Triumph Explorer 1200: How it compares to its rivals

The Triumph Explorer 1200 represents Triumph’s first foray in to the ultra-competitive big adventure bike class, competing against bikes like the BMW R1200GS, KTM 990 Adventure and new Honda VFR1200X Crosstourer.

• Video: Triumph Explorer 1200 first ride

MCN editor Marc Potter rode the Explorer 1200 recently at the world launch in Spain and was impressed: “I have to say I am massively impressed. It doesn’t do anything staggeringly better than its rivals but as a package it takes adventure touring bikes to a new level.

“You hardly have to ever stress the engine but when you do it’s got loads more get up and go than the BMW R1200GS and although you wouldn’t want to put it on a track day the handling is extremely neutral and it’s almost as quick to change direction as a Ducati Multistrada, though certainly not as sporty as that bike. But then it’s not meant to be.

“It’s going to be fascinating to see how the new Triumph compares to the Honda Crosstourer and the GS when we get them together for the full intensive group test next month. But if you put a deposit down on a new Triumph Tiger Explorer you’ve made a good choice.”

Check the table below to see how the Explorer stacks up against its rivals on the spec sheet.

	Price	Power	Tank size	Weight
Triumph Explorer 1200	£11,149	135bhp	20 litres	259kg
BMW R1200GS ABS	£12,524	110bhp	20 litres	229kg	Benchmark boxer now starting to show age but still sets the standard for versatility
Ducati 1200 Multistrada	£12,524	150bhp	20 litres	220kg	Performance and electronics brings true sports potential to class – but at a price
Honda VFR1200X Crosstourer	£11,475	127bhp	21.5 litres	275kg	New VFR1200-derived V4 is big and heavy but brings classy touring sheen to the class
Kawasaki Versys 1000	£9,499	116bhp	21 litres	239kg	Oddball in being a Z1000-derived transverse four, but difficult to argue with value
Moto Guzzi Stelvio ABS	£10,778	102bhp	32 litres	251kg	Often-ignored ‘Italian GS’ can’t quite match most rivals but is still a worthy alternative
Yamaha XT1200Z Tenere	£12,128	110bhp	23 litres	261kg	Worthy contender new in 2010 with impressive abilities. Scary price has now been cut
KTM Adventure 990	£9,995	113bhp	20 litres	210kg	Definitive off-roader fends off senility for 2012 with uprated engine, styling and suspension