Dillon Brothers carries Triumph and we would like to say that the UK based motorcycle manufacturer has some of the world’s best Adventure Touring class bikes, like the 2012 Tiger Explorer:
A relative newcomer to this long existing but recently re-classified category is the brand-new, 1215cc three-cylinder engine powered Triumph Tiger. The motor, which utilizes a ride-by-wire electronic throttle system and only requires 10,000-mile services, is claimed to produce 135 horsepower with 89 ft. lbs. of torque, numbers that make it a clear class leader in the adventure motorcycle segment.
With this power arrives an abundance of rider safety and comfort equipment which comes standard on the Tiger Adventure. Cruise control, switchable traction control, switchable ABS, and fun are all part of the package. The seat itself is adjustable from 33.7- to 31.6-inches along with the adjustable wind screen and handlebars. Triumph was quoted as saying [that the] “passenger hasn’t been forgotten about either, with a wide and comfortable seat equipped with large grab handles for comfort and security.”
Setting the bar as a class-leader in handling Triumph also says it designed the chassis specifically for a combination of “excellent low-speed balance and composed high speed capability.” Furthering quotes to this goal “The strong tubular steel trellis frame bears a strong visual resemblance to other models in the Triumph family, while the single-sided rear swingarm showcases the 17″ 10-spoke rear wheel. Adjustable 46mm front forks allow the rider to tailor the Tiger Explorer to their individual needs and riding conditions, with the long-travel suspension and 19″ front wheel giving the Tiger Explorer 1200 the capability to easily handle unpaved roads.”
The instrumentation features un equaled extras like as ambient air temperature with ice warning, and optional tire pressure monitoring system. Triumph offers many accessories for the 2012 Tiger Explorer as well, including a pannier style bag system capable of holding 60 liters (16 gallons for those of us Stateside) of luggage, and a top tour pack that offers 35 liters (9.25 Gallons) of space, plenty of room for a full-face helmet.
Triumph didn’t under engineer the electronics on the Tiger Explorer; the adventure bike features a class leading 950w generator for extended loaded running of multiple electrical accessories. Heated rider and pillion seats, heated grips, high-power fog lights and a top box with integrated power supply for charging while traveling can all be run without worry of issue. This includes a stock a power socket close to the ignition, for powering items like GPS, cell phone chargers, etc.
Until now Triumph only offered the Tiger 800 and Tiger 1050, both highly capable and respected machines which are still available for 2012. But with the addition of the Explorer this year, Triumph has raised the bar with a machine that has set competition on it’s collective ear.
2012 Triumph Tiger Explorer Specs:
Engine:
- Liquid cooled, DOHC 12 valve, in line 3-cylinder
- 1215cc
- 85×71.4mm Bore and Stroke
- Ride by wire throttle / fuel injection
- Stainless steel 3 into 1 Exhaust
- Shaft Drive
- Wet; multi-plate clutch
- 6-speed Transmission
- 4.0 liters (4.2 Quarts)
Chassis:
- Tubular steel trellis frame
- Single-sided, cast aluminum alloy swingarm with shaft drive
Wheels/Tires:
- Front Wheel: Cast aluminum alloy 10-spoke
- Front Tire: 19 x 2.5in / 110/80 R19
- Rear Wheel: Cast aluminum alloy 10-spoke
- rear Tire: 17 x 4.0in / 150/70 R15
Suspension:
- Front: Kayaba 46mm upside down forks, 190mm of travel
- Rear: Kayaba monoshock with remote reservoir, adjustable preload, rebound damping adj, 194mm of rear wheel travel
Brakes:
- Dual 305mm front floating disc, Dual Nissin 4 piston caliper, Switchable ABS
- Single rear 282mm disc, single Nissin 2 piston sliding caliper, Switchable ABS
Instrumentation:
- Instrument and Display Functions: LCD multifunctional instrument cluster with digital speedometer, analogue tach, gear indicator, fuel gauge, range to empty indicator, service indicator, clock, ambient temperature indication, frost warning, hazard lights, trip odometer, handlebar scroll button, Tire pressure monitoring system
Dimensions:
- Length – 2110mm [83.0in]
- Width – 840mm [33.0in]
- Height without mirrors – 1320mm [51.9in]
- Seat Height – 835mm [32.8in]
- Wheelbase – 1510mm [59.4in]
- Rake/Trail – 23.2°/87.7mm
- Fuel Tank Capacity – 20 liters [5.3 US gals]
- Wet Weight – 245kg [539lbs]
2012 Triumph Tiger Explorer Performance:
- Horsepower – 135bhp @ 9300rpm
- Torque -89ft.lbs @ 7850rpm
2012 Triumph Tiger Explorer Colors:
- Sapphire Blue
- Graphite
- Phantom Black
