2017 Bikesales Big-Bore Adventure Bike Comparison: Triumph Tiger Explorer XCa

Triumph has its own unique take on the big-bore adventure scene, its Tiger Explorer boasting a three-cylinder engine – the only one on test – and an edgy look all its own.

The British marque revised its Tiger Explorer line-up last year, and the model before us here – the Tiger Explorer XCa – represents the pinnacle of the breed, coming with all the fruit. Bear in mind this is a markedly different beast to the Tiger Sport, which is Triumph's road-focussed adventure-sport model.

That includes two-stage heated handlebar grips, two-stage heated seats for both rider and pillion, a centrestand (absent on most models here), auxiliary driving lights, beartrap-style enduro foot pegs, and electric screen and suit of smart electronics. In fact, the only non-standard item fitted to our XCa is the Arrow exhaust pipe – an attractive item with carbon fibre end cap that looks a million bucks compared to the other bland and bulky cans in this company.

Electronics plus
The electronics extends to riding modes (Sport, Road, Off-Road and Rain) and suspension adjustment – the TSAS (Triumph Semi Active Suspension) has default settings to match the various ride modes, or it can be manually tailored for both damping and preload to suit the prevailing conditions and load.

That's in addition to cornering ABS, traction control, hill hold control, and electronic cruise control.

It certainly comes with all the gear, which goes some way to justifying the $26,900 (plus on-roads) asking price (the third dearest on test).

The XCa is the heaviest bike on test at 258kg (dry). That's 14kg heavier than the next closest in weight, the BMW, and a whopping 41kg heavier than the lightest, the KTM. It looks like a substantial motorcycle and climbing on board does nothing to dispel that face. Rather than sitting 'on' it like the Suzuki, Honda or KTM, or 'in' it like the Ducati or BMW, the XCa places the rider somewhere between the two.

It feels more like a road sportstourer, to be honest, and that's only underlined by the large screen. It's the largest of the bunch and it affords a heap of protection. It has electric adjustment too (all the others are manual), although you do have to go through a number of menu levels to actually adjust it.

Proven tourer
On the blacktop the XCa is a superb mile-eater, it's broad and comfortable seating and excellent wind protection complemented by compliant WP suspension and a decent fuel range. However, it was also the second-thirstiest bike on test, with an average of 6.26lt/100km. With a 20-litre fuel tank, that's a safe working range of around 275km, which is fairly modest given this genre and the comfort on offer.

The ride modes can be changed on the fly as can the suspension settings, but you need to be at a standstill to change the traction and ABS settings, and it takes a bit of work with the menu system to enact these changes. The BMW trumps the Triumph here – the German bike's menu system is just easier and more intuitive to use than any other bikes in this company.

While the menu system takes some acclimatisation, what's clear from the outset on the Triumph is that three-cylinder engine is a pearler. With healthy power and torque, it pulls hard from down low and keeps charging as the revs rise. At 100km/h in sixth it's ticking along at a relaxed 3750rpm and there's good go on tap for highway overtakes.

On the dirt
Hitting the dirt underlined the XCa's impressive straight-line stability – over corrugations and deep sand the Triumph felt settled and secure, its fairly conservative Metzeler Karoo 3 tyres doing a good job over the variety of terrain that presented itself.

In the winding and undulating tracks of Hattah-Kulkyne National Park, however, the Triumph's extra weight was making its presence felt. There's a bit of a top-heavy feel to the XCa and it requires more muscle to push it through the corners than its rivals for any given speed. Of course, this isn't the Dakar Rally and if you're happy to stick to a relaxed pace, the Tiger Explorer will still handle off-road exploration without a worry, and with a the aforementioned comfort and amenity.

The auxiliary driving lights were a massive plus when we made our after-dark dash from Mungo National Park to Mildura, helping to light the track ahead for the entire group with assistance from the KTM. They're bright and they throw a great spread of light, and the on/off button is large and easy to get to.

Summing up
By the trip's end the Tiger Xplorer XCa had cemented itself as a very strong road option, and a thoroughly competent off-road option provided tight and twisty going is kept to a minimum. In the right hands it can still handle a bit of technical terrain, but you'll be working harder aboard the big Triumph to get the job done.

Bearing that in mind, the Tiger Explorer XCa does represent a lot of bike for the money, and there's something incredibly alluring about that lusty triple. If your adventure-bike objectives lean toward the blacktop over the dirt, Tiger Explorer XCa has much to offer.

SPECS: TRIUMPH TIGER EXPLORER XCA
ENGINE
Type: Liquid-cooled, DOHC, 12-valve triple
Capacity: 1215cc
Bore x stroke: 85mm x 71.4mm
Compression ratio: 11.0:1
Fuel system: Electronic fuel injection

PERFORMANCE
Claimed maximum power: 137hp (102kW) at 9300rpm
Claimed maximum torque: 123Nm at 6200rpm

TRANSMISSION
Type: Six-speed
Clutch: Wet, multi-plate
Final drive: Shaft

CHASSIS AND RUNNING GEAR
Frame: Tubular steel trellis
Front suspension: 48mm WP inverted fork, electronic adjustment
Rear suspension: WP monoshock, electronic adjustment
Front brakes: Twin 305mm discs with radial-mount four-piston Brembo calipers
Rear brake: Single 282mm disc with twin-piston Brembo caliper
Tyres: Metzeler Karoo 3 – 120/70 R19 front, 170/60 R17 rear

DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES
Claimed dry weight: 258kg
Seat height: 837 to 857mm
Wheelbase: 1520mm
Fuel capacity: 20 litres

OTHER STUFF
Price: $26,900 (plus on-roads)
Colours: Crystal White, Khaki Green, Lucerne Blue
Warranty: Two-year/unlimited kilometres
Bike supplied by: Triumph Australia

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