Triumph Tiger 1200 Explorer

Brand new for 2012 is the Tiger Explorer, a flagship model for Triumph's Adventure range.

Building upon 2011's phenomenally successful Tiger 800 models, the Tiger Explorer is powered by an all-new, shaft-driven, three-cylinder engine in excess of 1200cc, delivering class-leading performance to the adventure touring class.

The Tiger Explorer debuts Triumph's new 'ride-by-wire' throttle system and includes cruise control, switchable ABS and traction control as standard. The high specification continues in the chassis department with a strong steel chassis and cast alloy wheels, 19" front and 17" rear, the latter showcased thanks to the stylish single-sided swingarm.

A suite of accessories have also been developed for the Tiger Explorer's launch with hard and soft luggage, low and high seat options and a wide range of heated and electrical accessories which can be run simultaneously thanks to the Tiger Explorer's best-in-class 950w generator.

Tiger Explorer. All-new bike. All-new excitement.

The ultimate choice for the long haul adventurer. Class-leading handling. The journey doesn’t have to end when the Tarmac does. Brand new, 1215cc engine, with shaft drive of course. A Triumph to take on the world.

The Tiger Explorer brings a whole new level of performance and specification to the adventure touring sector.

The thoroughly modern powerplant utilises a new ride-by-wire electronic throttle system, allowing Triumph engineers to endow the Tiger Explorer with a number of high-tech rider aids for added rider safety and comfort. Cruise control, traction control and ABS are all standard fitment on the Tiger Explorer. A tough shaft drive system has been developed for the Tiger Explorer, allowing virtually maintenance free touring, and the latest Triumph has been designed to go 10,000 miles between servicing – ideal for those long distance adventures.

Triumph’s reputation for delivering best-in-class handling continues with the Tiger Explorer, which offers a combination of excellent low-speed balance and composed high speed capability. The strong tubular steel trellis frame bears a strong visual resemblance to other models in the Triumph family, while the single-sided rear swingarm showcases the 17” 10-spoke rear wheel. Adjustable 46mm front forks allow the rider to tailor the Tiger Explorer to their individual needs and riding conditions, with the long-travel suspension and 19” front wheel giving the Tiger Explorer the capability to cope with unpaved roads.

All-new instrumentation and switchgear is both comprehensive and intuitive. The LCD instrument pack is thumb operated via switches on the handlebars and features a comprehensive onboard computer, including an ambient air temperature indicator with ice warning. The instrumentation also comes pre-configured for Triumph’s tyre pressure monitoring system, available as an optional accessory.

A comprehensive range of accessories is headlined by high quality luggage developed especially for the Tiger Explorer. The two-box pannier system provides 60 Litres
of luggage space, while the top box offers a further 35 Litres
of capacity, enough for a full-face helmet.

TRIUMPH TIGER EXPLORER
All-new adventure touring model for 2012:
- Brand new 1215cc three cylinder engine delivering class leading 137PS
- Cruise control, traction control and switchable ABS as standard
- Durable, low maintenance shaft final drive
- Adjustable rider ergonomics with user variable seat, screen and handlebar positions
- Class-leading 10,000 mile/one year service interval
- Coded key immobiliser as standard
- Wide range of official accessories available for even greater comfort and practicality
- Standard two-year unlimited mileage warranty

One year after setting a new standard with the Tiger 800 comes Triumph’s flagship entry to the adventure touring sector – the Tiger Explorer. Powered by an all-new 1215cc three-cylinder engine producing a class-leading 137PS with 121Nm of torque for effortless overtaking combined with an exciting top end growl, the Tiger Explorer sports a high-specification that will see it bring a new level of excitement to the adventure touring class.

The thoroughly modern powerplant utilises a new ride-by-wire electronic throttle system, allowing Triumph engineers to endow the Tiger Explorer with a number of high-tech rider aids for added rider safety and comfort. Cruise control, traction control and switchable ABS are all standard fitment on the Tiger Explorer, while a tough shaft drive system has been developed for the Tiger Explorer, allowing virtually maintenance free touring. The latest Triumph has also been designed to go 10,000 miles between servicing – ideal for those long distance adventures.

Having been designed for day long, mile crunching capability, rider and pillion comfort are at the heart of the Tiger Explorer’s philosophy. The rider position is easily adjustable, with the standard saddle offering either an 840mm or 860mm seat height, with accessory high and low seat options also available, while both the screen and handlebar positions are highly adjustable to suit the individual rider preferences. The pillion hasn’t been forgotten about either, with a wide and comfortable seat equipped with large grab handles for comfort and security, while the 20 litre fuel tank ensures infrequent stops en route.

Triumph’s reputation for delivering best-in-class handling continues with the Tiger Explorer, which offers a combination of excellent low-speed balance and composed high speed capability, creating a dynamic ride over and above that expected from an adventure tourer.

The strong tubular steel trellis frame bears a strong visual resemblance to other models in the Triumph family, while the single-sided rear swingarm showcases the 17” 10-spoke rear wheel. Adjustable 46mm front forks allow the rider to tailor the Tiger Explorer to their individual needs and riding conditions, with the longtravel suspension and 19” front wheel giving the Tiger Explorer the capability to cope with unpaved roads. Stopping the Tiger Explorer are 305mm discs gripped by powerful four-piston calipers, mated to Triumph’s electronic ABS system, which can be switched off for riding on unpaved surfaces.

All-new instrumentation and switchgear is both comprehensive and intuitive. The LCD instrument pack is thumb operated via switches on the handlebars and features a comprehensive onboard computer, including an ambient air temperature indicator with ice warning, fuel consumption and average speed displays. The instrumentation also comes pre-configured for Triumph’s tyre pressure monitoring system, available as an optional accessory, while a codedkey immobiliser comes as standard equipment.

A comprehensive range of accessories is headlined by a high quality luggage range. The two-box pannier system provides 60 Litres of luggage space, while the top box offers a further 35 Litres of capacity, enough for a full-face helmet.

A best-in-class 950w generator has been fitted to the Tiger Explorer to facilitate the simultaneous running of multiple electrical accessories. Among the official accessories available are heated rider and pillion seats, heated grips, high power fog lights and a top box with integrated power supply for charging on the move.

The bike also comes fitted with a power socket situated close to the ignition, which can be used to power a GPS unit or items of heated clothing.

Three colour options are available for the 2012 Tiger Explorer: Sapphire Blue, Graphite and Phantom Black.

Triumph Tiger 1200 Explorer Features and Benefits
Engine
Powered by an all-new 1215cc three-cylinder engine producing a class-leading 137PS with 121NM of torque for effortless overtaking combined with an exciting top end growl, the Tiger Explorer sports a high-specification that will see it set a new benchmark in the adventure touring class.

Rider aids
Electronic cruise control, traction control and switchable ABS brakes give Explorer riders piece of mind, and come as standard equipment.

Chassis
Tough steel chassis and adjustable sturdy 46mm forks have been designed to cope with the worst that the conditions can throw at it, while 19” front wheel offers excellent on road agility and handling characteristics.

Ergonomics
Designed to offer maximum comfort for rider and pillion, the Tiger Explorer comes with adjustable rider seat height, handlebar position and screen for day long comfort in the saddle.

High-capacity generator
Class leading 950w generator allows the simultaneous running of multiple electrical accessories, including heated rider and pillion seats, heated grips, high power fog lights and a top box with integrated power supply for charging on the move. The bike also comes fitted with a power socket situated close to the ignition, which can be used to power a GPS unit or items of heated clothing.

Comprehensive instrumentation
Handlebar operated instrument pack is Triumph’s most comprehensive yet. In addition to the large digital speed readout and analogue tachometer, the on-board computer displays a host of practical information including gear indicator, fuel consumption and an ambient air temperature indicator.

Shaft drive
Low maintenance drive shaft for hassle free long distance touring

MD Review

It is no longer news to anyone that follows motorcycling that the big enduro/adventure bikes are all the rage. Britain has a great heritage of exploration (Dr. Livingstone, I presume?), and with its new Tiger Explorer, which follows on the recent success of the Tiger 800, Triumph joins the battle against the big bore class leading BMW R 1200 GS. In a category that now includes new models from the likes of Honda and Kawasaki, after just a single ride it is clear that Triumph has built a bike with all the necessary ingredients to be successful.

The highlights include the new 1215 cc triple that puts out a claimed 135 hp and 89 foot-pounds of torque through shaft drive to the rear wheel. Carrying 5.3 gallons of fuel, and featuring a 950 W alternator, the new Tiger Explorer promises to be a touring rider’s handy tool. The ergonomics are comfortable and upright, and the seat height is adjustable over a relatively broad range.

The claimed wet weight of 539 pounds seems pretty decent for a bike in this displacement category, but the BMW is a full 65 pounds lighter thanks to extensive efforts to trim weight by the German manufacturer.

Naturally, Triumph is dead serious about being successful in this niche, and the bike will be made available with ready access to dozens of accessories, including large saddlebags and top box (together, offering nearly 100 Litresof storage space), as well as heated grips, heated seats and a taller windscreen, among others.

Although the Tiger Explorer is a big bike, the seat height adjustment and narrow chassis allow relatively short riders to find a comforting reach to the ground with their feet. Something missing from many competitors in this category.

The Tiger Explorer is not without its electronic gadgets. Standard ABS and traction control are accompanied by cruise control, all of which are easily manipulated from the handlebars. Traction control offers three positions, including the most intrusive (allowing essentially zero wheel spin), slightly less intrusive and an “off” position.

After adjusting the seat height, as well as the windscreen position, we hit the starter button for the first time and that new triple with class leading power burbles to life. The new ride-by-wire throttle provides instant response from the big motor. The familiar, pleasing sound and smooth vibes immediately recall your last ride on a Hinckley triple (in my case, the Tiger 800). We begin to roll through the land of Granada, surrounded by olive groves and tranquility. Everything is smooth, highlighted by that throttle response that so precisely transmits to the rear wheel.

Traveling through an urban environment, the big Tiger is surprisingly nimble feeling and easily fits between lanes with the high handlebars clearing the mirrors of the adjacent cars. The ergonomics are immediately appreciated, with my hands in a comfortable position and the adjustable seat providing just the right amount of support.

Escaping to the faster highways, it becomes apparent to me that cruise control could be very useful on longer trips. Many motorcyclists scoff at cruise control, largely because they are unfamiliar with it. Trust me, this feature, which is so seamlessly integrated on the new Tiger Explorer, could be a godsend on boring drones across the super slab.

Like many of Hinckley’s recent triples, the motor runs like silk with no intrusive vibration whatsoever. Together with the couch-like ergonomics, I can tell this is going to be a relaxing ride with very little physical effort. Comfortable cruising on the highway can get boring, however, so I steer the Tiger Explorer to the twisty back roads.

It is on the flowing twisty back roads of Grenada where the magic happens. This big machine changes directions so easily that the weight beneath me virtually disappears. In fact, I decide that the fluid handling of the big Tiger Explorer is a great complement to that hugely powerful, smooth power plant motivating the mass. If you are a motorcycle enthusiast and haven’t experienced a Hinckley triple, you simply must do so.

That instantaneous throttle response is very controllable … nothing unexpected happens as you open and close the grip. Together with all the leverage provided by that wide handlebar, this big bike creates a big grin under my helmet.

Traction control and long travel suspension only add to the pleasure. No need to worry about opening the throttle aggressively despite dicey traction here and there, and the extra suspension travel soaks up the bumps and undulations without diving excessively on the brakes.

The only fly in the ointment is, in a way, a complement to the Tiger Explorer. The bike generates so much confidence that you find yourself entering corners as aggressively as you might on a much lighter sport bike, revealing the extra mass beneath you. Having survived the overly aggressive corner entry, however, the bike quickly soothes you with that tremendous sound emanating from the engine, particularly above 6,000 rpm.

Finally, we take the machine off-road to assess its true adventure potential. Granted, machines in this category are not motocross bikes, and they certainly do not handle like such lightweight, nimble off-roaders. Respecting its size and weight, and being careful not to drop it (you don’t want to try to pick this bike up), it acquits itself surprisingly well. Both ABS and traction control can be turned off, which you would typically want to do on dirt or gravel.

Triumph is on a roll. It is carefully selecting the right categories to pursue, and producing quality machines priced as good value. The Tiger Explorer is no different. In the highly competitive mega-enduro class, this machine offers the most power and the only three-cylinder configuration. Together with a well sorted chassis and the available accessories expected in this class of motorcycle, Triumph appears to have produced another hit.

Source motorcycledaily.com