Breaking the One-Liter Barrier With the Blade 1200
Taiwan manufacturer TGB is pushing beyond the one-liter mark with its new Blade 1200 S and 1200 S MUD, claiming up to 105 horsepower from a 1,131 cc V-Twin. Competition in the big-bore four-by-four ATV class is heating up. At the time of publication, five manufacturers have offered 1000-class ATVs in the U.S. Can-Am recently raised the stakes with its redesigned 101-horsepower Outlander 1000R. Meanwhile, a series of Yamaha patent filings has us wondering whether a new big-bore twin could join the field.
Looking to stand above the rest in a crowded field, TGB has turned to a tried-and-true method: build a bigger engine and make more horsepower. The company calls the Blade the world’s first 1200 cc ATV, though its listed displacement is 1,131. Its published horsepower figures differ, ranging between 103 and 105 horsepower. TGB has announced two versions: 1200 S and the mud-focused 1200 S MUD. Both are listed as two-seaters; no single-seat version has been announced. We’d certainly like to see one. U.S. availability has yet to be announced. Read on for more about TGB’s new machines.
“1200cc” V-Twin
Both versions feature TGB’s new-generation 1131cc, fuel-injected, single-overhead-cam V-twin. The specs claim 105 horsepower at 7,250 rpm and approximately 77.6 pound-feet of torque at 5,500 rpm.
Power is transferred through a belt-driven automatic CVT with high and low ranges, neutral, reverse and park, along with standard engine braking. Final drive to the wheels is via shaft drive.
Two-Up Chassis
The Blade 1200 S uses independent dual A-arm suspension front and rear, with a rear anti-roll bar and hydraulic disc brakes. Its extended chassis features an approximately 54.8-inch wheelbase and separate rider and passenger seats. Both models are listed as two-seaters in TGB’s global specifications.
Overall width is approximately 48.1 inches, and fuel capacity is approximately 6.3 gallons.
Trail and Mud Options
TGB promotes the Blade 1200 S with 29-inch all-terrain tires and beadlock wheels. The MUD version steps up to 30-inch mud tires, snorkels, a relocated radiator and a high-mounted winch. The specifications also list a 27-inch tire package for an ABS configuration.
Both receive a newly designed heavy-duty front brush guard and LED lighting. A seven-inch color TFT display adds Bluetooth connectivity, with smartphone screen mirroring for navigation. The display also provides warnings for low fuel, high engine temperature, and abnormal battery voltage.
TGB has not listed capacities for the cargo racks or ball mount. TGB announced the Blade 1200 globally; we’re awaiting an official U.S. announcement.
ATV On Demand’s Take
It’s certainly exciting to see renewed interest in the ride-on ATV segment. It appears TGB is looking to raise the bar. Hopefully all this power and displacement comes with equally impressive handling and quality. No official word yet, but we expect this model will be coming to the U.S., and hopefully we’ll get a chance to throw a leg over one.
Follow ATV On Demand and subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date for more information and hopefully future tests of the Blade 1200, if and when it becomes available.
