Triumph Tiger Explorer XRt 2016 — Specifications

Imagine a machine that would behave like an English gentleman farmer, all tweed and leather boots, but capable of crossing a continent without batting an eye. That’s a little bit the spirit of the 2016 Triumph Tiger Explorer XRt. Triumph took its large three-cylinder trail bike and dressed it up for a ball at Buckingham Palace, adding electronics worthy of a spaceship. The result? A motorcycle that positions itself as a serious rival to the BMW R 1200 GS Adventure and other Multistrada 1200 Enduro, but with a resolutely British soul.

The heart of the beast remains this famous 1215 cm3 triple, a marvel of suppleness and character. Its 139 horsepower and 123 Nm of torque don’t rear up, they assert themselves with elegant authority. The power is there, linear, ready to swallow up the kilometers without ever seeming breathless. On the chassis side, the trellis frame and shaft drive inspire absolute confidence on the asphalt, even if the 254 kg dry weight is felt as soon as you leave the paved road. It is first and foremost a grand touring road bike, a Rolls-Royce on two wheels.

Where the Tiger Explorer XRt truly distinguishes the gentleman from the simple traveler is in its technological arsenal. The semi-active WP suspension, Brembo brakes, cornering ABS, traction control, cruise control… the list is long. Triumph even goes so far as to include heated seats for the rider and passenger. The magic works via five riding modes, from the placid ‘Rain’ to the vehement ‘Sport’, including a customizable mode where the rider becomes the conductor. Compared to a GS of the time, the system may be less intuitive, but it offers incredible personalization.

Who rides this machine? Clearly for the demanding traveler who prefers the highway to trails, comfort to spartan adventure. It is the ideal companion for trans-European trips in a heated armchair. The price, around 18700 euros at the time, placed the XRt in the big leagues. A significant investment, but one justified by a lavish level of equipment. Today, a well-negotiated opportunity represents a safe bet for those looking for a grand touring motorcycle with a unique character.

Ultimately, the 2016 Triumph Tiger 1200 XRt is not a motorcycle that shouts. It whispers luxury, distance, and absolute comfort. It doesn’t claim to be the most agile or the most radical, but it offers a serene and refined travel experience, a world away from the harshness of some competitors. It is a statement of intent on two wheels, for those who consider travel as an art of living.