The Triumph Tiger 1200 has long been recognized as a powerful, adventure-ready motorcycle built for long-distance touring and rugged terrain. However, one challenge for many riders has always been its tall seat height, which can make balancing and maneuvering at low speeds more difficult. To address this, Triumph has introduced an innovative feature—Active Preload Reduction—a system that makes the Tiger 1200 more approachable and easier to handle for riders of varying heights and experience levels.
Tackling the Height Challenge
Adventure bikes are known for their long suspension travel and high ground clearance—traits that allow them to conquer rough terrain but often result in a tall seat height. For some riders, this makes it difficult to comfortably place both feet on the ground when stationary. Triumph’s new Active Preload Reduction feature provides a smart solution by automatically adjusting the bike’s suspension preload, effectively lowering the seat height during slow maneuvers or when stopped.
How Active Preload Reduction Works
The system uses a semi-active, electronically controlled Showa monoshock that continuously adapts to riding conditions. When the motorcycle slows down or comes to a halt, the system reduces the preload on the rear suspension, lowering the seat height. This small but crucial adjustment helps riders maintain better balance and stability, especially in stop-and-go traffic or while navigating uneven surfaces. The result is a more confident and controlled riding experience.
Customization and Comfort
Triumph offers the Active Preload Reduction system on both the GT and Rally variants of the Tiger 1200. Depending on the model, riders can fine-tune the seat height to their preferred range. The GT line offers a range between 850 mm and 870 mm, while the Rally models sit slightly higher at 875 mm to 895 mm. With the preload reduction engaged, the seat can drop by up to 20 mm, bringing the height down to 830 mm on the GT and 855 mm on the Rally—making the bike far more accessible to a wider range of riders.
The level of seat height reduction varies depending on the weight of the rider, passenger, and luggage, as the system adjusts dynamically. To activate the feature, riders simply press and hold the “Home” button on the left switch cube for a second, engaging the lowering mechanism manually for greater control.
A New Standard in Accessibility
While other brands have experimented with similar systems, Triumph’s approach gives riders more control over the suspension adjustment, allowing them to adapt the bike’s setup to real-world conditions. This innovation enhances not only accessibility but also comfort and maneuverability, ensuring that the Tiger 1200 remains one of the most versatile and confidence-inspiring adventure motorcycles on the market.
Final Thoughts
The addition of Active Preload Reduction marks a significant step forward for the Triumph Tiger 1200. By addressing one of the key challenges of large adventure bikes—seat height—Triumph has made its flagship model more approachable without sacrificing its trademark power, performance, or off-road capability. With this feature, riders can now enjoy the Tiger 1200’s adventurous spirit with greater confidence, comfort, and control on every journey.
