Spending 2022 with the Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Explorer | MCN Review
Вставка
- Опубліковано 31 січ 2023
- #triumph #tiger #1200GT
Neevesy has covered more than 10,000 miles on the Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Explorer. Watch his long-term test review now and read our written review here: www.motorcyclenews.com/bike-r...
We'd love to hear your views so get them down in the comment section!
Find your next bike with the experts at MCN Bikes for Sale: www.motorcyclenews.com/bikes-...
MCN Compare is your one-stop bike insurance shop: www.mcncompare.com/
Check us out on social media:
Facebook: @MotorcycleNews
Twitter: @MCNnews OR @MCNSport
Instagram: @motorcyclenews
Visit the MCN website for all the latest news, reviews, advice and bikes for sale:
www.motorcyclenews.com/
Subscribe to get MCN every week, in newspaper or digital format: bit.ly/3rEIjaP - Авто та транспорт
This has been a superb series giving real world opinions about each bike without (seemingly) being influenced by the manufacturers. Please keep up the good work.
Great review of why adventure bikes are so good, especially as we get older. Sadly there aren’t many models that have shaft drive which I think is an oversight of the manufacturers for their intended audience.
Honda xlv 750r.
@@adrianrouse5148 hadn’t seen one of those before, very nice.
I’m riding a heavily modified vfr1200x
Triumph, Yamaha, BMW. As many shaft as there are chain.
Same here mate the Honda crosstourer is some machine and flies under the radar from the normal range.
Guzzi too
Absolutely the best all round review of this bike I have seen. Love the MCN long term reviews. I want to now test ride on of those Triumphs GT Explorers. Love the long range and comfort you've highlighted.
Great review, thank you! I've gone from a Honda V4 1200 Crosstourer to a BMW S1000XR to now the Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Pro which I have owned since December 2022. I love it and pretty much agree with all your pros and cons - with a few minor differences here and there. I'm in Australia and all my riding is backroads touring. Our backroads are in a poor state after years of successive natural disasters but the Tiger just gobbles up those roads effortlessly. Its handling is superb for a tall heavy bike. I cant believe how far I can lean it over! 😈 I went for the GT Pro and its 20 litre tank out of preference. I still get a range of over 400 kms which suits me fine. I am 69 yo and only 5' 7" so bike weight and height are big variables for me. The extra 10 litres made the bike way too top heavy for me. I still have to be very careful about how and where I park it otherwise one of my riding buddies has to lend a hand to get it upright. . I thoroughly dislike the turn by turn sat nav that comes with the bike. Given the sort of terrain I ride in, I need to see what's up ahead. I forked out a few hundred dollars for a Zumo XT and do not regret the outlay. However, Triumph should do better in this area. It is after all a "touring/adventure" bike, not an urban cafe hopper. I agree that the heated grips need to put out more heat. In that vein, the handguards need to be a bit taller. Cold wind flows easily over my hands. Australia get cold too! Handguard extensions will be ordered soon (from the UK!). The bars are a bit of a stretch for me. I need bar risers that will give me about 20mm height and 20mm pullback. Having problems identifying ones suitable for my bike. In my mind, the aftermarket industry has been a bit slow off the mark with goodies for this current generation of Tiger! My Tiger is in Lucerne Blue. A beautiful colour that always makes me turn around to look at my bike as I walk away!😊 And finally, if you read this ... can you please advise the model number of your Oxford tank bag and lock. Another item on my list. Cheers from Aus!
Am I too American to understand metric or ami seeing you are getting over 248 miles? The main reason I'm saying away from the GT is the small tank and poor mileage on the non explorers. I prefer the bike with less electronics but 40mpg at 5 gallons and you'd be needing gas very very soon.
@@ChavsADV 400 kms range from 20 litres, regardless of how I ride it. Yep, that’s 248 - 250 miles from 5.3 US gallons. I can’t tell you what my fuel consumption will be if I do extended periods of dirt riding … which I haven’t done yet.
@@PeteV.53 that makes me question the 40mpg rating
@@ChavsADV could it be explained by different engine mapping between models exported to our respective countries? Or RON ratings for fuel? I don’t really know 🤷🏽♂️ I just know that I love the bike … not as heavy as the Honda, not as manic as the BMW and a more comfortable seat than both.
@@PeteV.53 I'm not sure. I do know that I need to be able to do 200 miles easily without fearing running out of gas. I feel like the 1200 should have had a 6 gallon tank.
I just bought one in blue, has to be an ADV bike for me I’m past 60 and all I hear in your review is - comfort, practicality and easy to live with. Much as I’d love the looks of a sports bike those days a long gone, it’s a fantastic bike and can really hustle when you want it to. Agreed the heated grips are rubbish, but I use heated gloves so no problem there. Personally I love the dam thing, great review and feedback
The Spending Time reviews are excellent. Thank you. Agree on your take on ADVs. For the first time a couple years ago I picked up a several-year-old V-Strom 1K. After 12K surprisingly enjoyable miles I thought about a sport tourer. Road a few, but apparently was spoiled. An opportunity to get an '18 V-Strom 1K came up: road it, loved it, bought it. In just a few months I've already put > 4K miles on it. Like this Tiger, it's not a beauty, but I NEVER hesitate to grab an opportunity to rack up more miles. The comfort, surprising pace, utility, and long-term reliability own me now. FYI, I don't do off-road and use Road 6s, which have been incredible in all conditions, even on the odd fire road. And they're quiet :). My Speed Triple is jealous.
Seeing Michael falling for adventure bikes shows his age😂 but still the best in business. Thank you Michael.
Best in the business. He put off road bias tyres on and complained about them 😅😅
I bought my first GS in 2004 when i was 24.. I am not so sure that big adventure bikes are just for the old...
@@dean-does-stuff-81 na they are ..unless you ride them like Chris Northover 😂
@@mark675 I can tell you that on b roads I made plenty of sports bike riders look very silly riding my gs…
@@dean-does-stuff-81 wow bet you’re really cool and fast 😂
The blandness of Triumph bikes is remarkable, only the early 955 Speed Triple had a character of it's own. I have owned a 1200 Trophy SE, and although it did everything brillliantly it was as dull as dishwater. Never regret selling it.
It's now September 2023 and a lot of improvements made since. Plus this was a brand new bike from the start. Well done Triumph.
Just test-rode one today- such a great bike really! Agree that it's a liitle bit blant and unremarkable because of how well-rounded and accomplished it is. PS: Michael- always a to tune in on your reviews. You have a very unique, thoughtful and precise way of articulating. Such a pleasure always to listen to a professional. Cheers from Dublin
I’ve been watching your videos (MCN) since 2008 when you reviewed my new at time 2008 ZX10R. You do a fantastic job with reviews. I’m now on a 2022 BMW GS 40th Anniversary with option 719 absolutely AMAZING!!! My buddy just picked up a 2023 Triumph GT Explorer. He loves the bike but trying to resolve the wind buffeting. Triumph screen is very vertical with very little engineering to manage wind at speed. Not a deal breaker but compared to my GS he has a lot of buffeting above 75 MPH. He just purchased a Puig screen and he said that was a big improvement. Overall loves the bike! As an aside, as someone who grew up on two stroke dirt bikes, then 5 race bikes. The Adventure bikes brings those two styles together and adds utility, comfort and luxury! I like pulling up to the light and seeing the baby sport bike looking so diminutive next to my GS. Adventure bikes are absolutely fantastic and they get better and better each year!
This is an excellent review. I think your comments strike at the heart of why we ride motorcycles in the first place. I've owned all sorts of bikes for the last 25 years, and the one constant has been the pure enjoyment of just riding. When you say character, for me, it's a bike that stirs your soul unlike anything else. Obviously, these modern bikes have so much equipment on them that it's often difficult to get that unfiltered joy. Also, because these bikes are a similar price to some cars, people naturally expect them to be polished diamonds, and it disappoints somewhat when they have faults, design problems, or just unpleasant compromises. Often, it's easy to forget why we got into this pastime in the first place!
When ever I see these excellent videos ,they act as a reminder to buy the paper MCN.
Buy it or lose it, is my motto on printed media and MCN is a national treasure that I would never want to lose.
I'm a big fan of my 900 GT Pro, road 6s are great street tires. I love my bike and the blue color is less bland. The kick stand issue is the same on the 900 GT. They may not win a beauty contest but riding one these let's you ride a lot more.
Great review I am not even an adventure bike rider but love the unbiased review keep it up from Australia worth watching for sure
Absolutely love the honesty here
I agree for almost 95% with your review, sir, and I have already done 3.000 miles with my Lucerne Blue one and had the same clutch problem (air bulb in the hydraulic). The side stand is too high, definitely. What I miss most is the telelever-suspension I had on my BMW's : this one here just dives despite the setting of the front suspension ! I've been having three 1200 GSes previously and I' m looking forward to the R 1300 GS to be unveiled soon !!
Great review mate! I've got a 2020 1290s and love the bike. A little more characterful imo. I did demo the new triumph and found it to be a little easier to get on with. Maybe less intimidating then my 1290. If your just getting into bigger adventure bikes the triumph is worth serious consideration.
A superb review Michael. If I was in the market for an adventure bike, you'd have made my mind up...no question.
Thanks for a brilliant review of this bike.
In depth review, loved watching.
Loving this series, great review thank you. I wonder if there are aftermarket screens that would suit better?
Great review, as always. Regarding the side stand I have the same problem on my Versys 1000 albeit with a wider pad installed. Too often I have to seek out a new place to stop because the bike is not leaned over enough with the stand down. OTOH wrestling these tall, top-heavy bikes back to vertical when they are leaned over too much is no small feat.
Great video !!!! What is crazy is I like ALL of the ADV bikes !!! I own a 2022 BMW r1250 GSA and it is by far my favorite. But I like all of them !!!! True, some are better than others but over all there really is not a bad decision at all in purchasing what one truly likes . 🙂
Hi
I think this sums up out relationship with a bike sublimely. This one is a great tool. It did everything that Neevsey wanted and better, but, it isn’t a bike he looks back at once parked. Most bikes are so good now that a real deciding factor is which one do you love to look at!
I cannot think of any ADV bike that makes you look back at it. The Ducati MTSV4S might be the exception. Too bad the fuel tank is so small.
Great review, I’ve got a GT Pro and pretty much agree with everything you’ve said. I’m less keen on the built in sat nav though.
It looks solid, well designed and well made. Shaft is great. The Yamaha supertenere is a workhorse and has proved very well made but doing valve shims looks like a nightmare but fortunately they go for 20000 miles or much more with regular oil changes and often after 50000 miles I've heard they often are within spec.
Wow... after so many years, you have finally seen the light 😁
There's no doubt in my mind, adventure bikes are the way to go 👍
You just can't beat the versatility.
Had a Tiger 800 and I had the same exact feeling. It's like a brilliant hammer but in the end it's just a hammer, not something you fall in love with.
That engine may go down as the most boring ever produced - why did you buy it ffs?
I had one a few years ago, an absolutely smashing bike but I just never fell in love with it!
Great review, as always. Would respectfully recommend the Pirelli Angel GT tires on this bike and second opinion (short review) after a few miles.
Great video per usual Neevsey… no one fancy standing in the cold to ask you the questions? I love my DCT Africa Twin for the reasons you like that triumph tiger …Sounds like you need to try a Multistrada V4 Rally Next 😂
Hallelujah, he has seen the light! 😮😊. It’s like Triumph have two different paint departments, one for modern and one for modern classics. The classic pop and the rest do seem to fade into the background. Even a few graphics, a la Africa Twin could raise the look & desirability of those Tigers.
I got to ride one last summer at a bike rally and I was really impressed by it. The engine was fun, it handled well, the shaft drive unnoticeable. But I'm just not drawn to ADV type bikes. I've owned a Strom for a year and, like Neevesy says, I never looked at it and got excited to ride (okay, it was a Strom). But regarding sexy Triumphs ... I think the Speed Triple, Street Triple and Thruxton are mighty fine, but I'm a Triumph Sprint owner and have become something of a Triumph fanboy, admittedly.
Thanks for this excellent review. Michael is the best bike journo on the internet in my opinion.
I enjoyed that and as an owner of the previous model I am interested to see what Triumph had done about the weight being carried high up in the bike (makes slow moving very nervous), I'll have to get a test ride to be fully informed before deciding.
I'm surprised at the heated grips not being warm enough, my 2018 bike takes a little time to heat up but once there the high setting is too warm
Excellent review. Thank you. I wish Adventure or dual sport manufactures of the more road oriented models would offer an optional additional front and rear factory high lumen lighting system, a real horn maybe backlit handlebar switch-gear. On the level of say Denali D7, D4 and Sound Bomb or Clearwater. At least in regions that allow these. Here in the states there is no issue with any of it.
Great review. I agree on looks. People won't stop on the street to admire it like they do my thunderbird. Then again this is a much better bike than my thunderbird. At least the engine screams when you belt it unlike a GS. Maybe triumph could do more with the paint going forward? I do like the rally green though.
Captures the spirit of biking in this review, it's a fantastic ride according to Neevsey and great to live with but would you love polishing it. I sometimes feel Triumph don't have a defined styling model for their ADV bikes like ktm, honda, ducati. I want to want one but....
I have the Rally Pro version I have QR Oxford tank bag but the old attachment ring from my Tiger 800 is too small for my 22 1200Tiger could you please tell me which tank ring you are using that fits that Tiger for the tank bag please
Thanks
Great vid, great opinions but obviously mad. I love the bike best thing I have ever purchased
Great series, this has been. Thank you. I'm still sticking to sports bikes as at the age of 55 I'm still to young for comfort and sensible choice in life.
Great honest review. What puts me off all ADV bikes is the looks, size and weight, the difficulty to keep them clean, the wind noise and buffeting and did I mention the looks. For touring on the roads of Europe and England I'd rather the Kawasaki Z1000SX.
Love the series. How does it compare to a r1250rs ? I know they're in different categories but both would realistically be used for the same purpose.
Great insight, as always! I just think Michael did a small mistake when he commented on the wheel size, rear is an (awkward) 18 inch one, no?
my R1250GSA has the same sidestand problem, it's incredibly annoying. But if it leaned over further, people would complain about really feeling the weight. I also have a 2007 F650GS Dakar (the version with the 21" front wheel and taller suspension) and people complained about that bike leaning over too far. Very safe parking though!
Something I learned about off road bikes was that the fewer cylinders and fewer firing pulses per combustion cycle would actually increase grip at the rear tire. Like ABS but for power being applied and to such a small area.
It was interesting to me with the triumph 3 cylinder being the most I think I’ve seen. I still haven’t ridden one but I imagine it’s silky smooth like my old street triple.
With the uneven firing order, I wonder if that’s for character as well as more grip.
It does improve grip. Below 6000 rpm it feels like a twin, above 6000 it feels like a normal triple.
If I was to replace my Versys with another bike it'd be a Tiger GT. I've fallen in love with this style of bike. Comfy, capable but still surprisingly fast.
Great honest review. Had one on loan for a few days. Was appalled by the overall weight when putting it in the garage and slow speed through town. Good bike, just not for me.👍
1st adventure bike ,and luv it ,and agree poor heated grips but no virbration problems as some have reported ,but would also like to know what oxford tank bag ring fitting is used as no one else seems to think there is one
Sport touring and adv bikes are where it's at for around town / daily riding.
Firstly, what a fantastic honest review
Regards tyres, as a 7 day a week rider that will never go off-road on the bike, would a top quality tourer tyre like the road 6GT’s actually get the best out of the bike you think?
Currently running a Trophey se, one of these will be my next bike after the winter, prob the GT pro version
I think you hit the nail on the head the other day when you mentioned the Bmw r1250r. Many of the advantages of the gs but, looks great and none of the wind blast or excess weight issues. I had the 1200r a while back one found it an armchair to tour on but, also loved the look (white with red trellis frame) loads of toys and fairly agile.
18:44 I get a good amount of tire noise from my Conti TKC70s. I was actually quite surprised when I changed over from the stock street tires, I'm guessing that it's just going to be that way with the off-road tires.
Had to get the clutch bled on my rally pro as well. PITA but all good now 🤞🏼
Excellent real world review, I think that adventure Bike encourages people to ride more and for longer distance so that is a good thing. Overall and I agree that the looks of a sport bike is far superior, I suppose that a sport bike you are judging a book by its cover, as opposed to a adventure bike it’s being judge by it content.
Great video! I enjoyed it very much. Was that your girlfriend in the background at the start? She is a stunner!! Well done mate! Maybe we can see a video on her in the future? I get what you are saying about the looks. Ernesto Colnago once said that when you speak your bike and she speaks back, then you know. I have mine, I think she is the most beautiful bike I have ever seen. When I look at her when I am leaving the garage I always give one last look before closing the door. Well done. Best!
I like to think it's wisdom, not old age, that brings bikers naturally towards that market. At 51, I've gone from fast road bikes, including a tuono factory, to a GS. My younger self would think I'm mad.
Great video! What adventure bike is next for you?
I really enjoyed your video. I own a 2009 K1300S and a 2006 VFR800. I'm looking to replace both with something this old man can do longer distances on comfortably. If I could blend this bike with a Martin BMW R1250GS supermoto or a Ducati Multistrada, with full 17 inch street wheels and tires, street panniers, I would buy one. I like the tall legroom, seating position, and wide bars. I agree with the side stand comment. Why don't they make suspensions that extend the travel when underway and drop down at low speeds and stops? The Triumph is so close to being just right. This is the first time I've heard that it has no vibration. The engine sounds great! Similar to the VFR V4. Thanks for the good work!
Great honest review. What helmet does Michael Neeves use? I like the design.
Did you like the Ducati Multistrada better? How about the BMW GS 1250 ?
I like this review. Those little criticisms are very good observations. -Little things that can drive you crazy after a long time. I'm disappointed in the windscreen. I wonder how much difference an aftermarket tall, touring screen would make?
You can keep your character - I'm going to stick with reliable! Seriously though, great review, I really appreciate the honest feedback. I live in the States and I'm looking for an Adventure Touring bike and I've had my eyes on this bike, especially since my daily rider is a Speed Twin 900! Absolutely love Triumph!
Subscribed after watching this.
I agree with what you say about triumphs I use to have a ktm 1090 adventure and loved it toured scotland wales and Cornwall on it could ride all day no probs but then put it in sport mode and get the revs up and she turned into a nutter and wanted to play now I have a tiger 900 rally pro and absolutely fantastic bike i love it every bit as good if not better than the ktm but try too play with it and it's like it looks at you and says do you know who I am I'm a triumph I'm far too sensible for things like that I mean I love the bike but it doesn't tickle the soul like the ktm did. 😃 👍
Interesting review. One.thing these long term reviews don't seem to mention.or show is the sound. Even on Dad bikes it is important 😀
What was the engine heat like in Sicily and southern Italy?
Thank you for the comprehensive review!
Hi Jon.. I own the Rally Explorer version of this bike, and Triumph have done an exceptional job with heat management on the Explorer models. There’s a fan on either side that exhausts the heat out a couple of vents.. the vents are directed away from the rider, and do an outstanding job getting rid of the heat.. it’s really amazing!
I've had the same issue with the clutch on mine. 4 times it's been back to Triumph. It's made owning it a bit of a let down. They've just bought out a new part (an 'upgrade bulletin' as they call it) that will apparently fix the issue. Mine was done last week so we shall see........
Strange that Chris from bikeworld said the new t plane is buzzy but neevsey says nothing at all. How can 2 of the best bike reviewers have such differing opinions on something so tangible
19” front and 18” rear not 17. Dont ask me why they did that. I wish it was 17”! Love your reviews. Very detailed. Great questioning when interviewing other editors! Cheers mate
Great review. I'd like to know more about the fork dive, especially 2 up.
KTM have anti dive, and BMW have telelever suspension.
???
I wonder if the rear end provides any antidive or squat characteristics? He mentioned heavy use of rear brake.
Great video. Loving my GTX 12. Mine came with a different Tourance Next that is way more street looking than yours. The front makes a loud annoying howl at 40-50 mph that drives me nuts. Got me some Motoz GPS tires to mount soon. It is much easier to pick up than my Super Tenere even though it lays down a lot flatter than my Tenere with Altrider crash bars. It I found this out practicing full lock turns. It will smoke my Tenere but not a 2000 CBR 1000 with a worm on it. The guy that started the Tenere forum 13 years ago got him a 1200 GT Pro. Put 1000 miles on it and sold it. He hated the dash and how high it put his ole lady in the air. He said it affected him too much when she would move around. That can happen on any bike though. I don't particularly like the dash lay out. It could have more displayed on that fine display without having to toggle for it. Gotta adapt. He went to a V855 TT Guzzi. GTX has the best stock seat my Tender ass has ever had the privilege of sitting on. A lot of riders say it dives to much under braking. If you stiffen the damping it will cut this down and the brakes are so good I think they are hitting them to hard. Thanx again for your review
Will ride this bike very soon, I'm very curious how it handles
an all weather car replacement sounds really appealing right now
"Sat-Nav is fantastic?" Eesh no please. Andriod Auto/Apply Car play would be a significant improvement in an update
I agree Charlie! I own the new Rally Explorer, and pairing my 14 Pro Max with the thing is next to impossible.. I would much rather have Car Play on the bike.. I suppose Triumph would have to pay Google and Apple huge money to offer it..
@@vailmcc that it's in every car for the past 5 years suggests it's not a particularly massive fee, and in any case surely can't be as expensive as hiring the Devs to try and keep this useless app of theirs alive - sounds to me just bad decision making
I have a street triple and have enjoyed the tigers I’ve test rode; 900 variants.
One thing I noticed on all their demo fleet, rust and corrosion. Are they worse than other brands nowadays for this?
not sure if its on older vids but i think this one looks worse because the roads have been gritted every few days for the last month basically, even cleaning it every weekend isnt enough to stop getting the odd spot here and there
Also surprised that No.3 "dislike" was the poor performance of the heated grips, as those on my Bonneville Bobber are superb. I have only ever needed the low setting, even wearing summer gloves on a winter's day.
You the man.
12K miles in six months,that's pretty hardcore even with a mega adv mile muncher like this....i salute you,mr Neeves...
What tyres are these please?
How is it in the dirt and gravel?
Yes, the Tiger 1200 won't win any Beauty contests but I am in love with my red Tiger 900. Perhaps Triumph need to employ some Italian designers.
I had the 2014 version of the Explorer. Best road bike I ever had in some respects but three main issues ruined it for me and put me off ever wanting another:
1. Way too top heavy. Manoeuvring it off the side-stand fully loaded often needed someone to help and I’m no nine stone weakling. It really gave your arms a workout;
2. Switchbacks were terrifying as turning circle was poor and the weight was carried so high it felt it wanted to drop
3. Build quality was so so. Mine, like many others suffered electrical problems where the engine kept cutting out.spotlight bar was really flimsy and almost fell off when one of the bracket bolts came loose. Engine casing corroded too readily at the front.
It handled superbly except on hairpins and slow speed stuff and was very comfortable and I liked the backlit buttons and heated seats.
For all that it was too flawed to be reconsidered by me again. Huge price hikes came in for the MK3 model which was another reason not to bother again except on the used market. I really want to like this but weight distribution ruins it for me.
Great review though👍
For the newer bikes without the same flaws check out the VStrom DL1050. Very comfy and capable. For European touring the Daddy for a relaxed grunty ride without the trumpet’s issues is still the GSA. Ktm 1290 Adventure (SAR) faster and sportier. Rode a multistrada 1260 too but didn’t like it. Surprisingly little low down shove. Smooth and well bakanced but too frantic for my tastes as a touring bike.
Suzuki GT might be the perfect choice for what you want?
I missed the sporty excitement of a true sportsbike but no longer wanted to tour on one and bought the R1200RS. Perfect for my needs, tours as well as a gsa but with better performance and handling. Pillion seat is too short though. Bought a used Vstrom 650 for two up touring and winter work. Fabulous 2 up despite modest power. You could ride lands end to John O’Groats in one day on the Vstrom and be fresh at the other end!
So if you wouldn’t buy this one but would be interested in owning an adventure bike, which one would you buy?
Great video thanks Michael. Now you know the secret of GS riders... many of them don't take them off road because that's not what they buy them for! 😊 Hope the GS 1300 moves the game on even more in terms of an awesome all-rounder.
You didn't mention the PR6 Tyres, if you're just on the road They're great (as you know)
Why didn't you go with the Tourance again?
If I was to go touring, I'd go for the Suzuki or the Kawasaki. I had an adventure bike, and I like some aspects of the bike, but found the bike, inherently, too top-heavy, which a lot of these bikes suffer from because of the design. If I was to buy another, it would be a BMW GS. I'd also try out the lowered suspension option, as I'm not a fan of tall, leggy bikes. Although, the GS carries its weight low down thanks to that lovely flat twin engine, so I might stick with the standard bike.
How does it compare with the r1250gsa
Wow 9 mins in and when you said you haven’t adjusted your chain in 6 months i nearly threw my phone!!! Yamaha super tenere for me!
The lights may be brilliant, but the projector LED lights like you can find on newest R1250RT / R1250GS are better with sharper cutoff pattern and no blinding.
The Triumph seem to have only reflector LED lights.
Think you like the bike ,
Good review 👍
Think it Needs a bit of a clean, but not going to stay clean for long using it constantly ,
Too heavy for me ,
Isn’t the rear 18 inch?
Was really keen to hear your thoughts on this Michael as am strongly considering the 900 version for later this year. Confirmed a lot of what I hoped/expected so the level of detail in these long term reviews is invaluable as a result. No question these are terrific bikes, but as you say, it’s whether or not you can live with the somewhat anodyne character 🧐
I've owned a 900 GT for 18 months and put 22k kms on it in Australia. My opinion of it is almost identical to what Neevesy says about this 1200, but I do prefer the lighter and smaller 900. It's never felt underpowered for touring although it doesn't have anywhere near what my Diavel has, it is still plenty for what it's used for. Hope this is useful.
Those boxes are just standard Givi panniers which are much cheaper if you buy them Givi branded.
So you’re saying that the Tiger 12 has become a Honda? Impeccably engineered and behaved but maybe not what you want in a two-wheeled expression of passion. I know you’d say it’s only your impression and to a degree is subjective but the clarity of your thoughts is refreshing. Thank ‘ee
I think Michael’s perfect bike would be a Pike’s Peak Ducati MultiStrada; if only he could get MCN to pay for it!😂
I have one, black with the black panniers. Looks much better. Done similar mileage and it is brilliant in all weathers.
Unlike you, I find most Triumph's stunning, although Adventure bikes are not the most attractive whatever the brand. As far as looks goes, nothing beats the Triumph Rocket 3 TFC. A motorcycling masterpiece!
Thanks for outlining the noise of the AT41 tyres, the whine is so bad at 65-70mph. Sounds like a bad wheel bearing. Other reviews of this tyre fail to mention that problem. Great tyre otherwise. I haven't noticed issues in the cold and wet on my Tiger 900
I totally get how No. 4 "dislike" was although faultless a bike, it can lack 'character', it's odd, almost as if we wish it had some foibles, which is not the case because 'perfect' must be better than 'with faults', however a lack of 'character' gives us a lack of 'gelling ' with it's 'personality' leaving the experience somewhat clinical.