Triumph has revealed a completely overhauled new Tiger 900 range that has been split between road and more off-road focussed models with a standard Tiger 900 along with Tiger 900 GT and Tiger 900 Rally models.
The standard Tiger 900 is a road-focussed model with each of the other two models available as standard GT or Rally models but also as specification levels named ‘Pro’.
The entire range has been given a significant overhaul with a larger-capacity engine with a revised firing order, more power across the entire rev range and 10% more torque and Euro5 compliance.
The styling and bodywork have all been comprehensively changed as well and sitting alongside the engine updates is new technology and improvements to rider and pillion comfort.
The engine firing order has been changed to cylinder 1, 3 and then 2 which, Triumph claims, gives a more characterful and distinctive engine note. This firing order should also give a power delivery that will help low-rev pulling power.
The capacity has been raised to 888cc thanks to a bore and stroke of 78mm x 61.9mm with peak power now 95PS at 8750rpm. Torque is quoted as 87Nm at 7250rpm.
It’s not just the engine that has been comprehensively changed; there’s a new lightweight modular steel trellis frame with a bolt-on rear subframe and pillion hangers which can be removed when riding off-road and the subframe replaced if damaged.
There are two specific suspension set-ups which are different between the two models with the GT models featuring 19in front wheels and Marzocchi suspension and the Rally models getting 21in front wheels and Showa suspension.
Away from the standard Tiger 900, the GT, GT Pro, Rally and Rally Pro models get a new 7in Thin Film Transistor (TFT) dashboard along with a new integrated My Triumph connectivity system.
These models also get new cornering ABS and traction control all governed by a new six-axis Intertial Measurement Unit (IMU) with six riding modes available with Rain, Road, Sport, Rider, Off Road and Off Road Pro, a quickshifter, new LED lights and a secure mobile phone storage and USB charging point too.
Triumph is stretching the history of the Tiger back to the original 1936 model; which is a little bit of a fantasy when the two bikes are compared. What can definitely be seen is the link to the modern iteration of the bike which was first introduced in 2010 as the Tiger 800 and has established itself as a highly competent middleweight adventure touring bike which, thanks to the lovely three-cylinder engine; makes for a great road bike too.
In early 2018, Triumph showed the prototype Triumph Tiger Tramontana which was a hardcore rally version of the old bike but, with the benefit of hindsight, can be seen to a preview of the new Tiger 900 Rally model.
The work to update the bike has included a new 20-litre fuel tank, Brembo Stylema brake calipers, a new adjustable windscreen which can be moved using just one hand.
Rider and pillion comfort has been improved thanks to altered ergonomics with a narrower seat, handlebars which are 10mm closer to the rider and each model now has a unique footrest position to suit the expected style of riding.
The seat can now be adjusted through two height settings that change over a 20mm adjustment.
The TFT screen on the models except the base models is now 7in in diameter and has improved clarity thanks to the fact the screen is bonded directly to the glass to reduce glare. The base model gets a 5in screen.
Unique to the GT Pro and Rally Pro models is a heated seat fitted as standard.
All of the new Triumph Tiger 900 models can be made to comply to A2 licence restrictions by the supplying dealer which restricts power thanks to a dedicated engine tune. This restriction can be removed once the rider has passed a full, unrestricted licence.
In order to appeal to the widest audience, the Tiger 900 GT is available as a low ride height variant which sits 50mm lower than the standard bike thanks to unique suspension and a lower seat. This low seat model can be adjusted through the same 20mm as the standard ride height version and can be adjusted from 760mm to 780mm.
As with all modern adventure bikes, the list of optional extras is long and varied and the new Triumph Tiger 900 range is no different. Triumph is listing more than 65 different accessories which includes luggage and protection parts too. Triumph does give the option of piling these together as ‘Inspiration Packs’ to make it easy.
