The Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro: “purr to Roar in 4.7s”

Triumph’s Tiger 900 Rally Pro has made a comeback with a vengeance, boasting a lineup of updates that touch nearly every part of the beast—engine, ergonomics, electronics, and even its service intervals. The result? A motorcycle that’s just as comfortable shredding trails as it is carving through twisty tarmac. The Tiger 900 Rally Pro has evolved into a dual-sport powerhouse that balances raw performance with polished refinement, proving once again that it’s a bike equally at home kicking up dirt or cruising through city streets with a smug sense of superiority.

Engine and Performance

At the heart of the new Tiger 900 Rally Pro is an updated 888cc T-plane triple engine that’s undergone significant changes. With new pistons, a higher compression ratio, larger inlet ports, updated camshafts, and a redesigned exhaust system, the engine is a masterpiece of engineering.

These changes translate into more power and torque throughout the rev range, making the bike equally thrilling on the road and confident off-road. It has a punchy initial hit of torque perfect for off-road riding but remains smooth and predictable, even in trickier conditions. In Sport mode, the throttle response is razor-sharp, while Off-road mode tempers the urgency, ensuring that power delivery doesn’t overwhelm dirt trails.

For less experienced riders tackling off-road terrain, Rain mode softens the engine’s response further and works seamlessly with the off-road traction control. While the system can be a bit intrusive for seasoned riders, it’s a great safety net for newcomers.

On the road, the engine feels refined, with less vibration than its predecessor thanks to Triumph’s tweaks. The Rally Pro can be sporty and ferocious when pushed but calm and composed during long, steady highway stretches.

Chassis and Suspension

Triumph has equipped the Rally Pro with long-travel Showa suspension—240mm at the front and 230mm at the rear—that delivers excellent feedback and feel, whether you’re riding on the road or off it. The setup balances the demands of an adventure bike beautifully, though the initial stroke of the forks can feel aggressive under heavy braking. Thankfully, the fully adjustable suspension allows riders to fine-tune the settings to suit their preferences.

The 21-inch front wheel and Bridgestone Battlax Adventure tires handle dirt trails confidently while maintaining stability on tarmac. On the road, the suspension strikes a great balance between control and comfort, avoiding the wallowy feel typical of long-travel setups.

Ergonomics and Comfort

The 2024 Tiger 900 Rally Pro boasts a comfortable, spacious cockpit that makes long-distance travel a breeze. Updates include a thicker, flatter seat with extra padding and wide handlebars relocated 15mm closer to the rider. This improves comfort both while seated and standing during off-road sections.

The windscreen, although not the sleekest design, offers excellent protection with smooth airflow and can be adjusted on the go with one hand. Low footpegs add to the comfort factor, making all-day riding manageable.

That said, the bike’s weight—228kg fully fueled—can feel a bit high, particularly at slower speeds. Riders shorter than the standard seat height of 860mm might find it a challenge to handle in tricky, low-speed scenarios.

Fuel Economy and Range

The Tiger 900 Rally Pro is impressively fuel-efficient, averaging 55–60mpg on the road and around 50mpg during off-road adventures. With its 20L fuel tank, riders can expect a real-world range of over 200 miles (320+ km), making it perfect for long-distance adventures that mix tarmac with dirt.

Electronics and Reliability

Triumph has packed the Rally Pro with an array of advanced electronics, including rider modes, traction control, and a smooth quickshifter/autoblipper system. The throttle connection feels sublime across modes, even at low revs.

In terms of reliability, Triumph has addressed previous complaints about service costs and maintenance intervals. The valve clearance check interval has been increased to 28,000km, reducing overall servicing costs—a welcome change for long-term owners.

On and Off the Beaten Path

On the road, the Rally Pro shines as a mile-munching adventure machine. It’s smooth, stable, and sharp through corners, with its Brembo Stylema brakes offering plenty of stopping power. However, the front forks dive aggressively under hard braking, which could benefit from more progression.

Off-road, the updates are even more apparent. The relocated handlebars, improved suspension feedback, and smooth engine make the bike feel more confident on dirt than ever before. However, its high weight and tall stance mean it’s not the most agile off-road machine at low speeds.

Verdict

The 2024 Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro is a significant step up from its predecessor. With improved ride quality, refined engine performance, and enhanced off-road capability, it’s now a serious contender in the middleweight adventure segment. Whether you’re tackling open trails or covering hundreds of miles on tarmac, the Rally Pro delivers a premium, versatile experience that feels as good as it looks.

For riders seeking a capable all-rounder that can handle the rough stuff without sacrificing on-road comfort, Triumph’s Tiger 900 Rally Pro is undoubtedly worth a test ride.

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Bhavneet Vaswani
Bhavneet Vaswani

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