Triumph Tiger 1200 Explorer XR 2016 — Specifications

Imagine a behemoth weighing close to 250 kilos, ready to devour asphalt on a national road or gravel on a forest track without a flicker of hesitation. That is the challenge of the 2016 Triumph Tiger 1200 Explorer XR, a machine that isn’t afraid of its shadow or its weight. With its three-cylinder engine of 1215 cm3 producing 139 horsepower and a torque of 122 Nm available relatively early in the rev range, this engine is a true gem in a world of V-twins. It has that characteristic fire, that liveliness in acceleration that makes you forget, for a moment, the figures displayed on the scale.

But let's be frank, at this weight, we are no longer talking about a lightweight trail bike. The seat height of 837 mm is intimidating, and the 20-liter fuel tank reminds you that this English bike is made to devour stages, not to weave through city streets. Its steel trellis frame, Brembo radial brakes, and 48 mm WP inverted fork are serious assets, but they primarily serve a clearly defined road-going vocation. Triumph certainly played with the geometry to gain agility, with a slightly more closed rake angle, but it remains an imposing motorcycle that demands physical commitment.

Where this Explorer truly establishes its territory is in its electronic approach. The base XR version looks a bit like a commercial lure, with its two riding modes Road and Rain, its ABS, and traction control. It’s correct, but the party really starts when you move up to the XRx or XRt trims: semi-active suspension, cruise control, cornering ABS, start-up aids… the catalog is complete. For an entry price of 15,400 euros, you get a solid base, but you should know that the real innovations come at an extra cost. It's a classic in the segment, but it still stings a little.

Faced with competition like the BMW R 1200 GS or the Ducati Multistrada 1200 of the time, Triumph plays its three-cylinder engine card, which is faster and more temperamental than the German boxer. It will appeal to the demanding touring rider looking for something other than the arch-dominant Bavarian, the one for whom sound and feel count as much as pure efficiency. But it will leave the true off-road adventurer cold, its weight and size being real limitations for demanding off-road use.

Ultimately, this Tiger 1200 Explorer XR is an excellent, large-format touring bike, designed for long-distance travel with a touch of British flair. It excels on the pavement, devours the kilometers with great serenity, and its engine is a true marvel. But it fully embraces its status as a road-going maxi-trail, far from the all-road pretensions displayed by others. A choice of the heart for triples enthusiasts, a reasonable compromise for great travelers, but certainly not the bike for those who really want to get off the beaten path.