TRIUMPH’S SEEN THE LIGHT WITH ITS TIGERS

When legendary Lotus car designer Colin Chapman was asked what his secret was, he said: “Simplify, then add lightness.” Triumph has certainly taken the latter on board, since the Tiger 1200 GT, the lightest version of its biggest adventure bike, is 240kg.

- GEOFF HILL

That’s pretty remarkable given that the original Tiger 1200 in 2011 weighed in at 267kg. Even the Rally Explorer I was about to ride, with a 30-litre tank instead of the GT’s 20, is 261kg.

But boy, this Explorer is tall. The seat height of 895mm meant I dislocated both hips and a knee swinging my leg over it. And I’m 6ft 7ins. As a result, anyone under 6ft can stop reading now and go and make a nice cup of tea.

Ride off, and that weight loss is apparent in the handling which is a doddle even at walking pace. At speed, progress is gloriously swift and smooth even in Road mode.