Triumph Tiger 1200 Explorer Overview
This adventure bike has had a big transformation. It sure does look like the original 2012 Tiger Explorer, but in 2016 six new versions were released. This includes three road variants – known as the XR range, and three off-road – known as the XC range.
The bike has a new riding position and seat, making it more comfortable and more manoeuvrable overall. You’ll also experience better steering, brakes and wider tyres with this bike, making it feel sturdier on the road. The biggest improvement though, has to be the Semi Active Suspension WP suspension which is second to none.
However, the new 137bhp Triumph is pretty heavy and sporty riders are going to find lighter bikes easier to handle. The engine is great though, meeting Euro 4 noise and emissions standards and making around 6% extra torque at 5500rpm. Distribution of power is good and the throttle response is also delightfully smooth.
The quality of this bike is very high, with no worries in terms of reliability. It is a good bike if you want high touring comfort and on road ability.
You also get a lot of equipment as standard, even on the basic model Explorer. This includes five riding modes, cornering ABS systems, great traction control and semi-active suspension. In higher spec models you can also get an on-board computer and cruise control, as well as heated grips and a heated seat. You can’t go much wrong if you want to spend a little extra money.
Triumph Tiger 1200 Explorer Spec
| Seat height |
837mm |
| Weight |
259kg |
| Engine |
Liquid cooled, four stroke, DOHC, 4v |
| Capacity |
1215cc |
| Average fuel consumption |
41mpg |
| Top speed |
133mph |
| Insurance group |
– |
Triumph Tiger 1200 Explorer Gallery
Owner Reviews |
| Submitted by: | Wrinkley | Review Date: March 2017 |
Comfort | | Needed the seat adjusting, high front, low back and bar risers | | Ride Quality | | Harsh ride and choppy on gnarly roads. Front and read springs changed, now good. Bit top end heavy but not a problem. Takes corners well. |
| Build Quality & Reliability | | No problems. Now two winters into ownership and absolutely no corrosion cleans up like brand new. |
| Engine Rating | | Performance is spot on, fast but not ridiculously fast and super smooth power delivery |
| Brake Rating | | Nissan brakes, powerful but not brilliant feel. |
| Running Cost | | Brakes lack feel |
| Overall | | |
| Pros Comments | Engine, silky smooth with lovely power delivery. Overall the best adventure style bike I've owned and I've had a few. |
| Cons Comments | Brakes lack feel |
| Submitted by: | Mr Bump | Review Date: March 2017 |
Comfort | | This bike is comfortable though not plush. It does tend to give your rear a numb feeling if ridden for a couple of hours. Various forums have fixes, it does seem to to be also sloping which does tend to give you numb 'man parts'. | | Ride Quality | | Very easy ride with plenty of of torque. Although a heavy bike once rolling it is remarkably agile. Though don't be under any illusions if the Tiger starts to go over you won't stop it. Having said that I filter daily and easily. It handles amazingly well even in the wet. I changed the tyres to Road Pilot 4, the grip, handling and ride is excellent. Very smooth when you wind it on, the sound is amazing. |
| Build Quality & Reliability | | Excellent build, with no mechanical problems at all. The only problem I've had was a problem with a release on the top box, but an hour at the local triumph dealer sorted it Foc. Brilliant service. |
| Engine Rating | | This has to be the bikes strongest point. The engine is amazing,the sound idling is wonderful but once you wind it up the howl sends shivers. It has amazing Torque and pulls away easily in any gear. I've never red lined it but can only imagine the power must be amazing. |
| Brake Rating | | The brakes come with ABS as standard and these should be standard on all bikes. The front brakes on the bike are excellent. Squeeze too hard and there is no upsetting of the bike, the rear brake is adequate but not as much bite as the front. |
| Running Cost | | Couple of points, the seating could be better and the rear brake. Though having several Triumph bikes, this seems to be a common problem. |
| Overall | | |
| Pros Comments | The Explorer has to be the best Triumph I have owned. It is an amazing bike, whether to tour, commute or just a ride out. It comes with ABS,traction control and cruise control. It's fun to ride, looks fabulous and always brings a smile to my face. |
| Cons Comments | Couple of points, the seating could be better and the rear brake. Though having several Triumph bikes, this seems to be a common problem. |
| Submitted by: | John | Review Date: March 2017 |
Comfort | | Pillion comfort was paramount. The Explorer delivers. | | Ride Quality | | Way better than a bike of this size and configuation ought to. |
| Build Quality & Reliability | | Can't fault it. Paint and fasteners of the highest quality AND it has a steel tank so magnetic tank bags stay put. |
| Engine Rating | | Powerful. A bit noisy when cold but not unusually so. Very smooth when riding. Loves to be ridden hard |
| Brake Rating | | Good enough to be confident. It's a heavy old bike to haul up. |
| Running Cost | | Top end noise when cold. A bit of sound damping around the cam cover wouldn't go amiss. |
| Overall | | |
| Pros Comments | My Explorer totally reinvigorated me as a motorcyclist. I had gotten to the stage where I often used the car because I couldn't be bothered to get dressed up and get the bike out. Now, I look for every excuse to ride it. It's one amazing machine. |
| Cons Comments | Top end noise when cold. A bit of sound damping around the cam cover wouldn't go amiss. |
| Submitted by: | Steve Howell | Review Date: October 2017 |
Comfort | | | | Ride Quality | | Would be nice if it was a bit lighter. But doesn't feel heavy on the move |
| Build Quality & Reliability | | no problems in the first 6000miles. Very well put together with quality components. |
| Engine Rating | | Best motorcycle engine bar none |
| Brake Rating | | pity the rear isn't Brembo as well as the front |
| Running Cost | | Servicing deals available during the winter months. |
| Overall | | |
| Pros Comments | Engine, but overall a great package. Ullapool North West Scotland to Beverley East Yorkshire 483mls in pouring rain all done in safety and comfort…..Say no more. |
| Cons Comments | Lights could be improved |
| Submitted by: | Keith Houselander | Review Date: November 2017 |
Comfort | | Fits a 5 foot 11 chunky body well | | Ride Quality | | Does what i want |
| Build Quality & Reliability | | Kept out side with covers, have treated with acf50, no rust yet |
| Engine Rating | | Shaft drive, great engine |
| Brake Rating | | Abs,traction control. No issues |
| Running Cost | | About 35 to the gallon. New set of tyres. Nothing else yet |
| Overall | | |
| Pros Comments | Ride height good, seat comfortable. wind protection good, Good all rounder. |
| Cons Comments | Nothing |
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