Triumph Tiger Explorer 1200

Triumph may have conservative engineering roots, but there was no playing-it-safe mentality about the recent launch of the company’s all-new adventurer machine, the Tiger Explorer 1200. In fact, the launch was an epic, taking riders on a four-day marathon from Adelaide to Uluru via such famous locales as William Creek and Oodnadatta.

Obviously, Triumph Australia had full confidence that its 1215cc shaft-driven triple could stand up to the rigours of the outback, complete with switchable ABS, traction control, ergonomic adjustment, and a level of performance, reliability and ‘well made’ factor that have become the key pillars of the company’s recent success.

And is the confidence warranted? Without a doubt, as it’s hard to really find a major fault with the Explorer at any level -- and certainly not with the fly-by-wire engine and its almost bump-free torque curve. It really does push on with some conviction from low in the rev range, and if you wanted a reminder of which manufacturer Triumph has in its sights with the Explorer then you only had to attend the launch presentation where the BMW R 1200 GS power curves were displayed – and then picked apart…

But we’ll be conducting our own seat of the pants appraisal in a few weeks when we put the Explorer up against the R 1200 GS and also the new Honda VRF1200X Crosstourer in a ride through the Victorian High Country.

Engine aside, the Explorer bears all the hallmarks of a well thought out machine, and there’s been plenty of time to get it just right as the whole project started way back in 2006. The commonsense approach includes a 950W generator – the best in class – to the sidestand with a huge footprint, easily adjustable seat and screen, removable rubber footpeg inserts, and there’s a handlebar-mounted switch to toggle through all the screen functions.

Standby for the full Explorer launch review.