Triumph Tiger Explorer 1200 - US price released

[Rincewind]

$15,699 with standard swtichable ABS, shaft-drive, cruise control, and traction control (first Triumph with traction control).  

http://www.triumphmotorcycles.com/motorcycles/range/adventure/tiger-explorer/2012/tiger-explorer/7946

[bomber]

Yet more data indicating they've got the big GS in the crosshairs . . . . . .

Interesting bike, for certain, and I predict brisk sales . . . no personal interest, but I have no doubt that it'll be very well done!

[Cablebandit]

Wow!  Cruise was something I didn't expect.  This should be a brisk seller.

[Rincewind]

For comparison to the other big ADV pigs:

Duc MTS1200 standard: $16,995 (ABS NIC, optional extra)
BMW R1200GS: $16,150 w/ABS
KTM 990ADV: 2012 prices not released yet, was $14,899 in 2011 (w/ABS)
Stelvio: $14,990

So the new Triumph is looking competitively priced, generally speaking.

[wibornz]

I sat on one at the International Motorcycle show.  It seamed like a nice bike.  If it was my thing, it would be a contender.

[Cablebandit]

It says the ABS is switchable.  I wonder if the traction control is as well.

[Rincewind]

It says the ABS is switchable.  I wonder if the traction control is as well.

Yes.

[bomber]

Wow!  Cruise was something I didn't expect.  This should be a brisk seller.

I was also surprised, until I thought of the real market that buys these big trailies . . . . . with that in mind, Cruise is a must have!

[ConPilot1]

Nice. Bet it's a winner.  

Sounds interesting.

[ridingfar]

I have a C14 and a 1050 Tiger - this could potentially replace both....

[Liquidsilver]

It's a big dude.   To me, aside from the ammenities like cruise and traction control, it doesn't seem like a gigantic departure from where the Tiger 1050 is right now.  
 
I guess the new 'Trophy' will have this motor, if they release one.

[bikerider]

For comparison to the other big ADV pigs:

Duc MTS1200 standard: $16,995 (ABS NIC, optional extra)
BMW R1200GS: $16,150 w/ABS
KTM 990ADV: 2012 prices not released yet, was $14,899 in 2011 (w/ABS)
Stelvio: $14,990

So the new Triumph is looking competitively priced, generally speaking.

You left off the Yamaha Super Tenere at $14,500 MSRP with ABS and Traction Control.

I paid $12,500 for my 2012 Super Tenere.

[Rincewind]

It's a big dude.   To me, aside from the ammenities like cruise and traction control, it doesn't seem like a gigantic departure from where the Tiger 1050 is right now.  
 
I guess the new 'Trophy' will have this motor, if they release one.

I think the shaft-drive will be the main selling point for this bike over the Tiger 1050.  Surprisingly the listed weights are not that far apart 539 vs 570lbs, and the gas tank size is identical at 5.3 gallons.  The other main selling point is the 89 ft-lb of torque, which should make it quite the stump-puller.  

You left off the Yamaha Super Tenere at $14,500 MSRP with ABS and Traction Control.

I paid $12,500 for my 2012 Super Tenere.

Yes that crossed my mind as soon as I posted the list, thanks.  Great price you got on yours!  

[bomber]

Yeah, shaft drive, as incongruous it seems, is a HUGE selling point in this market niche . . . my guess is that, more than any real advantage in this application, it's inertia left over from the founder of the niche

[bomber]

extra weight to lug around, loss of power due to inefficiency, random explosions, difficulty in changing gearing . . . . . . .

But, and it's a big but, shaft make perfect sense given that most of the big trailies leave the pavement so seldom that they are, in essense, street bikes with silly tires ;-}

[Cablebandit]

It's not a BMW. Plus... meh... the power argument is overstated, and as for the weight, we're not talking about a SS/RR 600cc bike. Meh.

Yup, all these liter bikes already make enough power to spin up the rear wheel at will.  Hence the traction control.

[bomber]

It's not a BMW. Plus... meh... the power argument is overstated, and as for the weight, we're not talking about a SS/RR 600cc bike. Meh.

The exploding thing was humor.

If you were to go off-road and have to pick the poor dear up a couple of times a day, meh would not be the sound you would make. Weight is a huge problem off pavement -- it gets moreso as you gain, well, experience.

But I understand that meh is all the rage.

;-}

[Dan K]

I'd like to know exactly what percentage of the adventure segment's riding occurs off pavement.  My guess it's 10%, and of that 10%, likely half is just unpaved dirt roads as opposed to 'off road' riding.

But hey, adventure is cool.

[expatbrit]

Big trailies are the rider equivalent of soccer mom SUVs, from my observations. Heading in that direction, anyway. The people who *actually* use them as fully-capable, all-roads machines are a fleeting few. IIRC, the fastest recorded time on the Dragon was done on a BMW GS, and the GS is one of the fastest growing models for touring use.

There's a reason my 'big traillie' is one of the more street-biased ones; I wanted the 'space' it provided in riding position and was well aware I'd rarely do more than a dirt road. If ever.

[Cablebandit]

Yup, few bikes give you the amount of room as a big trailie.  The longer travel suspension also makes the crappy roads a joy to ride.  There are several roads around here that felt smooth on my Weestrom yet rattle my fillings on the Concours.  I think that's the real appeal to these bikes.

[bomber]

There are bikes for actual dirt riding.

There are bikes that are able to take the occasional fire road for exploration, and to handle less than perfect terrain.

What you're describing is a dirt bike.

I know, from personal experience, that even occasional fire road exploration, as you aptly put it, will result in the need to pick the bike up, and to be otherwise concerned with weight.

I agree with your later post regarding most big trailies use as street bikes, though -- brilliant marketing on BMW's part turned a surprise into a huge money maker for the company.

I'm pretty sure I know what I'm describing. Thanks for the offer of the assist, though. Looks like we simply don't share identical interests, or concerns.

[expatbrit]

+1

If they weren't all 9 feet tall I'd consider one. I was working on Colleen's GS and - LITERALLY - had to pull the seat off it in order to ride it. I like the naked styling and upright seating, and the more-than-ample room, extra wattage, and the (generally speaking) lower-revving, torquier engines a bike like that might tend to offer.

Hey -- I have a short inseam for my height too, but I think I'm a touch taller than average.

[bubba zanetti]

I'd like to know exactly what percentage of the adventure segment's riding occurs off pavement.  My guess it's 10%, and of that 10%, likely half is just unpaved dirt roads as opposed to 'off road' riding.

But hey, adventure is cool.

I live in close proximity to lots of offroad options. Some pretty gnarly too. But I would have to admit that less than 15% of my miles are offroad. I think the KTM is a big Trailie by definition, heavy in other words. I have dropped the bike a few times when out alone and a couple of those were unpleasant and a bit concerning. In one , I nearly went down a steep bank in a very isolated area. Even though I ride with a SPOT, it was a silly place to be alone. Most of my offroad riding has been solo and for that reason I ride less off road than I could OR would like too. Some of those areas you never see anyone all day and it is a hell of a walk out.



Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[expatbrit]

5'6" on a good day, and on the very good days, I have a 29.5" inseam. I was Gimlii's stunt double.  

Yeah. I'm taller than that.

6'7, 34" inseam. I don't look nuffink like Gimli.

[R Doug]

Big trailies are the rider equivalent of soccer mom SUVs, from my observations. Heading in that direction, anyway. The people who *actually* use them as fully-capable, all-roads machines are a fleeting few. IIRC, the fastest recorded time on the Dragon was done on a BMW GS, and the GS is one of the fastest growing models for touring use.

I disagree.  


I ride mine about 70% on road and 30% off road.  The on road travel is pretty good and I can keep up with just about anything out there in the twisties and sweepers.  Plus, I have the luggage capacity to go as long as I need.  



But, when I see that gravel road or jeep trail / double track, I can explore that with ease.  You can't do the following on a Tiger 1050 or any other bike w/ a tighter suspension.  Note my adventure touring rig gets airborne (front wheel only or both) at the following marks... 0:38, 1:08, 1:11, 2:16.



This same double track at the same speed used to tear the crap out of my KLR650.  I broke more bits on the KLR by riding on this stuff (w/o dropping it) in the short few months I owned it than the 2+ years I have owned the KTM with -0- breaking on the big KTM (knock on wood   )

[Rincewind]

Nice counterpoint and KTM proselytizing.  You had me at "airborne."  

[R Doug]

That said, the above video represents my type of off road riding on the big bike.  So, when I go to replace it, I want something that can do the same.  Can this new tiger hold up to that?  I know the GS can as I have ridden with folks on a GS at similar speeds on similar terrain.  

[Rincewind]

That said, the above video represents my type of off road riding on the big bike.  So, when I go to replace it, I want something that can do the same.  Can this new tiger hold up to that?  I know the GS can as I have ridden with folks on a GS at similar speeds on similar terrain.  

Has the Tiger 800/XC proven itself for that type of riding?  I imagine the offroad integrity of the 1200 will be similar.

[R Doug]

Nice counterpoint and KTM proselytizing.  You had me at "airborne."  

   Thanks.  I forgot about the jump at the 2:21 mark which knocked my camera out of whack.  

The bottom line on the big KTM at least is the thing is much more capable than most think.  It's abilities are WELL beyond mine.  

At 1:23 in the following video where the instructor says, "we've done the easy stuff,"  that's about my limit right now.  But, if you keep watching, the bike isn't a soccer mom SUV.  But, to Chris' point, are the newer adventure touring bikes becoming soft soccer mom SUVs?  I don't know but I'll want to know before I buy my next one.  

[bomber]

My guess is the Explorer isn't aimed directly at an off pavement mission -- those cast wheels are something of a giveaway, I think . . ..  

that said, my 1050 (also cast wheels) does OK on fire service roads so long as I've had to pick it up in the last couple of weeks -- the fresh memory reminds me to keep wht speed down --

[black hills]

There are bikes for actual dirt riding.

There are bikes that are able to take the occasional fire road for exploration, and to handle less than perfect terrain.

What you're describing is a dirt bike.

Not really, depends on the rider. I wish my Adventure were lighter and it's the lightest of the bunch. other than the coffe shop riders the adventure bikes are made for exploration and even a decent fire road can be slick enough for an occasional low side, I would hate to pick up a 600lb. bike or try to keep it from tipping over on a slipepry surface.
I really wished for a lighter bike off road on my Moab trip (the 300 would have been perfect), but I wouldn't have wanted any less bike on the way to/from?

[black hills]

I disagree.  


I ride mine about 70% on road and 30% off road.  The on road travel is pretty good and I can keep up with just about anything out there in the twisties and sweepers.  Plus, I have the luggage capacity to go as long as I need.  



But, when I see that gravel road or jeep trail / double track, I can explore that with ease.  You can't do the following on a Tiger 1050 or any other bike w/ a tighter suspension.  Note my adventure touring rig gets airborne (front wheel only or both) at the following marks... 0:38, 1:08, 1:11, 2:16.



This same double track at the same speed used to tear the crap out of my KLR650.  I broke more bits on the KLR by riding on this stuff (w/o dropping it) in the short few months I owned it than the 2+ years I have owned the KTM with -0- breaking on the big KTM (knock on wood   )

this is exactly the way I use my Adventure!!

[BobW]

i would agree with Chris for most owners and I would say like any other bike, it is the rider once past a certain level of use. The KTM appears to be the highest % of true off road competency by design and the GSA a bit more road competent, but the skilled rider on either can blister most lessor riders regardless the bike in most situations. It may be semantics, but I can still remember competing in Enduros and MX when I was on Honda, Husky, Bultaco, etc., and a few guys still wrestled the odd 441 around, not sure how many trusses were sold to the heavy pig bikes' riders, but even they were light compared to the svelte (not) liter plus class bikes we are talking about. I find the platform super comfy and less troublesome to load up nor damage pretty plastic in the dirt, but they are not dirt bikes like Chris is referring to on their best day.

Cheers

my futura "off road"
 

my stelvio "off road"

[R Doug]

Bob, we should ride together someday.  I'm not far from you on I40.

Regarding the Tiger Explorer 1200, I will be looking to replace my current bike in 2014 (maybe late 2013).  The big Tiger is on my very short list.  Of course, I am waiting to see if the proposed Adventure replacement comes through and what it will be like.

[nferr]

5'6" on a good day, and on the very good days, I have a 29.5" inseam. I was Gimlii's stunt double.  

Yeah, I'm 5' 6 1/2" (that half makes a difference!), but I have a 32" inseam. I sat on the present Tiger 1050 and could barely touch the ground with the tips of my toes. My Scrambler is about as tall as I can go and feel comfortable. And that's only because the bike is so narrow.

[BobW]

R. Doug

Hey!, a ride would be great. I haven't been out near enough with all the beautiful Spring like Winter weather we've had (series of Murphy's Law days an all ). I'll pm my cell and e-mail.

Cheers

[falconati]

Bob, we should ride together someday.  I'm not far from you on I40.

Regarding the Tiger Explorer 1200, I will be looking to replace my current bike in 2014 (maybe late 2013).  The big Tiger is on my very short list.  Of course, I am waiting to see if the proposed Adventure replacement comes through and what it will be like.



 

[Davy F.]

The Explorer will be in my local Triumph dealers in late March and I've already got my name down for a test ride.  Usually, I get to cover 100 miles or so, enough to form a reasonable opinion. I'll let everyone know how I get on.  

[stk0308]

The Explorer will be in my local Triumph dealers in late March and I've already got my name down for a test ride.  Usually, I get to cover 100 miles or so, enough to form a reasonable opinion. I'll let everyone know how I get on.  

Wait, who is this?!?!  You look faimilar from somewhere  

[Rincewind]

I saw this yesterday in NYC.  A very nice, burly man's bike.  It sits pretty well (that's not me in the pic).

[Cablebandit]

Looks good "in-person"  

It still looks like the passenger might be perched like a gargoyle though.

[Rincewind]

Looks good "in-person"  

It still looks like the passenger might be perched like a gargoyle though.

The seating looks very similar to the R1200GS.  The rear seat seemed less high than the Tiger 1050, though I'm not positive.

My wife liked this bike for me - she said that it fitted me well.  I think it felt pretty huge.

[Cablebandit]

OK, maybe it just looks funny do to the camera angle.

[Rincewind]

[falconati]

I saw this yesterday in NYC.  A very nice, burly man's bike.  It sits pretty well (that's not me in the pic).

Well, judging by the background of the picture, we were at the triumph stand at the same time....and standing roughly 10 feet apart  

[Rincewind]

That's funny!  I would love to have met you.  We were at the Triumph stand right around noon-ish.

[st2sam]

My wife liked this bike for me - she said that it fitted me well.  I think it felt pretty huge.

Sounds like you got a green light Alex!  
Your streety is so tiny, most bikes will feel huge for a while....

[Rincewind]

Sounds like you got a green light Alex!   
Your streety is so tiny, most bikes will feel huge for a while....

Yeah that's the truth, Sam.  But when the going is a lot of tight curves, tiny beats mighty.  If I were going to ride across the country, or if my wife didn't already start riding her own bike, this Tiger 1200 would hold a lot more interest to me.  Still - it's very tempting and I want to test one!  

[Rincewind]

A substantively better shot from NYC

[ConPilot1]

Much better. Thank you.  


I'm thinking that new Tiger looks awesome!

[R Doug]

Much better. Thank you.  


I'm thinking that new Tiger looks awesome!

I agree with both points.  

My question is:  Will it come with a spoke wheel option?

[falconati]

and how peppy will the engine be?

[BlueRidgeKat]

I think the shaft-drive will be the main selling point for this bike over the Tiger 1050.  Surprisingly the listed weights are not that far apart 539 vs 570lbs, and the gas tank size is identical at 5.3 gallons.  The other main selling point is the 89 ft-lb of torque, which should make it quite the stump-puller.

There are two things I dont like about my Tiger 1050. One is the chain, would love to have a shaft like on this new Tiger Explorer. The other thing is the small ass gas tank, so I sure dont want a "1200" with this same tank. Damn Triumph, couldn't you at least put on a 6 gallon tank ?

[Roadscum]

There are two things I dont like about my Tiger 1050. One is the chain, would love to have a shaft like on this new Tiger Explorer. The other thing is the small ass gas tank, so I sure dont ws10ant a "1200" with this same tank. Damn Triumph, couldn't you at least put on a 6 gallon tank ?

A 6 or even 7 gallon gallon tank would have been the ticket. But no, triumph wanted to make it look preeeeeeeetty so they went with a 5 gallon tank. Big FAIL, keeps me out of the hunt. My S10 has a 6 gal. tank and get 42-45 mpg, my 800XC, with a 5 gal. tank, gets 36-38 mpg. The triple is a thirsty beast and I suspect the 1200 will drink more then the 800.  

Regards, Paul

[Rincewind]

A 6 or even 7 gallon gallon tank would have been the ticket. But no, triumph wanted to make it look preeeeeeeetty so they went with a 5 gallon tank. Big FAIL, keeps me out of the hunt. My S10 has a 6 gal. tank and get 42-45 mpg, my 800XC, with a 5 gal. tank, gets 36-38 mpg. The triple is a thirsty beast and I suspect the 1200 will drink more then the 800.   

Regards, Paul

I had no problem with the 5.3 gallon tank on my Tiger 1050.  During touring it would regularly get beyond 200-miles to a tank, if needed.  With my 675, I get upward to 42-50+mpg while touring (though closer to 36mpg while commuting).  I'm surprised your Tiger 800XC is not returning better mileage - I read that it was to be more efficient than the 675's.  Triumph quotes 41-63(!) mpg on their website for the 800XC.  Is your Tiger fully broken-in?

I would not automatically assume that the 1200 will be more thirsty than the 1050.  We'll have to see.  I'm surprised the 1200 has the same size tank as the 1050, but maybe they were able to maintain or improve efficiency.

[Croak]

With a clean sheet design, I'd imagine they'd get a good bit more efficiency out of the 1200 compared to the 20-year old basic design of the 1050.  And then throw much of it away by strapping on a shaft drive.

[Roadscum]

I had no problem with the 5.3 gallon tank on my Tiger 1050.  During touring it would regularly get beyond 200-miles to a tank, if needed.  With my 675, I get upward to 42-50+mpg while touring (though closer to 36mpg while commuting).  I'm surprised your Tiger 800XC is not returning better mileage - I read that it was to be more efficient than the 675's.  Triumph quotes 41-63(!) mpg on their website for the 800XC.  Is your Tiger fully broken-in?

I would not automatically assume that the 1200 will be more thirsty than the 1050.  We'll have to see.  I'm surprised the 1200 has the same size tank as the 1050, but maybe they were able to maintain or improve efficiency.

I'm not sure what you mean by "fully" broken in but it's got 4500 miles on then odo, it also had the Arrow slip-on and tune. A few weeks ago the damn thing ran out of gas at 178 miles.  

Regards, Paul

[black hills]

I'm not sure what you mean by "fully" broken in but it's got 4500 miles on then odo, it also had the Arrow slip-on and tune. A few weeks ago the damn thing ran out of gas at 178 miles.  

Regards, Paul

most likely the reason

[Rincewind]

I'm not sure what you mean by "fully" broken in but it's got 4500 miles on then odo, it also had the Arrow slip-on and tune. A few weeks ago the damn thing ran out of gas at 178 miles. 

Regards, Paul

By broken-in, I meant that you are past the break-in period, which is clearly the case.  You are right - that is certainly lower efficiency than should be expected, but as Black Hills suggested, it may be related to the Arrow tune.    

[BBB]

I'm not sure what you mean by "fully" broken in but it's got 4500 miles on then odo, it also had the Arrow slip-on and tune. A few weeks ago the damn thing ran out of gas at 178 miles.  

Regards, Paul

What is the gas tank capacity?

[Roadscum]

What is the gas tank capacity?

Tank is said to be 5.0 gal. but I was able to pump 2.23 gal. into the bone dry tank.

Triumph released an updated tunes for the 800's late last year to cure the stalling problem affecting many bikes. I'm thinking that upgraded tune has more to do with the poor gas milage the the Arrow tune.....  I could be wrong, but that would be the 1st time..      

Regards, Paul

[BlueRidgeKat]

I'm not sure what you mean by "fully" broken in but it's got 4500 miles on then odo, it also had the Arrow slip-on and tune. A few weeks ago the damn thing ran out of gas at 178 miles.  

Regards, Paul

Mine is bone stock with 12,000 miles on it. The gas light comes on at around 155 miles. At 180 miles you  better be finding a gas station damn fast.

[stk0308]

Tank is said to be 5.0 gal. but I was able to pump 2.23 gal. into the bone dry tank.

   So are you saying you think the tank is actually 2.23 gal?  That'd be 79 mpg

[Roadscum]

   So are you saying you think the tank is actually 2.23 gal?  That'd be 79 mpg

Oooops, finger slip or a brain fart, maybe both!  

S/B 5.23gal.... sorry for the confusion.

Regards, Paul

[stk0308]

Oooops, finger slip or a brain fart, maybe both!  

S/B 5.23gal.... sorry for the confusion.

Regards, Paul

I was hopin it was something like that    

Still, I'd have it back too the dealer for a checkover again.  34mpg is trackday kinda mileage.

[BBB]

Tank is said to be 5.0 gal. but I was able to pump 2.23 gal. into the bone dry tank.

So that is a 19 litre tank or thereabouts. So running dry after 178 miles = 35.6mpg. That is not very good economy, especially when compared to what a F658 or F800GS can manage.

[onetrack97]

Priced a little higher than I had hoped.

For me, the 800 with shaft drive and cruise control would be perfect.

I'll check this one out in 6 - 12 months if they can put enough supply out.  My 2003 ST1300 is due and I now am a Triumph owner also and a big fan.

[ConPilot1]

I'm also surprised at the fuel capacity of this new Tiger. That's a big selling point in this class of bike and makes you wonder WTH were they thinking?

And that tank doesn't look all that small to me, the bigger capacity GS tank actually looks smaller to me from the side. I know the GS looks like an C-5 cargo plane from the front.

Is it just me or does the wheelbase appear to be very short on the bike also?

I'm wondering also about the comments about you midgets not being able to touch the ground.
I'm damn near in that club myself at 5-9 with a 30 inch inseam, so no offense intended there.
What I've heard about the suspensions on these bikes (speaking about the GS anyway) is that there's so much fork and swingarm travel that the whole suspension compresses down pretty good when you have your body weight on it so is it such a big issue? Maybe these showroom bikes have the air pressures jacked up to the max and their sitting an inch higher?

I admit that if I had a small dirt bike, I'd probably spend WAY more time riding well away from people and cell signal, and might end up getting myself in a situation. I like exploring. One of my "dream ride" plans is to take something little and light, pick a rail line and ride it to the end.  

Lots of RR tracks in PA for that man. That sounds like fun. Lots of tracks up here run along the Susquehanna river valley, some real pretty spots. You could even eat dinner out of the river if you head further north and brought yourself a small travel fishing rig.  

[Rincewind]

The reports are coming in from the press launch.  Here is the first I've seen...

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/News/newsresults/First-rides-tests/2012/February/feb24triumphexplorer/



Triumph Tiger Explorer First Ride


MCN Editor, Marc Potter, is at the world launch of the Triumph Tiger Explorer and here are his first thoughts.

"Triumph admits it is aiming the Tiger Explorer squarely at the BMW R1200GS, and claims higher spec for less money, better handling, more luggage carrying capacity and at 135bhp, more power from the three cylinder all-new 1215cc engine.

"I’m about it ride it in the hills and fabulous mixed terrain near Malaga in Spain and will feed back my thoughts on how it handles later on today."

UPDATE, 09:24
"I’ve just done 30 miles on the new bike and first impressions suggest that this bike is as Triumph said - aimed squarely at the BMW R1200GS.

"No lightweight at 259kg fully fuelled compared to the BMW R1200GS at 225kg fully fuelled but the handling and accuracy of the steering defies it’s weight.

"The motor is incredibly torquey, meaning you hardly rev after 5000-6000rpm and the riding position is one of the most comfortable in the adventure class and possibly tourer class."


‘I’ve now covered 100 miles on the bike and have to say I am massively impressed. It doesn’t do anything staggeringly better than its rivals but as a package it takes adventure touring bikes to a new level.

You hardly have to ever stress the engine but when you do it’s got loads more get up and go than the BMW R1200GS and although you wouldn’t want to put it on a track day the handling is extremely neutral and it’s almost as quick to change direction as a Ducati Multistrada though certainly not as sporty as that bike. But then it’s not meant to be.

It’s going to be fascinating to see how the new Triumph compares to the Honda Crosstourer and the GS when we get them together for the full intensive group test next month. But if you put a deposit down on a new Triumph Tiger Explorer you’ve made a good choice.’

[Croak]

Kevin Ash review:

http://www.ashonbikes.com/content/triumph-tiger-explorer-review

Will it make a dent in the Germans' armour? It's not going to outsell the GS, that's far too well established, just as the Triumph Thunderbird will never outsell Harley-Davidsons. But it's going to steal a lot of sales, and after discovering how good the Triumph is, I suspect more than either Triumph is expecting or BMW is hoping. If time shows it's as robust and reliable as Triumph is keen to keep telling us, then a few years down the line, who knows?

For now, it's a little cheaper than a similarly specced BMW, and by almost all criteria, it's also a better bike.

[ConPilot1]

It's nice to see GS contenders, but the fuel capacity still sucks ass I don't care about what they say about how good the bike is.

Bike this class should have 6.5 fucking gallons and no less. Nice to see a great review otherwise though.

Triumph is one of the more progressive thinking MC manufacturers' going these days I think. They're definitely doing something right.  

[Croak]

It's nice to see GS contenders, but the fuel capacity still sucks ass I don't care about what they say about how good the bike is.

Bike this class should have 6.5 fucking gallons and no less. Nice to see a great review otherwise though.

Triumph is one of the more progressive thinking MC manufacturers' going these days I think. They're definitely doing something right.  

GS has about the same range as the Explorer.  Don't confuse it with the GSA.  

[Rincewind]

Here is the first longer review with high-res pics...

http://www.visordown.com/road-tests-first-rides/first-ride-triumph-tiger-explorer-1200/20167.html

[BBB]

Given that the 1200GS has been on the market since 2004 a rival manufacturer should be able to produce a bike that betters it by now.

[Rincewind]

Kevin Ash's review is up - http://www.ashonbikes.com/content/triumph-tiger-explorer-review

On the screen popped up a graph of power and torque curves, with lines for what looked like three bikes. And there were, sort of… "These are the curves for the Tiger Explorer, and here are the curves for the customer BMW R1200GS. And here, just above those, are the curves for the R1200GS press bikes…"

Pause while jaws hit floor… In fact the main point was to show the superiority of the Triumph's power over the GS's - these were both comfortably above the German bikes'. But inevitably attention also focussed on the difference between the press bike's curve, with more peak power and less torque (as many journalists seem to prefer) than the showroom model. Very naughty, if still a surprise for Triumph to highlight it, and they've now asked for the graphs to be removed from this review - and I've obliged, it's their copyright after all - as it's stirring up rather more controversy than they anticipated. But it's only retaliation for BMW boss Hendrik von Kuenheim remarking how Triumph should be ashamed for copying the German bikes.

This is war then, so how does the British weaponry shape up?

[Rincewind]

It's a clean-looking design with a minimum of external pipes, and another comparison Triumph was keen to make: the service intervals are wide at 10,000 miles (16,000km) , with 20,000 mile (32,000km) gaps between the major ones, where the GS needs attention every 6,000 miles. In fact these are the widest service intervals of any current motorcycle, comfortable beating even Ducati's 7,500 miles (12,000km).

20k valve interval checks!  Second only to Yamaha then for valve checks, and longest ever for minor services at 10k.  

[Duc OT]

Yep, saw that review.  That 20k valve service is good to know.  What do they consider the minor service?  Is that the oil change?

[expatbrit]

Yep, saw that review.  That 20k valve service is good to know.  What do they consider the minor service?  Is that the oil change?

Looks like it. That's some miles between services -- pretty impressive.

[Rincewind]

Looks like it. That's some miles between services -- pretty impressive.

I hope the rest of the Triumph line-up follows suit.