Ducati Multistrada 1200 Enduro (18.04 lakh, both ex-showroom Delhi).