Triumph Announces Tiger 1200 Special Editions

Triumph has just announced it’ll be adding two new models to its 2020 lineup based on the existing Tiger 1200 platform. The two machines—the Tiger 1200 Desert Edition and Tiger 1200 Alpine Edition—are unique trim levels, each one incorporating a slightly higher specification setup as well as dedicated paint schemes that Triumph claims will “deliver greater adventure capability, style, and value.”

Marketing spin aside, the bottom line is that both new Tigers build on the mid-spec Tiger XRx and Tiger XCx models’ already-robust 1,215cc triple engine (claiming peak power of 139 hp at 9,350 rpm, and max torque of 90 pound-feet at 7,600 rpm), then add an even higher level of equipment and modern rider technology. That means you’ll see Triumph Shift Assist, adjustable full-color instrumentation, optimized cornering ABS and traction control, LED lighting, electrically adjustable windscreen, Brembo Monoblock brakes, and more on the new models.

The Tiger 1200 Desert Edition, which is said to be “inspired by epic adventures taken across the most inhospitable deserts in the world,” builds on the higher-spec XCx model, adding a special-edition Sandstorm paint scheme with dedicated Desert Edition graphics and capping it off with new metallic “SE” radiator badges. Triumph Shift Assist for clutchless shifts and a lighter weight side-mounted titanium Arrow exhaust with carbon fiber end cap also make the cut here, plus you also get the XCx’s five rider modes (Sport, Road, Rain Off-Road, and Off-Road Pro).

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Underneath all that is the Tiger’s burly inline-triple and steel trellis frame, and the now-familiar XCx premium bits: high-specification Brembo brakes, adjustable WP suspension front and rear (controlled by Triumph’s Semi-Active Suspension technology), and an adjustable two-position seat (from 32.9–33.7 inches) that can be tweaked to suit your riding style or the terrain. The Desert Edition will retail for $20,100.

Tiger 1200 Alpine Edition meanwhile, which is “inspired by the epic alpine adventures riders have made across one of the world’s most breathtakingly beautiful mountain ranges,” adds a set of unique features to the mid-spec XRx model, including a Snowdonia White paint scheme with dedicated Alpine Edition graphics and new, metallized “SE” radiator badges. Besides that, the Tiger 1200 Alpine Edition also packs a lightweight Arrow titanium muffler as well as Triumph’s Shift Assist for clutchless up- and downshifts.

Under those special-edition-only exclusives lies the burly Tiger 1200’s 1,215cc triple engine (the most powerful shaft-drive engine in its class) packaged in a tube steel trellis frame and carrying the XRx model’s other high-zoot components, including twin floating disc brakes with four-piston Brembo calipers, adjustable WP suspension controlled by Triumph’s Semi-Active Suspension technology, and a two-position seat height (32.9–33.7 inches). You also get the same four rider modes (Rain, Road, Off-Road, Sport), all-LED lighting, cruise control, an electrically adjusted touring screen, and TFT multifunctional instrument pack. It carries an MSRP of $19,300.