The 1200 Tiger Explorer Mega Thread

[GrahamD]

Originally Posted by Barshoe

Looks like a potential winner. I ride a GS but I'm always open to something new. Extra fuel would be a nice bonus as well as a factory cruise control. Engine performance will have to be lively with the new water-cooled GS on the horizon. We'll see if they've tamed the vibration issues of the 800......

Is that the 1% of bikes like the S10, or are we talking 2% and all running around with our hands in the air.

After a certain other brands history, why is anyone complaining?

[Barshoe]

No complaints here! Just anticipation!

[TIGERRIDER007]

Charles, what reasons would someone not like to ride a GSA? Triumph is 100% on to something with these new Tigers and they will win over some of the GS folks, heck, maybe there will some GSA's for sale. I totally look forward to riding one of these Tigers. I don't think I can wait until May/early summer!

[markjenn]

Originally Posted by Barshoe

We'll see if they've tamed the vibration issues of the 800......

What vibration issues?

- Mark

[DrunkWombat]

Originally Posted by Daytonacharlie

Nothing against BMW but I'm sure (and you can bet John Bloor is too) that there are a lot of wana be and serious ADVers out there that don't want the GS for any number of reasons that would welcome Triumph's interpretation of the big trailie. Just look at the 800XC, Triumph put out a great product and the people have resoundingly responded. I'm sure they've learned a few things with it and the Explorer will be even better. I can't wait to ride the thing!!! Right ON John Bloor!!!

All the manufacturers are chasing the ADV dollar as sports bike sales as up the shit at the moment. They are (probably) cheaper to make as they are not dependent on super exotic light weight alloys like sports bikes and mega hp/litre power outputs chasing tenths of seconds of on track performance. They can then put the money into gadgets (ESA suspension, heated things etc).

Usually the engine is a different tuned unit from elsewhere in the model ine up (The Super Tenere probably has the only dedicated ADV engine- all others come from the models line up) Throw in a 'premium' product perception and you have a recipe for bigger profit margins.

Big ADV market. (1000cc+)

BMW R1200GS/A
KTM 990
Yamaha Super Tenere
Ducati Multistrada
Moto Guzzi Stelvio
Triumph Tiger Explorer*
Honda CrossTourer*
Suzuki V-Strom

"Mid" Size
Suzuki V Strom 650
BMW R 800 GS
Triumph Tiger XC

and there's probably one or two I've missed

So if you're in the market for an ADV bike, you're spoilt for choice.

But as a (extremely prejudiced) GS rider, its a laugh to see how they are all moving to shaft drive!

[GrahamD]

Originally Posted by DrunkWombat

But as a (extremely prejudiced) GS rider, its a laugh to see how they are all moving to shaft drive!

I think I'll hang back and wait and watch the other SS swing arm Shafties for a while in this class of bike.

Originally Posted by DrunkWombat

"Mid" Size
Suzuki V Strom 650
BMW R 800 GS
Triumph Tiger XC

CrossRunner.

[swimmer]

Originally Posted by DrunkWombat

But as a (extremely prejudiced) GS rider, its a laugh to see how they are all moving to shaft drive!

And hopefully they'll leave the exploding feature out of their designs.

[Yossarian™]

Originally Posted by markjenn

What vibration issues?

- Mark

Good question! My 800XC is about as smooth as anything I've ever ridden.

[GrahamD]

Originally Posted by Yossarian™

Good question! My 800XC is about as smooth as anything I've ever ridden.

I think, as usual it would refer to the 1 or 2 bikes that have something wrong. 1 or 2% manufacturing faults is pretty decent these days so you can expect it, Shit happens no matter how good a manufacturer is.

We will be hearing about drowning issues with Tigers soon.

[DrunkWombat]

Originally Posted by swimmer

And hopefully they'll leave the exploding feature out of their designs.

Let he whose motorcycle model is without fault cast the first stone!

[GrahamD]

Originally Posted by DrunkWombat

Let he whose motorcycle model is without fault cast the first stone!

You mean Faults Wombat? Plural?

So far, my bikes performance, as NASA says, has been nominal.

I'll go and grab a few stones.

[Crocker]

my speed triple was smooth as silk. the boxer has some character but that inline triple is a sweet engine and the new tiger has tempted me back to Triumph.

[Adv Grifter]

Originally Posted by Mikef5000

It's got wheel sizes to take knobbies and ground clearance. At risk of creating animosity... how is the S10 or GS1200 any more ADV ready than this? It could be argued that they are all Sport Tourers in ADV guises. To me, one of the major differences between sport tourer and adventure tourer is front wheel size. 17" = only street. 19" = adventure possibilities.

No worries at all ... and you make a fair point. I'm sure the 1200 Tiger will be excellent. But I would agree that ALL the heavy weight class are essentially Sport Tourers. The good news is they can do pretty knarly dirt roads. But if things get too technical ... somebody could get hurt! OUCH!

[oalvarez]

I like it too.

[Adv Grifter]

Originally Posted by 996DL

Thank God John Bloor isn't taking that approach and I'd like to think he's smarter than most of us, in regards to his business sense anyways...
996DL

Good post!! ... BTW ... John Bloor is no longer at the helm of Triumph. His son has taken over the reins.

Originally Posted by Daytonacharlie

Nothing against BMW but I'm sure (and you can bet John Bloor is too) Right ON John Bloor!!!

Bloor is still around and has input ... but is pulling back from it all from what I've read. So far ... they've all done an amazing job in a very very tough climate. Who would have ever thought they could beat the Japanese at anything. They've done it! But kudos to Japan ... ALL Triumphs use ALL Japanese parts in the engines, suspension, electronics, and more. But gutsy design and cool ideas is what boosts Triumph up and over the top!