TRIUMPH

Tiger 1200 XCA - "Chameleonic Sophistication"

The evolution of the Triumph Tiger 1200 to 2018 is impressive and despite the level of its design and aesthetics there are only slight changes, keeping the overall look of the bike, the main reference goes in fact to the feeling of ease in your driving, thanks to a remarkable slimming of the set, availability and rise of motor rotation from low rotation and in the simplest of change of all its electronic parameters.

We were struggling to "ad-hoc" the experience and level of sophistication and adaptability afforded by the new Triumph 1200, which from Explorer now also adopted the designation "Tiger" as its sister 800, which is why we used the term "Chameleon", because the enormous ease with which the top-of-the-range version of the Triumph XC versions, XCA, allows in terms of adaptation to our driving or the terrain we are driving in, is in fact a "chameleonic" dimension.
The sensation of "ease" and quick adaptation to driving derives essentially from the drastic weight reduction that Triumph imposed on its Tigers 1200 to 2018, having worked at the level of several components to make possible a "cure" that represents about 11 Kg less .



Among several elements that have "slimmed down" in the new Tiger we highlight the less 2.5 kg of the engine flywheel that with a lighter crankshaft provide a much faster response of the already vigorous tri-cylindric with 141 hp of Triumph. Also the Arrow exhaust in titanium that originates the XCA version, allows to reduce plus 2.1 kg. "Last but not least" the adoption of a battery of last generation reduces 2.6 kg to the weight of Tiger 1200.And in fact all the work of reducing weight in several elements, combined with a frame and a cycle that were already a reference, end up giving a totally different experience from the previous version resulting in a piloting where the actual weight of the bike, almost 250 kg, just sit down.



First Contact
As we climbed for the first time on the Tiger 1200 we immediately have the pleasant surprise of the comfort of its two-piece bench, of its height contained in the ground because in the highest position it arrived perfectly with both feet to the ground and the possibility of both being heated , in the top-of-the-range version we tested, the XCA, there being separate command for the pilot's seat and the hanging.Something that in the 2017 version we noticed was the position of the handlebar too far ahead is now corrected being even placed about 2 cm behind, a reality that provides a more natural and comfortable position on the bike especially when we stand. Also, the large machined and custom logo-branded knees provide extra comfort and grip on off-road driving.

The lights are now all LED technology and the headlights are automatically steerable in a curve for greater visibility and safety. It also includes special daytime running lights and two smaller auxiliary headlights that are 150% more intense than in the previous version.

Also noteworthy in this regard is the new TFT information panel that incorporates an automatic contrast sensor that adapts to the exterior light and allows the adoption of 6 × 2 different reading styles in the panel, being easily interchangeable.



Everything at hand and easy
In the left-hand controls, which light up at night making it easier to identify and locate them, we now find a small 5-movement joystick that allows us to navigate the electronic features of the new Tiger 1200 with great accuracy and ease. Ride-by-Wire, Rain, Road, Off Road, Sport, Off Road Pro (shuts off the front and rear ABS and the traction control) and Rider customizable).
The Tiger 1200 XCA also features a physically-only "keyless" keyless entry system for tank opening, a quickshift or Shift Assist system that works with great precision and sliding hydraulic drive clutch, very light, smooth and need.In the TFT information panel, also adjustable in inclination, we find constant information relative to speed, rotations, selected pilot mode, gear shift, fuel level, clock and outside temperature. By activating the joystick we can also obtain additional information such as 2 Trip, average and instantaneous consumptions, autonomy, available engine modes, panel mode setting and contrast, revisions, coolant temperature, , adjustment of semi-active suspensions and automatic brake adjustment when stopped up or down. A very simple and intuitive navigation system provided by the small joystick. On the left hand side there is also the heating selector of the handles, the turn signals, the light switch and the maximum trigger type on the indicator, the horn and the selector of "Cruise Control".

Electronics, motor, and cycle topThe new "brain" of the Tiger 1200, an IMU sensor that allows constant readings in motion every 15 ms of all variables of the motorcycle and electronically drive the suspensions, traction control, curved ABS and provide levels of safety and adaptation driving style at all times depending on the selected engine modes.At the level of the tri-cylinder Tiger 1200 with 1215cc and 141 hp and a torque of 122 Nm at 7,600 rpm there was a development mainly in the weight reduction of some of its components with highlight to the flywheel of engine and crankshaft giving the tri-index of a more responsive fast and challenging us for a more sporty ride such is the sensation of being clung to the handlebar when we turn the handle.

Of course, in more aggressive driving and where the Tiger 1200 shows the dowries of its cycling braking becomes more relevant so the Brembo 4-piston radial calipers with 305mm discs at the front and 282mm at the rear show all their effectiveness and ensure a progressive but powerful braking and controlled by the excellent ABS system that incorporates and a combined braking system that further improves its effectiveness.

In Sports and Ride also
After a slight washing with the pressure gun the Tiger 1200 returned to be impeccable, living up to the quality of its finishes and materials and we left for a new photographic session this time on the road, on the way to Cabo da Roca where we could test the Sport mode and braking system. With the ease of a touch of joystick the Tiger 1200 XCA adapts immediately to another reality and behaves at the height of any sport, entering in a safe way and leaving them with enormous effectiveness and control thanks to the combination of a traction control and an ever-present low-speed torque characteristic of the triumph of Triumph and make a lot of reminiscent of the behavior of the sporting Tiger 1050. A more aggressive and exciting driving that the Tiger 1200 delivers and enthuses will certainly lead to a climb consumption and less autonomy considering the 20 liters of capacity of your deposit, but the option will be ours.



Conclusion
In the end we were surrendered to the exceptional versatility of the new Tiger 1200, the sophistication and lightness of the set, the ease of use and functionality of its electronics, the dynamism and rotation of its engine, the comfort provided by its ergonomic seat and suspensions and quality of its materials and refinement of its finishes. So the qualification we found to adjectivate the Triumph Tiger 1200 XCA "Camaleonic Sophistication" is perfectly justified.The Triumph Tiger 1200 XCA is top of the line in XC versions (more adapted for Off Road than the XR versions of alloy wheels 19 "ahead instead of 21") and has a PVP of 21,350 euros.

Motor
Displacement
1215 cc
Power
141PS / 139bhp (104kW) @ 9,350rpm
Max.
122Nm @ 7,600rpm
Exhaust
Stainless steel 3-in-1 collector system with titanium Arrow muffler
Compression ratio
11.0: 1
Motor type
12-valve liquid cooled, DOHC, 3-cylinder in-line
Gear box
6 speeds
Clutch
Wet, multidisc with hydraulic control, assisted




Pedro Rocha, direto de Portugal