Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro in a Practical Test on the Country Road

The Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro combines sportiness, comfort, and off-road capability (which it will demonstrate in our off-road test) in an impressive overall package. Our testing environment, the mountain roads of Lower Austria and Styria, provides the perfect backdrop to thoroughly assess the characteristics of this adventure bike. The experienced testers from 1000PS gain a comprehensive understanding of the performance, handling, and comfort of the Tiger 900 Rally Pro.

Powered by an 888 cc triple engine, the Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro delivers a solid 108 horsepower at 9,500 rpm. This engine ensures a smooth power delivery and offers plenty of grunt at both low and high revs. Especially compared to many twin-cylinder competitors, the triple shines with its harmonious power delivery and extra revviness in the upper range. Many of the seven testers in our group praise the engine's punch, which performs reliably and powerfully on twisty mountain roads as well as steep passages.

Even on long journeys, the triple shows its best side. The throttle response is silky smooth and the power is always controllable. Even in slow corners or during spirited riding on more challenging roads, the Tiger 900 impresses with its elasticity and smoothness. For frequent riders and adventurers, this means an appealing combination of riding pleasure and comfort.

The Showa suspension of the Tiger 900 Rally Pro is among the best in its class. With 240 mm of travel at the front and 230 mm at the rear, it offers ample comfort and reserves without sacrificing precision on the road. The fully adjustable components ensure that the Triumph can adapt to different riding styles and conditions. Particularly on the undulating and sometimes uneven roads of the Styrian mountains, the chassis proves to be extremely capable. It filters out irregularities with confidence, without feeling spongy.

However, some testers criticize that the handling in tight corners feels somewhat sluggish. This is partly due to the large 21-inch front wheel, which maximizes off-road capability but requires more steering input in extremely tight turns. Nevertheless, the machine remains stable even in hairpins and conveys a high level of safety.

The Pro version of the Tiger 900 Rally comes equipped with a standard quickshifter, which ranks among the best in its class. Gear changes are effortless, and the blipper ensures smooth downshifts. Arlo, Vauli, and even Wolf are impressed by the precision of the gearbox and the ease with which gears can be engaged. The quickshifter proves particularly effective in sporty use: when attacking the twisties on mountain roads, it's a joy to rip through the gears of the Tiger without using the clutch.

Another highlight of the Tiger 900 Rally Pro is its excellent ergonomics. The wide handlebars, well-padded seat, and comfortable seat height ranging from 850 to 870 mm ensure a relaxed riding position, suitable for long tours for anyone over 1.75 meters tall. The wind protection is particularly praised, as it works reliably at higher speeds without creating disturbing turbulence.

Passenger comfort is also not neglected in the test. Even with full load and a pillion, the Triumph remains stable and comfortable. The ability to attach luggage systems (like ours from Shad, details below) makes it an ideal companion for adventure travel.

The Brembo Stylema brakes on the Tiger 900 Rally Pro are top of the line. They offer a high level of braking power and are finely adjustable, which is particularly advantageous on steep mountain roads or in emergency situations. Many testers especially highlight the "sharp brakes," which allow for late and precise braking into corners without the suspension diving too much. The supersport brake system on the Tiger is an example of things you have to experience to know you want them. Despite all their sharpness, the brakes impress above all with their adjustability. They provide enough braking power without being too aggressive, which is beneficial on surfaces with poor grip conditions.

The Tiger 900 Rally Pro is equipped with a modern 7-inch TFT display that clearly presents all essential information. However, the relatively long startup time of the display is criticized in the test. The menu navigation could also be a bit faster and more intuitive. Nevertheless, most testers generally rate the display unit as functional and easy to read.

The controls are logically arranged and easily accessible, which facilitates operation even while riding. It is particularly noteworthy that the windscreen can be adjusted with one hand, providing additional comfort.

The Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro offers five different riding modes that can be adapted to various conditions, noticeably altering the riding performance. Gregor and I have highlighted a particular fondness for the Sport mode, which provides a significantly more direct throttle response with a later intervention of the traction control, allowing for a sporty and smooth riding experience in combination with the quickshifter. The engine unleashes its full potential here.

Arlo was particularly taken with the Offroad Pro mode, which largely disables all electronic aids. In his skilled hands, the adventure bike becomes a toy, and the front wheel frequently points skyward. He raves about full control and direct feedback.

The Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro is one of the most versatile adventure bikes currently available on the market. It combines sportiness, comfort, and suitability for rough roads into a well-balanced package. Testers agree: For riders who want to travel both on the road and off-road, the Tiger 900 Rally Pro is an excellent choice. With a price of around 18,000 euros, it is not a bargain, but it offers a wealth of features and a quality that is second to none. Anyone looking for an adventure bike that excels on both perfect asphalt and third-class roads should definitely consider the Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro.

Note: The conclusion below is from the latest general test of the Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro

The SH59X eXpandable Top Case and the eXpandable Side Cases from SHAD offer an innovative solution for motorcycle luggage, appreciated for their functionality and versatility. The SH59X Top Case stands out with its unique expandable design, allowing the loading volume to be adjusted in three positions (L, XL, and XXL), accommodating up to two large flip-up helmets. Thanks to the patented system, the volume can be tailored to the rider's needs: L for daily use, XL for weekend trips, and XXL for longer journeys. It can be conveniently opened, closed, and carried with one hand without needing to leave the key in the lock. The top case is made from an aluminum frame, ensuring stability with minimal weight, and is equipped with practical holding straps to securely fix the load. Shad also offers perfectly fitting inner bags as an option.

The eXpandable Side Cases complement the system and are also designed for comfort and functionality. These cases can be telescopically expanded by up to 70 mm, increasing the loading volume by 40% and providing space for a flip-up helmet (tested up to size XL). The "Double Locking System" guarantees maximum security by locking access to the interior and securing the attachment to the motorcycle simultaneously. The cases are compatible with both systems available from SHAD - 3P and 4P - and offer reliable water protection through the double channel frame with rubber seals. With their aluminum cover, integrated carrying handle, and thoughtful interior featuring nets and a loading tray, these side cases are a sensible addition to the top case, with all three luggage pieces together achieving a loading volume of over 110 liters. The Click System E091CL tank bag is perfect for storing small items like a wallet, phone, GoPro, and water bottle.

In this test, the entire crew opted for the new HJC RPHA 91 Carbon. This helmet presents itself as a high-quality flip-up helmet, particularly scoring with its low weight compared to the regular RPHA 91. The large field of view is especially noteworthy, providing excellent all-around visibility – a real advantage both in urban traffic and on longer tours. The ventilation systems work flawlessly, and the washable, antibacterial lining significantly contributes to wearing comfort, especially in warmer temperatures. Naturally, the helmet meets the ECE 22.06 standard, offering a current safety standard, while the homologation as both a jet and full-face helmet promises flexibility and versatility.

The design range is extensive, catering to different tastes, with the standard Pinlock insert effectively preventing visor fogging. The ratchet closure allows for quick and easy fastening and unfastening, which is practical for everyday use, although it does not quite offer the safety level of a double D-ring closure. At higher speeds, particularly on the highway, the helmet becomes quite loud, which can affect comfort on long rides. Although it is lighter than the regular RPHA 91, it is still not a lightweight in the classic sense. Overall, the HJC RPHA 91 Carbon remains a good choice for motorcyclists looking for a light and comfortable flip-up helmet with versatile applications. The combination of a good field of view, ventilation, and current safety standards makes it a solid companion.

For those of you interested in the SPIDI gear worn during the test, here is a detailed list in the following lines.

Amelie & Gregor:

• Net H2Out Jacket & Crossmaster H2Out Pants: Summer jacket with mesh inserts and removable membrane for flexibility in various weather conditions. The Crossmaster pants offer ventilation openings on the thighs.
• Seamless Compression Shirt & Leggings: Seamless functional underwear for high comfort under protective clothing.
• Back Protector (Warrior Lady for Amelie, Compact Warrior 510 for Gregor): Protect the back individually adjusted with Velcro.
• SPIDI NEO-S LADY Shoes (Amelie) and SPIDI X-GT Gloves (Gregor): Comfortable touring equipment.

Ewald:

• SPIDI Frontier Jacket & Pants: Flexible, lightweight summer clothing with large ventilation openings, but without waterproofing.
• X-GT Gloves, Compression Underwear, Compact Warrior 510 Protector & Warrior Chest: Protection and comfort for long tours.

Patrick & Valentin:

• Super Net Tex Jacket & Protectors (Compact Warrior 510 & Warrior Chest): Lightweight protective layer with protectors attached directly to the body for optimal fit.
• Patrick: Enduro Pro Jacket (with removable sleeves); Valentin: 3L Shell H2Out Jacket (waterproof, with ventilation openings).

Vauli:

• Tech Armor Tex Jacket & SoftShell Mission-T Jacket: The Tech Armor carries protectors directly on the body, complemented by the warming and flexible Mission-T Softshell Jacket.
• Crossmaster H2Out Pants with large ventilation openings.
• Compression Underwear & G-Warrior Gloves: Protection and comfort for long rides.

All testers wore seamless functional underwear as base layers for high comfort and a pleasant body feel.