Building on a legacy of approachable size, striking aesthetics, and the beloved triple-cylinder engine, the updated Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro brings subtle but meaningful improvements. Uzair Abdul-Karrim took it for a whirl. Pictures by Uzair and Triumph Motorcycles.
For 2024, the updates to the Tiger 900 Rally Pro are evolutionary rather than revolutionary, focusing on refinement rather than a complete overhaul. Did Triumph hit the mark?
More power
The biggest improvement lies in the powerplant. The 888cc T-plane crank triple engine now delivers 79,5 kW, a significant increase from the previous 70 kW. Torque has also been bumped to 90 Nm (up from 87 Nm), with the peak arriving at 6 850 rpm, which is 500 rpm lower than before.
These adjustments make the engine both more powerful and more tractable, enhancing its usability across various scenarios.
Styling
Visually, the Tiger retains its distinctive look, but minor tweaks include redesigned fairing plastics and a slightly reshaped beak. New colour options are available, though the green shade still comes exclusively with a white chassis. While these changes are subtle, they maintain the Tiger’s understated yet purposeful aesthetic.
Ergonomic updates include handlebars moved 15 mm closer to the rider and a re-profiled seat for improved comfort. The result is a familiar Tiger riding position, though taller riders may still find the reach to the bars slightly long.
Instruments
One of the most significant updates is the improved TFT display and user interface. The previous version, though functional, suffered from a cluttered design. The new layout simplifies the experience, with a clean speedometer and rev counter at the center, complemented by a small mode indicator, fuel gauge, ambient temperature, and time.
Navigation is controlled via a joystick on the left handlebar, which is glove-friendly and intuitive. Backlit switchgear adds a premium touch and is especially handy during nighttime rides.
Chassis, brakes and suspension
Triumph has wisely left the Tiger 900’s chassis untouched, as it was already an excellent foundation. The Showa suspension offers 240 mm of travel at the front and 230 mm at the rear, with full adjustability to handle a range of terrains.
The combination of plush damping and controlled rebound makes it equally adept at absorbing potholes and tackling rugged trails.
Stopping power
Braking duties are handled by Brembo Stylema four-piston calipers at the front and a single-piston unit at the rear. This premium setup provides strong, predictable stopping power with excellent modulation, ensuring confidence whether you’re navigating city traffic or descending a gravel path.
On-road performance
Adventure bikes often walk a fine line between road and off-road capabilities, and the Tiger 900 Rally Pro excels on asphalt.
In urban environments, the bike feels light and agile, with the punchy triple engine delivering smooth acceleration that makes overtaking effortless. The upright seating position provides excellent visibility, while the long-travel suspension easily absorbs the potholes and uneven surfaces common in cities like Johannesburg.
Highway riding
On the highway, the Tiger comes into its own. The updated engine’s additional power is particularly noticeable when overtaking or cruising at higher speeds, where it feels more relaxed and composed than its predecessor.
Touring is further enhanced by standard features such as heated grips and seats (for both rider and pillion), cruise control, a windscreen adjustable on the fly, and Bluetooth connectivity for navigation and media control.
Improved stability
Strong crosswinds, often a bane for tall adventure bikes, are impressively managed by the Tiger 900. While older models could feel unsettled, the 2024 version tracks straight and true, reducing rider fatigue on long journeys.
When the road begins to twist, the Tiger 900 Rally Pro defies expectations for a bike with a 21-inch front wheel. It handles with surprising agility, allowing quick transitions between corners and delivering precise feedback from the front end.
On bumpy backroads, the Tiger’s suspension smooths out imperfections, allowing you to keep pace with sportier bikes.
Off-road performance
The Tiger’s true versatility becomes evident when the pavement ends. Equipped with “Off-Road” mode, the bike adjusts throttle response, loosens traction control, and disables rear ABS to better suit dirt riding.
Gravel skills
On gravel roads around the Vredefort Dome, the Tiger proved capable and confidence-inspiring. The Bridgestone A41 tires, though primarily road-focused, performed adequately on dry dirt paths and light sand.
Thanks to its well-balanced chassis and low center of gravity, the Tiger feels less top-heavy than its 200+ kg weight might suggest.
Rough stuff
The Showa suspension once again shines off-road, absorbing washboard surfaces and rocky patches without unsettling the bike. Braking performance is equally impressive, with the rear brake offering good modulation and the front providing consistent feel and power.
While the Tiger 900 Rally Pro isn’t as off-road focused as competitors like the Yamaha Ténéré 700 or KTM 890 Adventure R, it remains highly capable on moderate trails. Its forgiving nature makes it accessible to novice riders, while experienced adventurers will appreciate its stability and balance in trickier terrain.
Touring and comfort
Long-distance comfort is a hallmark of the Tiger 900 Rally Pro. The re-profiled seat provides support for hours in the saddle, and features like cruise control and heated grips make it an excellent companion for extended rides.
The adjustable windscreen effectively reduces wind buffeting, while the bike’s excellent fuel efficiency ensures fewer stops on long trips.
Should you buy one?
Having ridden various versions of the Tiger – and even owning a first-gen 800XC – I can confidently say that the Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro strengthens the mid-weight adventure lineup’s appeal.
The motorcycle justifies its price with top-tier components like Showa suspension, Brembo brakes, and a host of standard features, including multiple riding modes, a quickshifter, crash protection, and heated seats.
While it may not match the hardcore dirt capabilities of some competitors, its superior road manners and comprehensive feature set make it an attractive option for a broad range of riders.
Verdict and rating
Whether you’re touring, tackling twisties, or exploring dirt trails, the Tiger 900 Rally Pro delivers a versatile and enjoyable experience. Its rev-happy triple engine and refined ergonomics further cement its position as a standout contender in the segment.
The Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro costs R285 000 and scores 5 out of 5.
5.0 out of 5.0 stars
