Triumph Tiger Explorer
Thumph Tiger Explorer
PREVIEW
If you’re gonna go, go big
WHEN IT COMES to having soul, Triumph’s threecylinder engines shut James Brown right down and make you wonder why everyone doesn’t make Triples. But that bodes well for the company’s latest adventure model, the Tiger Explorer. It’s powered by an all-new, 1215cc, six-speed inline-Three—the biggest, most powerful Triple the Hinckley factory has ever put into a bike that’s not a Rocket III. Unfortunately, the Explorer wasn’t available to ride at presstime; but if it turns out to be anything like the Tiger 800XC, it will prove a worthy opponent for the big-bore competition in the adventure category.
This Triple is the first Triumph to employ a throttle-by-wire system—though other makers have been going this route for a few years now. Twisting the grip doesn’t open the throttle butterflies; it instead informs the ECU of the extent of the rider’s desire to accelerate or decelerate, and the computer takes it from there. Along with that system comes standard traction control, switchable ABS and even cruise control, a first in the big adventure class and a thing we’d never do without on a real touring bike—which is, in fact, the role a good “explorer” plays much of the time.
When it comes to covering ground, this adventure bike should have no trouble inhaling great draughts of territory. Its claimed 135 horsepower (at 9300 rpm) and 89 foot-pounds of torque at (7850) should move the 570-pound (wet weight) machine along quite smartly. And don’t bother to lube the chain; there isn’t one. The Explorer gets shaft drive working through a single-sided swingarm, and Triumph decrees extended service intervals (oil changes, general checks and adjustments, etc.) of 10,000 miles.
Sitting mostly upright behind the Explorer’s adjustable handlebar and windshield atop a thick seat should be a comfortable proposition. Seat height is also adjustable, from 31.9 to 33.9 inches. And if your butt’s up to it, the fuel tank’s 5.3-gallon capacity should give the big Tiger a range of 175 miles or thereabouts.
Powering the accessories that most owners will pile on the Explorer is a 950-watt alternator built specifically so it can simultaneously run all sorts of gear. Heated rider and passenger seats, heated grips, fog lights and a top box with an integrated power supply are just a few of the available electrical add-ons. A power socket in the dash can be used to run your GPS or heated clothing.
Naturally, Triumph will be offering a veritable yard sale of other items for lashing to the Explorer’s sturdy steel frame, including a pair of panniers with a combined 60 liters of storage and a top box with another 35. Fully decked out, a Tiger Explorer promises to make long adventure rides not just possible but thoroughly enjoyable.
