In place of the Explorer’s tubular steel trellis is 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 lengthen the wheelbase for added stability. Even so, steering is light and sharp (although the bike is still so big it’ll never be confused with a sports bike). Ride is stable and plush, although some found the suspension a little choppy, seat is 3-hours comfy, screen is the best in the business.
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 claims the aim was to deliver over 100Nm of torque all the way from 2500rpm to 9800rpm. The result is 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 different to the Explorer, most notablly with 6th tagged an ‘Overdrive’. There’s also an improved version of the cruise control introduced on the Explorer. Triumph also claims impressive fuel consumption of 54.5mpg @ 75mph while service intervals are and impressive 10,000 miles, minor/20,000miles, major.
Triumph’s best yet – although the jury’s still out on reliability. Paint, finishes, detailing etc, particularly of things like the screen’s optical quality, are up with the best.
Both are 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 is extra, probably the one to go for and the one Triumph expects to sell the most of. But both are excellent machines.
Insurance group: 17 of 17 – compare motorcycle insurance quotes now.
There’s pretty much all the toys imaginable: 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.