TRAVERSE Issue 27 - December 2021 | Page 63

TRAVERSE 63
The Tiger 1200 has been designed to set the new benchmark for road and off-road adventure handling , courtesy of a major reduction in weight , an all-new lightweight chassis , a class-leading specification of equipment and all-new rider ergonomics .
Following an extensive mass optimisation programme across the whole bike , encompassing every component , the new generation is now more than 25kg lighter than the previous Tiger , and up to 17kg lighter than the closest shaft drive competition , based on a comparable specification of motorcycle .
For this new generation , each Tiger 1200 family now comes equipped with dedicated wheel dimensions , tailored to suit the adventures that different riders want . On the Rally Pro and Rally Explorer , there is a 21 ”/ 18 ” tubeless spoked set-up for incredible all-road ability , and on the GT , GT Pro and GT Explorer there is 19 ”/ 18 ” cast aluminium arrangement for more dynamic road riding ability . Ensuring outstanding grip and stability , Metzeler Tourance™ tyres are fitted to all of the GT models , while the Rally models feature Metzeler Karoo Street™ tyres for true all-terrain riding . For advanced off-road riding , the Michelin Anakee Wild is the handbook approved option .
Class-leading Brembo Stylema ® brakes are fitted to all Tiger 1200 models for powerful and progressive performance . These have been selected to meet the demands of long distance road riding and the advanced off-road adventure capability of the Rally models .
The incredible stopping power provided by the Brembo calipers is managed by the advanced Optimised Cornering ABS system fitted to all of the new models , which is supported by a sophisticated IMU ( Inertial Measurement Unit ), which continuously measures the motorcycle ’ s movement ( pitch rate , yaw rate , roll rate , vertical acceleration , lateral acceleration , longitudinal acceleration ) to calculate the lean angle of the bike and deliver the optimum level of ABS intervention . Magura HC-1 levers , adjustable for reach , deliver a progressive feel and further enhance rider comfort and control .
Making a significant contribution to the transformation in weight and handling capability , the Tiger ’ s new frame , which is 5.4kg lighter than the previous design , features a bolt-on aluminium rear sub-frame and bolt-on pillion hangers , enhancements developed from customer feedback .
Additional weight savings comes from the new aluminium fuel tank and all-new tri-link swingarm , which is 1.5kg lighter and stronger than the previous single-sided set-up , and incorporates a smaller and lighter shaft drive and bevel box .
Bringing the rider enhanced confidence at low speeds and during non-riding manoeuvres , as well as enhanced comfort and control , all of the new 1200s come with new seat and tank ergonomics , where the seat has been slimmed down at the front , where it meets the tank . To further enable each rider to find their comfort zone , all models feature a built-in easily adjustable two-position seat mechanism which enables the rider to change the seat height by 20mm to their preferred set-up .
For the GT , GT Pro and GT Explorer there are two seat height settings – 850mm and 870mm , while for the Rally Pro and Rally Explorer these are 875mm and 895mm . Through the accessory-fit low seat option , customers will also be able to lower the seat position by an additional 20mm .
A further enhancement to comfort is provided by the new easily adjustable screen , with a simple one-handed adjustment mechanism , plus new aero screen diffusers that deflect the wind off both the rider and pillion .
The handlebar position has been optimised to suit each model in the Tiger 1200 range , contributing to the bike ’ s improved agility and ensuring great rider comfort . These are 20mm wider than the previous generation for improved off-road control . On the GT Explorer and Rally Explorer , the handlebars are 16mm higher than the other models in the line-up to deliver an even more commanding position . The foot peg positions have also been refined to deliver the optimum rider comfort and control for each model .
All models within the Tiger 1200 line-up have an extensive level of protection for a more secure and comfortable ride : handguards are standard for all models , aluminium skid-guard is fitted as standard on the GT Pro and GT Explorer , while an aluminium sump guard
NEWS MAGAZINE
63
TRAVERSE 63