Comments on: Tech Brief: 2012 Triumph Tiger Explorer (Bike Reports) (News)

By: forsenik

forsenik — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 12:18:55 +0000

When looking at the support available for a bike, we all too often look at quantity of dealers in a State or Province only. We never look at where they are in relationship to where we ride and even more rarely do we ask about what support they provide for the bike we buy.

I am now on my third Triumph since 2001 (still own 2)and I have put a lot of long distance miles on them, averaging about 20,000KM per year. None of the bikes have ever required servicing when I am away from home due to mechanical failures. I did, however, require service in Ohio on my 2001 Sprint after a collision with a vehicle that failed to stop for a stop sign. Had no problem finding a dealer and had no problem getting the bike up and running in short order.

On the other hand, the guys a ride with ride a variety of bikes, mostly big name Japanese bikes. Here is the surprise, two of the bikes broke down on the side of the road and needed dealer support. Both bikes were Hondas, a VFR and a Gold Wing. Surprise, dealers were abundant bout no parts for over a week at each. In fact the VFR had to have all the parts sourced from a Canadian dealer and shipped to Pennsylvania to repair the bike. In the VFR’s case, the old 08 ST was loaded up with all the riding gear from the Honda and riding 2 up for 900 KM we drove home in one day and all the way returning 64 MPG imperial or about 53 MPG US.

In WV we needed a set of sport touring tires (17×120 and 17X185)…..Surprise, none of the Honda dealers stocked such rare items!

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By: Ratlanta

Ratlanta — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 15:45:30 +0000

Side mounted radiators, like the Super Tenre, Superhawk, and RC51, are worse at slower speeds than front mounted ones; a big issue in stop and go traffic. If there is very little air flowing over the surface, it won’t cool well.

The first generarion Mille/Tuono’s split and angled radiators had two benefits. First, the front header pipe went between them allowing the engine to be as far forward as possible. Secondly, the angled radiators and the two cooling fans, pushed the hot air away from the rider’s legs.

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By: Mike-in-GA

Mike-in-GA — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 23:57:47 +0000

Looks like a shot over the bow of the SMS BMW. Judging by the sales of the smaller Tiger 800, the Explorer will be a hit. Label them Adventure bikes if you must but bikes with comfortable ergos, extended fuel range, torquey power, and rough road capable suspension are winners in my book. It’s not about fulfilling a need. People don’t buy what they need, they buy what they want….they buy with their hearts and justify with their minds. The allure of this genre is the capability it represents. The idea that you could load up and take off for some remote destination is intoxicating. I think I’m going to have a hangover.

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By: Curt

Curt — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 22:04:56 +0000

Triumph is not a premium manufacturer. Why in the world would you think they are?

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By: Matt

Matt — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 21:04:04 +0000

The Yamaha ST is a good bike but the motor will not even come close to the Tiger. My 2001 955i is stonger than the Super T. Your thinking on the radiator location is interesting. If it is hot, it is hot. One of the great things about adventure bikes is that the engins is open and heat will not be trapped. I don’t ride my Tiger thinking “man I wish I had side radiators”. The triple wil get better MPG so you don’t need as much fuel!

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By: RussellP

RussellP — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 15:03:29 +0000

After looking at it closer, from what I can see.
The radiator is in the front, and probably will cause
some heat issues on the riders legs, and at stops in town riding.

The Yamaha super tenere, has it on the left side. With the air going out and
around the riders leg. The Yamaha also has a 6 gallon tank.
I only wish the Yamaha had Cruise, and a choice of cast wheels.

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By: Fred M.

Fred M. — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 14:21:20 +0000

You are a spammer.

It’s not your place to decide what news is posted on this site. If you think that the site should run a story, send an e-mail to editor@motorcycledaily.com. Get the hint: Editor. That’s not you.

You are wrong: Many people care what I think about the VFR. And many agree; just look at the harsh tone of most of the comments about the 613 pound porker VFR.

You don’t see the Triumph guys spamming the VFR comments section, do you? You don’t see people putting up spam about new Royal Enfields, Suzukis, Urals, or Ducatis there, do you? Learn some manners.

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By: Pieter

Pieter — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 14:11:42 +0000

B———s. Empty bank account AGAIN.

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By: blackcayman

blackcayman — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 13:24:10 +0000

Fred – from the three point line – winner!

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By: blackcayman

blackcayman — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 13:22:19 +0000

Mickey – right on… HD needs to hire a new CEO and build bikes they should have been building for the last 30 years…Theres more to the market than heavy cruisers…

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