TRIUMPH Tiger 1200XC Explorer 2015 Touring Motorcycle

The TRIUMPH Tiger 1200XC Explorer 2015 is a factory allroad motorcycle tune up version of the basic TRIUMPH Tiger 1200 Explorer 2015. The 1200XC is more ready for light allroad riding and versatile road surfaces, depending on tyres in question. Even though it`s 2 years old model generation, the basics are still in order, level of standard equipment is competitive and the triple engine fascinates with a marvelous torque and an exciting sound. The 1200XC is also a perfect everyday bike, thanks to good ergonomics, riding aid features and balanced handling. Never the less, the TRIUMPH Tiger 1200XC Explorer 2015 is designed for allroad touring and it carries a significant payload with ease. The triple engine is perfect for riding with a passenger and a full luggage.

The TRIUMPH Tiger 1200XC Explorer 2015 challenges the category leader BMW R1200GS Adventure 2015 with a more versatile rider seat options, an enormous alternator capacity, a pair of fog lights and a cruise control as standard feature. All of them relevant details from the touring perspective. Depending on tyre treads in question, the 1200XC handles various surfaces, but comes out of comfort zone in the soft due to the weight and 19 inch front wheel. From the demanding allroad touring point of view, the handicap comes from the relative low ground clearance and the average size fuel tank, but mostly the overall weight which eats the agility. As long as the TRIUMPH Tiger 1200XC Explorer 2015 is used in urban and light allroad riding, it performs very good.

TRIUMPH Tiger 1200XC Explorer 2015 Features

The TRIUMPH Tiger 1200XC Explorer 2015 has exceptionally powerful alternator, producing staggering 950W capacity. That allows the widest range of electronics used simultaneously and it`s very much a relevant factor as long as the power consumption remains as high as it is nowadays. The use of full LED lighting systems is just in the beginning of it`s life cycle and hardly anyone offers complete LED systems as standard feature. Touring riders simply need to pay attention to the power consumption, unless they have an onboard computer controlling the power consumption and cutting accessories out when the voltage is low. Another basic allroad touring feature would be the low octane fuel settings which are still relevant for touring in remote places and fortunately a standard 1200XC feature. The key TRIUMPH Tiger 1200XC Explorer 2015 features are:

The TRIUMPH Tiger 1200XC Explorer 2015 offers one of the best ergonomics. The rider seat at the lowest 837 mm. position is exceptionally low and the factory offers the widest selection of OE rider seats varying between 810-880 mm. (31.9 – 34.6in.) seat heights. This is interesting for a lot of taller and shorter riders looking for allroad touring enduros. The wide handlebar can be adjusted 2 cm / 0.79 inches by rotating the clamp which is very simple and useful idea. The 1200XC windshield is good design and can be adjusted, but the tallest rider may need the optional factory 50 mm. taller and 30 mm. wider touring screen. Somehow the foot pegs are street type, but the change to offroad pegs is hardly any problem. Tallest 1200XC riders may need to fit a handlebar riser, but even the standard ergonomics fit to a lot of riders.

The standard cross spoked TRIUMPH Tiger 1200XC Explorer 2015 rims are perfect and strongly recommended for allroad riding. They offer the extra flexibility and comfort for various road surface conditions. Stones and potholes can hit the chassis very sharply and even damage the wheels, but the cross spoked rims with appropriate tyre pressure smoothens the ride just enough, like a part of the suspension. Depending on conditions, proper allroad tyres increase the grip and confidence on loose surfaces, but the OE tyres are often designed for urban conditions and the 1200XC rider needs to change them according to routing preferences.

The TRIUMPH Tiger 1200XC Explorer 2015 ABS can be switched OFF through 4 stage settings which is quite old fashion method. A bigger concern would be the fact that the ABS goes automatically back ON after every engine start which is quite impractical when you are riding on gravel for a long period of time. No wonder that so many allroad riders remove the fuse or install an additional ON/OFF switch for the ABS.

TRIUMPH Tiger 1200XC Explorer 2015 Cruise Control

The TRIUMPH Tiger 1200XC Explorer 2015 is ride by wire throttled and the electronic cruise control ECC comes exceptionally as a standard feature, as it should. The cruise control is most practical when riding long distances on good road conditions. It allows to relax both arms and releases the focus from the speed monitoring, but also saves some fuel by maintaining a constant speed. The use of ECC also reduces the riding fatigue, but becomes less relevant on loose surfaces and in active dirt & gravel road riding. Personally I prefer having the cruise control switch at the left hand side so that a sharp GPS -speed setting using both hands would be more accurate and rider friendly. The 1200XC cruise control is placed on the right hand side, but the switch helps the functionality. The fly by wire throttle management is fairly sensitive and it takes a moment to adjust to it. The down side is that setting up an accurate speed close to the desired limit using just one hand, becomes slightly difficult and by assisting with the left hand, one would manage to do so. An additional comfort oriented riding mode would be more appropriate for touring.

TRIUMPH Tiger 1200XC Explorer 2015 Engine

The TRIUMPH Tiger 1200XC Explorer 2015 triple engine is powerful and generates enormous torque starting already from 2500RPM. The sound of the triple is also one of the finest and puts a smile on petrol head`s face. The power delivery is silky smooth and almost endless. The engine is the spirit of the 1200XC and the sporty nature offers more than an adequate performance for touring purposes, even with a heavy payload. Therefore TRIUMPH Tiger 1200XC Explorer 2015 is one of the strongest choices for touring with a passenger. The service interval is every 16 000kms or 10 000 miles which is good for a touring motorcycle. Unfortunately the engine section is responsible for a high overall weight due to the 3rd cylinder, heavier exhaust and 2,8L efficient cooling system.

The TRIUMPH Tiger 1200XC Explorer 2015 high performance can be also dangerous in inexperienced hands and the traction control as standard feature comes every now and then handy. The TRIUMPH traction control reads both wheels and smoothens the over throttling. Still allowing a reasonable amount of wheel spin without slipping out of hands. On versatile allroad surfaces, traction controlling is a constant factor which can be both fun and health threatening, depending on riding skills, -aid and riding focus. Especially when wet, muddy or if the rider is simply very tired and out of focus, the 1200XC rider can appreciate such safety features. The traction control can be also switched OFF which is relevant for more experienced allroad riders.

TRIUMPH Tiger 1200XC Explorer 2015 Instrumentation

The TRIUMPH Tiger 1200XC Explorer 2015 has a quite comprehensive and modern instrumentation with LCD -display. The onboard computer assists the fuel monitoring and navigation with typical trip and consumption features. It is not as versatile and comprehensive as the KTM 1190 Adventure 2015 onboard computer, but without a doubt still good. The tachometer is still analogue which is the most practical way from the visualization point of view. The LCD display and the settings can be controlled with a UP & DOWN switch and a SET -button on the left side handlebar and 2 buttons on the left side of the screen. The key TRIUMPH Tiger 1200XC Explorer 2015 instrumentation features are:

TRIUMPH Tiger 1200XC Explorer 2015 Equipment Accessory

The standard TRIUMPH Tiger 1200XC Explorer 2015 offers one of the largest accessory packages, but there is on top of that a lot of additional equipment. The TRIUMPH provides the widest selection of rider seats. There are extra low, high and comfort seats to choose from and the seat can be placed between the heights 810 and 880 mm. (31.9 – 34.6in.). Touring riders heading to colder regions should consider taking the grip heaters. In addition the rider and the passenger seat can be optionally heated with 2 stages. For taller riders there is 50 mm. taller and 30 mm. wider touring windscreen which can be extended with a separate spoiler even further. From the protection point of view, the standard hand guards are quite small and good for warm and moderate temperatures, but colder conditions require at least a pair of hand guard spoilers or simply taller design. The crash protection is not quite complete without proper engine guards taking care of the cooler too. A heavy bike damages such parts easily.

 
The plastic TRIUMPH luggage set looks very nice on 1200XC, but it´s hardly a good choice for versatile allroad touring. The factory side cases have a simple weight balancing system, but I would not trust on those cases on a long run. I prefer the rugged aluminium panniers. On the other hand, the factory offers practical tail bags with quick straps that are light weight, waterproof and practical. Today the equipment producers offer a wide selection of universal and model specific parts for the TRIUMPH Tiger 1200XC Explorer 2015 too. One of the smallest details, is the side stand extension which is very much a basic handicap for most of the allroad touring enduros and also the 1200XC requires more support.

TRIUMPH Tiger 1200XC Explorer 2015 Comparison

Compared to the urban brother model TRIUMPH Tiger 1200 Explorer 2015, the TRIUMPH Tiger 1200XC Explorer 2015 offers on top a pair of fog lights, engine skid plate, hand guards and cross spoked rims as standard features. Therefore 1200XC is 8kgs (17.6lbs.) heavier and basically offers the same amount less payload capacity. The difference is very small and hardly worth calling separate models. It is the same bike and depending on preferences, the TRIUMPH -rider chooses one or the other, but clearly the cross spoked rims are much better on versatile allroad surfaces.

VS BMW R1200GS Adventure 2015

Compared to the younger generation BMW R1200GS Adventure 2015, the TRIUMPH Tiger 1200XC Explorer 2015 offers 12HP more engine, 440W more alternator performance and 2kgs (4.4lbs.) more payload capacity, but the 1200XC is 7kgs (15.4lbs.) heavier, offers 10L (2.64USgal. or 2.2UKgal.) less fuel capacity, slightly lower ground clearance and 4Nm. less torque. Even though the 1200XC is heavier, it has slightly better power to weight ratio and the triple engine is sportier from nature. The GSA has more advanced traction and stability control system, but also more intelligent ABS with proper allroad features. They both have very good ergonomics and are versatile touring motorcycles.

From the equipment point of view, the TRIUMPH Tiger 1200XC Explorer 2015 offers a cruise control as standard feature, it has a short skid plate which provides more protection than the GSA standard sump guard. Yet the 1200XC engine guard does not offer enough protection for the cooler like the GSA guards. The 1200XC is still very competitive in light allroad touring. The difference in the fuel capacity is significant and the globe trotter status fits better to the GSA. The GSA handles better in demanding allroad riding, being more agile and it`s designed to be ridden also in standing posture. Clearly the BMW R1200GS Adventure 2015 is capable of going more remote places and taking more challenges. For most of us the TRIUMPH Tiger 1200XC Explorer 2015 is more than enough and as long as hard core allroad riding is not on the menu, the 1200XC is sportier and a perfect touring enduro.

VS KTM 1190 Adventure 2015

Compared to the younger generation KTM 1190 Adventure 2015, the TRIUMPH Tiger 1200XC Explorer 2015 offers 500W more alternator capacity, the joy of the shaft drive and the cruise control as standard features, but 11HP less engine performance, 3L (0.79USgal. or 0.66UKgal.) less fuel- and 6kgs (13.2lbs.) less payload capacity. The 1200XC is also 37kgs (81.6lbs.) heavier. The KTM has more sophisticated traction control & riding modes, ABS features and more versatile instrumentation. They both offer very good rider ergonomics, but the TRIUMPH offers more rider seat options and wider spectrum of OE seat heights. The KTM is taller and offers more ground clearance.

The TRIUMPH Tiger 1200XC Explorer 2015 offers low octane fuel settings as standard feature, but the KTM requires an additional fuel dongle for 91RON – 87AKI which is a little bit strange. The chain driven KTM needs regular maintenance unlike the shaft driven TRIUMPH which offers relevant alternator capacity on top. The lighter KTM handles on all surfaces very well and is more capable of going to more challenging locations. The 1200XC is still quite competitive in urban and light allroad touring, even without any electronic suspension systems, but the adventurous KTM goes beyond that. The KTM 1190 Adventure 2015 has clear advantages, but also suffers from the low alternator capacity, absence of a cruise control and the chain maintenance.

VS YAMAHA XT1200Z SuperTenere 2015

Compared to the upgraded YAMAHA XT1200Z SuperTenere 2015, the TRIUMPH Tiger 1200XC Explorer 2015 offers 9kgs (19.8lbs.) more payload capacity, 25HP more engine and 350W more alternator performance, but 3L (0.79USgal. or 0.66UKgal.) less fuel capacity and is 10kgs (22lbs.) heavier. the TRIUMPH has better power to weight ratio and is much sportier from nature. They both have traction control and ride by wire technology. Ergonomics are also in order, but the 1200XC has more rider seat options. They are strong alternatives in urban and light allroad touring, but the SuperTenere offers additionally an electronic suspension system with the ZE model.

The TRIUMPH Tiger 1200XC Explorer 2015 offers the cruise control as standard feature, but these motorcycles offer quite similar features. The biggest difference comes from handling and in the spectrum of routing potential. The lighter SuperTenere is more agile, offroad capable and slightly more versatile than the TRIUMPH which is sportier and stronger in carrying a big touring payload for two. The 1200XC also supports the electronic needs of two persons.

VS MotoGuzzi STELVIO 1200 NTX 2015

Compared to the MotoGuzzi STELVIO 1200 NTX 2015, the TRIUMPH Tiger 1200XC Explorer 2015 is 29kgs (64lbs.) lighter, offers 23kgs (50.7lbs.) more payload capacity, 32HP/8Nm. more engine and 400W more alternator performance, but it also provides 12L (3.2USgal. – 2.6UKgal.) less fuel capacity. Note that the weight difference due to the large fuel tank is 8,4kgs (18.5lbs.) and then some more from the STELVIO -pannier set with the rack. They both have cross spoked rims, shaft drives, crash bars, skid plates, basic safety electronics, up to date instrumentation, 12V power outlet in the cockpit and proper wind coverage, but the STELVIO has the advantage of an extensive fuel range. Although the Explorer has low octane fuel settings as standard unlike the STELVIO.

The ABS and the traction control systems can be switched OFF in both bikes, but neither has advanced offroad settings like the KTM or the BMW. The Explorer has cruise control as standard feature, but the STELVIO is not even ride by wire throttled. From the traveling point of view, the Explorer offers exceptional alternator capacity for the electronics. The STELVIO has an average size back up and requires reasonable consumption. From the ergonomics point of view, the Explorer is slightly better due to more versatile adjustments and versatile rider seat options, but the basic setups are not very far from each other. The MotoGuzzi STELVIO 1200 NTX 2015 is better for riders that are less high performance oriented, prefer simplicity and appreciate the long fuel range. The TRIUMPH Tiger 1200 Explorer 2015 is clearly much more sporty and even more nimble allroad touring enduro with an average fuel range.

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