2012 Triumph Tiger Explorer First Ride Photo Gallery

ABS is an industry standard and traction control is considered a necessity by most manufacturers as well. Triumph has ABS, traction control and cruise control as part of its base package, and they are effective.

Check out photos from the 2012 Triumph Tiger Explorer First Ride and see the new adventure touring motorcycle. Read more in the 2012 Triumph Tiger Explorer First Ride.

The engine has a burly alternator which cranks out 950W. That’s plenty of juice to support a wide range of powered accessories including fog lights.

At 5’11” our rider had no problems straddling the machine or riding comfortably and in control.

Our test model was equipped with the “Launch Package” which has a list of accessories that come factory installed, including: Engine bars, aluminum sump guard, adventure hand guards, heated grips, fog lights, high touring windscreen, rubber tank pad and tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS).

The new Triumph Tiger Explorer is a major contender in the heavyweight adventure touring segment.

The only change we had to make all day was to raise the shift lever one notch and play with the windscreen.

Based on the limited experience, the Tiger looks to be a willing off-road partner. The Explorer gets along just fine for a big bike on street tires.

Weight feels like it is held in a neutral position without the center of gravity being too high.

As with all the big AT bikes, the Explorer is a heavy machine at a claimed 571 pounds (curb, including 5.3 gallons of fuel). Fortunately it does a good job of hiding that weight.

Transitioning side-to-side is easy with wide aluminum handlebars and a relatively thin layout between the rider’s knees.

This is the second time in only two years that Triumph has reshaped the adventure touring market with an exciting and capable new motorcycle.

Kayaba suspension and steel trellis frame allow the Tiger to haul a steady line through fast sweepers.

The Tiger Explorer concept started in 2006.

Triumph looked at the existing adventure market and came up with a list of design points that are necessary to build a competitive AT bike right out of the gate: Comfort and convenience for two, durable and reliable, fully featured and light off-road capability.

Triumph joins Yamaha and BMW in offering a shaft drive.

The iconic beak that has come to define the ADV category is included, though originally it was going to be an accessory component. Headlights are adjustable.

The exhaust is 3-into-1 and has a large but not ugly muffler.

The shock is preload adjustable via hand knob and also has control over rebound damping.

Triumph built the engine from the ground up with the intent to minimize external hoses and wires. The effort shows with a very clean and tidy fit and finish.

We love the instrumentation and electronics.

Front brakes are dual 305mm rotors with non-radial four-piston Nissin calipers.

The left-side controls manage a simple but loaded information system.

Fly-by-wire throttle allows cruise control also. A simple on/off button prepares the system which is controlled by a set/resume (speed +/-) toggle.

The 46mm Kayaba inverted fork is adjustable for preload.

It uses a tubular steel trellis chassis.

The Explorer comes in three colors: Sapphire Blue, Graphite and Phantom Black.

The Explorer has a muscular, aggressive look that is distinctly part of the Tiger family.