Triumph Tiger 1200 Explorer - Big Bike Mad Review from us loons at Bigbikemad.com. Comments welcome. Happy to revise the review if anyone has something to contribute. It's all about sharing the information....:upyeah: Cheers HH
And why not. I prefer the spec on the Explorer. Price is right for me. Great build quality. Not keen on BMW either.:upyeah:
I test rode an early Explorer which I quite liked, certainly a better bike in my opinion than the old GS. I recently took out the latest Bavarian GS or WC (water cooled) model and its quite some machine and very impressive. Without taking out the latest Explorer it would be difficult for me to say which is best and as Col says the BMW gearbox is still crap and clunky compared to the Triumph.
I've had about six hours on the Explorer XC. I'm going to get another three tomorrow afternoon. I'm mightily impressed and I'm getting one in the new year.:upyeah:
Two and a half years ownership and use in all conditions is a pretty exhaustive test period. It has done all I want, its comfy, handles very well, even better than the Sprint which could be a bit skittish when pushed on poor road surfaces, the TEX soaks up the imperfections. With the high screen fitted protection is excellent and noise is way less than with the low standard screen. Road view is great being so high but that can be a problem getting on and off, I am five ten and with the seat set low both feet are flat when stationary. Lights are great at night which also mean that you are better visibly during the day. Luggage capacity is great with the three boxes fitted, a downside is that there is minimal underseat capacity. Instrumentation is more than adequate but accessory switches are well, they look like it with no thought into integrating a set of switches into a neat panel and the heated seat switch position is between frame struts and a dangerous fiddle to find on the move. Another downside is the cruise control, which is on the right side and fiddly to operate, Triumph should follow the Beamer route and replicate their method of operation. But the best, is the 1200 tripple, glorious power and the flat torque curve gives instant lift and move at any rev and in any gear, the gearbox is harmonious with the engine and my bike does not suffer the where the hell is neutral characteristic that so many Triumphs I have ridden suffer from. Fun factor is off the scale after a ride Reliability has been ace with not a single fault developing in the two and a half years of ownership, a recall for an ecu issue was promptly fixed. Servicing has been reasonable and the quality from Triumph WY in Shipley has been outstanding. Now for thefinal question, would I buy another, Yes no doubt about it. Test ride one back to back with its direct competition and you will love it. Enough has been said about the GS but another competitor is the Honda Crosstourer, whose engine is the only plus point everything else is dire
Hi, Do you mind if we update our review with some of your comments? We always like to get as much real-world feedback into our stuff as possible. There's a T-Shirt in it for you if you ant one! Happy to mention the forum again too. Thanks Hedgehog Triumph Tiger 1200 Explorer - Big Bike Mad
My mate lent me his Explorer XC today. I had a full seven hours of fun both on and off road in the Derbyshire Dales. Absolutely fabulous. I taking custody of his bike for two weeks whilst he visits the USA. He's doing Route 66 with his partner. I have his permission to use the bike whenever I want:upyeah:.
Here's the revised review - thanks for the help. Forum and rider credited. Triumph Tiger 1200 Explorer - Big Bike Mad HH
He certainly is Richard. We have been riding mates for 45 years. We have swapped and lent each other motorcycles for years. I take custody of his machines whilst he is away and he does the same for me. Great mates indeed.:upyeah:
