Triumph Tiger 1200 Explorer/Adventure type bike opinions?

[JonnyFoxtrot]

What are people's thoughts then? On adventure type bikes full stop (you can read my dilmemna two paragraphs down), and the bike itself (have you ridden it, seen it, heard about it?)

Never thought I'd consider an adventure type bike (I've always been in love with sport bikes) but I love the look of it and from what I've read it seems to be a pretty awesome all-rounder. Plus the fact I may start commuting to work (lovely village back roads!) 5 days a week, I'm thinking something like the Trumpet might suit the bill.

Powerful smooth triple motor, reasonably agile and sporty(ish!), great comfy touring potential (now that my missus is enjoying pillion rides), plenty of carrying capacity for commuting bits, all the whistles and bells of modern biking safety (good or bad depending on your opinion), the list could go on I suppose.

My issue is that even after my short time of owning one (ZX6R for 2 yearsish) I think I'm already getting a bit bored of sportbike riding (quick someone punch me in the tits and assess my gary for entry!!!) and I sometimes miss the simple, comfy boring rides I use to take on my old GS500. I've done the track day thing, I've done stupid fast group rides and I've done riding solo evening blasts and its all got a bit samey. Getting out with the missus for a mini adventure for a few hours on the other hand has been great and I'm prefering it to the balls out sport rides I do on my own or with mates, where I can't help but let my right hand partake in the willy waving, barry big bollocks, speed nutter type adrenaline rushes where I very quickly run out of skill, balls or enjoyment. I can see that going bad at some point. Granted the skill and balls could be changed with some advanced riding training and manning up (and although the bike is way better than I will ever be I still consider myself a fairly decent and quick rider), but I just can't seem to warrant all the fuss for what always ends up being 4 hours of constant traffic overtakes/stuck behind a lorry, for 30 seconds here and there of acceleration or top speed rush, sweeping bend thrills and look how nice my sport bike looks. I can't help but think it would be so much easier, comfortable and more enjoyable to just enjoy the ride and scenery for a change on a bike that doesn't goad me (or others to goad me) into riding quicker. You could argue, dont get goaded and just ride where I'm comfortable but then what is the point of the sportbike altogether, when I could do the same non-lairy ride on something more practical?

So then, I'm thinking Adventure/Tourer/Commuter/Weekend away/Afternoon Jaunt with the GF bike. I'm thinking comfy and upright for a change. I'm thinking not on the verge of death but still able to get some speed rush in. I'm thinking maybe a Triumph Tiger 1200 Explorer or other.

Have I gone mental???

Please do discuss
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'89 Honda NS125F (SOLD) -> '92 Suzuki GS500E (SOLD) -> '03 Kawasaki ZX6R B1H (SOLD) -> '96 VFR 750 RC36 (SOLD) -> '02 Honda CBR1100XX Blackbird

[Rogerborg]

Best selling "adventure sports" in May, one of the best selling of all bikes in the UK - only just behind the commuter 125s. They no doubt make a lot of sense on UK roads, but cheese-and-rice you're paying for it.

Something to look out for is the ride-by-wire throttle. The RiDE testers couldn't get on with it, and gave the nod to the R1200GS mostly on that basis.

Still, kudos for being honest about what you'll use it for, rather than starting on the "Oh, yah, yah, I'll probably take a sabbatical in the Carpathians, absorb the real Europe. Does that... intrigue you, Stacey?" <heaves gut closer to horrified receptionist at the office Christmas party>
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GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike

[Polarbear]

I want one with a passion. I had a Tiger 955i, sold it and regret it every single day.

I bought my street triple to slow myself down and for the upright riding position and love the bike. However it's utter pants for touring so I have decided either I sell the striple and get a new/nearly new Tiger (1050 probably rather than the 1200 just because of cost) or buy an older 955i and keep the striple.

I do like the triple engines so I wouldn't have a BM, the boxer twin engine isn't my favourite configuration but they are very popular bikes.
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Triumph Trophy Launch Edition

[Fowlersrs]

Awesome bikes and il definitely own one when I can afford to invest.

[JonnyFoxtrot]

[G]

Not a fan of the big 'adventure' bikes. Presuming you're not going to play at getting dirty, consider a bike that has 17" wheels.
I'm guessing you've got a good bit of budget; me if I wanted a bike like that I'd definitely be considering the TDM900.
But then I'd also be wondering about giving a sports bike a bit more comfort and luggage.

Oh and cars are pretty good for 'mini-adventures' too, which can often be a bit more spontaneous and adventuresome as it's a lot easier to just jump in and go .

[map]

To add my 's worth...

I have only seen the new Triumph and I did like the looks. This is compared to the older version. The two happened to be parked almost side by side at Squires.

However, with my logical head on rather than the one that likes bright shiny new things...
The BMW has a longer pedigree, established owners club(s), many accessories and support network. So that would be the one I'd go for. Having said that it'd probably be the older GS1150 but that'd be down to finances atm. The Triumph might be just a flash in the pan in comparison.

Plus there are other options. I did consider the Suzuki DL VStrom as a tourer (or the equivalent Kawasaki KLV - although that's not a current model).
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...and the whirlwind is in the thorn trees, it's hard for thee to kick against the pricks...
Gibbs, what did Duckie look like when he was younger?

[flyer]

Im looking to take on the adventure route asap. Cant afford a 1200 but thinking an older Tiger will suffice for now. Cant wait
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Stand up paddle surfing wales Caravan decking wales

[bazza]

I'll just leave this here...

https://www.ducati.com/bikes/multistrada/1200/index.do
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"That's it. You people have stood in my way long enough. I'm going to clown college."
'98 Ducati 750SS, '08 Suzuki GSX650F ©2004-2014, Bazza's Harmless Banter

[map]

[bazza]

[map]

[LordShaftesbu...]

I'm seriously considering the Tiger 800, the 1200 seems unnecessary to me.

[Nick 50]

A few weeks back I was out on a jaunt and ended up in cumbria and stopped at a pub.

3 bikes turned up a few minutes later all fully loaded and pillions included.

one was a Tiger explorer with the full kit:

https://static.blogo.it/twowheelsblog/triumph-explorer-live-eicma-02/1explorer_15.jpg

It looked stunning.

Spoke to the group as was outside in beer garden. The Tiger owner looked completely fresh considering they had ridden up from Kent in a single trip.

It did look a pretty big beast of a bike though.

*Edit*

Just been reading some reviews. Minor service is every 10'000 miles and major service every 20'000 miles........ pretty impressive!
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Current Bikes: ZX7r 97 (Black Beauty), VFR400 NC24 (The banana)
Previous Bikes: Aprilia Tuono 03 (The Beast), CBR600f (97)
First bike: A GZ125 Lemon.......

[Polarbear]

[iooi]

[G]

[Polarbear]

[LordShaftesbu...]

I don't see myself ever removing a wheel, and I've got along with chains OK so far.

[G]

5 minutes to take a wheel off .

Sounds significantly slower than the alternatives - once I've got it on a stand, it's a minute or so; no more than two for my chain driven KTM.

The KTM I would be putting some proper dirt tyres on half way through my 'adventure' (and have done at a Campsite in spain, etc.)

Never found a chain a big issue - chain oiler and you don't need to do much generally.

[Rogerborg]

[c-m]

Try a ZXR750 then. The valves need checking ever 6,000m it's ridiculous.
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