Triumph Motorcycles introduced the next step in the evolution of their flagship adventure/touring bike, the Triumph Tiger 900. Originally introduced in 2010, the Triumph Tiger 800 quickly etched a prominent position in its class. The new 2020 Triumph Tiger 900 takes a significant leap forward with an all-new 900cc, in-line three-cylinder engine, a new trellis frame and a bevy of bells and whistles. Here are a few things you should know about Triumph’s new Tiger 900…
The Triumph Tiger 900 Name
The Triumph 900 is available in three platforms, the 900, the 900 GT/GT PRO and the 900 RALLY/RALLY PRO. The new nomenclature replaces the 800 series models: the 800 XR, the 800 XRx, 800 XRt, 800 XRx Low, 800 XCx, 800 XCa. The 900 serves as a base model while the 900 GT and GT PRO ticks it up a notch in the performance department for touring and adventure riding. The RALLY and RALLY PRO are designed for the racer with optimization for serious off-road riding.
The Triumph Tiger 900 Engine
The new 900cc inline three-cylinder engine features a 1,3 and 2 firing sequence for a boost in mid-range engine response, and a ten percent increase in torque output, compared to the 800 models.
The Triumph Tiger 900 Frame
The Tiger 900 features a new trellis frame with a bolt-on subframe and pillion hangers. The trellis frame shaves weight off the entire bike (11 pounds compared to the 800’s frame) while the bolt-on subframe maximizes the durability of the overall structure. With previous models, if there was an impact to the rear of the bike, the entire frame could be considered damaged. With the bolt-on subframe, the same damage is remedied by replacing the rear section, a feature most appealing to racers and off-roaders.
The Brakes
Across the platform, the Tiger 900 sports Brembo Stylema monobloc brakes. The Brembo Stylema brakes are lightweight and compact with a strategic design that reduces volume around the braking setup for greater stopping power and increased airflow for cooler calipers.
Riding Modes
The Tiger 900 includes 6 ride modes that optimize the bike’s output in a variety of riding conditions: Rain, Road, Sport, Rider, Off-Road and Off-Road Pro.
Rider Engagement
All but the base Tiger 900 come equipped with an impressively large 7 inch TFT screen. The base model’s screen measures only 5 inches. The data cluster is customizable with four different color themes in high/low contrast versions. Connectivity was considered in its design as the TFT screen offers a proper amount of integration options for your phone, music, navigation, even GoPro control. All of the features are accessed via the TFT screen as well as the switch cubes, located at the handlebar.
The Radiator
Most notable on the 900 is the aggressive design and presentation of the split twin radiator set up. This new format, besides looking cool, allows for increased mass distribution while reducing overall coolant volume. A bonus feature is that the dual design reduces the ambient heat, potentially experienced by the rider.
The Suspension
Several features are specific to the base 900, the GT and RALLY models, but one of the most notable features is the suspension set up. On the base 900, GT and GT PRO, the setup is composed of Marzochhi components with front and rear adjustability only on the GT and GT PRO, rear adjustability on the base 900. The RALLY and RALLY PRO are fitted with SHOWA front and rear electronic adjustable suspension, accessed via the TFT screen.
The Triumph Tiger 900 platform is expected to hit the dealership floor in the spring of 2020. MSRP for the base 900 starts at $12,500, the GT starts at $14,300 and the RALLY is listed at $15,000. Prices for the PRO models are TBA.
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