British manufacturer Triumph Motorcycles debuted its improved Tiger 900 dual-sport or adventure-tourer range towards the end of last year. Since its predecessor (Tiger 800 range) is quite popular in India’s premium motorcycle segment, enthusiasts have been eagerly waiting for its launch. The ongoing COVID-19 crisis may have caused a delay in the brand’s initial plans.
Somewhat around this time in April, Triumph Motorcycles India had added the Tiger 900 on its official website’s configurator section. However, the ‘Adventure’ category lists only the Tiger 800 and Tiger 1200 even though ‘Tiger 900’ first ride reports are available in the ‘Press Reviews’ section. As a sign of hope, the brand has now teased the adventure tourer motorcycle on its official Twitter handle with the hashtag, #AdventureTransformed.
Compared to the outgoing Tiger 800, the new Tiger 900 offers more than just improved cosmetics, slimmer dimensions and added equipment. As its higher numeral signifies, the motorcycle gets a near-100cc bump in displacement from 799cc to 888cc. Furthermore, Triumph Motorcycles has added a T-plane crankshaft and lighter internals alongside a new firing order (1-3-2 instead of 1-2-3).
Coming soon…#AdventureTransformed pic.twitter.com/ebkfxh2QNk
— TriumphIndiaOfficial (@IndiaTriumph) May 20, 2020
As a result, it produces a peak torque of 87Nm @ 7,250rpm (up from 79Nm @ 8,050rpm) while having a better mid-range (12% improved response). Power remains roughly the same at 94bhp @ 8,750rpm. Triumph Motorcycles claims that the new motor sounds even better than before.
In the highest variant, notable features include a full-TFT 7.0-inch instrument console, heated grips, six riding modes (Rain, Road, Sport, Off-Road, Off-Road Pro plus a custom setting), bi-directional quickshifter, cornering traction control (and ABS), 12V power outlet, cruise control, TMPS and more. In the global portfolio, the Tiger 900 comes in six variants: base, GT, GT Low, GT Pro, Rally and Rally Pro. Colour choices include Pure White, Sapphire Black, Korosi Red and Matte Khaki.
Reports state that India would receive only two variants: GT and Rally. Prices are expected to start at roughly Rs 12 lakh and Rs 14 lakh ex-showroom, respectively. The former will replace the road-focused alloy-wheeled Tiger 800 XR range while the latter would take the position of the spoke-wheeled off-road-ready Tiger 800 XC. In comparison to the 800 XC, the 900 Rally boasts of tubeless tyres.
As usual, customers can choose from a host of official Triumph Motorcycles accessories (viewable in online configurator) for added functionality. Once launched, the 2020 Triumph Tiger 900 will face immense competition from alternatives by BMW Motorrad India, Ducati and Kawasaki.
Source: Bike - rushlane.com
