The Tiger was dropped off at my house and I took my time walking around it before wheeling it into the garage. It was delivered a day earlier than expected so it had to wait for its first ride until the next day. I circled the bike, looking at all of the details. It was almost a stand off to see if we like each other.
I was pleased to note the colour was red. Having checked it out online I decided that red was the best looking one and now it was in my garage, albeit for a week only. In fact, not just the colour, I quite like the way it looks. Not too big and shouty, it doesn’t look like a bully as some adventure bikes do, and it didn’t fill me with fear that it’ll kick me off when I start to ride it.
I was worried it might be too tall for me but even with the seat at its normal position, I could reach the ground comfortably. Despite this, I have moved the seat to its lower position and that means that at 5”4’, I can almost put both feet flat on the (even) ground. Given my preference for B roads and goat tracks it is safer to have more leg length and be able to stop even where the ground isn’t smooth tarmac.
Top marks for its super smooth gearbox and quickshifter. One of the best I’ve ridden so far. The brakes are sharp, too! And the cruise control is easy to work out but do watch out when you touch the brakes. It slows down rapidly and I got a bit of a shock the first time. I didn’t expect it to slow down quite as fast and ended up with my face a bit too close to the screen for comfort.
Speaking of comfort, this is a good time to mention the heated grips which are excellent and, not forgetting the heated seat. The heated seat has separate controls for the pillion on the side of the pillion seat, and for the rider, on the handlebars. I can’t say there was any benefit to having the seat heated at 15 degrees Celsius and I would like to be able to test this in colder weather before I can decide if it is a worthwhile option. The heated grips, on the other hand, are an absolute must for me. The temperature varied from 10 to 15, occasionally 17 degrees Celsius when the sun was out, but the wind chill was persistent. I was still riding in my summer gloves and the grips were on the whole time. I much prefer this option for as long as I can, before I put on my winter gloves for the season.
One issue I didn’t quite crack is the position of the indicator switch just above a very similar switch that is the OK button for confirming the menu choices. They are close together and feel very similar with gloves on. A couple of times I wasn’t actually indicating but merely pushing the OK button left or right which upset a couple of road users behind me. Speaking to other Tiger owners they mentioned the same and said that once they have gotten used to it, it wasn’t a problem anymore.
I do have a preference for something a bit sportier looking and riding a sports tourer myself, I didn’t really appreciate why one would go for an adventure style bike. After riding the Tiger for a week, and taking it on a real tour for a few days, I now understand. I had to get used to how certain speed feels on this bike which meant I was going faster than intended for a while. With so much wind protection I felt I was going slower where I was actually much faster than anticipated. Oops.
The seating position is so relaxed and comfortable that even after a few days of constant riding I never felt tired quite as much as I normally do. It almost felt wrong. Like a workout when you didn’t try hard enough and you have no muscle ache afterwards. But this was also really, really good. I didn’t need a zimmer frame to get out of bed in the morning or do any elaborate yoga stretches just to feel my toes again.
The surprising bit was the cornering. The Tiger just leans in and carries you around that corner without you having to do much. No fighting with the bike and no convincing it that you really want to go around that bend safely. The Tiger is agile, light and so very smooth.
Then there was the riding on my favourite roads. The less known, little B roads that are inevitably littered with gravel, potholes and livestock. Despite the rugged road surface, the bike shaking was minimal, the suspension doing a fantastic job and I didn’t even need to stand on the footpegs for comfort although I did try it anyway just because I could.
I really appreciated the higher sitting position for the views. Being able to see over the stone walls and into the valley opened up the view and allowed me to take in the sights I would have otherwise missed. It also means you spot the oncoming traffic much sooner and can position the bike accordingly.
The trip away was for two nights only and my luggage was minimal therefore I had no need for the panniers or the topbox. Everything was packed into a rollbag that was attached to the pillion seat. I had to practice a couple of times on how to mount and dismount the bike in the most elegant way but I cracked it and never once kicked the rollbag when dismounting.
Overall I was surprisingly impressed with everything about the bike, how easy and smooth it is to ride and how well we got on. I am not ready to trade in my sports tourer yet but I am leaning towards maybe having a proper adventure bike as a winter one in my garage.
Motorcycle kindly supplied by Triumph UK, for more information on Triumph Motorcycles UK visit triumphmotorcycles.co.uk/
Or check Triumph Motorcycles dedicated page for Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS check hereTriumph Tiger 900
Also many thanks to:
Helmet worn in test Arai Quantic helmet (red snake) kindly supplied by Arai UK Jacket, Armoured Jeans, Gloves and Boots worn in test kindly supplied by rst-moto.com/ Ladies Heated Body Warmer supplied by Keis Apparel Motorcycle iPhone Mount with Vibration Damper Supplied by Quad Lock
Triumph Adventure Experience Spain will provide riders with full motorcycle licenses, from all over Europe, the opportunity to progress through levels of Off-Road Training courses, as well as light-hearted, fun Adventure Experiences.
Off-Road Training will challenge riders of any skill level to gradually enhance technical riding skills, while building confidence and technique. The cohesive curriculum has been developed by the Triumph Global Adventure Experience Team, and includes guidance and advice on momentum techniques, low speed control, and rut management, delivered by Triumph Accredited Instructors.
Adventure Experiences will be fully guided, light off-road riding, utilising some of the best roads and trails across the Malaga and Andalusia regions, in group sessions lead across varying environments.
Matt Reed, Operations Manager for the Triumph Global Adventure Experience in Wales has supported the development of this new facility. ‘The views, the mountains, the scenery and even the road riding sections of the operation are incredible. Triumph Adventure Experience Spain has a lot to offer customers; with the brand-new facilities, the purpose-built, multi-terrain arena, the close location to Malaga Airport, talented Instructors, it is an overall fantastic experience which will attract riders from all over Europe.’
Antonio Urrea Verdejo, Managing Partner for Triumph Adventure Experience Spain added, ‘Our aim is to ensure riders have the confidence to ride their own motorcycles on varied terrain around the world. Our instructors are so passionate about off-road riding, we want to share our knowledge to support other riders, while giving a professional and first-class experience. We are looking forward to welcoming riders to Triumph Adventure Experience Spain very soon!’
Triumph is regarded as the leader of the British motorbike industry all around the world and for good reason. The brand’s motorbikes have maintained their classic appeal & top-notch quality to this date that has allowed it to establish a strong fanbase in many regions. Speaking of Triumph’s fanbase, it would be injustice not to discuss my detailed encounter with the legendary Speed Triple 1200 RS that is every bit as fun on the road as it is on the track.
At first glance, the latest Speed Triple 1200 RS looks quite contemporary but at the same time, it manages to remain loyal to its predecessor that too had earmarked its territory in the motorbike industry during its entire reign. The front fascia is almost the same, but the main difference comes in the form of pronounced cuts & creases on the tank and the overall athletic styling that has given the 1200 RS a much-needed uplift. Everything looks perfect in its place thanks to the styling that perfectly complements the overall character and does not try hard at convincing you that it’s the latest iteration of the 1200 RS.
Great styling often comes at the expense of compromised ergonomics, but that is certainly not the case with Triumph’s Speed Triple 1200 RS. The controls are all well within the range and thus do not require any extra effort whether you’re on the road or the track. In fact, you can perfectly toggle around the driving modes & other settings on the go which for me is a deal-breaker. The display might not be the biggest or brightest when compared with the competitors, but it does a decent job at delivering the necessary metrics. Since this is a naked motorbike, therefore, the handlebars are slightly raised and wider, therefore, the turning circle and maneuvering capabilities are a bit compromised.
Riding style and ergonomics are quite closely linked, so let’s talk a bit about the riding style. The 1200 RS is primarily a track-focused machine but at the same, it isn’t a supersport motorbike, therefore, the riding posture is a hybrid in between that of a supersport motorbike and a traditional naked motorbike. The seat height is a bit high, which is great for a tall person like me but people with average height may struggle to get their feet on the asphalt. On the whole, the riding posture is perfect for someone looking for a naked motorbike that is fused with the attributes of a supersport bike.
Undoubtedly, the most prominent feature of the 1200 RS is its high-revving in-line 4-pot engine that delivers almost 180 hp, up by 30 hp from the outgoing generation. The chunky engine loves to rev at high ends and is quick to respond after 3000 RPM. The brilliant high-end pulling power makes it a great track machine, but it in no way means that you will be disappointed with its on-road capabilities. Despite being a Euro-5 compliant engine, its roar is a sheer joy to the ears and I, for one, don’t think that any rider would need to make a switch to an aftermarket exhaust.
The 6-speed gearbox accompanying the 1160cc engine is as smooth as it gets. The quickshifter works like a charm and lets you sweep past each gear effortlessly & swiftly. Apart from its rev-happy powerplant and the butter smooth gearbox, the Triumph 1200 RS has several other aids to offer that make it an excellent road & track machine. The cornering ABS takes micro-seconds to activate, and the riding modes aren’t just there as a formality, each one of them alters the driving dynamics according to your input which provides you with the confidence that the 1200cc monster of a bike can handle any situation, apart from, of course, off-roading tracks.
The riding comfort of naked motorbikes is always tuned to suit urban road conditions; however, bigger displacement naked bikes are somewhat an exception. It’s the same case for Speed 1200 RS, the riding comfort has been delicately calibrated to match the thrilling output of the engine and therefore you would feel some bumps when riding on rough patches. This tradeoff allows superb cornering ability that is also in part to lighter & improved chassis and better weight distribution. The Öhlins dampers are manually adjustable which is kind of a letdown since the rival Ducati has fully electronically adjustable dampers. Nevertheless, the dampers have enough adjustability to match the road conditions which came in handy during my hour-long ride on country roads.
Overall Triumph’s latest iteration of 1200 RS has got everything under its belt to provide you with the thrill you expect from a 1200cc naked behemoth. The impeccable build quality and that too at a reasonable price tag further make this motorbike an enticing option for riders who want the best of both worlds. Not to forget the fact that the bike is also aesthetically attractive which makes it quite a head-turner out on the city streets.
Motorcycle kindly supplied by Triumph UK, for more information on Triumph Motorcycles UK visit triumphmotorcycles.co.uk/
Or check Triumph Motorcycles dedicated page for Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS check hereTriumph Speed Triple 1200 RS
Also many thanks to:
Helmet worn in test kindly supplied by Bell Helmets UK Jacket, Armoured Jeans, Gloves and Boots worn in test kindly supplied by rst-moto.com/ Bluetooth Alarmed Disc Lock used while storing bike kindly supplied by Xena Security Motorcycle iPhone Mount with Vibration Damper Supplied by Quad Lock
New Triumph Tiger Sport 660 – The new definition of triple powered versatility.
Introducing the all-new Tiger Sport 660, designed to bring Triumph’s triple powered advantage to the middleweight adventure sports world, setting a new class-leading standard with the highest level of power, the highest level of specification and the lowest cost of ownership in the category.
Triple engine performance advantage
The most powerful bike in its class with 81PS peak power at 10,250 rpm and
64Nm peak torque at 6,250 rpm
Introducing the first triple engine in the category delivering the perfect combination of
low-down torque with a strong mid-range and class-leading top-end power
Accessible sporty character with Triumph’s signature smooth, linear power delivery
Compact underslung exhaust delivering the distinctive Triumph triple soundtrack
A2 licence compliant for Europe with an accessory-fit conversion kit
Designed to set the new category benchmark for handling
Triumph’s signature confidence-inspiring, agile and sporty ride
Comfortable rider and pillion ergonomics with integrated pillion grab handles
Comfortable narrow stand over with accessible low 835mm seat height
Showa 41mm upside down cartridge forks and Showa monoshock RSU
with remote hydraulic preload adjustment
Nissin brakes with twin 310mm front discs and versatile Michelin Road 5 tyres
Genuine long-distance touring capability
Sculpted 17 litre fuel tank for excellent range
Discreetly integrated pannier mounts for the easy fitment of the accessory panniers
Height-adjustable screen enables single-handed adjustment while riding
Class-leading technology for maximum safety and control
Category-leading multi-functional instruments with TFT display, ready for the
accessory-fit My Triumph connectivity system
Category-leading riding modes – Road and Rain
Full LED lighting with distinctive twin headlights and self-cancelling indicators
Premium standard specification with switchable traction control, ABS, ride-by-wire throttle, slip and assist clutch and an immobiliser
Dynamic new Tiger Sport 660 character and distinctive style
Upright, imposing Tiger poise with all-new bodywork and compact low mounted silencer
Three contemporary paint schemes with new sporty graphics
Triumph’s signature premium fit and finish, with exceptional attention to detail
Competitively priced, with the lowest cost of ownership in the entire category
The lowest service workshop cost in the category
Class-leading 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 12 months service interval
Two-year unlimited milage warranty, with the option to extend for one or two years
Full range of touring luggage including two-helmet top box, plus additional protection, capability, style and security accessories
All engineered alongside the motorcycle and tested to the same quality standards
Two-year unlimited mileage warranty on all genuine accessories
Triumph’s all-new Tiger Sport 660 is the new definition of triple powered versatility, with its 660cc triple engine performance advantages, class-leading power and specification, plus great long-distance touring capability.
Just like the Trident 660, launched to international acclaim last year, the new Tiger Sport 660 has been designed to set a whole new benchmark for performance, specification and cost of ownership. Bringing significant advantages to the middleweight adventure sports category, the Tiger Sport 660 delivers a new first choice for riders looking for maximum versatility in every ride. From commuting, to everyday riding, to longer trips, the new Tiger 660 delivers the capability, performance, handling and style needed to introduce a whole new generation of riders into the Triumph brand.
Triple engine performance advantage
The first triple cylinder engine in the category, and the most powerful – the 660cc powerplant in the new Tiger Sport 660 brings Triumph’s triple engine performance advantages over a twin engine with its low-down torque, combined with strong mid-range performance, and incredible top-end power.
Peak torque of 64Nm at 6,250rpm and peak power of 81PS at 10,250rpm make the new Tiger Sport 660 the most powerful bike in the class, guaranteeing great acceleration in any gear, even when carrying a pillion or progressing swiftly through traffic. It delivers the perfect balance of thrilling useable performance from low down in the rev range, all the way to the red line.
Power delivery is managed by a sophisticated engine management system with a ride-by-wire throttle for a precise and responsive feel, while the slick 6-speed gearbox has gear ratios optimised for fun and all-round everyday rideability.
The 660 triple engine’s distinctive, deep exhaust note is delivered through a short and minimalistic underslung stainless-steel silencer.
The engine is fully Euro 5 compliant, delivering low emissions as well as excellent fuel economy, and can be adapted to meet European A2 license regulations through an easily reversible accessory conversion kit.
Designed to set the new category benchmark for handling
The new Tiger Sport 660 has been designed to deliver Triumph’s trademark dynamic, agile and comfortable handling. Perfectly balanced and easy to control, with precise steering aided by lightweight aluminium tapered handlebars, the new 660 delivers a commanding and confidence-inspiring ride. The twin seat is practical and comfortable, with an accessible rider seat height of 835mm and ergonomically optimised pillion grab handles fitted as standard. The Tiger Sport 660 also benefits from a slim stand over width, for easy manoeuvrability at lower speeds and a planted feel at a standstill.
The suspension has been carefully developed to deliver all of Triumph’s renowned handling advantages, with a sporty feel when riding alone, while also offering a plush feel for longer trips and two-up touring. On the front, the Tiger Sport 660 is equipped with 41mm Showa upside-down cartridge forks, delivering 150mm of wheel travel. These are perfectly matched with the Showa monoshock on the rear, with a dual rate spring to optimise performance for solo or pillion riding. The monoshock also features remote hydraulic preload adjustability for tailoring the ride for a pillion and/or luggage.
The 5-spoke, 17” wheels are lightweight cast aluminium, adding to the bike’s exceptional agility, while the Michelin Road 5 tyres bring great road holding performance in both dry and wet conditions. Excellent stopping power is achieved thanks to the Nissin 2-piston sliding calipers with twin 310mm front discs, controlled by the span-adjustable brake lever.
Long-distance touring capability
Practicality and versatility are top of the list for middleweight adventure sports riders, and the new Tiger Sport 660 delivers all of the capability needed for commuting and city riding, as well as weekend escapes and longer trips.
The beautifully shaped tank holds 17 litres of fuel giving great range, while the sleek and aerodynamic screen is height adjustable through a simple, one-handed operation, enabling the rider to easily adjust the level of weather and wind protection while riding.
Touring capability is further enhanced with the discreetly integrated pannier mounts, which allow for the easy and seamless fitment of the dedicated new accessory panniers whilst maintaining the clean styling of the rear bodywork when riding without luggage. For additional luggage capacity an accessory 47-litre top box is also available, which can securely accommodate two full face helmets. The panniers and top box can also be colour coded to match the bike.
Class-leading technology for maximum safety and control
The new Tiger Sport 660 is equipped with a category-leading standard of rider technology, including the new multi-functional instruments with TFT display, a first in the class, which provide all necessary rider information in a clear, compact and uncluttered design. These have been specifically designed to integrate seamlessly with the accessory fit My Triumph connectivity system, which enables turn-by-turn navigation, GoPro control, and phone and music interaction, all operated via the switchgear and displayed clearly on the TFT screen for easy rider interaction while riding.
Also class-leading are the two high-specification riding modes, Road and Rain, which adjust the throttle response and traction control settings, improving rider control for greater confidence in all riding conditions. Safety is further enhanced with ABS and switchable traction control, both fitted as standard on the Tiger Sport 660. Traction control can be turned off completely, via the instruments, if desired.
To further improve the riding experience, the Tiger Sport 660 is equipped with a slip and assist clutch and a span-optimised clutch lever for light and easy operation, reducing rider fatigue, particularly in urban riding.
For maximum efficiency and durability, lighting is LED across the entire motorcycle, including the distinctive new twin headlights, the compact and integrated tail light, and the self-cancelling indicators.
Dynamic new Tiger Sport 660 character and distinctive style
The new Tiger Sport 660 beautifully integrates practicality with contemporary adventure sports design. With a confident and distinctive poise, the new 660 features all-new bodywork sculpted for clean, flowing lines from the cockpit, with its twin headlight set up, right through to the minimal rear end and contoured tail light.
Additional premium styling details include the teardrop mirrors, sculpted radiator cowls and fork protectors, and the minimalistic underslung stainless-steel silencer.
Riders can choose between three attractive colour schemes: the contemporary Lucerne Blue and Sapphire Black, the vibrant Korosi Red and Graphite with distinctive sporty graphics, or a minimalist Graphite and Black option.
Lowest cost of ownership in the entire category
As well as being competitively priced given the category-leading level of specification, the new Tiger Sport 660 benefits from the lowest cost of ownership in the category. This includes its 10,000 mile or 16,000 kilometre (or 12 months) service interval plus its 2-year unlimited mileage warranty, which can be optionally extended by 1 or 2 years. This is made possible thanks to the extensive testing program that underpins Triumph’s most reliable engine platform.
This high level of reliability is directly reflected in the Tiger Sport having the lowest workshop cost in the category. Over a 3-year service timeframe, the Tiger Sport 660 requires the lowest level of workshop time in the category, at just over 8 hours, making it 30% more cost effective than its competition in terms of labour costs. Plus, the Tiger Sport 660 has the lowest maintenance parts cost over three years – 17% cheaper than the closest competitors.
Accessible individuality: Genuine Triumph accessories
An extensive range of over 40 genuine Triumph accessories are available for the new Tiger Sport 660, allowing customers to add even more practicality, technology, comfort and protection to their motorcycle, as well as versatile luggage options. All genuine accessories have been engineered alongside the motorcycle itself and all are subjected to the same rigorous quality and durability testing processes.
As well as the My Triumph Connectivity system, accessories include the Triumph Shift Assist up and down quickshifter, heated grips, under-seat USB charger, scrolling indicators, and a tyre pressure monitoring system.
Luggage options include the all-new fully integrated panniers and two-helmet top box, both of which can be colour coded to match the motorcycle, plus a lightweight cast aluminium luggage rack and fully waterproof roll bag.
For added protection, riders can add frame, engine and fork protectors, and for maximum security, an alarm and tracker are available (market specific) along with a range of bike locks.
All genuine Triumph accessories come with the same two-year unlimited mileage warranty as the motorcycle itself.
SPECIFICATIONS
ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION
Type
Liquid-cooled, 12 valve, DOHC, inline 3-cylinder, 240° firing order
Capacity
660 cc
Bore
74.04 mm
Stroke
51.1 mm
Compression
11.95:1
Maximum Power
81 PS / 80 bhp (59.6 kW) @ 10,250 rpm
Maximum Torque
64 Nm @ 6,250 rpm
Fuel System
Multipoint sequential electronic fuel injection with electronic throttle control
Exhaust
Stainless steel 3 into 1 header system with low single sided stainless steel silencer
Final Drive
X-ring chain
Clutch
Wet, multi-plate, slip & assist
Gearbox
6 speed
CHASSIS
Frame
Tubular steel perimeter frame
Swingarm
Twin-sided, fabricated steel
Front Wheel
Cast aluminium, 17 x 3.5 in
Rear Wheel
Cast aluminium, 17 x 5.5 in
Front Tyre
120/70 ZR 17 (58W)
Rear Tyre
180/55 ZR 17 (73W)
Front Suspension
Showa 41mm upside down separate function cartridge forks, 150mm wheel travel
Nissin single-piston sliding caliper, single 255mm disc, ABS
Instruments
Multi-function instruments with colour TFT screen
DIMENSIONS & WEIGHTS
Length
2071 mm
Width (Handlebars)
834 mm
Height Without Mirrors
1398 mm / 1315mm (high / low screen position)
Seat Height
835 mm
Wheelbase
1418 mm
Rake
23.1º
Trail
97.1 mm
Wet weight
206 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity
17.2 litres
FUEL CONSUMPTION
Fuel Consumption
4.5 litres / 100 km
CO2 Figures
107 g/km
Standard
EURO 5
CO2 emissions and fuel consumption data are measured according to regulation 168/2013/EC. Figures for fuel consumption are derived from specific test conditions and are for comparative purposes only. They may not reflect real driving results.
