The 2020 Triumph Tiger 900 is bigger, better and oh-so-modern

Autos

For a bike that claims a heritage as the longest-serving adventure bike in motorcycling history – the first Triumph Tiger appeared way back in 1936 – the 2020 Tiger 900 looks pretty darned modern.

Electronically adjustable suspension? Check (even if it’s only available on the rear shock of one particular trim, it’s still pretty darned impressive for a middleweight).

Six riding modes? Again with the affirmative, the Rally Pro model offering riders the choice between Rain, Road, Sport, Off-Road, Rider-configurable and Off-Road Pro configurations.

Hell, 
there’s even a My Triumph connectivity app controlled by a joystick on the handlebar. The Millennials will be so happy.

Of course, there’s a lot more to the new Tiger 900 than just high-techery, the most obvious addition Triumph’s middleweight triple has enjoyed being yet another boost in displacement to 888 cc — that gives it a nice, healthy increase in torque.

Officially, Triumph claims the 900 is good for 64 ft-lbs and 94 horsepower, significant increases both over the outgoing 800 model. Better yet, those 64 torques are produced at a relatively low – for a mid-displacement triple – at 7,250 rpm. The new Tiger should have some grunt!

It will certainly have superior suspension and, in a major upgrade, true off-road worthiness. In the first case, while the three street-oriented models make do with 180 millimetres and 170 mm of suspension travel (front and rear, respectively) for the top-line GT Pro model, the rear Marzocchi shock is electronically adjustable for rebound damping and spring preload (this last being very important if you often carry a passenger and luggage).

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The off-road models, meanwhile, get upgraded Showa suspension with 240 mm and 230 mm of travel front and rear. And in a response to the many Tiger 800 owners who ventured deep into wood and briar, the 900 gets a removable rear subframe – holding the seat and luggage – in case the tubing gets bent in a serious get-off.

Other noteworthies are Brembo Stylema four-piston front brakes, a low-seat-height GT model and secure mobile phone storage, along with a 5V USB power port. Electronic cruise control is available, as are heated grips and even a heated seat (with separate “pillion” temperature control, says Triumph).

Throw in more than 65 Tiger-specific accessories – including Trekker and Expedition packages – and you can outfit the new 900 for both on- and off-road adventures. Look for the new Tiger 900 in Triumph dealerships early this spring.