Triumph Tiger 1200 (2022+, including GT and Rally) Simplified Maintenance Schedule
This is the maintenance schedule with associated service intervals for the Triumph Tiger 1200 motorcycles refreshed for 2022, in GT and Rally spec.
The 2022 Triumph Tiger 1200 range has an all-new T-plane engine that’s actually slightly smaller in capacity than the 2018-2021 Triumph Tiger 1200 (see the “About” section for more about the motorcycle).
All motorcycles in the 2022+ Triumph Tiger range share a 1160cc inline 3-cylinder engine with a new firing order called “T-plane”. The engine is still DOHC of course, and makes peak power of 110 kW (150 PS/ 148 bhp) at 9000 rpm, with peak torque of 130 Nm (96 lbf-ft) at 7000 rpm.
Final drive is via a six-speed gearbox and shaft, as with the outgoing model.
The Tiger 1200 range for 2022 is classified into “GT” (road-going) and “Rally” (adventure) spec, with spec level differences. But they share the same drivetrain, from a maintenance perspective differing in suspension and tire specs, and so share a maintenance schedule.
Here are all the Triumph Tiger 1200 maintenance schedules we have:
- Triumph Tiger 1200 2016-2017 (WIP)
- Triumph Tiger 1200 (2012-2021) — 1215 cc motor, including XC and XR spec
- Triumph Tiger 1200 (2022+) — 1160cc motor, including GT and Rally spec
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Triumph Tiger 1200 (2022+) Service Intervals
Maintaining the 2022+ Tiger 1200 is a bit different from the earlier gen. For starters, there’s now a mandated service interval on the final drive oil. But there are also a few things eliminated in the upgraded engine, like the need to balance the throttle bodies.
Overall, the 2022+ Triumph Tiger 1200 has 10000 mi / 16000 km service intervals between oil and oil filter changes, which is very wide.
The major service needs to be done every 20000 miles / 32000 km, which involves changing the plugs, checking / adjusting the valve clearances, and also checking / adjusting the camshaft timing.
For the 2022 spec, Triumph only recommends changing the air filter every 20000 miles / 32000 km, but change it more often if you ride the Tiger in adverse conditions (wet / dust).
The Triumph 1200 range has a shaft final drive, so there’s no chain to maintain. Unlike the former Tiger 1200, Triumph recommends changing the final drive oil on the new lightweight final drive of the 2022 Tiger 1200 — every two years.
What you need to service the Triumph Tiger 1200 (2022+)
If you’re servicing the Triumph Tiger 1200, you’ll need the basics of a servicing toolkit. Nothing fancy, but you at least need motorcycle maintenance tools — things like an oil catch pan, a paddock stand, and so on.
Here are the specific consumables you need to order for the Triumph Tiger 1200.
| Part | Triumph Tiger 1200 (2022) spec |
|---|---|
| Oil | Triumph recommends 10W/40 or 10W/50 semi or fully synthetic motorcycle engine oil that meets specification API SH (or higher) and JASO MA, such as Castrol Power 1 Racing 4T 10W-40 (fully synthetic) engine oil, sold as Castrol Power RS Racing 4T 10W-40 (fully synthetic) in some countries. Tighten the oil drain plug to 25 Nm using a torque wrench / 18 lbf-ft. |
| Oil filter | Replace the oil filter every time you change the oil. Use Triumph part number T1218001 (you’ll find this part on a LOT of Triumphs!), for which you’ll need a special triumph tool to open it (part T3880313). You can also use a Hiflofiltro HF204RC for which you just need a wrench. |
| Brake fluid | Triumph motorcycles need DOT 4 brake fluid and clutch fluid (the 1200 series has a hydraulic clutch), e.g. Castrol DOT 4. |
| Coolant | Triumph uses HD4X Hybrid Organic Acid Technology coolant with a 50% ethylene glycol mix. Zerex G05 is a HOAT coolant that meets this spec. |
| Final drive oil | For topping up, Triumph requires 75W/90 fully synthetic hypoid oil that meets specification API Service Level GL5, such as Castrol SAF-XO fully synthetic hypoid oil. Tighten the filler plug to 25 Nm. |
| Front brake pads | Standard brake pads code is T2028671, a BRM11E set. The equivalent part number for EBC brakes is FA447HH. (Note, different from the 2018-2021 spec) |
| Rear brake pads | Use original part number T2024956. The equivalent part number for EBC brakes is FA213HH. (Note, different from the 2018-2021 spec) |
| Spark plugs | NGK code LMAR9E-J, different from the earlier spec. Make sure they’re gapped to 0.7mm (+/- 0.05-0.1mm) with an appropriate spark plug gap tool. |
| Air filter | The part number for the air filter is T2205659. You can also use a DNA performance filter, part P-TR12E22-01. |
Luckily, as it’s shaft-driven, you don’t need to worry about maintaining a chain! But you do need to change the final drive oil of the 2022+ Tiger 1200.
Maintenance Schedule for the Triumph Tiger 1200 (2022)
The following is the list of maintenance operations and to be done on this motorcycle with a distance or time interval — whichever comes earlier.
Part of the below table includes checks you should do every day.
Triumph Tiger 1200 — Daily checks
Do these checks every day, as well as at your periodic service interval.
| Triumph Tiger 1200 (2022+) Daily Checks |
|---|
| Check engine and oil cooler for leaks Check engine oil level when bike is upright, off side and centre stand, with engine at operating temp after running for ~5 minutes, then waiting 3 minutes |
| Throttle — Smooth, returns to base, and free play is 2-3 mm (0.08-0.12 in) |
| Fuel system — Check for leaks, chafing etc. |
| Cooling system — Check for no leaks |
| Coolant level — Check, and top up if necessary |
| Clutch — Check operation Can do a leak check, but it’s only mandated at break-in |
| Clutch fluid levels — Check (between min and max), top up if necessary (Castrol DOT 4) |
| Wheels — Inspect for damage |
| Spoked Wheels (if fitted) – check broken or damaged spokes and check spoke tightness |
| Tires — Check for wear / damage |
| Tire pressure — Check / adjust |
| Steering — Check for free operation (no notchiness) |
| Front and rear suspension — Check for smooth operation, and no leaks / damage |
| Brake system — Check operation, checking for correct resistance. ABS warning light has to go off after riding above 6 mph / 10 km/h |
| Brake pads — Check wear levels (min 1.5 mm / 0.06 in). Replace as necessary |
| Brake fluid levels — Check (between min and max), top up as necessary (Castrol DOT 4) Note that brake fluid level drops as brake pads wear. |
| Final drive — Check for leaks |
| Bank angle indicators — check for wear |
| Side / Centre stand (if fitted) — check for wear, smooth operation |
| Nuts, Bolts, Fasteners — Visually check that all fasteners are tight, and not damaged. |
Triumph Tiger 1200 — Maintenance schedule table
In addition to the daily checks above, follow the below maintenance schedule. We also separated out an “annual service checklist” below.
Notes
- For items with both a time-based and distance based intervals (e.g. oil changes), follow the earlier of the two.
- The break-in schedule is omitted. It includes an oil and filter change, final drive oil change, and all items under the daily and annual checks.
- The final drive oil change only needs to be done at the first service.
| mi x 1000 | 10 | 20 | 30 | 40 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| km x 1000 | 16 | 32 | 48 | 64 | Every |
| Perform the daily checklist (see above) and annual service checklist (below) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
| Engine oil – replace (Castrol Power 1 Racing 4T 10W-40) Tighten to 25 Nm | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
| Engine oil filter – renew (HF204RC) Tighten to 10 Nm | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
| Air filter – Replace (P-TR12E22-01) Replace more often if riding in wet / dusty conditions | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Spark plugs – replace (NGK LMAR9E-J) | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Valve clearances – check/adjust | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Camshaft timing – check/adjust | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Coolant – Replace (Triumph HD4X or an alternative e.g. Zerex G05) | 4 years | ||||
| Final drive oil — Replace (Castrol SAF-XO fully synthetic hypoid) Retighten filler plug to 25 Nm / 18 lbf-ft. | 2 years | ||||
| Clutch fluid – Replace (Castrol DOT 4) | 2 years | ||||
| Brake fluid – Replace (Castrol DOT 4) | 2 years | ||||
| Centre stand pivots — Clean / grease | 2 years | ||||
| Headstock bearings – check / adjust Triumph notes it is not necessary to do this at the first service | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Swinging arm spindle — Lubricate | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Rear suspension unit and linkage – Lubricate | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Wheel bearings — Check for wear / smooth operation | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Fork oil – replace | ✓ |
Annual service list
This is the list of annual service items to do on your Triumph Tiger 1200. Do these according to the schedule above.
Notes:
- Items marked [T] need Triumph specialist tools.
- Items marked * don’t need necessarily to be done annually if you’ve done no distance.
| Tiger 1200 Annual Service checklist (2022+ model) |
|---|
| [T] Autoscan – carry out a full Autoscan using the Triumph diagnostic tool |
| [T] Instruments, chassis ECM, keyless ECM and engine ECM – check for latest calibration download using Triumph diagnostic tool |
| Coolant hoses — Check for chafing, cracks or damage. |
| Clutch lever pivot — Lubricate |
| Final drive oil level – check * |
| Lights, instruments, and electrical systems — Check / adjust |
| Smart key battery — Renew |
| [T] Service bulletin and warranty work — Perform |
| Road test — Perform |
| [T] Reset service indicator, fill out service record book |
About the Triumph Tiger 1200 range (2022+)
The Triumph Tiger 1200 is a popular adventure sport motorcycle, competing with the BMW R 1250 GS and the Ducati Multistrada V4.
The 1200 is the bigger motorcycle of the Tiger range — Triumph also has a popular corresponding Triumph Tiger 900 “middleweight” adventure motorcycle, which is also quite high spec.
The core of the 2022+ Tiger 1200 is a totally new “T-Plane” engine, which has smaller capacity than the outgoing gen, while still being a top-tier performer.
The engine is still a liquid-cooled 12-valve DOHC 3-cylinder engine. But the capacity is 1160 cc (down from 1215 cc).
Here’s how the generations of engine line up
| Tiger 1200 Generation | 2018-2021 | 2022+ |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 1215 cc | 1160 cc |
| Bore / Stroke (mm) | 85 x 71.4 | 90.0 / 60.7 |
| Compression ratio | 11.0:1 | 13.2:1 |
| Firing angles between cylinders | 240-240-240 (even) | 180-270-270 (offset) |
| Peak power | 104 kW / 141 PS / 139 bhp at 9350 rpm | 110.4 kW / 150 PS / 148 bhp at 9000 rpm |
| Peak torque | 122 Nm / 90 lbf-ft at 7600 rpm | 130 Nm / 96 lbf-ft at 7000 rpm |
So what are the differences in a nutshell? The new engine runs with a higher average compression ratio, which lets Triumph tune it for more peak power.
Aside from the engine, Triumph improved a lot of things on the new generation Triumph 1200s. They improved brakes, from a standard road-going Brembo 4-piston setup to race-ready Brembo Stylema calipers — standard on all models.
For the off-road range, Triumph now has a 21-inch front tire setup, which is de rigueur for off-road exploring.
Triumph also introduced an all-new 7-inch TFT screen, LED lighting with DRLs, keyless ignition, and even a blind spot radar. But despite having a radar, the 2022 Triumph Tiger does not have adaptive cruise control.
The 2022 Triumph Tiger 1200s all also have a more easily adjustable screen, which you can adjust with one hand. Convenient while you have cruise control on… though you probably shouldn’t do that.
(On that note, it’s somewhat shocking that the 2022 Triumph Tiger 1200 GT (base model) does not come with standard cruise control. In a day where many mid-spec adventure bikes and even some sport bikes have standard cruise, it seems crazy that this would be actively excluded.)
With all those changes, Triumph managed to reduce the weight of the Tiger 1200, making it more than 25 kg (55 lb) lighter than the previous gen, and per their specs, “up to 17 kg lighter than the closest shaft-drive competition”, by which I hope they mean the BMW R 1250 GS. However, BMW has closed any gap it may have had with the 2024+ BMW R 1300 GS.
As with previously, Triumph has a “road-going” and an “off-road ready” spec of Triumph Tiger 1200.
There are three road-going specs, and two off-road specs. The main difference is that the off-road versions get longer-travel suspension and 21-inch tires.
| Tiger 1200 Generation | Road-going | Adventure |
|---|---|---|
| Base spec | GT | n/a |
| Mid-spec | GT Pro | Rally Pro |
| Top spec | GT Explorer | Rally Explorer |
Here’s more detail about what each spec gets.
| Spec level | GT | GT Pro | GT Explorer | Rally Pro | Rally Explorer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tank capacity (L) | 20 | 20 | 30 | 20 | 30 |
| Suspension travel front | 200 | 200 | 200 | 220 | 220 |
| Suspension travel rear | 200 | 200 | 200 | 220 | 220 |
| Ride modes | 3 (Rain, Road, Sport | 5 (+ Rider, and Off-road) | 5 (+ Rider, and Off-road) | 6 (+ Off-road Pro) | 6 (+ Off-road Pro) |
| Cruise control | Optional | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Blind spot radar | No | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| Adaptive cornering lights | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Hill hold | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Quickshifter (Shift Assist) | Optional | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Heated grips | Optional | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Heated seats (Rider + Pillion) | Optional | Optional | Yes | Optional | Yes |
| Wheel sizes | Cast 19/18 | Cast 19/18 | Cast 19/18 | Spoked 21/18 | Spoked 21/18 |
| Centre stand | Optional | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Tire type | Metzeler Tourance | Metzeler Tourance | Metzeler Tourance | Metzeler Karoo Street | Metzeler Karoo Street |
| TPMS | Optional | Optional | Yes | Optional | Yes |
All of the Tiger 1200 models still have “Optimised Cornering ABS” and “Optimised Cornering Traction Control”, which the previous generation did too.
Triumph Tiger GT — The base model with a 19-inch cast front wheel and missing most niceties. 20L tank, no cruise control, no standard heated grips or seats or quickshifter. But it has the engine with all its glory.
The Triumph Tiger GT Pro — the mid-spec adventurer, with heated grips and cruise control, as well as adaptive cornering lights — but no blind spot detection.
The GT Explorer — Top spec road rider, with blind spot detection, standard heated seats (even for the pillion!), and a TPMS.
Tiger 1200 Rally Pro — the mid-spec adventurer, with longer-travel suspension and wire-spoked (tubeless) wheels, with a 21-inch front.
Tiger 1200 Rally Explorer, the top-spec adventurer, with standard TPMS, dual heated seats, and a blind spot radar.
Alternatives to the Triumph Tiger 1200
Below is a slider of all the top-spec big-bore adventure motorcycles for you to compare.
BMW R 1300 GS (2024+)
The BMW R 1300 GS (2024+), is the latest in the long line of GS boxer-powered adventure motorcycles. It’s a high-power, high-spec, and very capable adventure tourer, designed to be at home on highways or on dusty 4×4 paths. It’s powered by a 1300 cc liquid-cooled boxer engine with VVT (“ShiftCam”). The R 1300 GS replaces the already high-spec R 1250 GS, with updates including optional radar-supported adaptive cruise control, improved Telelever design, improved optional dynamic suspension, and 12 kg / 26 lb reduced weight. The R 1300 GS “Adventure” is not yet available, though the GS is available with optional 20mm longer travel suspension (just not a longer-range tank).
Ducati Multistrada V4
Ducati’s latest incarnation of its Multistrada is the Ducati Multistrada V4, powered by Ducati’s V4 Granturismo motor, which makes impressive power of 125 kW / 170 hp at 10000 rpm) and has super long 36000 mile / 60000 km major maintenance intervals, thanks to a traditional spring valve return — no desmo. The Multi V4 has loads of things that make it special, including active “Skyhook” suspension, and a popular option of radar-based adaptive cruise control.
Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250
Harley-Davidson released the Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250, surprising markets by releasing not just an adventure motorcycle, but one with a liquid-cooled engine that’s packed with an array of tech and which makes a surprising amount of power. It combines peak power of 112 kW / 150 hp at 9000 rpm with hydraulic self-adjusting valve lifters, meaning it never needs a valve service. The Pan America has a neat trick of lowering itself at low speed, to make it easier to flat-foot at lights. On top of that, the Pan America comes with cornering ABS, cruise control, and 19/17-inch wheel combo with optional spoked rims.
Honda Africa Twin CRF1100L
The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin is Honda’s continuation of the revival of an iconic brand that put them on the map as adventure touring manufacturers. The 2016+ models are powered by a parallel twin “Unicam” engine which has a 270-degree crankshaft, and has loads of torque and character. The Africa Twin has a 21-inch front tire and comes with tubes in some configurations, which is something to be aware of. The 1100+ model has cruise control and a 6-axis IMU for cornering ABS, and optional semi-active suspension.
KTM 1290 Super Adventure S / R
The KTM 1290 Super Adventure R (along with its sibling, the Super Adventure S) is a bike that has so much power and character that some find it overwhelming. Both bikes are powered by the LC8 V-twin, a 1301 cc liquid-cooled high-power beast that also powers the 1290 Super Duke R. It makes 118 kW / 160 hp @ 8750 rpm, and gobloads of torque. The S is the street bike, with a smaller front rim, semi-active suspension, and radar-supported active cruise control, and the R is the off-road adventurer with long-travel suspension (non active), both rims spoked with a 21-inch front wheel, and a shorter screen.
Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE
The Suzuki V-Strom 1000 and 1050 (same 1037 cc engine capacity for a while) have always been budget contenders in the adventure touring market, but this doesn’t mean they’re not capable and very well-equipped — plus stylish! For 2023, Suzuki updated the 1050 to the V-Strom 1050DE, bestowing upon it a 21-inch front wheel and letting you disable rear ABS for off-road riding. Otherwise, the V-Strom 1050DE is the same V-twin powered adventure bike with a motor that traces its architecture back to the groundbreaking Suzuki TL1000S. The V-Strom 1050DE doesn’t have all the latest tech (e.g. radar or active suspension) that its competitors do, but it has cruise and an IMU, and a much lower sticker price.
Triumph Tiger 1200 Rally / Explorer
Triumph has been making the big triple-powered Explorer 1200 for many years, but in recent years has made concerted efforts to make it more off road-ready. The Triumph Tiger 1200 Rally Explorer (and Rally Pro) replace the XE and XC models, and they’re the same concept — a big adventure tourer powered by an 1160 cc triple, powering the rear through a shaft drive, a relative rarity in this class. The Rally models have a 21-inch front wheel, still with a tubeless tire, and semi-active suspension.
Yamaha Super Ténéré XTZ1200
The Yamaha Super Ténéré XTZ1200 is almost forgotten next to its middleweight sibling, the darling Ténéré 700, but for a long time was the secret alternative to the GS. The “S10”, as it’s affectionately known, is powered by an 1198 cc big bore parallel twin with a 270-degree crankshaft, and puts power down through a shaft drive. The ES version lets you electronically control rear preload and front and rear damping. Aside from the introduction of the option of ES, the XTZ1200 hasn’t had major updates since 2014 and has been discontinued in some markets.
Manual for the Triumph Tiger 1200 (2022+)
The above maintenance schedule comes directly from the user’s manual for the Triumph Tiger 1200 range, all of which share a common user manual for 2022+.
The manual is available on the Triumph web site.
