Depending on the spec level, both the
1200 and 800 see big updates. On the 1200
there's a very nifty full-colour TFT display
with different layout options, multiple riding
modes, semi-active WP suspension, hill-hold
control, adaptive corning LED lights which
help you see around a corner, an electrically
adjustable screen, keyless ignition, heated
grips, Brembo monobloc front brakes,
rev-match up/downshifter, cornering
ABS, heated seats, Arrow titanium/carbon
silencer, cruise control, finger joystick control
for the menu options, and a whole host
more features. The XC models get Off-Road
Pro which allows you to turn off both front
and rear ABS and the traction control, or any
combination to suit your riding. The 1200's
engine has been given a lot of love with a
power figure of 104kW (139hp) and 122Nm
of torque, making it a very gutsy motor.
Triumph says 1200 has had a significant
amount of weight cut from its flanks, up to
11kg depending on the spec level chosen.
The 800 XC and XR models get many of
the 1200's updates too. There's the 5-in
TFT full-colour display, Brembo monobloc
front brakes, LED lighting (but not adaptive
cornering type), updated cruise control, new
joystick menu control, Off-Road Pro riding
mode (on the XC models), heated grips,
WP suspension, cruise control and more.
Like the 1200, the 800's engine is updated
too. Triumph says the new motor is mass-
optimised and offers more immediate low-
down power and breathes through a free-er
flowing exhaust.
We took the opportunity to hop on a few
of the bikes at the launch, but I made a
towards the XC models in both the 1200
and 800 capacities. I'm a big fan of the wire-
wheel look and was looking forward to
great sections of gravel road on Triumph's
well-chosen test route, which included tight
twisting tar seal, some great gravel as well as
fast, flowing main roads. These are some first
ride impressions. We'll test the bikes more
thoroughly in an upcoming issue of KR.
KIWI RIDER 75