2012 Tiger Explorer and Speed Triple R

Triumph’s 2012 motorcycle line-up will be boosted by three new models – the Tiger Explorer, Speed Triple R and Steve McQueen edition based on the T100 donor bike. All will be officially unveiled at the EICMA show in Milan on November 8.

As expected, brand new for 2012 is the Tiger Explorer, a new flagship model for Triumph’s Adventure range.

The Tiger Explorer is powered by an all-new, shaft-driven, three-cylinder engine in excess of 1200cc, which is claimed to deliver class-leading performance to the adventure touring class.

The Tiger Explorer debuts Triumph’s new ‘ride-by-wire’ throttle system, and also includes cruise control, switchable ABS and traction control as standard. Very appealing.

That’s as much of the high-tech pie that we know at the moment, but we’ll find out a lot more on November 8.

There’s a steel chassis like the Tiger 800s, and cast alloy wheels – 19-inch (front) and 17-inch respectively. There’s a single-sided swingarm, just like the BMW R 1200 GS and Moto Guzzi Stelvio 8V.

There’s only one Explorer at this stage, but will we also see a R 1200 GS Adventure and Stelvio NTX – the more hardcore versions of the standard bikes – competitor down the track, complete with spoked wheels and alloy rims?

A suite of bespoke accessories have also been developed for the Tiger Explorer’s launch with hard and soft luggage, low and high seat options and a wide range of heated and electrical accessories.

Following the success of the uprated versions of the Street Triple and Daytona 675, Triumph is introducing a premium ‘R’ version of the Speed Triple.

The Speed Triple R sports the latest specification Ohlins suspension, and the light weight five-spoke forged aluminium wheels from are over 1.7kg lighter than those on the standard machine.

Stopping the Speed Triple R are four-piston radial monoblock calipers from Brembo, with a switchable version of ABS available as an option. Triumph claims the brakes and wheels offer a five per cent increase in braking performance over the standard Speed Triple.

The Speed Triple R’s choice of metallic Phantom Black and Crystal White colour options are complemented with red coloured subframe and detailing, as well gold forks, to create a sportier and more exotic look.

Triumph has joined forces with the estate of Hollywood icon Steve McQueen to create a limited-edition motorcycle that pays tribute to the late actor’s love of the British brand’s products.

Based on the Bonneville T100, just 1100 of the Steve McQueen Edition will be sold worldwide. Featuring a host of modified parts, the design is inspired by the Triumph Trophy TR6 that McQueen insisted on riding during the famous stunt scene in The Great Escape, and features a military-style Matt Khaki Green livery, stencil-style Triumph decal on the tank and the actor’s signature on the side covers.

Featuring a solo seat and black luggage rack, the McQueen bike has also been fitted with a rugged skid plate and small black-bodied headlamp. The Triumph Steve McQueen Edition features a host of other blacked-out components, including wheel rims and hubs, handlebars, rear springs, mirrors and front mudguard supports.

To confirm the bike’s provenance, each machine is individually numbered with a plaque placed on the handlebar clamp, while owners will also receive a certificate of authenticity with their machine.