2020 Triumph Tiger 900 First Look (Rally, GT): 21 Fast Facts

2020 Triumph Tiger 900 GT Pro and Rally Pro

In November, Triumph teased its revamped mid-weight Tiger 900 with an unrevealing 18-second video.

The only official notes we knew until then was that the new 900 would replace the Tiger 800, and the 900 would be offered in three versions – base, GT and Rally.

The teasing is finally over. The official details of the 2020 Triumph Tiger 900 were released Tuesday during an unveiling in St. Louis that included over 100 journalists, distributors, and Triumph aficionados.

2020 Triumph Tiger 900 Lineup

Following is a first look at Triumph’s new Adventure tourer that is set to take on the other ADV middleweights, including the KTM 790 Adventure and BMW F 850 GS.

1. Gone are the confusing naming conventions of the outgoing Tiger 800 XR and XC models (XR, XRx, XRt, XCx, XCa). The Tiger 900 is now available as:

  • Base Tiger 900
  • Rally (off-road focus)
  • GT (on-road focus)

Both the Rally and GT models are available in Pro versions that strengthen both models’ respective capabilities. To compare to the 800 models that were launched in 2010, the Rally replaces the XR, and the GT replaces the XC. In typical Tiger tradition, the on-road GT versions will be offered in a low version (LRT, aka Low Ride Height).

2. The Tiger 900 is updated with a higher-capacity, 12-valve inline three-cylinder engine that produces 10 percent more torque than the outgoing Tiger 800. Total numbers are now 64 ft/lbs of torque at 7250 rpm, with nine-percent more torque in the mid-range. The horsepower remains the same – 94 at 8750 rpm.

2020 Tiger 900 horsepower

3. The 900’s engine now features a 1-3-2 firing order vs the 1-2-3 of the 800. Triumph says the revamped firing order replicates the stronger throttle character, sound and feel of an inline twin in the lower RPM while maintaining the stronger power mid-to-top-range power of an inline-three.

4. The Tiger 900 has a new twin radiator that helps optimize mass centralization, while increasing cooling performance as it reduces coolant volume. The repositioning of the radiator allowed Triumph engineers to move the engine 1.6 inches further forward and nearly an inch lower, which helps to optimize the center of gravity. Triumph says though the repositioned engine is lower, ground clearance is not affected.

5. Other updates to the 900’s engine are a new airbox that allows for easier access to the air filter, and a slip-and-assist clutch.

6. Due to a new steel trellis frame, the Tiger 900s are on average 11 pounds lighter than the Tiger 800s (claimed dry weights: base, 423 pounds; GT, 428 pounds; Rally, 432 pounds). The new frame features a bolt-on aluminum subframe, and removable bolt-on passenger pegs.

2020 Tiger 900 Rally for sale

7. The base, GT and GT Pro Tiger 900s arrive with upgraded Marzocchi suspension with 7.1 inches of wheel travel up front, and 6.7 inches out back. The main difference between the base and GT versions is that the GTs get fully-adjustable suspension front and rear. The base Tiger 900 has only spring-preload adjustment on the shock. The GT Pro is also updated with electronically adjusted rear suspension; GT Pro offers nine levels of damping control, ranging from Comfort (softest) to Sport (firmest), and four preload set-ups. All settings are adjustable from the new full-color TFT dash (seven-inch on GT and Pro models; five-inch on the base model).

8. The Rally and Rally Pro are updated with fully adjustable Showa suspension that offers 9.5 inches of wheel travel up front, and 9.1 inches in the rear. Electronic suspension is not offered on the Rally models.

9. New Brembo Stylema brakes are found on all Triumph 900 Tiger models. Twin 320mm discs squeezed by four-piston monoblock provide stopping power up front, and a single, 254mm disc slowed by a single-piston caliper completes braking duties. ABS is standard.

10. Due to a new IMU developed in conjunction with Continental, the GT, GT Pro, Rally and Rally Pro are updated with Cornering ABS and cornering traction control.

2020 Tiger 900 GT for sale

11. The GT Pro and Rally Pro are further updated with Triumph Shift Assist, which enables clutchless up and downshifts. The shift assist is available as an option for the other Tiger 900 models.

12. Up to six riding modes are available across the Tiger 900 lineup:

  • Rally Pro: Rain, Road, Sport, Off-Road, Rider-configurable, and Off-Road Pro
  • GT Pro: Rain, Road, Sport, Off-Road, and Rider-configurable
  • Rally and GT: Rain, Road, Sport, and Off-Road
  • Base Tiger 900: Rain and Road

13. The fuel tank grows from 5 to 5.3 gallons. At a claimed 55.4 mpg, the Tiger 900 should provide up to 290 miles of travel between gas fill-ups.

14. The ergonomics of all models were tweaked for added comfort, including:

  • Narrower seat
  • Handlebars that are 0.39 inches closer to the rider
  • More upright riding position
  • Seat adjustable by 0.79 inches
  • Single-hand adjustable windscreen

15. New, maintenance-free full LEDs are used within the headlight, taillight, and turn signals. The GT Pro and Rally Pro also feature LED auxiliary fog lights.

16. The GT, GT Pro, Rally, and Rally Pro get phone storage and USB charging.

2020 Tiger 900 gauges

17. The GT Pro and Rally Pro have the My Triumph connectivity system that integrates the rider’s smartphone with the TFT dash. This enables phone calls, GPS navigation, music operation, and GoPro control all from the bike’s joystick control on the left handlebar.

18. The GT Pro and Rally Pro come standard with heated seats (with separate passenger control) and tire pressure monitoring.

19. The color options are as follows:

  • Tiger 900 Rally & Rally Pro: Matte Khaki; Sapphire Black and Pure White; decals and styling inspired by the Tiger Tramontana rally bike
  • Tiger 900 GT & GT Pro: Korosi Red; Sapphire Black and Pure White; all featuring premium tank badges and new decals
  • Tiger 900: Pure White

20. The 2020 Triumph Tiger Rally and Rally Pro will be available in March 2020, and the GT and GT Pro in April 2020. Pricing (MSRP) starts at:

  • Base Tiger 900: $12,500
  • GT: $14,300
  • Rally: $15,000

21. In typical Triumph fashion, over 65 accessories are available for the 2020 Triumph Tiger 900s, including Givi Trekker panniers and top cases, engine protection and LED fog lights. 

2020 Tiger 900 Rally Pro Price

2020 Triumph Tiger 900 Specs

Engine

  • Type: Liquid-cooled, 12-valve, DOHC, inline 3-cylinder
  • Displacement: 888cc
  • Bore x stroke: 78 x 61.9 mm
  • Compression Ratio: 11.27:1
  • Maximum power: 93.9 HP @ 8,750 rpm
  • Maximum Torque: 64 LB-FT (87 Nm) @ 7,250 rpm
  • Fueling: Multi-point sequential electronic fuel injection
  • Exhaust: Stainless steel 3-into-1 header system, side-mounted stainless steel silencer
  • Transmission: 6-speed
  • Clutch: Wet, multi-plate
  • Final drive: Chain

Chassis

  • Frame: Tubular steel frame, bolt-on subframe
  • Swingarm: Twin-sided, cast aluminum alloy
  • Front Suspension:
    • Base: Non-adjustable Marzocchi 45 mm inverted fork, non-adjustable; 7.1 inches of travel
    • GT and GT Pro: Damping-adjustable Marzocchi 45 mm inverted fork; 7.1 inches of travel
    • Rally and Rally Pro: Fully adjustable Showa 45 mm inverted fork; 9.5 inches of travel
  • Rear suspension
    • Base: Spring-preload adjustable Marzocchi shock; 6.7 inches of travel
    • GT: Spring-preload and rebound-damping adjustable Marzocchi shock; 6.7 inches of travel
    • GT Pro: Spring-preload and electronically adjustable rebound-damping Marzocchi shock; 6.7 inches of travel
    • Rally and Rally Pro: Spring-preload and electronically adjustable rebound-damping Showa shock; 9.1 inches of travel
  • Base, GT, and GT Pro Wheels:
    • Type: Cast alloy
    • Front wheel: 19 x 2.5
    • Rear wheel: 17 x 4.25
    • Front tire: 100/90 x 19
    • Rear tire: 150/70 x 17
  • Rally and Rally Pro Wheels/Tires:
    • Type: Spoked Tubeless
    • Front wheel: 21 x 2.15
    • Rear wheel: 17 x 4.25
    • Front tire: 90/90 x 21
    • Rear tire: 150/70 x 17
  • Front brakes: 320mm discs w/ radially mounted Brembo Stylema 4-piston monoblock calipers
  • Rear brake: 254mm disc w/ Brembo 1-piston monoblock caliper
  • ABS: standard (Cornering ABS on GT, GT Pro, Rally, Rally Pro)

Dimensions and Capacities:

  • Wheelbase:
    • Base, GT, and GT Pro: 61.3 inches
    • Rally and Rally Pro: 61.1 inches
  • Rake:
    • Base, GT, and GT Pro: 24.6 degrees
    • Rally and Rally Pro: 24.4 degrees
  • Trail:
    • Base, GT, and GT Pro: 5.25 inches (5.12 inches low model)
    • Rally and Rally Pro: 5.74 inches
  • Seat height:
    • Base, GT, and GT Pro, 31.9 – 32.7 inches
    • GT Low Model: 29.9 – 30.7 inches
    • Rally and Rally Pro, 33.5 – 43.3 inches
  • Fuel tank capacity: 5.3 gallons
  • Dry weight:
    • Base: 423.3 pounds
    • GT: 427.7 pounds (425.5 pouns, low model)
    • GT Pro: 436.5 pounds
    • Rally: 432.1 pounds
    • Rally Pro: 443.1 pounds

2020 Triumph Tiger 900 Colors/Prices:

  • Tiger 900: Pure White/$12,500
  • Tiger 900 GT and GT Pro: Korosi Red; Sapphire Black and Pure White; all featuring premium tank badges and new decals/ $14,300
  • Tiger 900 Rally and Rally Pro: Matte Khaki; Sapphire Black and Pure White; decals and styling inspired by the Tiger Tramontana rally bike/ $15,000

2020 Triumph Tiger 900 Photo Gallery (white, Rally Pro; Red, GT Pro)