Tiger 900 Vs Tiger 1200
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- Опубликовано: 21 янв 2021
- Two Tigers, different beasts! I take the Tiger 900 out and compare it to my Tiger 1200. How different is it and is it a worthy contender should you wish to scale down? (GT Pro & XCa).
One thing I neglected to mention (because I didn't know at the time) is the 900's 6K mile service interval Vs the 1200's 10K. If you do big annual mileage that needs to be minded. I wonder if this is to do with a small lube oil capacity, 3.65 litres Vs the 1200's 4.5 litres? 
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Cracking review Terry, I have been thinking of changing my 1200 XRT to a 900 or 800 mainly due to my age and the weight of the 1200 (moving it around the garage) but it is such a good bike to let go. You have highlighted a few things for me to think about in the future ( when you know what f**** off and we can all get back out for a ride) all the best mate.
Too kind! Yes, doesn’t matter how much this thing weighs if we can’t get out on them! When this pandemic is over I’d be happy with a 250cc if it meant you could ride.
Nice review. I bought the GT 900 Pro three weeks ago and am loving it. I agree that the vibrations aren't intrusive. Love the different riding modes, but usually leave it in sport in the dry and rain in the wet. Road feels pretty good in any situation. It has very smooth power throughout the rev range, great brakes, the best suspension of any bike I"ve ever ridden and is perfect for filtering through dense city traffic, where I unfortunately spend much of my time, due to it"s perfect low-speed stability and balance. Also really appreciated the heated grips and seat at the moment. I can't think of anything I would really want to change for now. Some reviewers have complained about the tires but I can't fault them. Only downside, too easy to break the speed limits.
Yes, it’s a cracking bike Tony and I really enjoyed riding it. Wouldn’t of minded a sunny day to give sport mode a blast. It is very quick of the mark but that clutch feel helps a lot there too. Enjoy!
I just had my 2020 1200 Desert Edition out for a blast on an unusually warm day. 4K RPMs in 6th gear at 70MPH - very slight vibes. I'm 6'3" so I put on a PUIG taller windscreen, and also some up and back bar risers (one inch up, one inch back.). It is now perfect for me. I am constantly blown away by the torque, pulling hard without a downshift, with a glorious sound. I don't maximize all the gadgets - I only use sport and rain modes. I could give up modes all together, but I won't part with my center stand, the up/down blipper, and cruise control.
Yes, the 1200 engine is a unique beast and it’s power delivery is very well suited to the quick shifter, both up and down. I would miss the electric screen though.
Helpful review thanks. The GT, as opposed to the GT Pro, also doesn’t have a centre stand or the quick shift, as well as the other things you mentioned. When I added up the bits I wanted It was more economic to get the GT Pro. I’ve gone from 1200 Bonneville bikes to this 900 for practical, two up, light touring. Also for fun solo riding around West Country Roads. Some good tips I’ll bear in mind thanks.
Thanks for pointing that out Pete and good points. The quick-shifter is a must just because it is so good. I bet you are loving the extra suspension travel over the Bonneville. A great bike as a light or longer run tourer, especially round the West Country.
I too had the 900 out when the 1200 was in the shop, they have done wonders with the 900, the only thing I missed from the 1200 was the screen, the weight issue was a massive deal for me. I unfortunately was in no position to buy the 900 and with a valve check due at the next service also a few hundred pounds to extend the warranty I decided to part with the 1200 too, happy motorcycling.
Yes, the weight does it for many, it’s always at 0-5 mph. I’ll tell anyone who’ll listen to go for the low version if they can’t totally flat foot on the standard models.
Thank you for a good and interesting review. Waiting for my GT PRO to come to Saint-Petersburg, Russia in two weeks to make me travel for long distances, hope it will be a good bike.
It will be brilliant, it is a joy to ride. Congratulations on the new wheels! 👍
@@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff thanks)
A bit late now, but the gap at the front of the seat is because the front bar under the seat is not correctly positioned in the slot. It's VERY fiddly and difficult to get it right, but it does close that gap when fitted correctly. :)
EDIT: Ah, ok. Just read a similar comment further down. Never mind!
no, thanks for the confirmation. I did fiddle but wasn't proficient enough at the time. I couldn't believe Triumph would of designed it that bad.
Loving my Tiger 1200 Desert Edition so much. Riding bikes since 1976 and I've ridden and owned almost too many to remember. My 2020 Tiger 1200 is heavenly/ Fits like a glove (6' 2"), all day comfort. ,I haven't had a ride on the 900 but I'm so pleased with the 1200 I'm not sure I could lose the hassle free shaft, auto electronic suspension, two finger linked brakes etc. now that I've grown to love them. Triumph are building some great bikes, but why the honey jar fluid reservoir in 2021? Billet version in accessories catalog I suppose. Thanks for the real world, real rider/owner comparison/appraisal. Much appreciated.
Cheers Dill, the Desert Edition is such a looker, can't fault that paintjob. I'll stick with the 1200 too, not ready to let my comfort bus go yet.
Great review , very professional 👍 I’ve got this bike and love it ,it’s a real do it all bike! however I’ve had some real sketchy moments with the front tyre that tramlines ( only at lower speeds 30/40 mph) I will have to change them very soon . By the way that seat doesn’t look like its clicked in the right position ! The strong points are the engine and the breaks are awesome 👍 👍 sounds like it could be your next bike .
Thanks Paul. Looks like I didn't try hard enough to work that seat out, good to know it does go flush and that was my mistake. Engine and Brakes, yes both superb and you never know about future ownership!
Hi Terry I have just taken delivery of a Tiger 900. Your great review helped with my decision making! How did u get the seat to go flush against the tank. I currently have a gap like the one you had. Best George
@@georgeturkington5591 I never did George but Paul says it does. I didn’t have enough time with the bike to really sort it out. Enjoy the 900, cracking bike. Glad you found my impromptu review useful.
@@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff thanks Terry. I enjoy your channel. Keep up the great work.
First of all thank you for your upload this video. Very detailed explanation. I just wondering you said not too much differences between gt pro and rally pro on price side. Which one we should choice ? . I mean what is opinion ? It rally pro worth extra money ? Best regards..
I was actually mentioning at the end the top of the range 900 was getting close to 1200 pricing. I think the Rally Pro is the better looking bike (spokes, paint job) but it is very tall. If your riding was mostly road based and you were not tall I would go the GT or GT Pro. Having said all that if you don’t need the 6-Axis IMU the 850 Sport looks well for the money. More basic yes but might be all one needs if you don’t want cruise control and other creature comforts.
Nice review of the 900. Got an inckling for one of these bikes.
Take a test drive, fantastic set of wheels! I really enjoyed my few hours with it.
Agree with you on the TFT screen,it need a sdtting with old school taco. Just to much going on. Like the last setting you found an less colours.
I have a 800,and l have to say its very kind to the chain, 6 months and no adjuting yet. My vstrom was atleast 1 time a month. So getting back on a chain are no fuzz😊.
Great review sir.
Yes, a good chain will take a lot and they aren’t nearly so much hassle these days. I'm not sure I would even bother with an automatic oiler; a can would do me. 800 a fine machine with engine characteristics similar to the 1200. Cheers.
@@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff if you have a centerstand it takes me 20sec to lube the chain. Like the smooth engien. Its just great.
@@toby7504 agree, easy.
Great review love the way you've done it on this bike loads of info. How ever please tone the music inserts down.when you talking quietly and I have to turn up the volume, the sudden blast of music is shocking and not needed
Roger 👍
Cannot be doing with chains, I will wait for the updated 1200 before trading up my current Tiger 1200
It will be interesting to see a new Tiger 1200 (1300) indeed.
I am glad you pointed that only one headlight comes on in low beam. It is definitely a mistake by Triumph. The headlight is symmetric, but the function is asymmetric.
It looks odd, reduces light on the road and also visibility to others. Well wishers also want to tell you only one light is working.
Four such a great bike it is a shame, and is also the reason I am overlooking it.
It wouldn’t stop me buying the bike but I’d rather it wasn’t like that. But it will stop some as you just pointed out.
I don't buy bikes with only one light. My ocd would never cope with it. It's a manufacturing choice. The ninja 650 has 2 the crf1100l has 2 moto guzzi has 2 cbr500 i could go on.... ninja 400 all the multstrada's now the bmws s1000rr s1000xr r1250rs. And bmw started the wonky light thing
@@chrishart8548 I agree, don’t like it.
@@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff it's a bit like on some cars there is only one reversing light and the other side has a fog light. Seems so stingy.
@@chrishart8548 yes, very stingy on those reversing lights! 😁. It never looks good.
Always amazed how some places they loan you a bike while your bike is in service while here its very hard to try a bike even when you want to buy it…
I like that they removed they bad keyless system, one less thing to fail.
The Triumph dealer here is very good with a loaner if yours is in for a service. It’s not guaranteed though as they are their demo bikes. They do have a good few demo bikes here I will say. Yes, I thoroughly enjoyed a 🔑!
I Terry, do you now if the triumph Oem headlight protector guard for day use , aid so any issues, cheers great video
It is marked for "off-road use only" but it is fine during the day in that it doesn't affect your visibility. The DRL pattern is still very distinct behind it. It might possibly distort the light beam at night though and I would leave it off for that.
I own both a 2020 900 GT LRH , and a 2018 1200 XCX . 5' 1" , and enjoy the 1200 over the 900 . My 1200 is not a LRH or lowered . Heated Stock seat on 900 GT blows ! Went to a Sargent seat , and its very nice . Do enjoy the crossplane firing on the 900 .
That’s interesting. I did like the 900 engine I will say. The 1200 shines in other ways.
@@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff I may do a video soon on owning both.
@@bryanlarrimer138 great idea, I’ll keep an eye out.
I think the new 1200 will be the ideal machine Terry
I had the 900 while 19 ‘ 800 XCA was in for a service and found it too small & raspy. Was glad to get on the 800 again
Oh and I reckon the new 1200 will be closer to the weight of the 800
So let’s hold out for it
Now that is good to get a perspective from an 800 owner. Yes, I think the new 1200 might be a big improvement. I hope they give it some decent paint colours.
A guy I've ridden with in the past couple of videos recently bought a 900, cannot remember the trim though. Nice "comparison" Terry! By the way, does it ever rain in the UK...?...LOL!
The UK, it's Ireland Ron, it rains here more than the UK! I think the GT and Rally make the most financial sense in the 900, the Pro versions have just got a little too fruity on price.
What do you think about the butt ugly brake fluid reservoir on the 900? I changed mine the day after I bought it.
Yes, a bit cheap I will say but they are trying to hit a price point and are forced into it I reckon. Handy that it is remote and can be changed easy enough, good thinking.
As I’m watching your review I noticed a couple of little things...
My tiger 900 low ride height edition has preload adjuster on one shock and damping adjuster on the other upfront with fully adjustable manual on the rear.
That gap between the seat and tank is because you don’t have the seat installed properly very easy to put the tongue in the wrong position when sliding the seat in the low position and you wind up with that gap. Installed properly the seat will also be a couple of millimetres lower.
Do you not mean compression damping on one fork and rebound damping on the other? That is the same as the 1200 too. No preload on either bike up front. This seems to be a common layout these days. I would definitely go for the GT rather than the GT Pro, adjusting the preload/damping on the rear is easy to do and not an inconvenience at all. I should of tried harder with the seat/tank fit, good to know it will fit flush.
@@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff I think you’re looking for page 147-148 of the manual for the forks.
At least according to the Canadian version of the manual that came with my bike I’m correct.
And yes, with the seat there’s two rungs at the tank, and for each of the two positions on the seat adjusters.
It’s very easy To get the seat into the top rung at the tank, well having the seat adjusters set to the lower position and that creates the gap you saw at the tank.
Hello i went from a 2018 1200 xrx to a 2020 rally pro because of the weight difference and still managed to drop it in the garden!
The seat when in the high position looks a bit ‘iffy’ to me
Apart from that all seems good
The Rally is very tall, not suprised. Really enjoyed my time on it, totally different bike to ride, a complete hoot. I can see one in my future but they do need to come up with a more premium and inspiring paint/graphics job, the choices are spectacularly average.
@@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff 6 foot 1 with a 33inch inside leg the gt felt too small for me
@@stephenmetcalfe1627 I bet it did, I was surprised how low it was. Good for me though.
You have the best private garage that I have ever seen
It’s handy alright. 👍
Not to quibble, but I’m not convinced one “goes down” to a 900 (5:12). I realize there’s around 300 fewer cc’s, but does that bring the bike down . . . or up? Also, aesthetics aside, the asymmetric lighting is a conspicuity feature; it’s because we’re hard wired to expect symmetry that anything asymmetric catches our attention - similarly how a wee serpentine maneuver helps to catch the eye of left-turning (right turning in the UK) killer cagers. After all, if we want to keep riding, best to be alive, in one piece.
Quibble away, no problem at all, I know what you are saying.
Nice review! What did you do to lower your 1200?
Lust 20mm lowering kit with replacement TSAS control rod. Works well👍
Good vid but..I have this bike and a 30 inch inseam, i cannot flat foot with the seat at the high seat position as you say you can in your video. Even on the low seat setting i can only just flat foot. Are you sure you really have a 29 inch inseam?
I'm really sure, if not 29 then 29.5". You have the GT/GT Pro yes, not the Rally? Ah, I know what it is, when fully clobbered up I am at 115Kg (18st), I am sitting that rear down a bit more than most folk I suspect!
@@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff Yes i have the gt pro, I think you have solved it, might be your extra weight that is helping out, i weigh 12 stone. Looks like i will need to eat a few more pies instead of buying the platform shoes lol.
@@mikem4969 Rather an extreme solution Mike! :-)
Great review, what country is this ?
Thank you. Ireland.
I have an 800, I wish the clutch was light. Nice review.
I take it it is a bit heavy on the 800 then? The cable clutch was very nice on the 900 I will say, better than my hydraulic clutch.
@@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff my 800 takes 2-3x the pull of any other bike I have owned. It’s my one really complaint. Especially off-road where you are riding the clutch all the time.
@@jasonshortphd ooh, some pull then. I take it this is from new and it’s not just an aging cable that needs oiling/replacing?
@@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff I bought it used, so I have no idea. It’s a 2014. But I changed the cable almost immediately and it helped, but it is still the hardest clutch I have ever had.
Don’t know if it’s just me, but ever since the 900 surfaced, it seems to have a cheaper look than the 1200. Maybe just the colours and graphics. I won’t buy a bike with chain drive, but am awaiting the new 1200 with interest.
I agree, the paint choices for the 900 adventure range is very poor and the decals are bland. I think it detracts from what is a premium bike with premium components. It is almost as if the Thailand factory has a limited technology paint booth or something (I totally made that up, I know nothing of automotive paint production). I swapped my 2016 Africa Twin for my Tiger 1200 and I will say the paint/decals on the Honda were very attractive by comparison to the Tiger 900. The 1200 gets away with it as there is more going on with that design in terms of sections and badging. In fact the new 850 Sport makes a much better attempt at making a splash with the colours/decals. If I bought a 900 I would be on the lookout for an aftermarket decal set. The new 1200 will be very interesting, can't wait to see what direction they take.
The 900 is still a much cheaper bike than the 1200. A used 1200 would cost as much as a brand new 800 in the past. Isn't the cheapest 900 still under £10k that's cheap compared to most things. The pro versions are more like duccati 950 multistrada money
@@chrishart8548 no, they got rid of the cheap 900 and now call it the 850 Sport which is good value if you don’t want all the 6-Axis stuff.
@@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff They shouldnt even make Rally Pro in other colors than the Khaki Green which is its primary color at least here at dealer, green is absolutely gorgeous on it and people wow at it at parking. The white and black colours look just cheap. Its not just the color, but the texture etc. Everything matches in the green Rally Pro, and everything else looks poor.
@@samuraidoggy the green really does suit the bike and as you say is the best. I wonder if the new sand colour will look as well?
Probably does not matter but the 1200 Desert is assembled in England and the 900 in Asia.
Yes, I think the 1200 will be the last of them in the UK.
What about vibration ? lots of people are complaining for
Not an issue, not sure what people are talking about in that respect.
@@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff good to know ! I ll go for a test ride as soon as possible
Thanks
People will complain of vibrations unless there isn’t any...and even then someone will say there’s too much 😂if it’s an issue, put bigger bar ends on easy solution
@@gamekeeper687 - but I would say it doesn’t even need extra bar ends, I just didn’t find it an issue at all.
@@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff as I say people complain to complain, I don’t have an issue with it
I'm sorry there is big difference between a chain drive 900 and a shaft drive 1200, lol! Drive them for a year!
Oh yes, they are different, I wasn’t trying to say they weren’t. I was probably trying to get over how good the 900 was and that if a 1200 owner went to the 900 they would not be disappointed. Pros and Cons for both, the big weight difference is noticeable at slow speeds which was nice.
I really want the Rally but I readily flat foot The GT with a bend in the knee. Oh well that's an excuse to test ride two bikes
😬definitely!
No replacement for displacement, I choose the 1200 because it's more practical, cruises comfortably. The 900 screams and revs make you a headache and curse your bike👎
This true but I did think that the 900 was excellent all the same. I’ll be keeping my 1200 for now though. 👍
Nice vid, but the music is off putting.
Sort Tom 👍
I hope that speedo's in kilometres/hour not miles/hour, otherwise that thing's got a lot more ponies than advertised . . .
It is, I’m in Ireland 👍
Seat it hooked incorrectly
I realised later 👍
My wife actually preferred the 1200 over the 900 as a passenger, because she easily could look over my head.
Good observation Matt. I hadn’t thought of the front/rear seat height differences. 👍
The shaft, ......
These new zero maintenance chains are going to replace them soon enough I think. Having said that I reckon the next Tiger 12xx will be shaft drive too.
@@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff No such thing as zero maintenance anything, ever, never. The shaft is what's pulling me between the GSA and a Tiger... Im now researching longevity and maintenance costs between the 2 brands. Thanks for the vid.
@@stevejames9510 The GS/GSA shaft seems to have a maintenance schedule, the Tiger has one shaft drive oil change at the first break in service then that is it, no oil change required.
@@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff Im going down a Triumph research rabbit hole now . Copy, Im finding the Triumphs are running 3-6 thousand lower in $$$. That has got my attention. BUT, Im a oil changing fool. I like a fresh lube way ahead of schedule. Thanks Terry!! Good stuff.
🐯Tigersport 1160❔🏍💨
It’s got to be hasn’t it?
@@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff - i'd like that, but i really wonder ⁉️ hope
900 is better
900 is “different” but much easier to ride👍.
- - - -FUCKING OVERTAKING - ACTIONS - - -ON 1200 - - - NOPE - - -NOPE - - -NO GOOD EXAMPLE ! ! ! - - -
😬😲
Should you REALLY be doing 74mph in a 30mph limit - again and again ?? You give bikers a bad name :((
Where am I doing this? A lot of country roads in Ireland have house drives coming on to them and what looks like a village environment is actually not one. I am in Ireland and the Speedo is km/hr.