Motorcycle specifications Triumph Tiger 1200 Desert Edition 2020 A reflection of the plain

As soon as you open the garage door, you can smell the hot sand. Yet there's no grain on the floor, no page written by Thérèse Zrihen-Dvir, no appendix from the Sahel stashed under the mezzanine. These hints of escapism actually come from the 1200 Tiger Desert Edition. A name rather than a hope, intended to offer more with this special series.

It is based on the Tiger XCx, a more adventure-oriented model than the XR range. Triumph chose this name more as a tribute than for its more purposeful abilities. For a few hundred euros more, this Tiger 1200 Desert is fitted with a titanium Arrow silencer with carbon end cap and clamp. The boot features an Up&Down shifter to relieve the strain on the left hand. Last but not least, S.E. badges, stickers and a special livery identify this trail bike from the antipodes. The "Sandstorm" paintwork looks like something out of autumn.

This package is clearly a bargain, although it brings this maxi-trail even closer to the psychological frontier of a maxi-price. Let's put things into perspective: the XCx and XCa already cost an arm and a leg each.
This is to be expected, given that Triumph has put a lot of butter and jam on the Tiger toast. In addition to the exhaust, deco and shifter, the 1200 Desert Edition comes with semi-active suspension, a color TFT screen, 5 riding modes (Road - Rain - Sport - Off-Road - Off-Road Pro), an aluminum hoof, crashbars, electric windscreen, inertial unit, ABS and cornering traction control, keyless start, radiator protection, cardan shaft, LED lighting, backlit controls...... Phew, I'm taking a break.

not the engine, which has enough power and displacement to traverse long stretches of road. The 1215 cm3 3-cylinder delivers 141 bhp and almost 12.5 mkg of torque. Copious power for a trail bike. To be driven like a ship, as the beast weighs in at just under 250 kilos. You can't handle or catch up with a quarter-ton like a quintal KX.

The freedom of travel comes with the grainy, enthusiastic sound of the engine. A little more relief would be appreciated, especially to give it more personality. Before setting off, we'll take the time to complete the list of equipment, left a paragraph in abeyance. Whether pleasant or practical, we'll sample the heated grips, center stand, cruise control, 4-piston Brembo brake calipers, automatic turn signals, 3 power sockets (1 USB and two 12V), adjustable seat and spoked wheels.

The first thing to do if you really want to soak the tires in mud, stone, profiles and surprises, is to change the shoes for real off-road tires. Mixed compounds can go a long way, but not too far; they're more road-oriented. But that's not the feeling that drives the Desert Edition.

M.B - Manufacturer's photos