New Bike of the Month: Triumph 1200 Explorer

Shove on over, GS, V-Strom, KLR and KTM… it's (all but) here. The 2012 Tiger Explorer 1200, Triumph's Adventure series flagship model is set to hit dealer floors in a matter of months -- even weeks.

We hope to be among the first to test one; the boss at EatSleepRIDE has ordered his, what is said to be the first to hit Canadian shores. Meanwhile, we've done some digging and got a few hints of what to expect.

After 2011's successful Tiger 800 model launches, the Explorer dropped, this time powered by Truimph's all-new, shaft-driven, triple 1200 engine. The bike is intended to deliver class-leading performance to the adventure touring class.

The Tiger Explorer debuts Triumph's brand-new 'ride-by-wire' throttle system and, as standard, includes cruise control, switchable ABS and traction control. The impressive specs flow through to the infrastructure, where its steel chassis is matched by cast alloy wheels, 19" front and 17" rear, the latter bolted onto a swanky single-sided swingarm.

A bucketload of accessories accompany the Tiger Explorer at launch, and include hard and soft luggage, low and high seat options and a great range of heated and electrical accessories which can be run simultaneously due to the Tiger Explorer's growler of a generator that pumps out 950w.

Triumph dubs this bike the ultimate choice for the serious long haul adventurer. The burly shaft drive system allows virtually maintenance-free touring, and the engine will run 10,000 miles between servicings.

The maker claims the bike offers excellent low-speed balance and high-speed stability. The adjustable 46mm front forks allow riders to tailor the bike as needs and riding conditions dictate. The long-travel suspension and 19" front wheel give the Tiger Explorer the capability to attack unpaved roads, more so with an upgrade to knobbies.

Instrumentation and switchgear looks comprehensive and intuitive, with the LCD instrument pack thumb-operated via switches on the handlebars. The onboard computer monitors ambient air temperature, has an ice warning and is pre- configured for Triumph's tire pressure monitoring system, an optional accessory.

Sturdy luggage, developed especially for the Tiger Explorer, offers a two-box pannier system with 60 litres of luggage space, plus a top box of 35 litres' capacity, plenty for a full-face helmet.

2012 Triumph Tiger 1200 Explorer - US Specifications/Technical Details

MSRP: Still TBA!

Engine & Transmission

Type Liquid-cooled, 12 valve, DOHC, in-line three-cylinder

Capacity 1215cc

Bore/Stroke 85 x 71.4mm

Fuel System: Drive by wire, fuel injection

Exhaust: Stainless steel 3 into 1, side-mounted stainless steel silencer

Final Drive: Shaft

Clutch: Wet, multi-plate

Gearbox: 6-speed

Oil Capacity: 4.0 litres (1.1 US gals)

Frame: Tubular steel trellis

Swingarm: Single-sided, cast aluminum alloy with shaft drive

Front wheel: Cast aluminum alloy 10-spoke 19 x 2.5in

Rear wheel: Cast aluminum alloy 10-spoke 17 x 4.0in

Tires: Front 110/80 R 19%; Rear 150/70 R 17

Suspension, Front: Kayaba 46mm upside down forks, 190mm travel;

Suspension, Rear: Kayaba monoshock with remote oil reservoir, hydraulically adjustable preload, rebound damping adjustment, 194mm rear wheel travel

Brakes, Front: Twin 305mm floating discs, Nissin 4-piston calipers, Switchable ABS

Brakes Rear, Single 282mm disc, Nissin 2-piston sliding caliper, Switchable ABS

Instrument Display/Functions

LCD instrument pack with digital speedometer, analogue tachometer, gear position indicator, fuel gauge, range to empty, service indicator, clock, air temperature, frost warning, hazard warning lights, trip computer, tire pressure monitoring system

Dimensions & Capacities

Length: 2248mm/88.4in

Width: (handlebars) 962mm

Height without mirrors: 1410mm/55.5in

Seat Height: 837mm/32.9in - 857mm/33.7in

Wheelbase: 1530mm/60.2in

Rake/Trail:23.9 degree/105.5mm

Fuel Tank Capacity / Efficiency: 20 litres/5.3 US gals

Wet Weight (ready to ride): 259kg/570lbs

Performance (measured at crankshaft to 95/1/EC)

Maximum Power 137PS/135bhp/101kW @ 9000rpm

Maximum Torque 121Nm/89 ft.lbs @ 6400rpm

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