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: | |
|---|---|
| Annual servicing cost: | £240 |
| Power: | 132 bhp |
| Seat height: | Medium (31.5 in / 800 mm) |
| Weight: | High (664 lbs / 301 kg) |
Prices
Overall rating
Next up: Ride & brakesLike 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: EngineIn 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.
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: ReliabilityThe 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.
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: ValueOn 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.
Value vs rivals
Next up: EquipmentBoth 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
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.
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 | £101 |
| Annual service cost | £240 |
| New price | - |
| Used price | £5,500 - £8,700 |
| 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
- 1991-2004: First Triumph Trophy 1200 launched.
- 2012: Latest model launched.
- 2017: Bike goes off sale.
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)
13 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: | |
|---|---|
| Ride quality & brakes: | |
| Engine: | |
| Reliability & build quality: | |
| Value vs rivals: | |
| Equipment: | |
| Annual servicing cost: | £240 |
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
I did 1000 miles in 18 hours in June 2021
Lovely sound and lots of torque
Nothing has failed.
But major service is about £850
The screen is awesome and the headlight is brilliant
Buying experience: From a dealer. £7000
Version: SE
Year: 2014
Great touring bike, very solid and safe.
Year: 2017
Annual servicing cost: £400
A super comfortable bike, would recommend
The most comfortable bike I have ever owned
Smooth as silk, gearbox can be a clunky
Trouble free
Servicing is expensive
Carrying capacity is great
Buying experience: Pure Triumph Wellingborough a joy to deal with
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 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.
What's not to like, it's smooth, punchy and sounds great.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Buying experience: Dealer
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.
Blown up!
Let me down too many times. Triumph aftersales shocking!
Buying experience: Bough new from a main dealer
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.
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.
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.
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.
Its a heavy Bike so takes a fair bit of stopping, however superbly reliable, with ABS that's never intrusive .
Fantastic power band, addictive sound over 7,000 RPM
15,000 miles with no issues.
I do 5000 - 7000 miles a year, one service every 10,000 @ £160.00 Bargain!
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!
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!
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!
Grunty and torquey, but with character
Electrical problems sorted under warranty
Buying experience: Bought new from dealer. Great Service
Version: SE
Year: 2013
Annual servicing cost: £250
Hard to fault, always a pleasure to wheel it out.
comfortable and effortless
smooth and powerful, a good match
All good, easy to adjust to suit, looks like new.
competitive
pointless cruise control, electronic controls and settings fiddley.
Buying experience: bought from a dealer as low mileage demonstrato, better value
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)
need to keep active so I don't fall asleep its that comfortable!!
Satisfyingly powerful at all levels, smooth at cruising speeds
Only 3 months old, so far no issue other than the aerial snapped? Not sure how it happened, but Triumph replaced it under warranty
54.5mpg, can get more on long (sensibly ridden) motorway journeys
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
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!
