Motorcycle specifications Triumph900 TIGER T430 1997

when, in 1992, the Hinckley factory set about designing the big trail bike sorely lacking from its reborn but ambitious range, it faced 2 problems. Triumph built its new range on a policy of extreme rationalization. For example, 90% of the parts on a Trident, Trophy or Daytona are identical. This industrial policy is effective, but somewhat restricts designers' possibilities. What's more, the market for large trail bikes is fiercely competitive, and the British brand needs to be able to position itself in an original way if it is to establish itself in this niche.

having to make do with their catalog of parts and their in-house engine, the engineers designed a big trail bike whose distinctive feature would be to be the most roadworthy, the biggest, the most powerful...

the Tiger was presented in 1993. It uses the 3-cylinder, 885cc engine that quickly became the standard. However, Triumph was forced to make a major departure from its policy of rationalization. While the frame remains close to that of the road bikes, the suspension, wheels and complete bodywork are specific to the Tiger. It would have been difficult to do otherwise.

the engine is also adapted to its new setting. It's defrosted to 85 hp, but in return gets a fuller torque curve, to give the Tiger a breath of fresh air that no one else can boast. The results speak for themselves: the Tiger passes 200 km/h top speed, and trails the Yamaha Super Ténéré by a good second on a 400m standing start (1.5 seconds for the 750 AfricaTwin). The 3-cylinder's character is respected, and its on-road origins bring new blood to the category, still under the yoke of the Dakars Replicas.

let's face it, this newcomer doesn't play in the league of the segment's tenors. The Tiger has no pretension of wearing out its spikes off-road. It's dedicated exclusively to the road, and prefers to adorn itself with a sober dress rather than a multitude of advertising stickers. In fact, this bike was one of the inspirations for the GT trail bike craze, now represented by the BMW R 1200 GS, Suzuki V-Strom or Honda Varadero.

but the Tiger is still a trail bike. And while it has all the advantages of a trail bike (relaxed, upright riding position, long-travel suspension comfort, very stable chassis), it is not exempt from the category's recurring weaknesses (seat height, high center of gravity, etc.). All the more so since, weighing in at over 257 kg with full tanks, you need to be careful when maneuvering at a standstill or at very low speeds.

and yet, once in the saddle, this big trail bike is agile and lively, thanks to the power of its engine. And the Tiger is never more at ease than when coming out of a curve, to the rider's great delight: an ultra-versatile toy, capable of traveling (heavy riders will add a high bubble) and wandering.

the Tiger will undergo minor modifications over the years. A new luggage rack here, a new clutch there, or a Showa fork there, will keep it in step with the competition, which is constantly sharpening its models (notably the BMW R 1100 GS released in 1994). In 1999, the big Triumph will be given a thorough overhaul to continue its magnificent career as a trail GT (see 900 Tiger 1999-2001).

M.B - internet photos