I've had a 2023 1200 Rally Explorer for almost 1 year (11k miles) and i absolutely love it. I would agree w/ everything you had to say generally except the looks, I have the green w/ spoke wheels and I think its the best looking ADV bike around. Multistrada looks like it's trying way too hard; the Triumph is much more subtle and grown-up looking. 100% the best ADV bike in my opinion (and, yes, I've rode a 1250GS and Multi. Also, no chain maintenance is a HUGE plus over the Multi when you're riding 500+ miles in a week sometimes.
I just picked up the GT Explorer in Lucerne Blue....absolutely love it. I got it in late September, and already have over 2K miles on it. It’s my every day rider, and I am planning a 400 Mile round trip next week fully loaded with luggage(Mine came with the Aluminum Panniers...minus top case)....it’s been cold here in the North East, and the heated grips and seats are a godsend.
First of all, I want to apologize for my english, I'm french and my english is a little bit tired 😅 I want to thank you for the review of this bike, I can feel the smile on your face when you're riding that 1200 Tiger GTExp In france we have to practice 2 years on a 47hp bike from the day we have the license, and in august 2023 I'll have my 2 years of rider ! And I want to buy that 1200 Tiger GT Explorer to travel in France and Europe, and your review made me more confident about my choice ! Thanks a lot ! Ride safe (and sorry for my english 🤣)
I got one of these out the door for 14.1k, GT Pro, 4k miles. Used they don’t appear to hold their value due to people want the BMW. It really good at wind and high speeds, it is very cool to ride as in the temperature which is not something that happens on a lot of other brands. The menu system drives me bonkers it is not intuitive at all but you get used to it. It corners really well, brakes are awesome and the motor pulls so well. It is very comfortable on longer rides too. As you said the low speed balance is just so good. I think this will be a popular choice eventually after the public figures out how good it is
I have the Rally Pro. Regarding the Sport mode, true you do not need the extra power. However, it also firms up the electronic suspension, and makes it feel very sporty for the curves. I find myself keeping it in Sport for that reason, though if I'm cruising or on a longer trip, I'll put it into Road for a plusher suspension. Also, the menu is very easy and intuitive once you get used to it. One major thing I disagree with for the positives is the heated seat and heated grips. They are quite weak on this bike. I have poor circulation, and cold and numb fingers are a big problem for me. I cannot ride without heated grips on a 60F day. They are much weaker with the Tiger 1200 than on any other bike I have or have ridden.
I've had my GT Explorer for more than a Month and agree with most of your comments. I too have had my menu button stick and more than two times in a month. I'd like to see your comments with the large boxes that I got with mine. One other "Con" is the placement of the "Pillion" foot pegs. The one on the left side is just in the way when placing the bike on it's Center Stand. I've only had one passenger so far and she commented about the Boxes being sort of in the way for her legs. She is maybe 5'3". Anyway, thanks for your review.
Chase I just want to say I really like your reviews. I’ve been riding since 2017. We met at the Buford mountain Motorsports and you signed my sedici jacket which I still have lol. I currently have a drz400sm but every time I consider adding another bike to the garage I come to your reviews because you ride such a wide variety of bikes and are very knowledgeable but also relatable. Thanks for what you do!
I have same issue on speed twin with throttle. I don’t notice much now days. Now when I’m trying to ride smooth with wife I literally can’t in sport mode have to put it on road or rain. I don’t we are bumping helmets. Multistrada with that soec would be 29-31k that’s another 8k with triumph having 2500 off and 0% right now too.
And the Ducati Multi (is my dream bike too) 25:48 is $42k and for me this research I’m doing is for a 2nd “pop around bike” 1st seat is an HD Ultra. So my list is down to 3. HD Pan Am, Triumph 1200 & BMW 1300.
Great review. I like the looks of this bike. I have seen this bike for $22k out the door at Byron Powersports in Byron, GA. Plan on getting one next August after I pay my truck off...love this bike!
just a correction, if it has programmable modes, rain, road, sport I'm sure the throttle it's not cable actuated, but done by a pot meter. If with cable you would oppen the butterfly valves there would be no adjustment to modes
Thank you for pointing out the cons on this motorcycle. Very decent review. Also not a fan of the Dashbooard User Interface as well and how they flash back and forth with the time/wrench or other things. And there is no odometer shown on the default screen which is really silly....just not alot of info shown on that generous screen size. I don't want to have to bring up the odometer every time I power cycle the bike.
Thank you for the great review. One thing you could have throw in the comparison between the Tiger and the Multistrada is the valve adjustment schedule, much better on the Ducati.
I loved the video. I'm in the middle of deciding what long range motorcycle I want to buy. I've looked at the BMW GS12500 Low suspension. I then saw living on the Slab UA-cam channel. He road one of these from Massachusetts to Alaska. He's owned a BMW and compared the maintenance cost. This was cheaper than any bike with the 10k service Intervals. I am 5'9" and I seen the option where you hold the home button and the preload drops and lowers 20mm. I've been looking at the Rally Explorer which is even higher seat height. I like the more off road options with the full crash bar, 70/30 tires, and it also has the option of holding the home button, which drops it low enough that with the low seat option, I can easily ride it. I also like the 3 year unlimited milage warranty which the BMW does not have. I do like the lower seat height and looks of this gt explorer. Both bikes I'm looking at are the same price.
Update. The dealership dropped the price $7,000 under sticker. I immediately bought it. No fees. No hidden costs. I'm 5'9" and with the latest update, holding the home button, it will drop it enough to flat foot it. I also bought the upper crash bars and SW MOTOTECH city bag. Looking at different paniers. I might spend the extra money and get the factory Givi hard cases so it will be a one key system with the motorcycle. Great reviews
I think the engine braking feature is that “anti-stall” on the bike. My speed triple 1200rs does that. It actually gives it gas to keep it from stalling. So even with closed throttle it decides to give a little throttle. 🤷♂️. I’d imagine they have the same feature. It’s weird but less so knowing what’s happening.
The BMW is nice, but it feels too much like an appliance. The Tiger has a ton of soul and character! Lots of front end feel and feels better when you ride sporty. The BMW would be better if you want the smoothest ride and lots of low down torque
I’m in the “predicament” of just about put a down payment on a new tourer or ADV. That one that my heart has fallen for hard is the 2024 (yes I’m from the future” Tiger 900 Rally Pro. But as a 2023 1200 is the same price with only a few miles on it… I’m still thinking brand spanking new 900 though Regarding the height of the 1200… not a problem for the ones with a 30-31 inseam as the dealer can adjust the height of the bike And there is always a low seat option for Triumphs. And… in Sweden the price for the Multistrada V4 with the same spec as the Triumph that you have ridden is WAY higher. So high I will not even think of trying one out. Cheers
I think it looks great, I have a Triumph Trophy 1200, and if this bikes windshield was bigger, I would buy it today, my ride is 178 miles one way, all freeway at 80mph, but I need a bike to lane split with in Los Angeles stop and go traffic.....so I'm looking for a lighter, thinner bike...I'll probably buy one of these anyway, and make a bigger windscreen if the bike is that good....I just wish it had an FM radio and LOUD speakers...my Triumph beats my BMW LT1200 hands down in every way, especially in ease of oil changes and maintenance , Everything is so easy to get to, where is the battery? My Triumph has a super easy battery to access when is dead, and if you don't ride in the winter, dealing with a low or dead battery is always an issue, in my BMW its a PIA, my triumph, its easy to access and charge...hope its the same in this bike.....even the seat is more comfortable than my BMW....why the hell anyone would pay top dollar for a top heavy BMW is beyond me, this looks like a great, and will be the bike to replace my BMW LT1200 (Although, I have got input from my passenger)....BMW probably surpassed it there...but how often do I take a passenger? 1% of the time...
I would be interested in this bike but, the price is pretty up there. I’m currently looking at the new Ktm 890 adv r bike considering I’m technically still a beginner and $15,000 is a bit more of an approachable price tag
I have had a Versys 1000 SE during 1 1/2 year, 5000 miles. Coming from a Tiger 800 XCA. Stock seat was getting very uncomfortable after 1 hr drive. I replaced the stock winshield by a large Puig one: I would get either a lot of side noise on the helmet, either strong buffeting, according to the position of the windshield. Which could be adjusted only by stepping out of the bike. Engine was very nice, above 5000 rpm it’s😂 fantastic, smooth and sleek under, not noisy, enabling to cruise a low speed on 6th at 2 in town driving. Very easy to pilot. No heated seat available. Not the same machines at all compared to a Tiger. Versys is a transportation mean, not a fun machine.
I don't love the looks of the new Tigers. The 1200 is better than the 900, but I really love the previous gen 1200 Desert and Alpine editions. Sweet bikes though anyway. Cheers from Canada.
Hey guys, who’s in L.A area with bikes like this, let’s meetup and ride? My sport bike friends left me alone after i bought this Tiger. 😂😂😂😂 I need new friends LOL
We need a review of that Camero in the end there! I personally love the looks of the tigers.
My guy: ua-cam.com/video/7GqXYGKWKVA/v-deo.html
Also, sub our car review channel for 4 wheeled content!
@@chaseontwowheels ok o
I've had a 2023 1200 Rally Explorer for almost 1 year (11k miles) and i absolutely love it. I would agree w/ everything you had to say generally except the looks, I have the green w/ spoke wheels and I think its the best looking ADV bike around. Multistrada looks like it's trying way too hard; the Triumph is much more subtle and grown-up looking. 100% the best ADV bike in my opinion (and, yes, I've rode a 1250GS and Multi. Also, no chain maintenance is a HUGE plus over the Multi when you're riding 500+ miles in a week sometimes.
I just picked up the GT Explorer in Lucerne Blue....absolutely love it. I got it in late September, and already have over 2K miles on it. It’s my every day rider, and I am planning a 400 Mile round trip next week fully loaded with luggage(Mine came with the Aluminum Panniers...minus top case)....it’s been cold here in the North East, and the heated grips and seats are a godsend.
First of all, I want to apologize for my english, I'm french and my english is a little bit tired 😅
I want to thank you for the review of this bike, I can feel the smile on your face when you're riding that 1200 Tiger GTExp
In france we have to practice 2 years on a 47hp bike from the day we have the license, and in august 2023 I'll have my 2 years of rider !
And I want to buy that 1200 Tiger GT Explorer to travel in France and Europe, and your review made me more confident about my choice ! Thanks a lot ! Ride safe (and sorry for my english 🤣)
Nothing wrong with your English.
for the windscreen issue, i added a puig adjustable blade to the top. that solved all the highway airflow issues.
I did the same. Oddly, I now notice a really high pitch whine between 60 and 75, but really loud and annoying between 65 and 70.
I got one of these out the door for 14.1k, GT Pro, 4k miles. Used they don’t appear to hold their value due to people want the BMW. It really good at wind and high speeds, it is very cool to ride as in the temperature which is not something that happens on a lot of other brands. The menu system drives me bonkers it is not intuitive at all but you get used to it.
It corners really well, brakes are awesome and the motor pulls so well. It is very comfortable on longer rides too.
As you said the low speed balance is just so good. I think this will be a popular choice eventually after the public figures out how good it is
Hill hold releases aswell with slow release of the clutch and some throttle, dont need to release it by pulling in brake again.
I have the Rally Pro. Regarding the Sport mode, true you do not need the extra power. However, it also firms up the electronic suspension, and makes it feel very sporty for the curves. I find myself keeping it in Sport for that reason, though if I'm cruising or on a longer trip, I'll put it into Road for a plusher suspension. Also, the menu is very easy and intuitive once you get used to it.
One major thing I disagree with for the positives is the heated seat and heated grips. They are quite weak on this bike. I have poor circulation, and cold and numb fingers are a big problem for me. I cannot ride without heated grips on a 60F day. They are much weaker with the Tiger 1200 than on any other bike I have or have ridden.
I've had my GT Explorer for more than a Month and agree with most of your comments. I too have had my menu button stick and more than two times in a month. I'd like to see your comments with the large boxes that I got with mine. One other "Con" is the placement of the "Pillion" foot pegs. The one on the left side is just in the way when placing the bike on it's Center Stand. I've only had one passenger so far and she commented about the Boxes being sort of in the way for her legs. She is maybe 5'3". Anyway, thanks for your review.
Chase I just want to say I really like your reviews. I’ve been riding since 2017. We met at the Buford mountain Motorsports and you signed my sedici jacket which I still have lol. I currently have a drz400sm but every time I consider adding another bike to the garage I come to your reviews because you ride such a wide variety of bikes and are very knowledgeable but also relatable. Thanks for what you do!
I have same issue on speed twin with throttle. I don’t notice much now days. Now when I’m trying to ride smooth with wife I literally can’t in sport mode have to put it on road or rain. I don’t we are bumping helmets. Multistrada with that soec would be 29-31k that’s another 8k with triumph having 2500 off and 0% right now too.
And the Ducati Multi (is my dream bike too) 25:48 is $42k and for me this research I’m doing is for a 2nd “pop around bike” 1st seat is an HD Ultra. So my list is down to 3. HD Pan Am, Triumph 1200 & BMW 1300.
Great review. I like the looks of this bike. I have seen this bike for $22k out the door at Byron Powersports in Byron, GA. Plan on getting one next August after I pay my truck off...love this bike!
you don’t need to pull brake lever to release hill hold - just accelerate away
That can be done, but you can also kill the bike if you don't use enough throttle. I prefer to release then Go.
just a correction, if it has programmable modes, rain, road, sport I'm sure the throttle it's not cable actuated, but done by a pot meter. If with cable you would oppen the butterfly valves there would be no adjustment to modes
Thank you for pointing out the cons on this motorcycle. Very decent review. Also not a fan of the Dashbooard User Interface as well and how they flash back and forth with the time/wrench or other things. And there is no odometer shown on the default screen which is really silly....just not alot of info shown on that generous screen size. I don't want to have to bring up the odometer every time I power cycle the bike.
Thank you for the great review. One thing you could have throw in the comparison between the Tiger and the Multistrada is the valve adjustment schedule, much better on the Ducati.
I loved the video. I'm in the middle of deciding what long range motorcycle I want to buy. I've looked at the BMW GS12500 Low suspension. I then saw living on the Slab UA-cam channel. He road one of these from Massachusetts to Alaska. He's owned a BMW and compared the maintenance cost. This was cheaper than any bike with the 10k service Intervals. I am 5'9" and I seen the option where you hold the home button and the preload drops and lowers 20mm. I've been looking at the Rally Explorer which is even higher seat height. I like the more off road options with the full crash bar, 70/30 tires, and it also has the option of holding the home button, which drops it low enough that with the low seat option, I can easily ride it. I also like the 3 year unlimited milage warranty which the BMW does not have. I do like the lower seat height and looks of this gt explorer. Both bikes I'm looking at are the same price.
Update. The dealership dropped the price $7,000 under sticker. I immediately bought it. No fees. No hidden costs. I'm 5'9" and with the latest update, holding the home button, it will drop it enough to flat foot it. I also bought the upper crash bars and SW MOTOTECH city bag. Looking at different paniers. I might spend the extra money and get the factory Givi hard cases so it will be a one key system with the motorcycle. Great reviews
I got a 1200 rally pro in sapphire black and the spoke wheels look a lot better than the white or green in my opinion.
Now im looking forward to the ibex 1 month to see how that compares
I own a 22 speed twin, and the way you described that low speed throttle and rhe engine brake makes me think of my bike hahaha.
About the surging engine braking phenomenal. I have 2023 GT explorer. I fixed that with 12 minutes tune.
I think the engine braking feature is that “anti-stall” on the bike. My speed triple 1200rs does that. It actually gives it gas to keep it from stalling. So even with closed throttle it decides to give a little throttle. 🤷♂️. I’d imagine they have the same feature. It’s weird but less so knowing what’s happening.
I think so too. The bike has ant-stall, you can even drive away without using the throttle.
another part of it could just be the high CC 3 cylinder engine, I'm assuming odd cylinder number is gonna give you a less consistent feel
probably just the fuel cut settings to comply with emissions
I just bought a white one just like that! Love it so far!
Sick camera 🎥 that rolling side shot was epic!! Awsome review also!
I prefer the looks of the Triumph over the Ducati. Great video!
I was wondering if the large tank makes the bike feel top heavy.
What is up with the ice cream truck following you around the whole video?
Ya! Fur real kept pausing the video being “what da?
@@orionlane8115 hahahah me too, I thought someone was outside my apartment. And then it kept making me hard to focus on the talk..
Hey Chase what would you recommend the Tiger 1200 GT Explorer over the BMW GS1250 Adventure?
The BMW is nice, but it feels too much like an appliance. The Tiger has a ton of soul and character! Lots of front end feel and feels better when you ride sporty. The BMW would be better if you want the smoothest ride and lots of low down torque
I’m in the “predicament” of just about put a down payment on a new tourer or ADV.
That one that my heart has fallen for hard is the 2024 (yes I’m from the future” Tiger 900 Rally Pro.
But as a 2023 1200 is the same price with only a few miles on it… I’m still thinking brand spanking new 900 though
Regarding the height of the 1200… not a problem for the ones with a 30-31 inseam as the dealer can adjust the height of the bike And there is always a low seat option for Triumphs. And… in Sweden the price for the Multistrada V4 with the same spec as the Triumph that you have ridden is WAY higher. So high I will not even think of trying one out.
Cheers
I want a GT, but I'm worried about the noise... Is there an electric adjustable windscreen possible?
Those gloves look awesome! What are they?
I have a tiger sport 660 and that bike runs super hot & burns my ankles. Curious if the 1200 runs hot?
Not at all. No heating issues in this bike!
No heat at all
does it have cruise control?
Love this one
I think it looks great, I have a Triumph Trophy 1200, and if this bikes windshield was bigger, I would buy it today, my ride is 178 miles one way, all freeway at 80mph, but I need a bike to lane split with in Los Angeles stop and go traffic.....so I'm looking for a lighter, thinner bike...I'll probably buy one of these anyway, and make a bigger windscreen if the bike is that good....I just wish it had an FM radio and LOUD speakers...my Triumph beats my BMW LT1200 hands down in every way, especially in ease of oil changes and maintenance , Everything is so easy to get to, where is the battery? My Triumph has a super easy battery to access when is dead, and if you don't ride in the winter, dealing with a low or dead battery is always an issue, in my BMW its a PIA, my triumph, its easy to access and charge...hope its the same in this bike.....even the seat is more comfortable than my BMW....why the hell anyone would pay top dollar for a top heavy BMW is beyond me, this looks like a great, and will be the bike to replace my BMW LT1200 (Although, I have got input from my passenger)....BMW probably surpassed it there...but how often do I take a passenger? 1% of the time...
I would love the 1000 miles video on this motorcycle. Love the video ❤
i forgot the USA was one big parking lot
You kept it in road and rain mode, no wonder you got great mileage.
What helmet you running?
I would be interested in this bike but, the price is pretty up there. I’m currently looking at the new Ktm 890 adv r bike considering I’m technically still a beginner and $15,000 is a bit more of an approachable price tag
Bike looks great. Gonna get me one
EXCELLENT VIDEO!!!
I definitely prefer the looks of the Tiger 900, it just looks sharper.
Better than the Versys 1000 SE LT?
I have had a Versys 1000 SE during 1 1/2 year, 5000 miles. Coming from a Tiger 800 XCA. Stock seat was getting very uncomfortable after 1 hr drive. I replaced the stock winshield by a large Puig one: I would get either a lot of side noise on the helmet, either strong buffeting, according to the position of the windshield. Which could be adjusted only by stepping out of the bike. Engine was very nice, above 5000 rpm it’s😂 fantastic, smooth and sleek under, not noisy, enabling to cruise a low speed on 6th at 2 in town driving. Very easy to pilot. No heated seat available. Not the same machines at all compared to a Tiger. Versys is a transportation mean, not a fun machine.
I BOAU MY 2023 RALLY EXOLORER FUR$1700 LAST November, you have to shop around
CF Moto 450 SS First Ride Coming soon? Please. There's barely any US content out on it.
Chase I’d love to see a GSA review as a comparison
INCREDIBLE VIDEO GREAT VIEW FROM THE CAMERA
My 2023 GT pro doesn’t do the throttle thing, interesting
Good review, but the background music really grates🤪
Chase, do you have a link (or name) to the helmet that you are wearing? I want that exact one. It matches with my bike. Thanks cousin! 😄
I don't love the looks of the new Tigers. The 1200 is better than the 900, but I really love the previous gen 1200 Desert and Alpine editions. Sweet bikes though anyway. Cheers from Canada.
I just sold my gs for an rt and after watching this now I want a tiger 😂
BMW RT?
I own one of these and you talked about fuel milage I've had 370 mile out of a tank.full
great review!!!
👍
Got a 23 Tiger Rally Pro brand new for $13,900
Got lucky
Love the way it looks, but contrary - 100% not there for how Multistrada looks!
OC: 18:10 that is it 😂
👍👍👏
Should’ve gotten this instead of the cf motor
Yummir6
2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX4RR
I don't like the looks in the gt form. I love the looks in rally explorer form.
5th ha ha eat that Ghost!
Now go out and practice your U-turns to the RIGHT… 🤣
I wanna see Gixxer Brah wheelie this thing
"Phenomenal menu system", humm interesting how you phrase what I would have qualified as crappy menu system
The 900 Gt better the 1200 to heavy.
All suzuki gsxr riders have no idea what your talking about with gas gauge cause they dont have any? Bahaha
First
Hey guys, who’s in L.A area with bikes like this, let’s meetup and ride? My sport bike friends left me alone after i bought this Tiger. 😂😂😂😂 I need new friends LOL
Looks is not sexy, but motorcycle is great.