Complete overhaul for Triumph’s 2020 Tiger 900 adventure bike
Tiger 900cc is ready to shake up adventure class
Triumph’s new Tiger 900 has come out fighting with a bigger engine, more torque, more mid-range and a lot less mass to lug around, too. Launched in 2010, the Tiger 800 has sold over 76,000 units globally to date – and this completely redesigned 900 version (actually 888cc) sees torque up to 64ftlb from 58ftlb. Power remains at 94bhp but is delivered much lower in the rev range, giving a more meaningful mid-range punch. There’s also a new firing order (see panel) which adds character and is also claimed to aid traction both on and off-road. The new modular frame and bolt-on rear subframe are lighter than on the previous Tiger, with a total weight-saving of up to 5kg, depending on the model.
The most versatile are the two off-road bias models, the Rally and Rally Pro, which wear spoked rims, while the road-orientated versions are the base 900, plus a GT and GT Pro, which all come on cast wheels. All versions benefit from a bigger 20-litre tank (up from 19), and the latest Brembo Stylema calipers. The new Tiger 900 should feel more accessible, too, with a narrower seat and handlebars 10mm closer to the rider, giving better standover from the same seat height, and a more upright riding position for long days in the saddle. Each model also has two seat height positions; 810mm-830mm on the road versions and 850mm870mm on the Rally models.
All models (other than the base option) get a new 7in TFT dash with connectivity capability on the Pro models, and a boosted IMUcontrolled electronics package that boasts cornering ABS and cornering traction control. There are all-new LED lights all round, complete with bar-style DRL, and reshaped bodywork throughout. The 2020 Tiger also gets upgraded suspension. The standard machine, GT and GT Pro get Marzocchi hardware front and rear with 180mm travel at the front and 170mm at the back with varying levels of adjustment; from almost nothing (just manual preload at the back) for the base bike, to adjustable at both ends for compression and rebound and preload on the GT, while the Pro’s shock is also electronically adjustable.
The Rally and Rally Pro get adjustable Showa suspension with a rock-hopping 240mm travel at the front and 230mm at the back. There’s also a whole host of riding modes with the stock machine getting Rain and Road and the other models getting up to six different power and traction maps to choose from, depending on the model. The Pro models also both get shift assist, tyre pressure monitoring, heated grips, rider and pillion seats, and TFT dash connectivity.
The GT, GT Pro, Rally and Rally Pro can all be restricted for A2 licence holders, and there’s a Low Ride Height version available on the GT version which reduces seat height to 760mm-780mm. There’s more than 65 official accessories, and two Inspiration Kits: the Trekker (touring spec), and Expedition (big adventures). No prices have been released, but we’d expect the range to span from £9500 to around £13,000.