KIWI RIDER 12 2019 VOL2 | Page 82

TRIUMPH TIGER 900 T riumph’s response to the exploding middleweight adventure class is a bigger and better take on the Tiger concept – the Tiger 900. Unlike previous iterations, Triumph has drastically simplified the naming conventions for the new Tiger family, dropping the confusing letter based designations for the much simpler GT and Rally base models with a Pro designation for the top specification versions of each. As is the industry trend, the Tiger grows in capacity moving into 2020 and ever- tightening Euro emissions standards. For ‘20 the Tiger 900 will be boasting an 888cc triple- cylinder engine with 10% more torque than the outgoing model and a broader spread of power throughout the rev range. Peak power is a claimed 95PS (93.7hp) at 8750rpm. In addition to the radical new styling, which dramatically slims down the front end of the bike, Triumph claims to have 82 KIWI RIDER dropped up to 5kg of weight when the Tiger 900 is compared to the Tiger 800. Triumph has also worked to improve the rider ergonomics of the new Tiger 900 are also. With a narrower seat width and the handlebars positioned 10mm closer, the result is meant to be a more comfortable upright riding position as well as a greater level of rider control when static and on the move. Additionally, each model has a dedicated and unique footrest position to suit the expected style of riding, and a built-in easily adjustable two-position seat height mechanism. This enables the rider to change the seat height by 20mm to their preferred set-up. Triumph has clearly listened to feedback on the old Tiger 800 chassis, with the new 900 moving away from the single-piece frame to a bolt-on subframe design which also has the benefit of contributing to that lighter overall weight.