In July 2022, Ivan Cervantes won the Baja Aragon, one of the most demanding races on two wheels.
In conjunction with this victory, Triumph launched the Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Aragon Edition and the Tiger 900 GT Aragon Edition motorcycles.
These special editions each feature unique colour designs and specifications.
My review motorcycle is the Tiger 900 GT Aragon Edition.
At first glance, the GT Aragon Edition impressed me with its adventure-styled appearance.
The motorcycle is undeniably projecting a dominating presence on the road.
The imposing nature of the GT Aragon Edition is further complemented by its bug-eyed LED headlamp, a recognisable feature in Triumph's design and followed by the unibrow DRL (Daytime Running Light) and a slim beak, contributing to the bike's rugged look.
Moving to the rear, the tri-exhaust pipes draw attention, merging seamlessly into a trident structure that adds a touch of elegance.
The icing on the cake is the striking combination of triple colour schemes which are Diablo Red, Matte Phantom Black, and Crystal White.
This Aragon colour choice adds a layer of sophistication besides the ‘adventure’ influenced design, showcasing Triumph's attention to detail.
The GT Aragon Edition is equipped with a three-cylinder engine that delivers a commendable blend of power and torque.
Triumph's engineering ability is evident as the engine seamlessly transitions through the gears in various riding conditions I encountered, offering a satisfying and dynamic riding experience.
The engine delivers 93.9hp at 8,750rpm and peak torque of 87Nm at 7,250rpm.
On the highway, the bike's chassis and suspension operate seamlessly, delivering stability and control.
Whether manoeuvring through tight corners or cruising on straight roads, the GT Aragon Edition remains poised and responsive.
The GT Aragon Edition s designed with the rider's comfort and well-being in mind.
The seat is well-padded and supportive, making it conducive for me to do long hours on the saddle.
Additionally, the rider and passenger seats are designed for optimal comfort, allowing for a pleasant riding experience for both.
The ergonomics strike a balance between a relaxed riding posture and a commanding view of the road.
The adjustable windscreen protects against wind buffeting, enhancing comfort during extended highway cruises.
Unfortunately, it is impossible to adjust the windscreen while on the go.
The bike comes with a few useful rider aids that further enhance its performance.
The ride-by-wire throttle ensures precise control, and the four riding modes – Street, Off-Road, Rain and Sport – allowed me to tailor the bike's behaviour to my preferences and the road conditions.
The inclusion of features like traction control and cornering ABS add an extra layer of safety, boosting my confidence on any terrain and weather condition.
Throughout my ride from Sri Hartamas to Karak town during a downpour lasting over an hour, I relied on the rain mode.
This setting effectively softened the throttle response, hence allowing me to ride safely on the slippery surfaces caused by both rain and oil spills on the road.
The rain mode minimises the risk of tyre slippage, with additional support from cornering-optimised ABS and traction control.
Meanwhile, on the way back to Kuala Lumpur I was on the sport mode; which delivered a sharper throttle response, providing a noticeable contrast in performance.
The bike easily tore up the Karak Expressway.
The real test for an adventure bike lies in its ability to handle diverse terrains, so I took the GT Aragon Edition to an abandoned estate in Kerling to test it out.
By any off-road standard, this is a walk in the park for any off-road aficionados but for me, this was a ‘big thing’ since I don't do this often.
Within minutes on the estate terrain, I was riding over bumps and jumps where the motorcycle handled the terrain effortlessly.
The engine's lively and rev-happy nature proved versatile.
It managed low revs with ease, while power and torque are delivered in linear fashion, making the whole experience satisfying.
Throughout the two-hour ride in the estate, there was no sign of the bike stalling at all.
The bike's suspension system, with its long travel and adjustable settings, proves invaluable when tackling rough and uneven surfaces.
The ground clearance is decent, preventing the underbelly of the bike from scraping stones and mud cakes.
The off-road riding mode optimises the bike's performance for dirt trails, enhancing traction and control.
The fully adjustable 45mm inverted Marzocchi fork and electronically adjustable rear suspension, along with a robust build quality made the GT Aragon Edition suitable for off-road adventure.
The frame and components are engineered to withstand the harshness of off-road riding, ensuring durability and reliability in challenging environments.
The engineers at Triumph have also paid attention to the finer details that contribute to a rider’s comfort.
The controls are intuitive and well-placed, allowing me to operate the bike effortlessly.
It took me less than 15mins to familiarise myself with the controls.
The full-colour TFT display is not only visually appealing but also provides a wealth of information at the rider's fingertips.
From navigation to multimedia and bike status, the display is intuitive and easy to navigate.
Also available is the Bluetooth connectivity allowing me to seamlessly integrate my mobile phone, providing access to calls, messages, and music.
In conclusion, the RM81,000 GT Aragon Edition is a versatile motorcycle, representing a perfect blend of adventure and performance.
Its practical design reflects Triumph's understanding of the requirements of the adventure bike community.
On the open road, the GT Aragon Edition delivers a thrilling performance and is without doubt a reliable off-road machine supported by modern technology and safety features.
SPECIFICATIONS
Triumph Tiger 900 GT Aragon Edition
Engine: 888cc, liquid-cooled, 12-valve, DOHC, in-line three-cylinder
Maximum power: 93.9hp at 8,750rpm
Maximum torque: 87Nm at 7,250rpm
Transmission: Six-speed
Suspension: Front Marzocchi 45mm upside down forks, manual rebound, compression damping adjustment, 180mm travel; rear Marzocchi suspension, manual preload and rebound, damping adjustment, 170mm travel
Brakes: Front twin 320mm floating discs, Brembo Stylema four-piston, monobloc callipers, cornering ABS; rear single 255mm disc, Brembo single-piston sliding calliper, cornering ABS
Features: Four riding modes (Street, Off-Road, Rain and Sport), ABS, traction control, cornering ABS, cruise control
Fuel capacity: 20 litres
Dry weight: 194kg
Price: From RM81,000 (without registration, road tax and insurance)
