Triumph Tiger 1200 2027: Rally now with 19-inch front wheel

The big Tiger gets far more than new colours for 2027. Triumph has revised the engine, chassis, ergonomics and electronics of the Tiger 1200 and retains the four variants GT Pro, GT Explorer, Rally Pro and Rally Explorer. The most striking change of direction concerns the Rally: it too will now run a 19-inch front wheel, a 17-inch rear wheel and 200 mm of suspension travel at each end. The previous combination of 21 and 18 inches with 220 mm of travel thus gives way to a more road-oriented layout. Triumph nevertheless promises that the off-road capability has been retained. How this balancing act works out in practice remains to be seen on a first ride.

The liquid-cooled 1,160 cc T-plane triple gains 8 hp and now produces 158 hp at 9,250 rpm. According to the spec sheet, peak torque is 130 Nm at 6,750 rpm. This comes courtesy of a new cylinder head, new pistons, lighter intake and exhaust valves, more precise fuel injection and optimised exhaust routing. Revised ratios for the first three gears are designed to put more torque to the rear wheel. Triumph also cites adjusted primary and final drive ratios which, together with more torque at low revs, should improve control when manoeuvring and in slow traffic.

Triumph has also tackled refinement. Optimisations to the crankshaft and balancer shaft change the rotating masses, while new camshaft profiles are designed to open the valves more progressively. The revised six-speed gearbox and the further developed shaft drive should run more quietly, offer more precise gear selection and smooth out load changes. The latest-generation Triumph Shift Assist handles clutchless gear changes. The torque-assist multi-plate clutch runs in an oil bath. The shaft drive remains particularly appealing for long trips, as there is no need for regular cleaning and adjustment of a drive chain.

All four models get Showa EERA Heightflex with a 49 mm upside-down fork and a monoshock. Damping can be switched between Firm, Medium and Soft via a dedicated button, independently of the other riding parameters. Sensors including a six-axis IMU supply data for continuous adjustment of compression and rebound. Automatic levelling is designed to keep ride height and geometry constant under varying loads. A hydraulic secondary bump stop on the shock is intended for added control in more demanding off-road terrain. The tubular steel frame, bolt-on aluminium subframe and Tri-Link aluminium swingarm with two torque arms remain part of the concept.

The GT variants roll on cast aluminium wheels, the Rally versions on side-laced tubeless spoked rims. Tyre sizes are 120/70 R 19 and 170/60 R 17 across the board. Up front, two 320 mm discs work with radial Brembo Stylema four-piston calipers and a radial Magura HC1 master cylinder; at the rear there is a 282 mm disc with a Brembo single-piston caliper. Cornering ABS and cornering traction control take lean angle and speed into account. Seven riding modes are available as standard: Road, Rain, Eco, Sport, Off-Road and two configurable Rider modes. The Rally models add Off-Road Pro. The modes affect throttle response, ABS, traction control and engine braking. The off-road modes can now also be selected on the move.

The automatic lowering function of Showa EERA Heightflex reduces seat height by 30 mm at a standstill. To do this, the system monitors speed and braking and lowers the rear via the hydraulic control. When pulling away, normal ride height is restored within seconds. According to Triumph, the function also works with a pillion or luggage. The seat itself can be adjusted by 20 mm in two positions, and a low accessory seat takes off another 20 mm. With this seat and active lowering, 790 mm is possible at a standstill. In Germany and Austria, the low seat is an accessory, not standard equipment.

Another feature is Centre Stand Assist: when the centre stand is deployed, the system temporarily increases spring preload and raises the rear. This is designed to reduce the effort needed to put the bike on its stand, even when fully loaded. Rider and pillion seats get 10 mm more padding. Both seats are heated as standard on all variants, as are the grips, with three heat settings. In the spec sheet, Triumph quotes a seat height of 810 to 860 mm, with the low seat reducing these figures by 20 mm. The lowest figure of 790 mm therefore explicitly applies to the corresponding seat configuration at a standstill.

A new 7-inch HD TFT touchscreen from Bosch integrates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto wirelessly, giving access to compatible navigation, music and messaging apps. Touch operation is restricted to speeds below 2 km/h. On the move, it is operated via the handlebar switches or by voice control with Siri or Google Gemini for Android Auto. The display features optically bonded, anti-glare glass, automatic brightness control and an IP6K9K rating. The switches are backlit. On top of the tank sits a waterproof phone compartment with a USB-C port rated up to 3 A or 15 W. Air ducts and an automatically controlled fan are designed to keep the smartphone cool while charging.

The radar assistance systems, developed together with Bosch, significantly expand the electronics package. Adaptive cruise control regulates speed or distance via throttle and brakes. Comfort and Dynamic settings change the responsiveness. An overtake assist prepares the manoeuvre when the indicator is on and the blind spot is clear. In Comfort mode, curve speed control can reduce speed in longer corners. Group Ride Assist takes into account the speed and position of bikes riding ahead. There is also dynamic speed control, which maintains the selected speed using throttle, engine braking and brakes. The rider can define how the individual functions provide support.

The front radar also enables a distance assist, which can limit acceleration and brake if necessary when the gap is too small. The emergency brake assist can increase brake pressure during hard braking if a possible collision is detected. The forward collision warning first appears on the display and, if the gap keeps shrinking, adds a haptic pulse at the rear brake pedal. At the rear, the blind spot assist also monitors fast-approaching vehicles and warns via lights in the mirrors. A further warning alerts the rider to vehicles following too closely. These are manufacturer statements on how the systems work, not an assessment of their interventions in traffic.

The tank, radiator shrouds, front fairing and windscreen have been redesigned. Exposed frame sections remain visible, and the different wheels visually separate GT and Rally. The compact adaptive LED projector headlight progressively activates additional LED elements at 15 and 30 degrees of lean to illuminate the corner. An electric motor corrects headlight range when ride height changes. There is also a new daytime running light and separate LED position lights. At the rear, multifunction LED units combine indicators and tail light, eliminating the need for a central tail light.

The GT Pro and Rally Pro retain a 20-litre tank, while the GT Explorer and Rally Explorer hold 30 litres. In addition to their spoked wheels and Off-Road Pro, both Rally versions add an engine guard and an adjustable, folding brake pedal. The Explorer models additionally get tyre pressure monitoring, their own lower engine crash bars and handlebars positioned 10 mm higher and 10 mm wider than on the Pro models. The Rally Explorer adds upper engine crash bars. The four variants thus differ in wheels, tank and off-road features, while sharing the same electronics and comfort base.

Triumph quotes the following wet weights: 250 kg for the GT Pro, 255 kg for the Rally Pro, 260 kg for the GT Explorer and 268 kg for the Rally Explorer. The wheelbase is 1,567 mm, with rake and trail at 24.3 degrees and 115 mm. Length is 2,258 mm, width across the handguards 981 mm, or 991 mm on the Explorer models. Without mirrors, with the low screen and lowering deactivated, height is 1,449 mm. Stated fuel consumption is 5.3 l/100 km, CO2 emissions are 120 g/km, and the emissions standard is Euro 5+. Consumption figures determined in accordance with EU regulations are for comparison purposes and may differ from real-world riding.

For touring, Triumph offers accessories for luggage, protection, comfort and technology. The Evo luggage system developed with Givi gets a new 58-litre top box that holds two helmets, in addition to the existing 42-litre version. Both aluminium top boxes are available in silver or black anodised finish and with an optional pillion backrest. Matching panniers offer easily accessible openings and optional waterproof inner bags. Trekker touring luggage solutions are also available. Servicing is due every 16,000 km or twelve months, whichever comes first. For Germany and Austria, the press kit cites a four-year manufacturer warranty with unlimited mileage in accordance with Triumph warranty terms at participating dealers.

The GT Pro is offered in Sapphire Black or Aluminium Silver/Pacific Blue, the GT Explorer in Aluminium Silver/Pacific Blue or Granite. The Rally Pro comes in Matt Khaki Green and Ash Grey, the Rally Explorer in Ash Grey/Sapphire Black and Matt Khaki Green. According to the press release dated 27 October 2026, the models can be ordered from that date. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in March 2027.

In Germany, the GT Pro starts at 21,395 euros, the Rally Pro at 22,295 euros, the GT Explorer at 22,995 euros and the Rally Explorer at 23,995 euros. Dealer-specific delivery charges are added on top.

In Austria, the GT Pro costs from 24,595 euros, the Rally Pro from 25,495 euros, the GT Explorer from 26,295 euros and the Rally Explorer from 27,295 euros, each including additional charges and NoVA (Austrian vehicle registration tax). Both price lists include the four-year manufacturer warranty.

Does the 2027 Triumph Tiger 1200 Rally still have a 21-inch front wheel? No. The Rally Pro and Rally Explorer switch to 19 inches at the front and 17 inches at the rear. All four variants have 200 mm of suspension travel at both ends.

How low does the Tiger 1200's seat height go? With the low accessory seat and automatic lowering, 790 mm is possible at a standstill. Automatic lowering alone takes off 30 mm. In Germany and Austria, the low seat is an accessory.

What distinguishes Pro and Explorer? The Pro models have a 20-litre tank, the Explorers 30 litres. Among other things, the Explorers add tyre pressure monitoring, lower engine crash bars and a revised handlebar position. The Rally Explorer also gets upper crash bars.

How much power does the 2027 Triumph Tiger 1200 make? According to Triumph, the 1,160 cc triple delivers 158 hp at 9,250 rpm and 130 Nm at 6,750 rpm.

How much does the new Tiger 1200 cost and when is it coming? In Germany, the GT Pro starts at 21,395 euros plus delivery charges, and in Austria at 24,595 euros including additional charges and NoVA. Deliveries are scheduled from March 2027.