Triumph Tiger 1200 Explorer XC 2016 — Specifications

What does a 1200 cm3 roadster look like when it decides to leave the pavement for dirt roads? The answer, in 2016, bore a name: the Triumph Tiger 1200 Explorer XC. This version, more adventure-oriented than its GT sister, never really took off in France, reserved for the British market. A choice by Triumph that remains enigmatic, as this motorcycle had everything to seduce globetrotters seeking versatility and character.

Beneath its imposing fairing beats a heart of 1215 cm3 that delivers generous power of 139 horsepower. This British triple is a marvel of flexibility and torque, with 123 Nm available from mid-range revs. On the road, this translates to crisp acceleration and remarkable ease in all conditions, capable of outdistancing many roadsters. All of this is transmitted by a shaft drive, a robust and maintenance-free choice that perfectly suits the long-distance travel spirit of this Tiger. The weight, announced at 244 kg, is felt when stationary, but once underway, the machine moves with surprising lightness, notably thanks to its well-balanced tubular frame.

The 48 mm inverted fork and rear shock offer nearly 200 mm of travel, figures that speak for themselves. They give this Explorer XC a real potential on trails, far more than most of its road-disguised competitors. Brembo brakes at the front and the 19-inch front tire complete a very serious technical package for those who want to get off the asphalt. Compared to a BMW R 1200 GS Adventure of the time, more accomplished off-road but also taller and heavier, the Triumph plays the card of a more road-friendly accessibility without denying its exploration ambitions.

So, for whom was this motorcycle? Clearly for the demanding globetrotter who, without being an extreme adventurer, refuses to see his journey interrupted by a dirt road or a forest track. It offers the comfort of a large touring bike, the panache of the triple, and the assurance of reliable mechanics. Its major drawback remains its limited marketing positioning, which deprived it of the notoriety it deserved against the German references. The Triumph Tiger 1200 Explorer XC 2014 and later represent therefore a unique proposition, a bold and effective compromise for those who consider that adventure begins where the pavement ends.