Triumph Tiger 1200 Explorer XCx Low 2017 — Specifications

Imagine a Gore-Tex-clad powerhouse, capable of crushing continents as easily as highway miles. That’s the essence of the 2017 Triumph Tiger 1200 Explorer XCx Low. This beast born in Hinckley doesn’t just play at weekend adventuring; it embodies adventure touring in its most accomplished and, frankly, most massive form. With a dry weight of 251 kg, it commands respect before you even turn the key. But beneath this heavyweight build lies the heart of an inline triple of 1215 cm3, a supple and refined engine delivering 139 horsepower. The real magic happens in the middle of the rev range, where its 123 Nm of torque is felt from the first turn of the wheel, propelling this giant with disconcerting ease.

The true reason for being of this XCx Low lies in its name: a reduced seat height of 785 mm, a breath of fresh air for pilots of more modest stature. Triumph cleverly cheated, not by trimming the suspension travel, but by sculpting the seat and adjusting the geometry. The result is astounding. You retain the full ground clearance and handling of a true trail bike, with those 168 mm of travel at the front, while still being able to place both feet flat on the ground at the traffic light. It’s a stroke of genius that considerably widens the circle of enthusiasts, without sacrificing the machine's adventurous soul. The steel trellis frame, combined with spoked wheels built for adventure, inspires absolute confidence, whether you’re loading the saddlebags for a transcontinental journey or tackling a slightly deep forest track.

On the asphalt, the Tiger 1200 behaves like a high-altitude limousine. The triple engine is a jewel of refinement, silenced and fluid, devouring national roads with its omnipresent torque. The front Brembo radial braking is up to the mass, powerful and progressive. But let's admit it, its shaft drive and 20-liter tank betray its primary ambitions: autonomy and robustness for very long journeys. At 200 km/h, it is stable as a rock, but you can feel that it is happier covering 800 km in a day than brushing its redline. In terms of competition, it directly targets the mid-range of BMW R 1200 GS models, with a more road-focused approach and a more linear engine than the lively boxer twin. Its price, around 18,100 euros at the time, positioned it as a serious and technological alternative.

Who is it for, ultimately? Not for the hardcore adventurer seeking lightness on a narrow trail. The weight remains its worst enemy as soon as the path narrows and becomes rough. Its target is the demanding long-distance traveler, for whom the journey is paramount over the exploit, and who refuses to compromise on comfort, technology, and the ability to leave the pavement without a second thought. The Tiger 1200 Explorer XCx Low is a convincing machine, offering the stance of a GS with improved accessibility and the unique character of a three-cylinder engine. It proves that adventure can sometimes begin closer to the ground, without sacrificing the scope of the dream.