The 1200 Tiger Explorer Mega Thread

[XFBO]

Sorry to hear that Ken, hoping for a fast recovery for you!

Man, does that bring back some memories! About 10 yrs ago, I watched an older friend of mine t-bone a dear too. Although he didn't break any bones, he, the bike and deer went down hard. It took everything in me to avoid the three of them sliding about in front of me.

[Fasttrak]

Thanks for the get well wishes!

Dan, Thanks for your message and so far I am doing real well. At this point I am going to enjoy my first real vacation, just lounging with no itinerary, in almost two decades. Now I just need to figure how not to go stir crazy over the next three months.

Fasttrak
Ken

[Carl Down Under]

I got to see an explorer in the flesh for the first time on Saturday. It didn't have the seat on as the dealer had just got it and was charging the battery. Will have to wait for my test ride . Very solid, good looking machine. It's going to be a tough choice with the Crosstourer which I've test ridden and loved. What a motor! I look forward to the Triumph ride. Probably in two weeks as I'm riding this weekend.

Tough luck Ken! Get better soon. I got very close to two wallabies yesterday, so I know the fear. After going down when I hit a dog as a teenager, unpredictable animals are my greatest fear.

[Gmen5280]

In the market for a replacement of my totaled 1050 Sprint ST, I want a more up right riding position. My short list includes the Multi1200, 1200GS, Tiger Explorer & 800xc. There is a dealer about an hr north that carries all 3 brands. These were my impressions/notes from back to back rides doing the same loop that included surface streets, gravel/dirt & highway.

Weather: Air Temp 87, slight on and off drizzle
Helmet: Arai XD3
Rider 6' 190lbs
Riding over 20years
Rider style: 6-8,000 miles a year with 70% being commuting and the other 30% being day and weekend trips 1up.
I hope to get the wife on the back more then the 3-6 times a year. Kids kind of put a crimp in that.
Test Ride Loop: 15miles with Surface streets, Dirt/Gravel road, & Hwy.

In order of test ride.

Multi 1200 (non S):
Pro's
Power out the wazoo. You better have a firm grip when you power shift from 1-2nd,-3rd front tire wants to get airborne.
Switchable programs (Sport was sharp throttle, Touring felt the same, Urban was a totally different bike)
Being able to switch programs on the fly (Urban while on the surface street and then up to Sport for sweeping
on ramp and hwy). You just need to close the throttle for the change to take effect.
Light weight makes for quick handling.
Not much heat coming from engine.
Windscreen in highest position gave enough airflow and little wind buffeting with Arai XD3
Positive feel of selecting gears
Hand guards standard
Exhaust Note is great.

Con's
Couldn't find a comfortable position in the saddle. A little narrow at the front for me.
Didn't like being rode around at 3,000 RPMs, felt like it was going to shake apart.
I constantly felt like it wanted to be let loose, meaning it felt best when ringing it's neck.
Felt really tall going through sweeper on ramp to highway. This may have been due to 1st bike coming from 30deg
lean on my Sprint ST 1050
Didn't like the gut feeling of riding it on the dirt road (Endure mode felt like Urban). Wouldn't want to drop a Ducati on
a test ride.
Legs exposed to airflow (could be a pro in the warm weather or con in cold / rain weather riding)
Turn signal cancel, did I get it? Had to look down to see if I was still flashing on the instrument cluster.
This should become irrelevant once you be get used to the bike.

1200GS (with ESA):
Pro's
Very comfortable ride in all modes (ESA)
Has good power, didn't feel that sluggish (but noticeably less then Multi1200)
More neutral handling, didn't feel that tall in the saddle going around sweeping on ramp, very surprised on is handling.
Can see myself doing cross country ride on this bike and not needing a few down days to recover.
Not much heat coming from engine.
Provided best wind protection for legs, those big boxer jugs (pro in cold / rain, but not that bad in warm weather riding)


Con's
Turn signals were a pain to get used to. However once you become comfortable it might not be that bad.
I had to reposition my right hand every time to cancel the turn signal. Again, might be something you get used to eventually.
No Cruise Control, why the 1200RT has it....
Got a little hot having the taller (Adventure) wind screen. A little wind buffeting with Arai XD3 helmet
Vague feeling when selecting gears.

Tiger Explorer:
Pro's
Wow this feels faster then my Sprint ST 1050.
CRUISE CONTROL, yes I am raising my voice. Why doesn't every bike have this option?
Not much heat coming from engine.
Positive feel back when selecting gears
Has a slight forward lean in saddle.
Able to ride around surface streets at 3000 rpm with out needing to down shift.
Torque band is awesome.
Sound of the Triple is music to my ears. But didn't have the same grow as the TOR on my Sprint.
Ah, turn signal that are where then should be.

Con's
Windscreen in highest setting gave a lot of buffeting with Arai XD3. lowered two setting and was fine.
Legs exposed to airflow (could be a pro in the warm weather or con in cold weather riding)

Tiger 800xc:
Pro's
Light on it's feet.
Good power over all ( not in the same league of the bigger bikes on the highway in regards grunt 60-80mph passing)
Felt at home on dirt and surface streets.
Positive feel back when selecting gears.
Slight forward lean in saddle.

Con's
Heat from the engine on the legs. It really threw off the heat after getting off the highway heading back to the dealer.
Blown around on the hwy when being passed by 18wheeler.
Non hydraulic clutch (how easy it is to get spoiled on the other bikes with hydraulic clutches)
Not that great wind protection from small wind screen.


I really wanted to like the Ducati, most of the guys I ride with have super sport bikes and my Sprint ST 1050 could keep up with them (It's the Indian not the arrow). With the 150 hp on tap, I thought this would be the bike to have. But it felt like I needed to be pushing it every single moment. I've never owned a L-twin and it just felt foreign to me. I loved what the Urban mode made it feel like on the surface streets. It is really a wolf in sheep's clothing.

The BMW was a gentleman's bike for sure. There is a reason it is the leader that all adventure bikes aim for.
With the 3 easy payment and BMW navigator IV GPS being offered for free (till 8/31/12). I thought this would make good financial sense to buy. But you are up in the 19g's with ESA. The Rallye is a great looking bike in my eyes.

The Tiger 800xc was a surprise. It was a good bike that could do everything the others could, but a little slower. If I needed a bike to just commute and do some day rides 1up, this is a great bike to have. But the heat is perplexing. Coming from the Sprint ST 1050, that could really cook the rider, why is the little 800 so hot.

For me the Explorer is the bike that checks all the boxes.
Power, check. Comfort, check. Commuting, Check. 2up for trips, check. Cruise Control, double check.

I love the Triple engine, So my comparison may come across as a Triumph Homer. But it is what it is.
For my money and what I need a bike to do, I would rank these bikes the following:
1) Explorer
2) 1200GS
3) Multi1200
4) Tiger 800xc

[Bryn]

Thanks for the write up... nice to hear a comparison..... I've had a few GS's... fancied a change so got the EXP... not disappointed

[Fasttrak]

Originally Posted by Bryn

Get well soon Ken

Were you called captain crash before the deer strike

Sounds like the bike survived pretty well though

Bryn,

I earned that nickname by willing to try anything once. This usually brought around a spectacular hillclimb or spectacular crash, so yes, I earned that nickname. Riding on the street is surely a different beast than riding dirt. You learn your limits by crashing in the dirt, the same can't be said for riding on asphalt. Although, the way things are going so far I might re-earn that nickname for my street riding too :-P


Fasttrak
Ken

[Bryn]

Originally Posted by Fasttrak

Bryn,

I earned that nickname by willing to try anything once. This usually brought around a spectacular hillclimb or spectacular crash, so yes, I earned that nickname. Riding on the street is surely a different beast than riding dirt. You learn your limits by crashing in the dirt, the same can't be said for riding on asphalt. Although, the way things are going so far I might re-earn that nickname for my street riding too :-P


Fasttrak
Ken

Thanks for clearing that one up Ken , and no thanks whatsoever to the deer for clearing you up

[Bails]

I'd say the write up is pretty close. I'd go the new GS if it ends up with cruise and more power.

[drklr]

Originally Posted by Gmen5280

In the market for a replacement of my totaled 1050 Sprint ST, I want a more up right riding position. My short list includes the Multi1200, 1200GS, Tiger Explorer & 800xc. There is a dealer about an hr north that carries all 3 brands. These were my impressions/notes from back to back rides doing the same loop that included surface r streets, gravel/dirt & highway..

I love the Triple engine, So my comparison may come across as a Triumph Homer. But it is what it is.
For my money and what I need a bike to do, I would rank these bikes the following:
1) Explorer
2) 1200GS
3) Multi1200
4) Tiger 800xc

Thanks for taking the time to do a write up. Good luck with your decision.

John

[Matte Norrköping]

In the market for a new Adv-bike?!

Today I tested the Triumph Explorer. I was hoping to find a modern 1200 GS. I've tried the Tenere, but I didn't like it since you can't turn off the ABS-system (!) and the fact that it feels (and is) heavier; bye-bye, Yamaha!

If I didn't have my SE I my first choice would be KTM Adventure 990 R.

I ride aggressive and always like to travel as much gravel as possible instead of just "doing time" on asphalt.

I got several bikes and the bike I love the most is the KTM Super Enduro Rally etd. But since it's always on mx-tires I would like a big dual sport for traveling

1200 GS
Good engine, but old
Reputation
Nice high speed traveler
ABS "ok"
Enduro gear (but should be 30% lower ;) good when terrain forces slow speed and you want stability to get through

Cons:
Front has hard time swallowing ripples in road.
"Skews" when you pop a wheelie

Triumph Explorer

When I drove of from the dealership I pushed hard, as I always do, then slammed the brakes, as I always do. OMG! Why doesn't brake? Brake!!

Tested once more and got scared. Drove to the side, figured if I should abort the test drive. Today was a sunny day w dry asphalt. Took 30 sec and blocked ABS; A COMPLETELY NEW BIKE!

Tried to pop a wheelie, but TCS stopped that, turned that off as well, and now it started working as a motorcycle :)

Even though it's heavier than the beamdabbelju, it feels more agile drive vice. The gravel road I tested on was very hard packed, I would say that I prefer the handling of the Explorer. It just followed your thoughts, go here, go there.

The engine is way superior to the Beamer. Fast, direct and you can have 6th gear and 2k rpm and it just hauls away without a tremble. There is a bit to much "gap" in the shaft drive (sorry, I'm swedish but I'll guess you understand :).

1200 Explorer
Engine is GOOD
Chassie response
Long service interval, 10 000 mi/16 000 km

Cons
Feels more like a street bike, not so rugged
ABS-system is SHEIT!! What were you thinking?!!!
Why do you put the saddle lock on the dirtiest place on the bike (under the rear light)?!!!
Heavy (doesn't mean so much unless it's get offroadish :)


They don't plan a XC (Adventure) version of this bike w extended range, spoke wheels etc.


My problem is this, the second hand price for the Beamer is so high that there is no point in not buying a new one, but it's old, so I'll not buy the BMW until next model arrives. The Explorer feels the best so far, but the look is quite boring and nothing adventure about it...

Dear god, please tell me that KTM shows determination in ruling the 1200 GS Adventure class as well ;-P

Here is what to do:
Give it shaft drive

Build engine like Explorer, but let it be able to "explode" on top.

Build it w tank module system. Primary tank 25 l, second tank 12 l (saddle tank other side of muffler). Option 7+7 l clinged to primary tank. 51 L in total=more economical engine=1 000 km range.

Keep it LIGHT.

Able to order w Enduro 1:st gear (30-40 % lower than normal) for water passages, rocky parts etc. anywhere speed is no option to clear the obstacle.

Skip panniers, they ruin the ride (lots of weight off centre of gravity, bulky for tight riding). Design "tight"/expandable/collapsable luggage space.

Everybody today use GPS/Smartphone. Make room for it/nav tower to accommodate electronics and old school map.

power button, 3 modes: normal, economy, snow.

Crash pucks: adventure bikes will meet the ground.

Rugged.

ESA (or equivalent).

Cruise control.

ABS/TCS: If I turn it off, PLEASE, let it stay that way until I want it turned on. Don't wanna mess w it every time, and it's not safe to fiddle w it riding. PLEASE!!!

Best Regards,

Mattias Persson, Sweden
mp1974@gmail.com

[DAKEZ]

Originally Posted by Gmen5280

I love the Triple engine, So my comparison may come across as a Triumph Homer. But it is what it is.
For my money and what I need a bike to do, I would rank these bikes the following:
1) Explorer
2) 1200GS
3) Multi1200
4) Tiger 800xc

Thanks for the write-up.

My order is
1) 800XC (it does everything the other will and MORE)
2) Explorer/1200GS tie (weight penalty)
3) Multi 1200 (fit did not work and techno overkill)

I don't think there is a bad choice here.

[markbvt]

Originally Posted by DAKEZ

My order is
1) 800XC (it does everything the other will and MORE)
2) Explorer/1200GS tie (weight penalty)
3) Multi 1200 (fit did not work and techno overkill)

I don't think there is a bad choice here.

I'd agree, except I'd remove the tie between the Explorer and the GS. Explorer second, GS third.

The XC is an enormously fun bike that has no trouble doing long distances.

The Explorer and GS fit the same purpose, but whereas the GS left me feeling, "Yeah, I can see why people buy these for long-haul touring," the Explorer left me feeling, "Holy crap, this is an awesome bike -- if I plan that trip to Alaska, I've got to budget for one of these!"

As for the Multistrada, it's a very distant fourth. It didn't fit me at all -- way too compact, and I felt like the edge of the windscreen was about five inches in front of my face. Too damn close. I also didn't like all the electronic gadgetry (it's supposed to be a motorcycle, not a computer), and I won't even consider an "ADV" bike with sportbike-sized wheels.

--mark

[Gmen5280]

If I still had my 1050 Sprint, I would be all over the 800xc. But being that we had a little disagreement with a Denali, I need to expand the requirements of my next purchase.

1) It will need to commute 250 miles a week with 65% at hwy speeds. (Comfort + Rideability)
2) Take me up the mountain twisties every other Saturday. (Handling)
3) Handle 3,000 mile 3-4 day trips a few times a year with saddle bags and keep up with my bothers on their Sport
Touring bikes (Power + Comfort)
4) Get my wife out more on the back of the bike. (Power + Comfort for pillion)
5) And take me back East on a cross country trip in the next 24 months. (Power + Comfort)
6) Allow me to every now and then take that off pavement dirt road I wouldn't take the Sprint on. (Dirt friendly)

The 800xc will handle just about all except maybe keeping up with my riding buddies on their liter + bikes. This would fall in to the Power requirement.

I still need to get the wife try do a test ride on the back of the bikes. So that is TBD.

This is why I am leaning towards the Explorer over the 800xc:
It has the Comfort (I'm not getting any younger).
It is bigger then the 800xc so the pillion should have more room.
It is Dirt Friendly. (it won't be following the 800xc on some trails, but how often would I go down that single track?)
It Handles well.
It has good Power (will keep up on the super slab with SupreSports & SportsTouring bike, well at least till 140)
And Ridability (with the torque band of the triple, you can loaf around at 3,000 in town and jump on the Hwy with out
down shifting)
I've gave myself till the end of August to make a final decision. Even though I wouldn't want UJM like the Tenere, I should take one for a test ride. And then there is the Moto Guzzi Stelvio NTX, why not give it a run?

I'm a data analyst by trade and have a hard time making a choice with out factoring all the options. However, having a sounding board like this forum brings up a few different angles to factor in. Thanks for your insights. But at the end of the day each rider has different reasons they ended up with their respective bike.
Thanks again, Dean

[Ducksbane]

I have a well farkled 800GS ... great all round bike, but I now also have an adventurised BMW XChallenge as well, so I have been trying the 1200's.

I took out a Yamaha Super Tenere and a Triumph 800XC first. ST is a very comfortable bike, cruises easily, has excellent suspension ... but it just bores me ... doesn't really have any more performance than an 800. The 800XC, just didn't get along with it either ... gear ratios too tight, not that much torque at the bottom end.

I then had three rides on a Multistrada. Oh ... the power ! Unbelievable. In urban mode it felt a lot like my 800GS, same sort of power (bit ,more grumpy at the bottom end) good turning circle, not much heavier. In touring or sport mode it is just amazing ... I couldn't help laughing out loud (LOL ) everytime I opened the throttle seriously. I really like the S touring version with the Ohlins and all the electronics.

I then tried a fully specced 1200 GS ... really nice bike, but feels a bit old compared to the others, lots of torque, not bad suspension with the ESA. Compared to the Multistrada the electronics seem a bit old fashioned, takes a long time for ESA adjustments to work ... on the Ducati you just make your change and shut the throttle and you are good to go.

Recently I tried the 1200 Explorer and the 800XC with my thirteen year old daughter as pillion. I have to be honest ... the 800XC did even less for me this time. Compared to the 800GS it feels fat and makes you stick your knees out, it makes less power than the GS until you get over 8,000 rpm, the gear ratios are even more wrong than the GS, the front end feels vague, and as we will discover both my pillion and I were much happier on the 1200. Just my opinion ... don't get your knickers in a twist !

The 1200 immediately impressed me by feeling thin around your knees ... much thinner than the 800XC, and the build quality looks a lot better too. The next thing that impressed me was the torque. You could easily potter around town in fifth at 2,000 RPM and it would just take off if you opened the throttle. It also has plenty of power further up the rev range (not as much as the Ducati though) and it sounds fabulous. My pillion really liked it and I could hardly tell she was there. I'm not sure I really like the front forks ... I think a bit more rebound damping would be good, but no complaints about the back. The funny thing for all you Triumph fans out there is that the 1200 Explorer reminds me more of my 800GS than the 800XC. They both have lots of torque off the bottom and you don't need to rev them to make good progress. Of course the 1200 has lots more power and torque but they both have an easy, comfortable flow to them. They both feel thin, stable and well made as well.

So do I keep the 800GS, or buy a 1200 ?. I will have another ride on the 1200GS (and try to find out when the 1250 is coming), the Multistrada, and the 1200 Explorer. At this stage I am leaning towards the Triumph ... like those thin ergonomics, good seat, torque, power, sound and long distance ability. It seems really good with a pillion as well, and while I think the 1200GS might be a bit better off the bitumen I suspect the Tiger would be a lot better than the Multistrada.

[Mugatu]

Originally Posted by Ducksbane

I took out a Yamaha Super Tenere and a Triumph 800XC first. ST is a very comfortable bike, cruises easily, has excellent suspension ... but it just bores me ... doesn't really have any more performance than an 800.

I went from a 800gs to a s10 (which I just crashed along with my wrist), and I think there is a sensible difference between the two, unless you drove the s10 in "touring" map, and full on anti-skid (?)