When the Brits’ launched the Tiger 900 recently with more power, aggressive modern styling, brilliant standard specs, and new state-of-the-art riding enhancements, it was the big brother 1200’s stars to shine next.

But Triumph decided to have a swansong attempt instead and has added some fancy trinkets to make their mid-range 1200 XCx and XRx posher and special. It’ll include new paint jobs inspired by the world’s more arid climates and locations, and some fancy equipment that takes the functionality quotient of the already capable machines to new levels.

2020 Triumph Tiger 1200 Desert edition

Inspired by “the most inhospitable deserts in the world, from the Sahara to the Kalahari and beyond", a new Sandstorm paintjob puts things into a better perspective with the dedicated ‘Desert Edition’ graphics and new metalized ‘SE’ radiator badges.

Under the hood, the same 1215cc in-line triple boasts of having the most potent shaft-driven engine in its class that belts out 140 bhp and 91 lb-ft of torque. The XCx previously had a torque-assist hydraulic clutch, but this “Desert” borrows the Triumph Shift Assist from the XCa for smooth clutchless gear changes. It significantly reduces rider fatigue, especially over long distances and demanding terrains. Even the lightweight Arrow titanium and carbon-fiber silencer are borrowed from the XCa for the thrilling Tiger Triple sound.

Also trickling in from the XCa is the Triumph Semi-Active Suspension incorporating WP adjustable front and rear suspension for a far superior level of electronic control over the bike’s reaction to the surface. The extensive rider aids remain the same with an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), integrated braking system (developed with Continental), optimized cornering ABS & traction control, ride-by-wire throttle, and cruise control. There are up to five riding modes, an adjustable ‘2-position’ seat that allows the rider to lower the seat by 20mm to suit their riding styles. The stylishly black aluminum spoked wheels wrap around off-road tires from Metzeler Tourance.

2020 Triumph Tiger 1200 Alpine edition

For the Alpine edition, Triumph has garnered inspirations from the beautiful twists and turns of the majestic Alpine mountain range. It has introduced an exclusive ‘Snowdonia White’ paintjob, dedicated graphics, and radiator badges for this Tiger.

Just like on the Desert edition, the 1215cc in-line triple gets tethered with the fancy Triumph Shift Assist for clutchless up- and down-shifts and the Lightweight Arrow titanium silencer, both of which were exclusive to the top-spec XCa variant up until now.

This Alpine edition, however, comes with four riding modes as it misses out on the “Off-Road PRO” mode. The rest of the riding aids gets carried over, including the WP electronic suspension. For the Alpine, Triumph has stuck it with 5-spoked alloys.

The Desert Edition will retail for $20,100, while the Alpine will carry a $19,300 price tag. Both have a $400 premium from the XCx and the XRx they are based out of. Honestly, these prices are bang for the buck as the Arrow exhaust, which is also available to the non-special bikes as an accessory, itself retail at $895, and the Triumph Easy Shift for an additional $495.