Triumph Tiger 1200 Alpine Edition Review
"The best big adventure triple money can buy used."
Used Buyer Review
The Alpine Edition is essentially a dressed-up Tiger 1200 XCa with some tasteful cosmetics and marginally better kit, but don't let the badge fool you into paying a premium. The 1215cc triple is genuinely brilliant — smooth, characterful, and tractable from tickover to redline. The semi-active suspension is a revelation on mixed terrain, and the 30-litre tank range makes proper long-haul touring actually viable rather than theoretical. Buy used and watch for a few things. The original TFT screen develops dead zones on earlier examples — budget for that. Shaft drive means zero maintenance headaches, but check the bevel box for weeping seals around 20,000 miles. The heated grips on these are genuinely powerful, not the usual token warmth. Earlier bikes had software gremlins with cornering ABS that Triumph quietly addressed through updates, so verify the dealer history shows the recalls done. At the right used price, this is one of the most accomplished big adventure bikes ever built. Get below £12,000 and you're laughing.
Pros
Cons
New riders or those preferring lightweight nimble machines
Similar Adventure Reviews
"The adventure benchmark that justifies every penny, used or new."
Tall touring riders wanting one bike only $11,000-$17,500
"The benchmark adventure bike, best bought used with patience."
Experienced riders wanting the ultimate adventure touring machine $16,000-$22,000
"The benchmark adventure bike that actually earns its mud-splattered reputation."
Touring riders wanting genuine off-road weekend capability $7,500-$12,500
"The sensible used adventure bike that genuinely delivers on every promise."
Riders wanting reliable, versatile, fuss-free adventure touring $4,500-$8,500