Triumph’s T-Plane Triple Engine Deep Dive

If motorcycles had souls, the engine would be it, a symphonic core that vibrates life into every piece of metal it’s connected to. The engine of the new Triumph Tiger 1200 isn’t just a beating heart; it’s a marvel of engineering, steeped in technical nuances that not only appeal to the intellect but invigorate the spirit. Let’s dissect this motorized wizardry.

In the world of engines, the ‘triple’ sits somewhere between the aggression of a twin and the smoothness of a four-cylinder, offering the best of both. Triumph’s T-plane triple crank sets a new milestone, offering low-down tractability akin to a twin—making it incredibly forgiving and lively off-road—while not compromising on the triple’s top-end performance, giving riders a thrilling experience on open roads. For the tech-hungry, the T-plane crank arranges firing pulses at 180, 270, and 270 degrees. This results in a unique cadence—one short gap followed by two long gaps—offering better character and tractability at low revs.

Let’s get into the nitty-gritty. The 1160cc engine is a towering achievement, pushing 150PS peak power at 9,000 rpm. That’s an increment of 9PS over the previous model. In layman’s terms, this machine now stands as the most potent shaft-drive motorcycle in its category. That torque we love? It’s cranked up to 130Nm at 7,000 rpm, a substantial 8Nm over its predecessor. These are more than just numbers on paper; they manifest as raw, tangible performance on the road.

Increased power and torque are one thing, but when that surge comes in a more responsive and engaging package, it’s like icing on the cake. The new engine, alongside its T-plane triple crank, also brings improved acceleration. It’s responsive, without being jumpy; forceful, without being overwhelming. In essence, the engine offers a sense of harmony between low-end feel and high-end power, a balance often sought but seldom achieved in adventure bikes.

When Triumph claims that ‘everything is new,’ they mean it. Every component—bore, stroke, crank, cylinder head, gearbox, clutch—is rethought, redesigned, and reborn. Even the shaft drive and bevel box are entirely new. All these modifications result in a lighter, more compact engine, significantly changing the bike’s riding dynamics.

No engine story would be complete without mentioning the soundtrack accompanying it. Enter the minimal lightweight silencer, which gifts the new Tiger 1200 a distinct triple tone and bark.

This isn’t an evolution; it’s a metamorphosis, a transformation so comprehensive it can only be described as revolutionary.

Now, here’s a groundbreaking update

Triumph introduces the new Active Preload Reduction feature to its advanced Showa semi-active suspension. This game-changing feature adjusts the rear suspension preload as you slow down, potentially lowering your seat height by an extra 0.78 in / 20 mm when you come to a halt. Engineered for greater ease and confidence, especially at low speeds, this feature can be activated effortlessly by holding down the ‘Home’ button on the switch cube for just a second. This is not merely a comfort feature; it’s an intelligent engineering feat aimed at making the Tiger 1200 even more accessible, offering you a more intimate contact with the ground.

Chief Product Officer Steve Sargent sums it up aptly: “This new feature can be enabled on the fly, lowering the center of gravity at slower speeds, making it even more accessible, offering riders more confidence at slow speeds and better contact with the ground as they come to stop.”

The cockpit, too, has been refined. With an adjustable screen and ergonomically placed Magura HC-1 levers, you’re in for a treat. And those handlebars? They’re wider than before, giving you greater control, whether you’re threading through city traffic or navigating a rocky trail.

And because protection is just as important as performance, the Tiger 1200 comes standard with handguards and a whole array of protective guards and bars, depending on the model. From aluminum skid guards on the GT Pro and GT Explorer to fuel tank protection bars on the Rally Explorer, you’re enveloped in a cocoon of motorcycle safety.

So here’s the takeaway: the new Tiger 1200 doesn’t just handle; it dances—whether you’re on a dirt track or carving canyons. It offers a sublime blend of agility and security, inviting you to push your boundaries while ensuring you’re always in safe hands—or should I say, paws?