Ridefast August 2022

TRIUMPH
Tiger 1200 launch
Normality.
That’s a cool word to use these days. After so many virtual motorcycle
presentations, it was the first time in a while that a “Real” new
motorcycle launch was hosted by the Triumph importers. Look, touch
feel, ride. And a visit to all of our favorite places in Mpumalanga to
sample the new Tiger 1200’s.
1200’s? Plural.
Well yes. There are two renditions of the bike – and then variations of
each of those. But for the sake of simplicity – one model has a smaller
19” mag front wheel, while the other hosts a 21” spoked front. We’ll call
them big wheel and small wheel.
The base for this launch event was the very impressive Casterbridge Hollow
hotel and shopping centre on the outskirts of White River. If you have never
paid them a visit, you need to go and kuier – just – hide that credit card
away. The hotel is really impressive – and that is surrounded by a collection
of quaint shops, complete with a motor museum, art galleries and a movie
house. Two great restaurants – one aimed at tourists and the other for “local
is lekker” are within walking distance. It’s a great place to stay or to just to kill a
couple of hours on your next visit to Mpumalanga.
We were greeted by a bevy of gleaming British ladies and very cloudy, overcast
skies that had our hosts a bit on edge about the weather. Those forest roads
literally turn to slime in the wet… Not much fun.
That afternoon was spent chatting about the bikes with an in depth presentation by
the technical guys.
It’s very clear that Triumph has aimed these bikes squarely at the big shaft driven
adventure market – and on paper anyway, they really have dotted the I’s and crossed
the T’s. In addition to a complete chassis and engine redesign over the Tigers
predecessor, the bikes literally drip with electronic magic. Looking at our
buyers guide, in the big ADV segment currently these bikes are also some of
the best bang for your buck on the SA market.