Triumph Tiger 1200 Explorer XCa 2017 — Specifications

If you are looking for a machine capable of traversing continents without worrying about the terrain, the Triumph Tiger 1200 Explorer XCa is a proposition that deserves your attention. This large British trail bike, with its 258 kg dry weight, is not a lightweight machine, but its three-cylinder 1215 cc engine gives it a distinct personality. It delivers 139 horsepower at 9300 rpm, and above all a torque of 123 Nm from 6200 rpm, a force that is felt from the first turn of the wheel, propulsive and smooth, without the abrupt jolts of some twin-cylinder engines. The final shaft drive provides that indispensable peace of mind for long journeys.

Facing its competitors, such as the BMW R 1250 GS or the KTM 1290 Super Adventure, the Tiger 1200 Explorer XCa favors sophistication and road comfort. Its steel tubular trellis frame, coupled with a 48 mm inverted fork and a mono-shock with nearly 200 mm of travel, offers remarkably stable handling, even when loaded. The braking system, with its 305 mm Brembo discs at the front, is precise and powerful, without being intimidating. It is a motorcycle that inspires confidence, not aggression.

The price, 19900 euros, places this Triumph Tiger 1200 Explorer XCa in the high-end segment, and this price is justified by its equipment. The seat height of 837 mm may intimidate those of shorter stature, but it contributes to this feeling of dominance over the terrain. The 20-liter tank promises serious ranges, and the six-speed gearbox is as quiet as it is efficient. For whom? Primarily the adventurous globetrotter who prioritizes comfortable travel and all-surface efficiency over extreme off-road performance. It is not the machine for the track rider or beginner; it requires a certain experience to handle its weight with grace.

Its three-cylinder engine, with a bore of 85 mm and a stroke of 71.4 mm, is a masterpiece of versatility. It combines the liveliness of a high-revving four-cylinder engine with the generous traction of a twin-cylinder engine, an ideal compromise for the long-distance trail bike. Euro 4 standard was then its passport. The announced top speed, 200 km/h, is easily accessible, but where it excels is in the 80 to 140 km/h range, where the torque and smoothness make piloting almost contemplative.

In summary, the Triumph Tiger 1200 Explorer XCa is an exceptional travel tool, brilliant on the road and capable on trails. Its major drawback remains its mass, which can complicate maneuvers in town or on technical trails. But if your priority is to travel thousands of kilometers with a feeling of safety and mechanical refinement, this large British trail bike is worth its price. It does not seek to be the most radical, but perhaps the most civilized in the world of large-displacement adventure bikes.