The Adventure Bike That Deserves More Attention Than It Gets
The middleweight adventure bike segment is packed, dominated by some amazing and highly capable options. These options deserve all the praise they get; they are that good. However, they end up taking most of the spotlight, leaving some equally good options in the shadows. This article is about one such premium middleweight adventure bike, which deserves a lot more attention than it gets. Here’s why.
Some Middleweight ADVs Are Justifiably Highly Rated
The middleweight adventure bike segment is a highly contested space, even at the upper end. That space is dominated mostly by European models, starting with the Aprilia Tuareg 660 and KTM 890 Adventure R, known for their capabilities. Other notable players are the BMW F 900 GS and Ducati DesertX V2, known for their premium feel and comfort. From Japan, the only notable model is the Yamaha Tenere 700 World Raid, standing toe-to-toe with its European rivals.
Each of these ADVs has carved out a unique identity in the segment. The Tuareg 660 offers a balance of lightweight handling, advanced electronics, and serious off-road credentials. Similarly, the KTM 890 Adventure is well-regarded as one of the most capable large-capacity adventure bikes off-road, thanks to its rally-inspired chassis, long-travel suspension, and punchy engine.
On the other hand, the BMW F 900 GS offers BMW’s fit and finish, along with enduro-level off-road focus and high-end features. The Ducati DesertX V2 is the premium choice of the segment, combining high-performance Ducati V-twin character with premium electronics and stunning design. Yamaha’s Tenere 700 World Raid offers a balance of off-road capability and bulletproof reliability we’ve come to expect from Japanese manufacturers.
It’s easy to see why these models are so popular today: they bring something unique to the table that other rivals do not. However, there is one premium middleweight ADV that generally flies under the radar but offers an arguably better balance than the rest. That’s not to say it beats every rival in its area of expertise, but it comes much closer than almost any other ADV to doing everything well. It’s premium, capable both on- and off-road, packed with features, and reliable. It’s the Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro.
The Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro Is The Underrated Middleweight Gem
The Triumph Tiger 900 range is already known for long-range comfort and class-leading performance, and the Tiger 900 Rally Pro sits at the very top of this lineup. Compared to other Tiger 900 models, the Rally Pro offers the most off-road-ready performance, courtesy of the high-end Showa suspension, along with the tried-and-tested inline-triple performance dishing out over 100 horsepower. This combination allows the Tiger 900 Rally Pro to hang with much lighter bikes on trails and be a fun machine to enjoy on the road.
Triumph balances this performance with long-haul comfort and versatility. The fully adjustable suspension lets you dial it in for the occasion, while the inline-triple engine is said to offer low-end tractability and mid-range punch. Then there are high-end features, like heated grips and seats, along with comfortable ergonomics and wind protection. Not to forget, Triumph motorcycles are also relatively easy to own compared to other Euro rivals and quite reliable in the long run.
This Might Be The Most Balanced Premium Middleweight ADV
It has a premium fit and finish that can rival the DesertX and F 900 GS, along with off-road credentials to rival the Tuareg 660 and 890 Adventure R. And it can be nearly as reliable as the Tenere 700 World Raid. This balance comes at a cost, though, with a starting price of $17,595. That’s considerably more expensive than even the full-size Honda Africa Twin, but the Tiger 900 Rally Pro makes it all worth it with its performance, reliability, and features.
There Is A Unique Inline-Triple Character (And Howl) With High-End Underpinnings
At the heart of the Tiger 900 Rally Pro sits Triumph’s 888cc T-Plane inline-triple engine, featuring DOHC, liquid cooling, and a 13.0:1 compression ratio. As a result, the engine produces 106.5 horsepower at 9,500 RPM (13 percent more than the previous Tiger 900) and 66.4 pound-feet of torque at 6,850 RPM. What makes this inline-triple’s power delivery even better is its 1,2,3 firing order, which not only gives the bike its raspy inline-triple exhaust note but also a versatile character.
Inherent Versatility From The Inline-Triple Engine
Triumph says the inline-triple engine is uniquely flexible and capable, in a way you wouldn’t find on other engine formats like a parallel-twin or an inline-four. That’s thanks to the inherent advantage inline-triples bring, combining twin-cylinder tractability and four-cylinder top-end, and the T-Plane engine builds on that with its 1,2,3 firing order.
The result is an engine that is said to offer smooth low-end torque with fine throttle control for technical off-roading and urban crawling. As the revs climb, the T-Plane engine is said to be free-revving and meaty, making it easy for highway cruising or having some fun on the road. As you get closer to the redline, the engine is said to offer an inline-four-like searing top-end that should make for an exhilarating ride up a mountain road.
High-End Frame And Suspension Setup
The bike’s chassis and suspension setup follow the same principle of versatility. The frame is a tubular steel trellis kind with a bolt-on aluminum subframe, helping the bike tip the scales at 503 pounds. According to Triumph, this frame is designed to offer a combination of flexibility and strength that provides feedback and confidence on the road while withstanding the rigors of off-road riding. The frame is also said to offer high-speed stability and low-speed balance.
The frame sits on fully adjustable, long-travel Showa suspension on either end. The front gets a 45mm upside-down fork, and the rear features a monoshock, and both ends offer over 9 inches of wheel travel. That’s enough to soak up the biggest hits off-road and take heavy landings without breaking a seal. Triumph says the suspension’s top-end stroke is tuned to be supple enough to soak up minor road undulations, adding to the bike’s overall comfort.
Helping the bike’s off-road capability are a set of 21/17-inch tubeless spoked wheels shod in Bridgestone Battlax Adventure tires. This setup should handle both off-roading and touring without the hassle of tubes. Rounding out the package are high-end Brembo brakes. At the front, there are dual 3200mm rotors gripped by top-shelf Brembo Stylema calipers, paired with a single 255mm rotor gripped by a single-piston caliper at the back. This is among the best braking setups in the segment, by the way.
Comfortable Ergonomics, Aided By A Rich Tech Suite
In the Tiger 900 lineup, the Rally Pro is designed for maximum adventure and minimum fatigue, regardless of the terrain. And playing a major role here is the bike’s ergonomics. To that end, the rider’s seat is adjustable by 0.78 inches, with the lowest position sitting 33.86 inches off the ground. It’s complemented by a vibration-reducing handle that’s 15mm closer than on other Tiger 900 models. This should offer more agility while sitting or standing. Finally, there’s the adjustable windscreen that should offer adequate wind protection while touring.
An Advanced Tech Suite
Swing your leg over, and the first thing you’ll notice in the cockpit is the large 7-inch TFT display with smartphone connectivity. There are also heated rider and pillion seats and heated grips, making cold-hour rides more tolerable. The bike also gets six riding modes (including Off-Road Pro) and cruise control. Safety is taken care of by cornering-enabled traction control and ABS, marker lights, emergency braking warning, and a tire-pressure monitoring system (TPMS).
Source: Triumph
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