Tiger 1200?

[pushr0d]

Has anyone seen anything on the Big Kitty other than the spy shots on hellforleather?

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&cd=3&ved=0CDMQFjAC&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhellforleathermagazine.com%2F2010%2F09%2Fspy-video-triumph-tiger-1200%2F&ei=WB8wTtSNAsfSgQeT57DmCg&usg=AFQjCNG6KBjoqeremot4lt4ktaAy2msdLA

[Rincewind]

There are a couple pics in this previous thread --

http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php/topic,56706.0.html

I wonder if we'll see it at one of the EU shows this fall, alongside the new Trophy?  

[pushr0d]

RW,

I remember that thread.  I'm just curious; there's been little to no info since that thread 10 months ago.


But my prediction is looking good.  I said the ST was going away to make room for a new 'Sportbike'.

"Hurricane 1200", anyone?  Or even better, a short-stroked version of the new 1200 that would rev to the moon?

[Rincewind]

RW,

I remember that thread.  I'm just curious; there's been little to no info since that thread 10 months ago.


But my prediction is looking good.  I said the ST was going away to make room for a new 'Sportbike'.

"Hurricane 1200", anyone?  Or even better, a short-stroked version of the new 1200 that would rev to the moon?

I agree that it has been very quiet on the new 1200cc triples.  Will '12 be the year of the 1200's. or wait for 1300's in '13?  

The Hurricane 1200 (4cyl) project was binned 10 years ago -   but I appreciate your hope!

[falconati]

I certainly hope not.  The Tiger doesn't need more power at all.  It could use a reduction in weight, a more comfortable stock seat, and better ergonomics for a passenger.

[crispiegee1]

I certainly hope not.  The Tiger doesn't need more power at all.  It could use a reduction in weight, a more comfortable stock seat, and better ergonomics for a passenger.

+1  

People are too obsessed with power they don't need. I'd rather have lighter weight or better ergos on bikes.

[bomber]

I certainly hope not.  The Tiger doesn't need more power at all.  It could use a reduction in weight, a more comfortable stock seat, and better ergonomics for a passenger.

and headlights better than something from a 1954 Austin Seven, please.

[crispiegee1]

and headlights better than something from a 1954 Austin Seven, please.

You obviously don't understand: Triumph considers poor headlights a "heritage styling cue."








(FYI: The Austin Seven was out of production by '54. It would have to be an A30.)

[Papa Lazarou]

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/News/newsresults/New-bikes/2010/September/sep0810-Triumph-s-new-adventurer-1200-world-first-pictures/

Old news?

I like A30s...

[Rincewind]

The latest news from UK says the new bike will be called the Triumph Adventurer.  Maybe it won't be called a Tiger at all?  Triumph already used the Adventure title in the 90's, albeit on a completely different style bike. 

MCN is anticipating power similar to the MTS1200, which is good because the 1050 is not nearly that strong.  "Close to production," they say, but without additional spy pics.

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/News/newsresults/New-bikes/2011/August/aug0811-triumph-adventurer-nearing-production/

[Rincewind]

I asked my dealer about the Tiger 1200 today.  He said that for his latest ordering period, Triumph only had the Tiger 1050 SE model listed, no standard Tiger 1050 models.  He seemed to think the 1050 will be phased out with the coming of the 1200.  But he doesn't have any info on the 1200 beyond speculation and rumor. 

As a sidenote, he said the 800 and 1050 Tigers are about the same weight because of the heavier steel frame on the 800. I didn't realize that.  He only had one 800 left and it wasn't a demo.  I'm not really that interested anyway, but I'd still like to try one.

[maddjack]

I certainly hope not.  The Tiger doesn't need more power at all.  It could use a reduction in weight, a more comfortable stock seat, and better ergonomics for a passenger.

+2 Why ?? If you think you NEED more power you are
A) a racer
B)kidding yourself, theres more than enough with the 1050 ( hell more than enough with a 955)  

[Reddog*]

If you ride above 5000' Alt the extra is always nice.

[maddjack]

If you ride above 5000' Alt the extra is always nice.

been there rode that

[Rincewind]

 +2 Why ?? If you think you NEED more power you are
A) a racer
B)kidding yourself, theres more than enough with the 1050 ( hell more than enough with a 955)  

While I generally agree, for the "why" you need only look at the: R1200GS, the Stelvio 1200, and the MTS1200.  That's not to mention the forthcoming 1200cc KTM, or Aprilia's new 1200 Dorsoduro.  It's "keeping up with the Joneses."  

Plus the shaft drive will be a pretty marketable feature.

[Croak]

If you ride above 5000' Alt the extra is always nice.

If you're over 15 stone, the extra power is also nice.  

[jfusaro]

You need more power for the same reason Corvette makes the ZR1, can't use it anywhere legally but its nice to have

[crispiegee1]

You need more power for the same reason Corvette makes the ZR1, can't use it anywhere legally but its nice to have

The annoying thing is, more power by way of bigger engines means higher fuel consumption, higher insurance rates and more weight.

I tour on a 600 and somehow or other, I manage to get by. The only problem with a smaller bike is that the manufacturers leave them without key features of the large bikes... sort of a subtle pressure to get you to move up to something big. But this need for reserve power is, in my opinion, largely imagined. Geez, the guy who wrote Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance had 28 hp and was riding TWO UP.

So Motus is going to come out with a direct injected, 1.6 liter, 160 hp V4 which looks great. But if they came out with half that engine 800 cc v-twin with 80 hp and got 65 mpg, I'd say someone built a bike for me. I read about people getting half that economy and it just seems like a waste of money and natural resources.

[sammyseaman]

The annoying thing is, more power by way of bigger engines means higher fuel consumption, higher insurance rates and more weight.

I tour on a 600 and somehow or other, I manage to get by. The only problem with a smaller bike is that the manufacturers leave them without key features of the large bikes... sort of a subtle pressure to get you to move up to something big. But this need for reserve power is, in my opinion, largely imagined. Geez, the guy who wrote Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance had 28 hp and was riding TWO UP.

So Motus is going to come out with a direct injected, 1.6 liter, 160 hp V4 which looks great. But if they came out with half that engine 800 cc v-twin with 80 hp and got 65 mpg, I'd say someone built a bike for me. I read about people getting half that economy and it just seems like a waste of money and natural resources.

   I've been on both ends of the spectrum but I'm always drawn back to the "smaller" bikes  

[falconati]

Agree.  I'd like less fuel consumption, please!  I have my race bike for when I want to burn fuel.

[maddjack]

 

[reppans]

Linked over from HERE

[Rincewind]

Nice find, reppans!  It's like a Tiger 800 on steroids.  Looks good.

I wonder why they are calling it an Adventurer and not a Tiger.

[pushr0d]

Oh, my!

 

[crispiegee1]

Wow! Nice!

Now, if it only gains 20 or 30 pounds over the Tiger 800, and loses only a few miles per gallon, that would be the one for me.

Neither is out of the realm of possibility. The 1050 triple - from what I've heard - doesn't do any worse than the 675, so it's within reason to expect the 1200 to get in the 45 mpg range with a reasonable rider.

Similarly, the massive BMW 1200 GSA doesn't weigh a hell of a lot more than the 800 GSA (although the appeal of the 800 [to me] is the narrowness of the design over the boxer twin).

In other words, this Adventurer may not be a beastly thing after all. Hmmm.... could even steal my heart from the Stelvio.

[Croak]

Shaft drive.  Way more than 20 pounds over the 800, and more than 20 pounds over the 1050.  550-ish wet bone stock, sans panniers and "ADV farkles", methinks.

The big GS has a bit of a weight advantage in that there's no water cooling.  Less fluid, and less hardware, not to mention a fairly lightweight motor design, and a less complex shaft setup thanks to being transverse mounted.  The 1200 triple won't have those advantages.

Hopefully they keep the big Tiger around, there's still room for a long-travel street oriented chain drive standard.  Be a shame to relegate that name to the low-powered 800 only. (And yes, it's low-powered, it does not suitably move my fat ass around with alacrity, less corn-fed riders may have a different opinion).

[crispiegee1]

Shaft drive.  Way more than 20 pounds over the 800, and more than 20 pounds over the 1050.  550-ish wet bone stock, sans panniers and "ADV farkles", methinks.

The big GS has a bit of a weight advantage in that there's no water cooling.  Less fluid, and less hardware, not to mention a fairly lightweight motor design, and a less complex shaft setup thanks to being transverse mounted.  The 1200 triple won't have those advantages.

I forgot about the additional weight of the shaft.  I also thought Beemer twins were water cooled now, but I guess they're just oil cooled. I never even bothered to check.  

[Rincewind]

I forgot about the additional weight of the shaft.  I also thought Beemer twins were water cooled now, but I guess they're just oil cooled. I never even bothered to check.  

The R1200GS is set to become water-cooled soon.

Here are some more Adventurer 1200 pics c/o MCN via Triumph-Torque...

[bomber]

the wheels are a tip off that any adventuring will take place within sight of pavement ;-}

[Rincewind]

the wheels are a tip off that any adventuring will take place within sight of pavement ;-}

At least they integrated a skid plate into this one, unlike the 1050 Tiger.  

I'd like to see the right side better with what appears to be a single-sided swingarm.

[pushr0d]

I don't know about the skid plate.

It looks like the bike pictured is festooned with all the options (lights, skid plate, exhaust, just to name a couple), that may or may not come with a 'base' bike.

Notably absent, of course, are panniers and top box.

[bomber]

I don't know about the skid plate.

It looks like the bike pictured is festooned with all the options (lights, skid plate, exhaust, just to name a couple), that may or may not come with a 'base' bike.

Notably absent, of course, are panniers and top box.

+1 -- I'm thinking the skid plate is a plastic thingie, similar to the 1050 chin fairing, but closed on the bottom . . ..  nothing wrong with that, of course, but it does run a bit counter to the Adventure moniker ;-}

They did paint themselves into a corner, calling the 800 bikes Tigers . . . .

[Rincewind]

At first glance I thought it was metal, because it wasn't color-matched.  But, I guess it could just as easily be molded plastic, like the 1050's chin fairing.  Oh well, we'll see!

[Yankee Dog]

...........................Notably absent, of course, are panniers and top box.

That may not be a bad thing if they can keep the price down to compensate. I do love my Trumpets, but they dont do so well in the luggage department

Yankee Dog

[Rincewind]

Notably absent, of course, are panniers and top box.

True but you can see the topbox adapter, the pannier mounts and the cross-piece meant to hold out the panniers.  It looks like a nearly identical set-up to the Tiger 800, which means it may have the same luggage as optional (which would make sense).

[pushr0d]

I'd assume the bike will wear the same bags.  Hopefully they have beefed up the mounts.  Apparently the Tiger bags don't do well in a tipover.

I hope they set up the spring rates for the test rider in that photo!  Gives me hope!

[Croak]

I hope they set up the spring rates for the test rider in that photo!  Gives me hope!

I think that's Triumph's resident gurning fool.

[1000lbs]

the wheels are a tip off that any adventuring will take place within sight of pavement ;-}

It's not out of the relm for Triumph to offer 2 trims for the big cat as with the 800 & 800xc. If they're going after the GS crowd, it'd make sence.

[Flightar]

Power, so they can compete with the 150 bhp mulistrada 1200 testaretta.

[jfusaro]

Power, so they can compete with the 150 bhp mulistrada 1200 testaretta.

No chance..

[crispiegee1]

No chance..

The current 1050 makes 128 hp, as I recall, so 150 wouldn't be a stretch. But the bike will still be heavier.

On the other hand, the Ducati is not truly an adventure bike, in the strictest sense, so perhaps "making it competitive" would mean Triumph could offer similar power with enough off-road versatility to make up for the weight penalty.

[Roadscum]

The current 1050 makes 128 hp, as I recall, so 150 wouldn't be a stretch. But the bike will still be heavier.

On the other hand, the Ducati is not truly an adventure bike, in the strictest sense, so perhaps "making it competitive" would mean Triumph could offer similar power with enough off-road versatility to make up for the weight penalty.

As the weight goes up the "off road versitility" goes down. Power is not a major factor in the off road equation, it's about weight, suspenion, and handling.

Perhaps a gravel road excursion now and then but certaintly not a true "off road" bike.

Regards, Paul

[crispiegee1]

As the weight goes up the "off road versitility" goes down. Power is not a major factor in the off road equation, it's about weight, suspenion, and handling.

Perhaps a gravel road excursion now and then but certaintly not a true "off road" bike.

Regards, Paul

Actually, I completely agree, Paul. I have said before that many motorcyclists place too high a priority on horsepower (how much do you need?). In terms of off-road capability, I just mean that it could be comparable to other big beasts such as the BMW GS and Moto Guzzi Stelvio.

[jfusaro]

The new Triumph Adventurer 1200 looks like a deceptacon transformer and from the spy shots I highly doubt it will be in the GS's class, I could be wrong but I don't see it. The Tiger 800 is the true off road machine coming out of Hinckley. The Multistrada is a adventure touring bike and the new Triumph will be more like the MTS but much more tame. As far as the MTS goes, any one who thinks it's a BMW GS has never ridden either as they are two different bikes. The MTS is very capable off road to a certain extent but where it shines is being able to be a diverse bike with many talents.

[Dan K]

Even when I abuse my Sprint it gets way better mileage than my car, more than double when I take it easy.  Good enough for me.


- Dan

[Schneegz]

From Hell for Leather Magazine: New spy shot of the Triumph "Explorer" 1200.



I seriously hope Triumph didn't name this bike after a Ford.

[falconati]

Looks like that guy riding it is more of a Marshmallow than a Rock

[Rincewind]

From Hell for Leather Magazine: New spy shot of the Triumph "Explorer" 1200.



I seriously hope Triumph didn't name this bike after a Ford.

Likewise - "Explorer" would be a terrible name.  

BTW - that is not a new spy shot - it was posted a month ago in this thread.  

[Roadscum]

I've got no problem with the name Explorer, but please don't name it Falcon!        

[jhawk]

I seriously hope Triumph didn't name this bike after a Ford.

Ford named a car after a Triumph bike; and so did Pontiac.

[Schneegz]

Ford named a car after a Triumph bike; and so did Pontiac.

Yeah, that definitely makes it cool then.  Now, if only Buick would follow suit.  

Hell for Leather is sticking to the "Explorer" name.  

[jfusaro]

From Hell for Leather Magazine: New spy shot of the Triumph "Explorer" 1200.



I seriously hope Triumph didn't name this bike after a Ford.

Look at the size of the test rider, They should set up the suspension for that, I bet they will put springs on it for a 170 lb rider

[falconati]

Maybe they do it as a helpful hint to Americans.

[swimmer]

Pics posted on the mothership.

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?p=17136643#post17136643

[Rincewind]

Thanks for the link, Swimmer.  It looks like a big Tonka toy.  I like the SSSA, but the styling is a little too butch.  Still I'd love to test ride one.  I bet the 1200 triple is a torque monster.

[crispiegee1]

Thanks for the link, Swimmer.  It looks like a big Tonka toy.  I like the SSSA, but the styling is a little too butch.  Still I'd love to test ride one.  I bet the 1200 triple is a torque monster.

What the hell is an SSSA?  And what's the S10 that they refer to on ADVrider?

I get really fatigued by acronyms.

[swimmer]

What the hell is an SSSA?  And what's the S10 that they refer to on ADVrider?

I get really fatigued by acronyms.

single sided swingarm
yamaha Super Tenere

[crispiegee1]

single sided swingarm
yamaha Super Tenere

Oh, okay. Thank you.

S10 will always be a pickup to me.

[Rincewind]

New steel chassis, a 19-inch front wheel (and 17-inch back), a class-leading 950-watt generator, shaft drive, optional hard luggage, ABS (with an ‘off’ switch), adjustable seat height and a burly three-cylinder engine “in excess of 1200cc.”  Also look for a traction control system and a cruise control system - both firsts for Triumph.  

Public unveiling will be at the Milan show.

[Rincewind]

And a look like Mordecai from Regular Show..  Man I watch too much kids TV indirectly.    

[Mr.Black]

I have things like Arthur, The Fairly Odd Parents and Fosters Home for Imaginary Friends etched onto my brain for the same reason. Don't worry. It will never go away.  

[Rincewind]

I never like Arthur very much but Fairly Odd Parents is not too bad.    

Triumph Explorer to Arrive in May.  Now why is it not called a Tiger?  

[Mr.Black]

dude, charge that thing

[Rincewind]

dude, charge that thing

Yeah really.   Posted from a dealer's facebook - I was not privy to the official Triumph PDF.  

[Cablebandit]

[Dan K]

That's a really good looking bike.

- Dan

[schmii]

http://www.webbikeworld.com/triumph-motorcycles/2012-triumph-motorcycles/

"The Tiger Explorer debuts Triumph’s new "ride-by-wire" throttle system and includes cruise control, switchable ABS and traction control as standard."

Perfect for riding to and powering your cabin for the weekend.

[bomber]

I'm not fond of the badge thingie -- kinda derivitive of their 3000cc tug boat (whic is so ugly it makes my teeth hurt) . . . . ..

But I see where they're going with it, and it'll likely sell very well, indeed.

[falconati]

I like the look of it and it looks like it's already -45 lbs off the dry weight if you replace the stock exhaust  

[atadaskew]

Yowza!

So why would one look at a Yam Tenere 1200?

[Schneegz]

Cool bike!    Hate the name.    It's probably too big & heavy for my taste, and far too rich for my blood, but that's why Triumph builds the Tiger 800.  

[crispiegee1]

After 10 years with my YZF600R, I'd like a comfortable touring bike without all the annoying plastic to fit back together every time I do an oil change. (This would be my concern with a Sprint, an FJR, a Norge, etc.) So lately, I've had the thought that an adventure tourer might be the ticket. (I have the fantasy of taking it off-road, but you know how that goes... a lot of time, they don't get any more severe duty than fire roads and smooth trails.)

Anyway, I'd like to try this bike, as well as the Stelvio, the Tiger 800 XC and see which provides good handling, good wind protection, decent fuel economy and any other considerations I can think of. So even if it isn't the king of off-roading, it may not make a difference. After all, a Jeep Wrangler is far better off-road than a RAV4, but I imagine more people consider the Toyata a livable choice.

I like the look of it and I'll bet it makes loads of power. The Ducati is undoubtedly lighter, but then I'd have to spend a lot more on valve adjustments.

[Xanth]

After 10 years with my YZF600R, I'd like a comfortable touring bike without all the annoying plastic to fit back together every time I do an oil change. (This would be my concern with a Sprint, an FJR, a Norge, etc.) So lately, I've had the thought that an adventure tourer might be the ticket. (I have the fantasy of taking it off-road, but you know how that goes... a lot of time, they don't get any more severe duty than fire roads and smooth trails.)

Anyway, I'd like to try this bike, as well as the Stelvio, the Tiger 800 XC and see which provides good handling, good wind protection, decent fuel economy and any other considerations I can think of. So even if it isn't the king of off-roading, it may not make a difference. After all, a Jeep Wrangler is far better off-road than a RAV4, but I imagine more people consider the Toyata a livable choice.

I like the look of it and I'll bet it makes loads of power. The Ducati is undoubtedly lighter, but then I'd have to spend a lot more on valve adjustments.

The plastics don't bother me that much, except for that damn front triangle. I've been looking towards something a little more relaxed. I caught the Yamaha demo truck when it was in town, and I road the Super Tenere. It wasn't a bad bike, but I didn't have enough time to really get accustomed to it. I'll be interested in testing this and the 800s when I can find a Triumph demo close to home. I like the new design of the V-Strom 650. I'll be keeping an eye out for that one, as well.

[Rincewind]

New Triumph link for the Explorer - http://www.triumphadventure.com/en/  - but not much content there yet except for a sign-up for more info.  Why is it not triumphexplorer.com?  

[Dan K]

After 10 years with my YZF600R, I'd like a comfortable touring bike without all the annoying plastic to fit back together every time I do an oil change. (This would be my concern with a Sprint, an FJR, a Norge, etc.) So lately, I've had the thought that an adventure tourer might be the ticket. (I have the fantasy of taking it off-road, but you know how that goes... a lot of time, they don't get any more severe duty than fire roads and smooth trails.)

Anyway, I'd like to try this bike, as well as the Stelvio, the Tiger 800 XC and see which provides good handling, good wind protection, decent fuel economy and any other considerations I can think of. So even if it isn't the king of off-roading, it may not make a difference. After all, a Jeep Wrangler is far better off-road than a RAV4, but I imagine more people consider the Toyata a livable choice.

I like the look of it and I'll bet it makes loads of power. The Ducati is undoubtedly lighter, but then I'd have to spend a lot more on valve adjustments.

No plastic to remove when changing the oil on the Sprint - drain bolt and filter both easily accessible as it stands.  I like it.

Big plus.

- Dan

[Rincewind]

No plastic to remove when changing the oil on the Sprint - drain bolt and filter both easily accessible as it stands.  I like it.

Big plus.

- Dan

Same with the FJR.  Norge as well, I believe.  

[crispiegee1]

No plastic to remove when changing the oil on the Sprint - drain bolt and filter both easily accessible as it stands.  I like it.

Big plus.

- Dan

Oh excellent!  I'm no longer favorable to the Sprint ergos though, since it puts me in about the same position as my YZF, which grows fatiguing after many hours. I want to try a stand-up bike.

[crispiegee1]

Same with the FJR.  Norge as well, I believe.  

You're right, I noticed that on the FJR. I've heard many complaints about the Norge having cheap plastic, but if I could avoid removing it, then it could still be a consideration.

[Poweranger]

Didn't they already use this bike in the latest Transformers movie?

[stromgal]

It'll be interesting to see if it undercuts the 1200GS in weight and/or price.

[County Tar]

Peter over on VSRI reports 250kg/550lb before add ons.  Don't know if thats wet or dry.  

[jstark47]

Peter over on VSRI reports 250kg/550lb before add ons.  Don't know if thats wet or dry.  

It better dang well be wet.  Heck, my old Trophy doesn't weigh that much, and it's a heavy pig! (I love it to death, but it's still a heavy pig...)

[JReazor]

New Triumph link for the Explorer - http://www.triumphadventure.com/en/  - but not much content there yet except for a sign-up for more info.  Why is it not triumphexplorer.com?  

Triumphadventure.com has been up for over a year. Until very recently it was just black text on a white background with a couple paragraphs about the 800cc Tigers.

[atadaskew]

It better dang well be wet.  Heck, my old Trophy doesn't weigh that much, and it's a heavy pig! (I love it to death, but it's still a heavy pig...)

If that is wet, it is 50lbs heavier than an R12GS wet.
If it is dry weight...

[Croak]

If that is wet, it is 50lbs heavier than an R12GS wet.
If it is dry weight...

Water cooled and a more complex transmission needed for the shaft drive can account for a fair amount of that weight spread.  And as we all know, weight figures are never accurate to start with, especially on un-released models.

[expatbrit]

If that is wet, it is 50lbs heavier than an R12GS wet.
If it is dry weight...

MCN puts the GS at 530 and change, wet, I think.

[Cablebandit]

 weight figures are never accurate to start with, especially on un-released models.

...and usually end up being much higher once they hit the production stage.

[garry]

I won't buy an "adventure" bike if it weighs over 500 pounds full of gas and loaded with luggage/etc. The dirt roads I want to travel get a bit gnarly (rutted, rocky jeep trails) and even 450 pounds is a pretty piggish bike to manhandle and/or pick up from an awkward position. Lose traction for a second, stop moving, tip to the side a little, and then try to hold that big pig up when you're dabbing into a rut. Not gonna happen. I was hoping it'd be significantly LIGHTER than a 1200GS. Guess my planned usage isn't what the designers were aiming for...

[Cablebandit]

I won't buy an "adventure" bike if it weighs over 500 pounds full of gas and loaded with luggage/etc. The dirt roads I want to travel get a bit gnarly (rutted, rocky jeep trails) and even 450 pounds is a pretty piggish bike to manhandle and/or pick up from an awkward position. Lose traction for a second, stop moving, tip to the side a little, and then try to hold that big pig up when you're dabbing into a rut. Not gonna happen. I was hoping it'd be significantly LIGHTER than a 1200GS. Guess my planned usage isn't what the designers were aiming for...

Likewise.  Even the Vstrom 650 was too heavy once you got into deeper gravel or rutted roads.  The other thing is they all seem to carry the weight up high, making them even more unwieldy once the going gets tough.

[garry]

I'm tempted to buy a couple cheap bathroom scales just for measuring the honest, ready to ride, weight of my bikes. Just roll the bike onto the scales and add the numbers. Easy Peasy. Then take the scales to a moto shop and see what the new shiny thing really weighs in at with fuel. You can probably save at least 10 pounds or more by swapping out the exhaust, but then you start adding crash bars, skid plate, luggage, etc and the weight goes back on.

[The Dude]

I won't buy an "adventure" bike if it weighs over 500 pounds full of gas and loaded with luggage/etc. The dirt roads I want to travel get a bit gnarly (rutted, rocky jeep trails) and even 450 pounds is a pretty piggish bike to manhandle and/or pick up from an awkward position. Lose traction for a second, stop moving, tip to the side a little, and then try to hold that big pig up when you're dabbing into a rut. Not gonna happen. I was hoping it'd be significantly LIGHTER than a 1200GS. Guess my planned usage isn't what the designers were aiming for...

To be fair, this is an "adventure touring" bike... touring being the key word. All the big adventure tourers are pigs. They're built for the highway. Sure, you can take the fire road to your camp site, but they're not built for off-roading, and that's not what most people use them for. If you're looking for an off-road bike, would you really consider something with a 1200cc displacement? I'd want a single, 450 or 650. No bike is going to do everything.

At 6'3" with a 36" inseam, I like the big adv bikes purely for ergonomic reasons. My FZ6 can handle fire roads, and I'm not really looking for much more off-road ability, but I would love some more distance between the seat and the pegs.

Yowza!

So why would one look at a Yam Tenere 1200?

Too soon to say how they'll stack up... but I think the Super Tenere still has some things going for it. I expect the Tiger Explorer to cost more in the US. Yamaha gave us a great price relative to what they sell it for in other parts of the world. The Yamaha was sold overseas for over a year before we got it, so it was a bit more of a known commodity and has proven extremely reliable. Add to that, Yamaha's much more extensive dealer network in the US. It seems like the practical choice.

The Triumph's big opportunity is the engine. Many people have been disappointed with the lack of character from the Super Tenere. Given Triumph's success with the stroked 675 triple in the Tiger 800, expectations for the big stroker are high. If Triumph can meet those expectations, Yamaha won't be the only company worried. I don't think Triumph is too concerned with the Super Ten. They're aiming for the GS. The premium end of the segment is where the margins are.

[Croak]

It's not a stroker.  The 1050 was a stroked-to-the-max 885 (and no real room to bore).  The 1200 is a clean sheet design.  

And I guarantee, they're not aiming at the high end of the segment...they're going to do what has worked well for them for every model they released, which is to compete on price and value, punctuated by an excellent power plant and a historic name.

In other words, they're going for the same "mid-teens" market segment the S10, the V-Strom, the Varadero, etc inhabit.  I expect this bike to start at around $14,000 USD, and be less than $18,000 with all the options and OEM farkles.  

[The Dude]

I hope you're right. I'd love to see it around $14K. But look at the comparison between the 800XC and the 800GS. The 800XC (w/ABS) stickers at $11,800... just above the base MSRP on the 800GS and about a grand under a comparably equipped model. I suspect they may try the same thing with the big Tiger. Probably offer it better equipped just above base 1200GS price, and about $1000 under the GS when comparably equipped.

I'm looking forward to Nov 8th!

[expatbrit]

I'm tempted to buy a couple cheap bathroom scales just for measuring the honest, ready to ride, weight of my bikes. Just roll the bike onto the scales and add the numbers. Easy Peasy. Then take the scales to a moto shop and see what the new shiny thing really weighs in at with fuel. You can probably save at least 10 pounds or more by swapping out the exhaust, but then you start adding crash bars, skid plate, luggage, etc and the weight goes back on.

I've absolutely considered the same thing. One under each wheel.

[Cablebandit]

I've thought about just rolling over the truck scales along the highway.  The C14 is heavy enough it should work.  

[Dan K]

I've thought about that too.  What's the worst that could happen if you roll on in?  I'm going to give it a shot next time I see one on the slab.

- Dan

[Cablebandit]

My neighbor said some of them only measure to the nearest 50 pounds or so.  I'm not sure if that the case or not.

[expatbrit]

My neighbor said some of them only measure to the nearest 50 pounds or so.  I'm not sure if that the case or not.

Sounds like it'd be closer than most dry weights from the manufacturer.

[Cablebandit]

True enough.

[County Tar]

Peter over on the VSRI forum is reporting that the 1200's suspension is from WP.  

[Croak]

Peter over on the VSRI forum is reporting that the 1200's suspension is from WP.  

A TriTM?  A KTuMph?  

[stromgal]

In other words, they're going for the same "mid-teens" market segment the S10, the V-Strom, the Varadero, etc inhabit.

A mere quibble, but the Strom 1000 (back for 2012) now goes for around $10,400. It's definitely a 'price point' bike.

[Rincewind]

http://youtu.be/gNSjM2vpCVo

[pushr0d]

Oooooooooooo!

 

[Rincewind]

Triumph is claiming 135bhp, which will make it "the most powerful shaft-driven adventure tourer for the foreseaable future," per MCN.

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/News/newsresults/New-bikes/2011/November/nov0811-triumph-tiger-explorer/

New Triumph Promo vid and additional info @ http://www.triumphadventure.com/en/  

121nm of torque claimed

[County Tar]

From Peter on the VSRI forum (probably from a German source):

"Update to the data from the 1. post

137 hp
121 Nm, from 1,700 rpm always more than 100 Nm, from 2,500 rpm a table-top torque curve
Top speed limited to 210 kph
259 kg wet weight
Cam shaft drive with paralever (or any moniker Triumph will prefer to chose)
16,000 km service interval (but there might be a yearly service requirement)
Switch-able ABS as standard
WP Suspension
Traction control standard
950 W alternator

Price slightly below the standard GS, that is 14,000 Euro in Germany, but with cruise control, traction control and heated seat as factory equipped.
In the shops from March 2012.

Lt. Triumph the Tiger Explorer is suitable for light off-road duties."

[littlefield]

The flat torque curve is sweet on the 1050's. Nice to see Triumph is sticking with the same philosophy.

[County Tar]

Some more data from MotorcycleDaily.com:

http://www.motorcycledaily.com/2011/11/tech-brief-2012-triumph-tiger-explorer/

"By Gabe Ets-Hokin

Last month, Triumph leaked some tantalizing details and a few photos of its all-new Tiger Explorer, but it left us with many questions. Luckily, Tiger released more information at the Milan motorcycle show to help us fill in the gaps.

The first thing we all want to know about is that motor. Just how big is it, anyway? It displaces 1215cc, with oversquare 85mm by 71.4mm bore and stroke numbers–the same stroke as the Sprint, Tiger 1050 and Speed Triple. That means a similar peak horsepower figure of 135 at 9300 rpm, with an extra helping of torque–89 ft.-lbs. at 7850 rpm. It’s the most power in its class (and should mean around 110 hp at the wheel after subtracting the 15-20 percent the driveshaft will rob) and uses a new ride-by-wire throttle system. That enables the use of switchable traction control, ABS and even standard-fitment cruise control–something we usually just see on the big full-boat baggers and tourers.

The chassis gets lots of nice features, too. An inverted long-travel 46mm front fork is adjustable (the release doesn’t say for what), as is the linkage-mounted rear shock, which is equipped with a remote preload adjuster. The front brakes are four-piston Nissin calipers (not radial, sadly), and cast wheels sport Metzler Tourance radials, a 110/80-19 in front and a 150/70-17 in back. The tube-steel frame allows a reasonable 31.6 to 33.7-inch range of seat heights. And to keep long-distance riders happy, there’s a 5.3-gallon fuel tank and a real-live centerstand to help you with those mid-Mongolia flat repairs. Gassed up and ready to go, Triumph claims the bike weighs in at 539 pounds–not too bad for this genre.

And those aren’t the only touring-friendly features. The instrumentation includes an ambient temperature gauge (because we all like to know how miserable we are) with a freeze warning, and there’s a pizza-oven capable 950-watt alternator, adjustable windscreen and handlebars, as well as a power outlet next to the ignition lock. Accessories include enough hard luggage for 25 gallons of storage capacity, heated grips and seats, and fog lamps.

Just looking at the spec sheet, it looks like Triumph brought a serious contender into the escalating adventure-bike wars. And if (as Dirck and I think) Triumph is working on a luxury sport-tourer or tourer built around this motor and driveshaft, BMW may have something new to worry about. Triumph’s model line, which not long ago was just a few machines, is now starting to look pretty well-rounded (just lacking a fun, lightweight, entry-level Single or Twin, something like a 21st-Century Tiger Cub). Colors for the new Explorer will be blue, graphite and black, but we still don’t have pricing and availability for USA customers."

[maddjack]

Some more data from MotorcycleDaily.com:

http://www.motorcycledaily.com/2011/11/tech-brief-2012-triumph-tiger-explorer/

"By Gabe Ets-Hokin

Triumph is working on a luxury sport-tourer or tourer built around this motor and driveshaft, BMW may have something new to worry about.

Please be true,

[Croak]

Just got this via email from Triumph Canada:

http://triumphmotorcycles.ceros.com/triumphspirit/spirit01canada/page/1

[Rincewind]

So when they say, 16,000km service intervals...  does that meant that minor services will be at 10,000 miles, and majors at 20,000 miles?  Did Triumph just (nearly) double their valve check intervals with this new engine?  

[Croak]

So when they say, 16,000km service intervals...  does that meant that minor services will be at 10,000 miles, and majors at 20,000 miles?  Did Triumph just (nearly) double their valve check intervals with this new engine?  

Well, they've got a decade's worth of data on valve clearances with the shim-under-bucket motors (since the revised 955 motor in 2001), and it's pretty much "common knowledge" that they rarely go out of spec after the first check.  Doubling the interval will cost the service departments some inspection labor money, but I doubt it'll cost Triumph much in the way of warranty claims.

[Yankee Dog]

long service intervals are a plus in my book.

[crispiegee1]

long service intervals are a plus in my book.

Heck yeah!

[R Doug]

Somewhere there's a clock clicking down which will end at the time I trade the Adventure for something else.  As of now, that's about a 2-3 year window.  The 2013 1200 Adventure and Duc Multi intrigue me.  Now this has made it on the list.  

Don't you love looking?