TRIUMPH TROPHY 1200 SE (2012 - 2017) Review

Highlights

  • One of the top tourers around when launched
  • Flexible, torquey engine
  • Well equipped, great used buy

At a glance

Owners' reliability rating: 4.3 out of 5 (4.3/5)
Annual servicing cost: £270
Power: 132 bhp
Seat height: Medium (31.5 in / 800 mm)
Weight: High (664 lbs / 301 kg)

Prices

New N/A
Used £3,700 - £8,000

Overall rating

Next up: Ride & brakes
4 out of 5 (4/5)

Like the preceding Explorer adventure bike, the Triumph Trophy tourer swept to the top of its class first time out by, if not being shiningly the best at anything, then certainly being the best tourer overall. It had a fabulous powertrain, decent handling, glorious comfort and more gizmos than you can shake a hefty stick at.

The Trophy went off sale in 2017, but thanks to relatively low sales volumes it's a very good used buy. Prices start at under £6k on the secondhand market. It was dubbed an 'MCN Best Buy' in August 2018 for this reason. 

Ride quality & brakes

Next up: Engine
4 out of 5 (4/5)

In place of the Explorer’s tubular steel trellis was an all-new aluminium twin spar design (Triumph’s first, incidentally) designed to be as slim and light as possible, and also claimed by Triumph to be the lightest in the class.

Triumph Trophy SE ridden on the road

Longer shaft drive housing/swing-arm also lengthened the wheelbase for added stability. Even so, steering was light and sharp (although the bike was still so big it’d never be confused with a sports bike). Ride was stable and plush, although some found the suspension a little choppy.

The seat was 3-hours comfy, and the screen the best in the business.

Engine

Next up: Reliability
5 out of 5 (5/5)

The motor was essentially the same 1215cc, shaft drive triple which debuted in the Tiger Explorer adventure bike, but slightly detuned to give more torque and flexibility.

Triumph claimed the aim was to deliver over 100Nm of torque all the way from 2500rpm to 9800rpm.

Triumph Trophy SE side profile showing the engine

The result was peaks of 132bhp @ 8900rpm and 89ftlbs @ 6450rpm (compared to the Explorer’s 135bhp @ 9300rpm and 89ftlbs @ 7850rpm) and a fabulously grunty, crisp delivery.

Gear ratios also differed to the Explorer, most notablly with 6th tagged an ‘Overdrive’. There was also an improved version of the cruise control introduced on the Explorer. Triumph also claimed impressive fuel consumption of 54.5mpg @ 75mph while service intervals were an impressive 10,000 miles, minor/20,000miles, major.

Reliability & build quality

Next up: Value
5 out of 5 (5/5)

On launch, paint, finishes, detailing etc, particularly of things like the screen’s optical quality, were up with the best.

Electronic problems on early ones resulted in a redesigned ECM. So check that all the toys fitted to the bike you’re looking at work properly, including the stereo.

Our Triumph Trophy 1200 owners' reviews show a few issues with electronics but sorted under warranty. 

Triumph Trophy SE static rear three quarter

Value vs rivals

Next up: Equipment
4 out of 5 (4/5)

Both were pretty reasonable compared to their direct rivals from BMW and considering what you get for your money.

The SE spec version, with TES, stereo and tyre pressure monitoring system was extra, probably the one to go for and the one Triumph expected to sell the most of. But both were excellent machines.

Equipment

5 out of 5 (5/5)

There were pretty much all the toys imaginable at the time: electrically adjustable screen, adjustable seat, Triumph’s electronically adjustable suspension, ABS, traction control, cruise control, integrated stereo system, massively sophisticated instrumentation, clever luggage system and plenty more as options.

Triumph Trophy SE in blue

Specs

Engine size 1215cc
Engine type 12v liquid-cooled triple, 6 gears
Frame type Aluminium twin beam
Fuel capacity 26 litres
Seat height 800mm
Bike weight 301kg
Front suspension Electronic damping adjust
Rear suspension Electronic preload and damping adjust
Front brake 2 x 320mm discs, 4-piston calipers, ABS
Rear brake 282mm disc, 2-piston caliper ABS
Front tyre size 120/70 ZR 17
Rear tyre size 190/55 ZR 17

Mpg, costs & insurance

Average fuel consumption 52 mpg
Annual road tax £117
Annual service cost £270
New price -
Used price £3,700 - £8,000
Insurance group 17 of 17
How much to insure?
Warranty term Two year unlimited mileage

Top speed & performance

Max power 132 bhp
Max torque 89 ft-lb
Top speed 130 mph
1/4 mile acceleration -
Tank range 300 miles

Model history & versions

Model history

Other versions

Triumph Trophy 1200: Basic version does without SE’s  electronically adjustable suspension or audio system for £1350 less

Owners' reviews for the TRIUMPH TROPHY 1200 (2012 - 2017)

18 owners have reviewed their TRIUMPH TROPHY 1200 (2012 - 2017) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.

Review your TRIUMPH TROPHY 1200 (2012 - 2017)

Summary of owners' reviews

Overall rating: 4.6 out of 5 (4.6/5)
Ride quality & brakes: 4.4 out of 5 (4.4/5)
Engine: 4.4 out of 5 (4.4/5)
Reliability & build quality: 4.3 out of 5 (4.3/5)
Value vs rivals: 4.3 out of 5 (4.3/5)
Equipment: 4.7 out of 5 (4.7/5)
Annual servicing cost: £270
5 out of 5 Triumph Trophy SE Fabulous buy
11 March 2024 by JB1234

Version: SE

Year: 2014

i purchased min in 2018 and the bike is phenomenal even in 2024 it does exactly what is says on the tin with all day long comfort and in my opinion beats it's rival even today excelnt value for money.my only issue is the frame on the right side after a while tends to catch my ankle but on the whole it's well worth the money

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

breakes are very good and the bike is well planted

Engine 5 out of 5

very good with pleanty of grunt, I had a Sprint ST before so can say it's not quite as quick as that but it is plenty fast enough for most situation

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

other than the ignition recall there hasnt been any issues at all mine didn't have the ignition issue sorted on purchase but when the switch failed my local dealer collected the bike and fixed the issue including changing all the locks to a matching key under the recall so i can't complain.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

as i service my own bikes costs are quite low, fuel economy is really good aspecialy as it does have a 1200cc engine i have has 65mpg out of it on many occation

Equipment 4 out of 5

I don't use all the toys it can be a little fiddly going though the menues and the radio seems to loose stations and scrolling though to find the next station is a bit fiddly as you have to take most of your hand off the left grip to reach.creuse contral is great but very sensitive as bumps tendto shake your hand and knocks it off so i tend to stedy my hand on the bar end to stop this other wise its all good stuff

4 out of 5 This bike is way better than you likely thought possible!
04 March 2024 by Ray Townsend

Version: SE with heated grips and seat ect.

Year: 2015

Annual servicing cost: £350

This bike is an absolutely great machine. I was suprised how good it was and has been. Its best feature is its ajustable wind screen and excellent weather protection.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Added SBS sintered pads and Motul RBF660 fluid for peak performance. Ride is great and suspension is top notch.

Engine 4 out of 5

Rattles like a dry clutch Ducati but is smooth, gets great mialage and is powerful.

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

I have had one failure in 46000 miles. The fuel filter was clogged and caused a internal fuel line to burst. It has otherwise been problem free.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

New set of tires and a couple of oil and filter changes yearly.

Equipment 4 out of 5
4 out of 5 Bargain
19 February 2024 by jem.butler@alpinehire.co.uk

Version: 1215se

Year: 2014

Very comfortable, quick and full of gizmo's

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

Brakes seem fine

Engine 5 out of 5

Very torquey and sounds great

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

No visible corrosion and very well built

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Had 20,000 mile service before purchase

Equipment 5 out of 5

Display shows everything you need yo know

Buying experience: Purchased from dealer, £6000

5 out of 5 A superb touring machine
06 July 2023 by Steve

Version: SE

Year: 2014

Annual servicing cost: £350

Supremely competent machine. Ideal tourer, B road scratcher.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

I can do 9 hour days on it without the need for a chiropractor. I’m 6 feet tall and 210 lbs and the bike fits me well. The fairing, heated grips and seat add to the riding pleasure as does the electrically adjustable screen. I get about 300 miles to a tankful of fuel . I lowered the suspension as I found it a bit of a stretch to the ground (I’ve short legs) which made it difficult on loose surfaces. The lower suspension helped greatly without any adverse effect on handling. However, putting the bike on the centre stand is virtually impossible but it was always difficult before anyway.

Engine 5 out of 5

Engine is phenomenal. Bags and bags of torque at low revs and great power further up the rev band. The “intermediate” triple engine gives the best of both worlds when compared to a twin and four cylinder engine. No snatchiness in the power delivery.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Very solidly built with excellent fitting panels . No corrosion on the fasteners and it has been in the rain quite a bit. Stories of the gear lever pivot bolt breaking but proper greasing should help. I’ve not had a problem with it.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Excellent mpg, I average about 55 mpg and got just over 60 mpg on a recent 2500 mile France and Spain trip. Parts are reasonably priced but the 10,000 mile service is a big one! Cost me £1200 but that included valve shimming, MoT and tyres. Probably not much difference in cost to its rivals.

Equipment 5 out of 5

It has everything you could wish for. The cruise control works well, the screen adjusts to suit. The heated grips and seat keep everything warm; very useful in Andorra earlier this year when it was -2 degrees. The panniers are a good size and the top box huge although I removed it as when travelling solo and in the wake of large trucks it created a wobble. The radio/flash drive is good, I rarely use it but listening to “ Hotel California” while cruising along French autoroutes has benefits. You need a couple of hours to work through the Trophy audiobook!

Buying experience: Bought through a dealer at a reasonable price but it was a “hand over the cash, goodbye “ experience.

5 out of 5 Excellent, comfortable British Tourer
23 January 2023 by DenThePen

Year: 2015

Annual servicing cost: £300

Ride quality and comfort are up there with the best - even now in 2023.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

Excellent quality all around - my only issue is the Tyre Pressure monitors. Batteries don't last but then again, I could make that complaint against my cars. Brakes are excellent.

Engine 5 out of 5

It's quite different to the Honda V4 that I had before - bit more lumpy and grunty. On the other hand, it feels more like a motorbike and less like a jet plane.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Nothing to report.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Figure above is what I've been told - haven't serviced it yet.

Equipment 5 out of 5

The radio and entertainment system are fantastic. I know many people can't understand a radio on a bike but it works really well - additionally, the Bluetooth is really good and connects automatically to my phone/helmet when needed without any pfaff.

Buying experience: From a dealer - v good experience with a Triumph main dealer.

4 out of 5 A sporty sports-tourer and a great alternative to BMW
13 June 2022 by Emerson

Version: SE

Year: 2017

Surprised no one has mentioned the ignition recall, It sat at the dealer summer of 2020 waiting on parts from Hinckley. Numerous owners are baffled by the TPMS, which reports pressure being too low or too high both in the same ride. Other than those issues the riding and ownership has been great and would merit 5/5

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

A heavier bike, but I can jump on the brakes hard at speed (something I do practice) has the bike stopping straight and true. Incredible brake feel at the controls and feedback from what is happening at the tires point of contact. The linked brakes work very well, especially compared to other linked systems I have ridden. I think it handles great. Not a Fireblade, but it can be really hustled in the twisties if switchbacks aren’t too tight or common on your route. It has a lot of lean angle, and feels great when on its side. For the super slabs the wind protection is one of the best in the business, cruises effortlessly at 95mph and bump compliance is great. I am 6’02 and the dimensions are kind to my back, knees, and wrists.

Engine 5 out of 5

Definitely the highlight of the package. Perfect fueling and pulls hard through the rev range. The sound of the intake & exhaust when you get on it is glorious. I regularly average 55-60 mpg for a 300 + mile range, if you want to make ground between stops. I had a K1200RS that had a stronger rush at the top of the tachometer, but the Trophy engine surpasses it in all the other measurables. I would love another ten horsepower but I say that about all my bikes.

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

Make sure the VIN is checked to see the ignition recall has been performed if buying second-hand. The paint has held up well. More importantly the feel from the controls is excellent, with perfect fueling from off-idle through the rev range. It definitely has the feel of a premium bike and a solid, screwed together feeling. After switching from other bikes it still is impressive as the tach swings past 3,000rpm and the roads get kinky.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Absolutely oil-tight. Well kept, low mileage examples are practically a steal. I could not replace a bike of this high quality for under $20,000 USD. Not having lean sensitive ABS and six axis IMU thingamajiggers not a problem.

Equipment 4 out of 5

Newer models make the Trophy electronics seem helplessly outdated although I prefer the analog gauges on it. The radio is weak, it has been years since I bothered with it. The linked brakes work as advertised, the old way is not always the best way. Luggage space is a nice compromise between capacity and size/weight. ABS is not easily triggered which helps the handling. Standard seat is comfortable and again, the adjustable screen and bodywork make it very aerodynamic. Great in the rain, especially given its weight. At the time of purchase the standard headlight was one of the best in the business.

Buying experience: Motoworks in Chicago did right by me. It is a 75 mile drive to the dealership now in the Southwest US. Better off doing the routine maintenance yourself or at an independent shop. Cheap to own and maintain compared to a BMW, any BMW. There are great deals to be had out there, part of that is the Trophy is a discontinued model.

5 out of 5 Overlook this at your peril
25 December 2021 by Stuart

Version: 1215

Year: 2015

Annual servicing cost: £200

It’s supremely comfortable, the weather protection is phenomenal and I love the performance. The horn was embarrrasing so had to fit an aftermarket horn. The big service is hugely expensive.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

I did 1000 miles in 18 hours in June 2021

Engine 5 out of 5

Lovely sound and lots of torque

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Nothing has failed.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

But major service is about £850

Equipment 5 out of 5

The screen is awesome and the headlight is brilliant

Buying experience: From a dealer. £7000

5 out of 5
17 August 2021 by Maris

Version: SE

Year: 2014

Great touring bike, very solid and safe.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 4 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
Equipment 5 out of 5
4 out of 5 Luxury on two wheels
30 January 2021 by Leather Les

Year: 2017

Annual servicing cost: £400

A super comfortable bike, would recommend

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

The most comfortable bike I have ever owned

Engine 4 out of 5

Smooth as silk, gearbox can be a clunky

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

Trouble free

Value vs rivals 3 out of 5

Servicing is expensive

Equipment 4 out of 5

Carrying capacity is great

Buying experience: Pure Triumph Wellingborough a joy to deal with

4 out of 5
03 September 2020 by Rowland

Year: 2017

Only had the SE since May this year but have already found that it does have a issue with the screen, it sometimes has a mind of it's own and adjusts its self. The radio controls can be awkward to use but I rarely use it, In general the build quality is very good, the seat is very comfy and the heating works very well as do the heated grips, fuel economy is very good, overall no complaints.....yet. Yes I would recommend.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Ride quality is very good, we are planning a tour for next year so not able to make a valid comment as yet but I have ridden for almost three hours with no issues.

Engine 5 out of 5

What's not to like, it's smooth, punchy and sounds great.

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

In general the build quality is very good as mentioned before, there is no corrosion but it not seen any winter use yet so time will tell. Nothing has let me down but it's early days.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Not had to service it yet as only owned the bike for long enough bout the 10,000 mile service is coming up soon. MPG is very good as I have a reasonable commute.

Equipment 5 out of 5

Very well equipped, radio is a bit gimmicky don't really use it. would like to fit a sat nav but it means dismantling most of the cockpit to get to the pig tail connection.

Buying experience: I purchased from a dealer ( Not Triumph) and the price was £8500 with just over 9,000 miles on the clock.

5 out of 5
29 May 2020 by Barrie

Version: SE

Year: 2012

It's a heavy bike so not suited to everyone. Yes, I would recommend it if it suited a buyer's needs.

Ride quality & brakes 3 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
Equipment 5 out of 5

Buying experience: Dealer

3 out of 5 British let down!
18 April 2020 by David Sheppard

Version: SE

Year: 2013

Annual servicing cost: £260

Good when it's working, sadly let down by poor quality design, build quality and aftershaves experience.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 1 out of 5

Blown up!

Reliability & build quality 1 out of 5

Let me down too many times. Triumph aftersales shocking!

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
Equipment 5 out of 5

Buying experience: Bough new from a main dealer

5 out of 5 Best Bike and I have had a few.
24 August 2016 by Bill Harrison

Year: 2013

After spending two weeks touring in Scotland on this excellent machine I can't wait for our next tour, Comfort, economy, large fuel tank and great reliability. Bike never missed a beat in over 2000 miles. If I had one issue it would be with the cruise control as I have found it a little awkward to use, but having said that it's not really needed as the Bike is comfortable and easy to control without it.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5

Engine is very good a few rattles but it is due for it's 20,000 mile service now so I will have to see if the rattles die after.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5

Luggage is big enough but can be a pain to close as things tend to get caught easily and you have to take care when closing the Panniers and Top box. Heated seats have two settings uncomfortably warm and sweaty arse, so I don't bother with them.

5 out of 5
08 March 2016 by Lyno

Version: 1215

Year: 2013

Annual servicing cost: £80

I thought The size might be a problem, having come from a smaller adventure bike and only being 5'7". But no problems have ridden on un-surfaced mountain passes through Hungary and Romania with no problems whatsoever. 500 mile days are no problem.

Ride quality & brakes 1 out of 5

Its a heavy Bike so takes a fair bit of stopping, however superbly reliable, with ABS that's never intrusive .

Engine 2 out of 5

Fantastic power band, addictive sound over 7,000 RPM

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

15,000 miles with no issues.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

I do 5000 - 7000 miles a year, one service every 10,000 @ £160.00 Bargain!

Equipment 5 out of 5

This is the basic bike, which I think, has now been discontinued. So nothing that I don't need, ie: radio, engine modes, electronic suspension, takes seconds to adjust manually !

Buying experience: Great Value, way better than Similar BMW, and its British!

5 out of 5 Puts the 'sports' into Sports Tourer
09 September 2015 by Wildman

Version: SE

Year: 2015

Annual servicing cost: £250

Great bike. Was initially put off by the size pulling it around in a car park. But once you get it above 5mph the weight and size just disappears. So glad I decided to stick with it! This bike does everything brilliantly. Wanna pootle around on a Sunday afternoon? Check. Wanna do two up continental touring with all the gear? Check. Wanna chuck it round some twistery? Check. Although it doesn't change direction like, say, a 675 Daytona, it's amazingly agile for such a big bike and carves through bends like it's on rails. Quite how Triumph have managed to get it to handle so well is beyond me! This is my daily commuter bike and, yes, you can work the traffic with it as well. would recommend to anyone!

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

I've ridden sports bikes that don't handle as well as this! All day long comfortable and will cruise for hours at UK illegal speeds without breaking sweat. Covers lots of distance very quickly. Superb!

Engine 5 out of 5

Grunty and torquey, but with character

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

Electrical problems sorted under warranty

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 5 out of 5

Buying experience: Bought new from dealer. Great Service

5 out of 5 Better than most, envy of many
03 September 2015 by JohnBoy

Version: SE

Year: 2013

Annual servicing cost: £250

Hard to fault, always a pleasure to wheel it out.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

comfortable and effortless

Engine 5 out of 5

smooth and powerful, a good match

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

All good, easy to adjust to suit, looks like new.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

competitive

Equipment 4 out of 5

pointless cruise control, electronic controls and settings fiddley.

Buying experience: bought from a dealer as low mileage demonstrato, better value

5 out of 5 2015 Trophy is a Triumph (in more ways than one!!)
05 June 2015 by Gordon Rowe

Version: SE

Year: 2015

Excellent all round tourer. The way the luggage closes, it is always catching on things, and you have to constantly readjust to get the boxes to close. Cruise control a bit jerky and hard to reach but other than that all good (no great actually)

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

need to keep active so I don't fall asleep its that comfortable!!

Engine 5 out of 5

Satisfyingly powerful at all levels, smooth at cruising speeds

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Only 3 months old, so far no issue other than the aerial snapped? Not sure how it happened, but Triumph replaced it under warranty

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

54.5mpg, can get more on long (sensibly ridden) motorway journeys

Equipment 5 out of 5

A lot of bits to learn, but once you master it, most very useful. Cruise control is a bit jerky, and button a little stretch to reach though

Buying experience: Excellent experience with Triumph in Manchester

5 out of 5 Best handling tourer
18 November 2014 by twiggmj

When this bike was unveiled I was very disappointed i was expecting a sprint st with shaft drive not a Goldwing challenger so I bought A Tiger 1050 instead. Took the Tiger in for a service and they lent me a Trophy. I could not belive how well this bike handeled light flicable and loads of ground clearance beter than the tiger, ignor how it looks you need to test ride this bike. Traded in the Tiger and I have loved every minute with this bike. Bought the standar model the suspension can all be adjusted preload and damping without tools in seconds no need for comlicated electronics and has way more setings than the electronic version. I have no need for a radio just listen the the engine also without the radio you get an extra 5lt compartment under the seat, but the most surprising thing about this bike is the fuel consumption riding hard I get 55mpg and taking it easy I can get 60mpg!

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 4 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
Equipment 5 out of 5
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