I'm nearly 20,000 miles in on mine, same colour only flax panniers and top box. Fantastic bike! Great on tour and sure footed in poor conditions. I completely agree with the new engine, magnificent! Had the old variant, massive improvement. Cracking review.
Excellent review Si,looked at that very bike on Friday it certainly looks a very nice machine definitely one to shortlist when it’s time to change my 1250gs in the new year 👍
I was aiming to be in the market for a GT PRO next year but this video makes me really consider the Explorer. I guess I'll need to test ride them both if I can. Thanks for the conundrum! :D
It’s a cracking bike for sure, i am slightly biased but I think the rally explorer is the best looking of the big enduro travel bikes albeit too tall for some that’s where the GT bikes make more sense, I think handling wise rally to GT bikes is negligible as the headstock angle on the rally bikes are slightly different to accommodate the 21’ front wheel so it still hustles on the road and handles poor surfaces a bit better
Great review 👏 I test rode a 1200 Explorer and was surprised that it felt no heavier than my 900 when riding. The engine sound when you get on the gas is so addictive - it sounds like a V8 muscle car. Wish i could afford one. 😅
As a 1250GS rider I went to have a look at the new 1300 last weekend. Not for me. Interestingly, in the BMW showroom was GTE in black and I have to say it caught my eye. The wife was with me and commented on how comfortable the pillion seat looked and sitting on it it felt a comfortable place to be. I like the sound of the Tiger as well so I’m tempted. I owned the old gen 3 by the way, which was a great tourer except for the weight up top.
Put about 7,000 miles on mine so far. Sold my other bike (a 2020 Speed Twin) because I just never rode it anymore. I've ridden the BMW 1250 GSA, and if I was going to be spending more time off-road, that would probably be my choice, but considering 95% of my riding is on pavement, I don't think it's a tough choice - the GT Explorer is a delight.
I tried the GSA and bought the GTE I’m 6’1 and 32”. I’m 3k in So many positives only negative is light vibes at 5k so you just have to go faster. QS and blipper is fab. The party piece of shuffling lower when stopped is a great thing too. Would certainly buy again.
It's a lovely looking bike and definitely better looking than the new GS1300 but at 5'7" with a 29" leg I think I would go for the 900 personally. I've got an old 1200GS and that is right at the limit for me in terms of weight and height but I am a Triumph fanboy and I think at some point a Tiger will be joining my T120 probably.
Hi! I really like the looks and the features of the Triumph Tiger 1200 GT. So I went for a test drive. But then, I unfortunately noticed that: 1) There is a strong wind buffeting from the wind screen (not shaking the helmet, but making noise) 2) The quick shifter is really a slow shifter. Works good, smooth, but slooooowly 3) The pegs are too low (maybe less a problem on the higher Rally though) 4) The one I've tried stopped pulling at 204 km/h: the sporty and firm and mighty GT would easily reach 250. 5) The heated grips are not really warming (even in the highest setting). Was it just the one I've tried? Was it a lemon? Or did anyone notice at least one of these points? It's frustrating because on paper, it is an excellent bike. Great mileage, powerful engine, shaft drive, good looking, can carry lots of luggage. I really badly wanted one but I'm really hesitating now!
Hey Bert, I have tried to answer some of your points below but its great you managed to get out and have a ride of the bike, as you know bikes are really personal and what works for one may not work for another. 1) I had the screen extender fitted to mine I am 6 foot tall and found that worked perfectly for me 2) Sometimes the quick shifters need re-calibrated this may have been the case with the bike you tested I have always found the quickshifer dead on 3)Put the seat in the low position this will decrease the gap between the seat and the pegs 4) what MAP was the bike in during the ride? 5) You may be onto something here they defo could be warmer
@@simotofoto Thanks for the answer, Sim! Overall I think it is a great bike, not too thirsty, good for long travels in the dust and the salty roads and the rain thanks to it's shaft drive, reasonable fuel consumption (compared to the multistrada V4 for example) and huge fuel tank. Great engine and well geared (quiet long gears but the engine is powerful enough for that). Excellent brakes. Very comfortable. And despite the huge fuel tank, it still looks good, even better than the Pro version in my opinion. I had the seat on its lower position. But the problem is that the foot pegs are too low, they scrape easily on the tarmac, and that's why I would lean toward the Rally version, which is higher. It was on sports mode, but in the end, 200 km/h on such a bike is enough. Driving over 200 km/h is rare, legal only in Germany and possible only for short periods of time because of the traffic. And the fuel consumption goes off the roof at that speed, so it is pointless. The only neg. point is that you may need heated gloves if you're really driving longer periods in the cold, but EVERY rival has negative points too (Duc Multistrada: great bike too but high price and very thirsty; KTM SAS 1290: great bike but vibrates and reliability issues and poor quality of switches; BMW GS: great bike but only if you're fan of the boxer twin engine and their telelever system and if it's loaded with all the options which are included on the Tiger, it will be very expensive, almost as the multi. I think you've got to try them all and be aware of what is excellent and what is less good to avoid disappointment. Cheers and all the best for the new year, and thank You for the good videos!
Good vid again Si. I was between the GSA 1250 and the 1200 GT pro. I ended up with a new GSA in April and don’t get me wrong, I love it…..but and it’s a small but. When my wife is on the back I feel like it’s too tall. I’m 6ft like yourself and can nearly flat foot, but when fully loaded with luggage and the Mrs I’m just not confident at a standstill. Maybe should have went for the GT pro for the lower seat. Ah well you live and learn, not worth the divorce changing a bike 6 months down the line 😂
@@simotofotoWell now you’ve tried all the Triumphs, maybe try the Multistrada V4, the new 1300GS and the KTM super adventure if you’re feeling a bit mental.
I’m not sure where your camera is mounted when you are riding but I found the big screen on the GT Explorer quite distracting when watching this video, not that anyone else has mentioned this. I’m not a GS fan but would be interested in your thoughts comparing the R1300GS against your current bike and the big Tigers. You mention in another comment that you hope to ride the new GS soon.
Done the GT Pro but not the BMW, I commute all year round and do a few trips around the UK a year with the wife. Gonna find it hard to get on a 1250 demo now the 1300 is out so am trying to get other people’s opinions and experiences to help with my decision.
Great review Si, just what I was looking for. Got a 2019 GSA, but the GTE is arousing my interest, test ride on Friday - hope it's good, could be a bike change coming on. Would you choose it over a GS if you had the choice again ?
I purchased a 1200 Tiger gt pro. Every is ok, except tve windshield. Did any one replaced it with another one ? And which one Puig ? WRS ? GIVI ? other ?
It's hard to justify a tank that big ,even here in northern Canada , I can only think of one road where I wouldn't have enough capacity with my GT Pro and that's way up in the Yukon . I doubt if Triumph would make a 30 liter tank if BMW didn't already have one . It also makes the bike a bit top heavy in my opinion , but then again , I am getting on a bit and a bit frail and feeble . " Round the corner " radar should be fitted to detect white van idiots . Those mirrors look expensive to replace if you have a whoopsie and drop it . Proper handguards too instead of those drastic plastic ones [ it IS a premium bike Triumph ! ] But I guess warm buttocks is more important , lol . Triumph quality is first class as ever . Anyways it's a grand bike , but the GT Pro is better . [ I may be biased ]
I'm nearly 20,000 miles in on mine, same colour only flax panniers and top box. Fantastic bike! Great on tour and sure footed in poor conditions. I completely agree with the new engine, magnificent! Had the old variant, massive improvement.
Cracking review.
just bought one of these, traded in my k1600, and i love it, great review pal, thanks
Awesome man you are going to love it, fantastic bike :)
I agree! I have a 2023 GT Explorer.
Excellent review Si,looked at that very bike on Friday it certainly looks a very nice machine definitely one to shortlist when it’s time to change my 1250gs in the new year 👍
Great review Si. I'm working through your back catalogue since i discovered your channt, keep it up mate, first rate.
Thanks ever so much Chris its much appreciated hop you enjoy the vids :)
I was aiming to be in the market for a GT PRO next year but this video makes me really consider the Explorer. I guess I'll need to test ride them both if I can. Thanks for the conundrum! :D
Hahaha cheers Johnny
Great review again Si. I have a 900 gt pro at the moment but looking upgrade to this.
Nice one Sweeney great potential upgrade
Great review, you pin pointed the reasons why this model is top dog IMO. Loving mine.
Thanks for watching!
Nice review thanks. WRS makes a slightly taller windscreen and it's vented too.
Thanks for the info!
It’s a cracking bike for sure, i am slightly biased but I think the rally explorer is the best looking of the big enduro travel bikes albeit too tall for some that’s where the GT bikes make more sense, I think handling wise rally to GT bikes is negligible as the headstock angle on the rally bikes are slightly different to accommodate the 21’ front wheel so it still hustles on the road and handles poor surfaces a bit better
Totally agree Lawrie I couldnt fault the Rally on road, the GT, however is very slightly sharper but barely noticeable.
Great review 👏
I test rode a 1200 Explorer and was surprised that it felt no heavier than my 900 when riding. The engine sound when you get on the gas is so addictive - it sounds like a V8 muscle car. Wish i could afford one. 😅
It does sound EPIC
As a 1250GS rider I went to have a look at the new 1300 last weekend. Not for me. Interestingly, in the BMW showroom was GTE in black and I have to say it caught my eye. The wife was with me and commented on how comfortable the pillion seat looked and sitting on it it felt a comfortable place to be. I like the sound of the Tiger as well so I’m tempted. I owned the old gen 3 by the way, which was a great tourer except for the weight up top.
Weight has massively improved, defo get one out for a ride :)
Had my GT Pro for 4 months and love it to bits also never ahd an issue with vibes its certainly no worse than any other bike ive ridden
Cheers Sharpey glad your enjoying it dude :)
Brilliant, my dream bike, thanks Si
Mine too lol
Put about 7,000 miles on mine so far. Sold my other bike (a 2020 Speed Twin) because I just never rode it anymore. I've ridden the BMW 1250 GSA, and if I was going to be spending more time off-road, that would probably be my choice, but considering 95% of my riding is on pavement, I don't think it's a tough choice - the GT Explorer is a delight.
Awesome, thanks for your comment, gutted to hear you sold the Speed Twin that is another epic bike :)
Enjoyed that Si. Nice vid and nice bike.👌🏍
Thanks mate glad you enjoyed it :)
Jeeeez!!! That was close Si, that guy was way to fast coming around that bend 😮
I know lol
I tried the GSA and bought the GTE I’m 6’1 and 32”. I’m 3k in So many positives only negative is light vibes at 5k so you just have to go faster. QS and blipper is fab. The party piece of shuffling lower when stopped is a great thing too. Would certainly buy again.
Thanks for sharing :)
It's a lovely looking bike and definitely better looking than the new GS1300 but at 5'7" with a 29" leg I think I would go for the 900 personally. I've got an old 1200GS and that is right at the limit for me in terms of weight and height but I am a Triumph fanboy and I think at some point a Tiger will be joining my T120 probably.
The 900 seems to be the sweet spot at the moment, it just seems to be all the power you need in a more manageable package, its a great bike.
Hi! I really like the looks and the features of the Triumph Tiger 1200 GT. So I went for a test drive. But then, I unfortunately noticed that:
1) There is a strong wind buffeting from the wind screen (not shaking the helmet, but making noise)
2) The quick shifter is really a slow shifter. Works good, smooth, but slooooowly
3) The pegs are too low (maybe less a problem on the higher Rally though)
4) The one I've tried stopped pulling at 204 km/h: the sporty and firm and mighty GT would easily reach 250.
5) The heated grips are not really warming (even in the highest setting).
Was it just the one I've tried? Was it a lemon? Or did anyone notice at least one of these points?
It's frustrating because on paper, it is an excellent bike. Great mileage, powerful engine, shaft drive, good looking, can carry lots of luggage. I really badly wanted one but I'm really hesitating now!
Hey Bert, I have tried to answer some of your points below but its great you managed to get out and have a ride of the bike, as you know bikes are really personal and what works for one may not work for another.
1) I had the screen extender fitted to mine I am 6 foot tall and found that worked perfectly for me
2) Sometimes the quick shifters need re-calibrated this may have been the case with the bike you tested I have always found the quickshifer dead on
3)Put the seat in the low position this will decrease the gap between the seat and the pegs
4) what MAP was the bike in during the ride?
5) You may be onto something here they defo could be warmer
@@simotofoto Thanks for the answer, Sim! Overall I think it is a great bike, not too thirsty, good for long travels in the dust and the salty roads and the rain thanks to it's shaft drive, reasonable fuel consumption (compared to the multistrada V4 for example) and huge fuel tank. Great engine and well geared (quiet long gears but the engine is powerful enough for that). Excellent brakes. Very comfortable. And despite the huge fuel tank, it still looks good, even better than the Pro version in my opinion.
I had the seat on its lower position. But the problem is that the foot pegs are too low, they scrape easily on the tarmac, and that's why I would lean toward the Rally version, which is higher. It was on sports mode, but in the end, 200 km/h on such a bike is enough. Driving over 200 km/h is rare, legal only in Germany and possible only for short periods of time because of the traffic. And the fuel consumption goes off the roof at that speed, so it is pointless.
The only neg. point is that you may need heated gloves if you're really driving longer periods in the cold, but EVERY rival has negative points too (Duc Multistrada: great bike too but high price and very thirsty; KTM SAS 1290: great bike but vibrates and reliability issues and poor quality of switches; BMW GS: great bike but only if you're fan of the boxer twin engine and their telelever system and if it's loaded with all the options which are included on the Tiger, it will be very expensive, almost as the multi. I think you've got to try them all and be aware of what is excellent and what is less good to avoid disappointment.
Cheers and all the best for the new year, and thank You for the good videos!
Good vid again Si. I was between the GSA 1250 and the 1200 GT pro. I ended up with a new GSA in April and don’t get me wrong, I love it…..but and it’s a small but. When my wife is on the back I feel like it’s too tall. I’m 6ft like yourself and can nearly flat foot, but when fully loaded with luggage and the Mrs I’m just not confident at a standstill. Maybe should have went for the GT pro for the lower seat. Ah well you live and learn, not worth the divorce changing a bike 6 months down the line 😂
Hahaha defo not worth the divorce Barry, the GS is a cracking bike mate I love mine but im now itching for a change lol
@@simotofotoWell now you’ve tried all the Triumphs, maybe try the Multistrada V4, the new 1300GS and the KTM super adventure if you’re feeling a bit mental.
@@barrygormley1618 will get my hands on the new GS1300 soon
Just bought mine 2 days ago, been too cold to ride it yet 😞
Oh no, where are you based?
Detroit, Michigan, U.S.A.@@simotofoto
@@mkstjohn awesome hope you get out on the bike soon, great choice by the way :)
thanks, i just pulled the trigger on that bike and bought it with no test ride, i have no doubt i will like it@@simotofoto
Good choice, I absolutely love mine. Ontario here so I share your pain.
I’m not sure where your camera is mounted when you are riding but I found the big screen on the GT Explorer quite distracting when watching this video, not that anyone else has mentioned this. I’m not a GS fan but would be interested in your thoughts comparing the R1300GS against your current bike and the big Tigers. You mention in another comment that you hope to ride the new GS soon.
Hopefully get my hands on it very soon Stewy
I’m actually thinking between this bike and the R1250 GS Rallye at the minute. Really torn on which one to go for 🤔 great video as usual
Thanks Mr Malibu, have you ridden them both yet?
Done the GT Pro but not the BMW, I commute all year round and do a few trips around the UK a year with the wife. Gonna find it hard to get on a 1250 demo now the 1300 is out so am trying to get other people’s opinions and experiences to help with my decision.
Great review Si, just what I was looking for. Got a 2019 GSA, but the GTE is arousing my interest, test ride on Friday - hope it's good, could be a bike change coming on.
Would you choose it over a GS if you had the choice again ?
Yeah I defo would Steve it's a far more involving and engaging ride
@@simotofoto A 150 rear wheel compared to a 170 on a GS - did you you notice any difference in handling etc. ?
@@stevecockton6624 the bike handles like a dream Steve it is way sharper than the GS
@@simotofoto Had the test ride yesterday, that is a good bike, making me think - do I need one !
@@stevecockton6624 do it do it do it lol, hey that one I'm riding in the vid is available just registered, handful of miles 17500 ooooft
Great review ❤Top Bike 👍✌
Thank you glad you liked it!
I purchased a 1200 Tiger gt pro. Every is ok, except tve windshield. Did any one replaced it with another one ? And which one Puig ? WRS ? GIVI ? other ?
How much heavier than the GT pro? I'm looking to trade a 2011 tiger 1050 and a Softail to one of these once you guys are back open!
Its about 10kg Graeme not as big a difference as you would think
It's hard to justify a tank that big ,even here in northern Canada , I can only think of one road where I wouldn't have enough capacity with my GT Pro and that's way up in the Yukon . I doubt if Triumph would make a 30 liter tank if BMW didn't already have one .
It also makes the bike a bit top heavy in my opinion , but then again , I am getting on a bit and a bit frail and feeble .
" Round the corner " radar should be fitted to detect white van idiots . Those mirrors look expensive to replace if you have a whoopsie and drop it . Proper handguards too instead of those drastic plastic ones [ it IS a premium bike Triumph ! ]
But I guess warm buttocks is more important , lol .
Triumph quality is first class as ever .
Anyways it's a grand bike , but the GT Pro is better . [ I may be biased ]
Hey dung spreader the GT Pro is a cracking bike for sure and you are 100% correct warm buttocks rule lol