Looked at a 1200 at Blades Cheltenham today, not a demo so next week for me to ride it. But thoughts from those that own these already and have miles under you belt.... I’ve seen online review saying you need to be able to flat foot both sides otherwise manoeuvring etc., is a night mare. What’s your experience and thinking? I tried today and at 5ft 9in and 31inch inside leg I was fine and probably balls of feet in the showroom and it felt like I’d be able to move it about reasonably ok. What’s your experience? Thanks in advance
You'd probably find the low version more comfortable. When panniers are fitted - you need to be able to do the can can.
I’ve heard the 1200 has two seat positions so will check that out. Is there a lowering kit available? I’m keen on the Alpine or Desert edition rather than have to go for an XRX Low - Thanks for advice
I saw a fella throw his leg over by standing on the footrest then kicking up the side stand - it worked well for him..
For your personal safety with the bike I would recommend to you to take the "Tiger 1200 Low". I am 5,9 ft tall and riding a TIGER 1200 Alpine Edition. The seat has two positions which you can change in nearly 1 minute. The height differs then about 2-3 cm. I am riding in the low position to be save when reaching a parking lot in the city and moving the bike backwards. Alternative would be to dismount and push the bike, which is really easy going.
Hi I have just bought a 1200 Tiger XRT. Bought it for comfort. Yes it is tall and heavy, but at 5ft 11" I have the seat in the higher of the 2 positions, and can just about flat foot it. To get on it I put my left foot on the peg and then mount it like getting on a horse !..felt a bit weird at first but after a couple of rides it now feels natural. Just be careful pushing it around
I did it like you did in the beginning. Since I installed my aluminum luggage set, I have switched to using a peg and moving my leg sideways over the seat. Otherwise my knees would have changed their colour permanent to blue and green.
They can be lowered very easily. Lust Racing do the kits. I have lowered 2 a 2013 Tiger Sport and a Explorer 1200 XCA that had the electronic suspension. Its a straightforward job and makes a huge difference.
When I bought my Explorer last year the owner had put in lowering links at the bottom of the suspension unit. I was able to sit astride flat footed on both sides. However, I noticed that the rear tyre had a flat wear line on the tread edge caused by the hugger he had fitted. I removed the hugger, returned the links to normal. I have had no problems at all and I'm 5'8". Lovely bike but agree with others that it is heavy, made worse with a full tank of fuel.
I recently sold my 2015 Explorer XC, however, I am the same height as you are and I found lowering it 20mm using the Lust Lowering links helped quite a bit. I took a used Explorer side stand I bought off ebay and trimmed 5/16 of an inch off the bottom. I used a 12 inch miter saw with a Diablo 96 tooth non-ferrus metal blade D1296L. I set the saw at about a 40 degree miter and braced the stand on the base of the saw with a couple small boards. I cut slowly and it worked like a champ. I am not encouraging any one to try this nor do I claim it is safe. Can you tell I am a retired attorney? If you are concerned about how thin the foot on the stand is after cutting, it is still thicker than the stock stand on my Triumph Trophy. It provided the perfect lean angle for me when parking my bike with the 20mm lowering links installed. Just a thought. Ride Safe, ZShyster
I'm 5'10" with a 32" ish inside leg. As mentioned, I generally always stand on the peg and swing the leg over to get on and off the bike. This is more prevalent when you have panniers attached. I bought the standard 2018 XRT and then bought a replacement low heated seat and put that in its lowest position. I still found it a little awkward as the seat is quite wide and curves outwards down the sides pushing your legs out like your riding a horse. So I took the seat cover off and started modifying the foam padding to make the seat more slimmer and a concave slope along the sides towards the front of the seat. After 2 modifying sessions I feel I am more comfortable on the bike. Obviously making sure I didn't get close to the heater element. Side note: I also found the clutch lever span adjuster didn't bring the lever in far enough for a comfortable clutch release, so I replaced those early on. You learn early on to watch where and how you park. Lifting the bike off its side stand on a leaning camber with panniers and top box is jolly hard. (Lesson leant)