It’s hard to believe over a year has passed since I brought home my 2024 Triumph Tiger 1200 Rally Pro and said goodbye to my Tiger 900 Rally Pro. The 900 had been a loyal, capable adventure bike that took me around 10 different European countries. However, stepping up to Triumph’s flagship was always going to be a different experience altogether. Bigger, heavier and far more imposing, the Tiger 1200 demanded respect from day one.

After a full year of ownership, covering a mix of long-distance touring, everyday riding and slower technical manoeuvring, I finally feel like I’ve truly tamed the Tiger 1200 Rally Pro.

The Jump from Tiger 900 Rally Pro to Tiger 1200 Rally Pro

The most immediate difference when moving from the Tiger 900 Rally Pro to the Tiger 1200 Rally Pro is size and weight. On paper, the figures don’t look dramatic, but in the real world the extra bulk is instantly noticeable. The bike feels wider, taller and more substantial, particularly when pushing it around the garage or dealing with uneven surfaces.

At low speeds, the weight commands attention. Slow manoeuvres require planning, and you quickly learn to think ahead when choosing where to stop. However, once rolling, the Tiger 1200 disguises its mass impressively well. At speed it feels planted, stable and incredibly confidence-inspiring. On faster A-roads and motorways, it’s actually more composed than the Tiger 900 ever felt.

Seat Height, Weight and Riding Confidence at 5’9”

One of the things Triumph has done particularly well with the Tiger 1200 is offer genuine flexibility when it comes to seat height. An optional low seat reduces the height by 20mm, and with the preload reduction feature fitted, the suspension can be lowered by up to a further 20mm at the touch of a button. With the low seat installed, this brings the minimum seat height down to a very manageable 855mm.

That flexibility mattered to me. At 5’9”, seat height was one of my biggest concerns with the Tiger 1200 Rally Pro. Adventure bikes are getting taller, and the 1200 is no exception, so opting for the lowered seat was an easy decision – and one I haven’t regretted.

While I still can’t flat-foot the bike, the improved reach makes a noticeable difference when stopping on cambers, slopes or loose ground. That extra reassurance takes the edge off the bike’s weight and allows me to focus on riding, rather than worrying about keeping it upright.

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Triumph Tiger 1200 Rally Pro Design and Aesthetics

In terms of looks, the Tiger 1200 Rally Pro is a clear step up from the 900. While the Tiger 900 Rally Pro is a good-looking bike, the 1200 simply wears its size better. The proportions feel right, and the overall design looks purposeful rather than busy.

The bodywork and plastics are particularly well executed. They fit neatly, feel robust and complement the bike’s rugged, long-distance adventure character. Park it up and it genuinely looks like a premium adventure motorcycle built for serious travel. Even after a year, it still turns heads — including my own.

Compare this to the current offering from its main rival the BMW R1300GS, where there is certainly some Marmite options in terms of aesthetics, unless you go for the GS Trophy colour scheme.

Shaft Drive: Low Maintenance, High Value

One of the standout features of the Triumph Tiger 1200 Rally Pro is the shaft drive, and after a year of ownership, I wouldn’t want to go back to a chain. The reduced maintenance is a genuine benefit, especially if you ride year-round.

No chain cleaning, no adjustment after wet rides, and no last-minute faffing before a long trip. It’s a simple, practical feature that suits the Tiger 1200 perfectly and reinforces its role as a true long-distance adventure bike.

One Year Review: Is the Tiger 1200 Rally Pro Worth It?

The Tiger 1200 Rally Pro isn’t a bike you instantly master. It takes time to adjust to the weight and height, especially if you’re coming from something like the Tiger 900. But with patience, it rewards you with comfort, stability and an impressive sense of capability.

As a step up from the Tiger 900 Rally Pro, it delivers where it matters most:

• Greater road presence
• Improved long-distance comfort
• Better high-speed stability
• Reduced maintenance thanks to shaft drive

After twelve months, my early apprehension has been replaced by confidence and appreciation, the Tiger feels properly tamed, and it’s become a bike I can trust. However, it is inevitable that as I get older the effort to move the bike around when stationary will present a challenge. So downsizing to a mid-weight adventure bike is something of a certainty – but not just yet as the Tiger and I have some travelling to do first.

Final Thoughts on the Triumph Tiger 1200 Rally Pro

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