Good review, nice and to the point covering the relevant new stuff compared with the old. I have a '63 TEx which I only bought last year with only 3.5k on the clock, so whilst I won't be trading in soon it's good to know Triumph aren't standing still. When I first rode it I thought it was as close to the perfect 'all round' bike I'd ridden (and there've been a few in 27 years) and I've not changed my mind, so if the new one is better then it must be bloody awesome! I have to say, like VeeFour I'm not sure I'd use all rider modes but the other upgrades sound good. One thing I noticed which I'm not keen on is the lack of frame behind the screen; I use the one on mine to mount my sat nav above clocks in a nice Touratech mount. Something I'd want to transfer to the next TEx in a few years...
I had the option to get this as I only bought my new explorer in Feb...but I got everything added the arrow exhaust..the entire givi aluminium luggage set. and lowered all for under 12k. couldnt add anymore options if I tried and the new one is 11k for the base spec
Please try to give us an unbiased review possibly, how reliable is it on long rough, dirt off road ? I bet it's unbelievably heavy and easy to get scratched. Also, I've heard of the headstock failure on Triumph bikes from a few people already. I'm not impressed by all this electronics stuff at all, to me an enduro/adventure bike has to be reliable, light and most importantly rust free such as the new Yamaha 700cc which has stole my heart already but I'm dwelling on trying a Triumph against all odds. I hope some of you will give me some proper feedback refraining from being biased for a chance, thank you in advantage !
with the older model explorer the rear suspension was a head ache to get right and this simple upgrade for the 2016 model is one of the main reasons why I have bought a 2016 xrt model..... There are a few other things that annoyed me with the old explorer but have been addressed in the 2016 model
+neevesybikes I only ask because they have 4 factories in Chonburi and just one in the uk. I understand that the bikes bought in the uk are assembled from parts from the Chonburi factories and the USA bikes are shipped direct from Thailand.
Hi guys. I have the Metzeler Racetec Interact tyres but when I'm really on the breaks hard it always feels like the tyre is under inflated. I have checked and double checked the tyre pressure and they are spot on. Do you know of this odd feeling?
+Gary Lowe no wonder - you're running around on almost flat tyres - I bet it's slow steering, too. I don't even run my race tyres that low! Road pressures are 42/36 rear/front. Neevesy. MCN
neevesybikes bloody hell. I spoke to loads of people and did lots of digging online an 30f/28r was what people recommend. I though something was wrong. I'm going to get the pump out now and give 42/36 a bash. Thanks a lot.
Great review, great bike, I hope Triumph did some work on the engine reliability of this one! Previous model had some real issues! BTW, is MCN banning the Africa Twin? I guess they are the only ones who didn't do a AT review?
Well crap...Was at the dealer today looking to get on a MY15 Explorer XC (decent incentives on these now) but reviews of the MY16 now have me thinking I should wait.
all these problems with the old Explorer eh? isn't it odd that they weren't problems last year. and rider modes, why is everything about rider modes, gimmicks that's all they are
+MCN - Motorcyclenews.com things quietly working in the background like traction control and cornering abs are great and I'm all for them, but in my opinion rider modes that change the throttle response and power are bunk. I have an Aprilia Tuono that has them but it only needs one and that's Track, because the other two feel like they're stifling the bike. I've rides tons of others machines with them too, and it's always the same feeling. after half a day I ended up putting it into the one that let the bike breath freely and perform to its maximum designed potential and leaving it there, Dynamic mode on the R1200GS, sport mode on the DVT Multistrada to name just two. if I owned either of those I would never ever take them out of those modes, and someone who needs a button to press when it starts raining has no business riding that bike in the dry. I also own the previous model of Tiger Explorer, and at no time have I felt that it's losing out on not having rider modes. it has traction control abs and a lovely ride by wire throttle, and the only thing I feel it's missing is a single button to press that disables the TC and ABS instantly for when I take it up fire roads. The only thing on this new one I'd want on my bike are the Brembo brakes, everything else is, like I say a gimmick put there to try and keep pace with the likes of BMW. It's just all getting a bit like the parable of the Emperor's New Clothes in my humble opinion.
+VeeFour agreed - once you've found a mode you usually stick to it...but the electronic suspension is the thing that transforms the Explorer the most on the road and dirt. Neevesy
+MCN - Motorcyclenews.com it's probably just me as I'm a moaning old bastid. The 1200GS I tried had the semi active suspension and I couldn't discern much of a difference, but that just probably meant that it was doing its job correctly
+VeeFour I agree with the last year statements haha. It seems that way with every bike review tho, they praise it one year then the next they say in the review "ah yeh coulda been better"
+all systems down again Yes .agreed . It cant last too long on dirt roads with all that too cool for school stuff. The hare and the tortoise story springs to mind.
MCN - unofficial retailer of Triumph bikes. Stupid review. But then again, if you say ANYTHING bad you might not get a (free?) trip to Portugal and play around with cool new bikes. Absolutely 0 credibility. You want us to believe that there's nothing that is anything but optimal on this bike? It's the perfect bike! Best ever made! Ever. Yes I know you mentioned it's a bit heavy. BUT not a compromise at all! It's a sports bike and a touring bike and an offroader! Unbelievable... literally.
The explorer is the most fun I've had on a motorcycle.
Good to hear Triumph are improving their range. I had an 82 Tiger Trail which did pretty amazing stuff off road for a bike that size.
Sorted the audio out !
Good review, would love to have this bike.
As always a great review from Neevsey
Good review, nice and to the point covering the relevant new stuff compared with the old.
I have a '63 TEx which I only bought last year with only 3.5k on the clock, so whilst I won't be trading in soon it's good to know Triumph aren't standing still. When I first rode it I thought it was as close to the perfect 'all round' bike I'd ridden (and there've been a few in 27 years) and I've not changed my mind, so if the new one is better then it must be bloody awesome!
I have to say, like VeeFour I'm not sure I'd use all rider modes but the other upgrades sound good.
One thing I noticed which I'm not keen on is the lack of frame behind the screen; I use the one on mine to mount my sat nav above clocks in a nice Touratech mount. Something I'd want to transfer to the next TEx in a few years...
With the redesigned engine, was there any heating issues that you ran into while cruising or in the city?
My mate owns a motorcycle shop and says this bike is head and shoulders above the competition.In fact he is looking to buy one.
I had the option to get this as I only bought my new explorer in Feb...but I got everything added the arrow exhaust..the entire givi aluminium luggage set. and lowered all for under 12k. couldnt add anymore options if I tried and the new one is 11k for the base spec
Please try to give us an unbiased review possibly, how reliable is it on long rough, dirt off road ? I bet it's unbelievably heavy and easy to get scratched. Also, I've heard of the headstock failure on Triumph bikes from a few people already. I'm not impressed by all this electronics stuff at all, to me an enduro/adventure bike has to be reliable, light and most importantly rust free such as the new Yamaha 700cc which has stole my heart already but I'm dwelling on trying a Triumph against all odds. I hope some of you will give me some proper feedback refraining from being biased for a chance, thank you in advantage !
looking forward to seeing an up to date big adventure bike test. everybody aims to beat the GS so let's see how they fair.
if i sat on the white furniture with all my gear on I'd be sleeping with the dogs, man!
with the older model explorer the rear suspension was a head ache to get right and this simple upgrade for the 2016 model is one of the main reasons why I have bought a 2016 xrt model.....
There are a few other things that annoyed me with the old explorer but have been addressed in the 2016 model
Where are the led lights???? I can't understand why there in no led lights
Where are they made? Are they still assembled from parts made in the Thailand factories?
The Explorer will still be made in the UK. New Bonneville range and smaller Triumphs made in Thailand. Neevesy MCN
+neevesybikes I only ask because they have 4 factories in Chonburi and just one in the uk. I understand that the bikes bought in the uk are assembled from parts from the Chonburi factories and the USA bikes are shipped direct from Thailand.
+Pat Duffy basically the big bikes are uk, the rest Thailand. I asked the question the other day at the launch...
Hi guys. I have the Metzeler Racetec Interact tyres but when I'm really on the breaks hard it always feels like the tyre is under inflated. I have checked and double checked the tyre pressure and they are spot on. Do you know of this odd feeling?
+Gary Lowe what pressures do you run?
neevesybikes 30 psi front, 28 psi rear.
+Gary Lowe no wonder - you're running around on almost flat tyres - I bet it's slow steering, too. I don't even run my race tyres that low! Road pressures are 42/36 rear/front. Neevesy. MCN
neevesybikes bloody hell. I spoke to loads of people and did lots of digging online an 30f/28r was what people recommend. I though something was wrong. I'm going to get the pump out now and give 42/36 a bash. Thanks a lot.
+Gary Lowe that's what happens when you listen to 'experts' on the internet...Neevesy
Love this review. Seems like a bike i would like to buy. Thank you.
"Cleverist" Triumph yet.
Great review, great bike, I hope Triumph did some work on the engine reliability of this one! Previous model had some real issues!
BTW, is MCN banning the Africa Twin? I guess they are the only ones who didn't do a AT review?
apparently Chinese made cylinder heads were the problem!!!!!?????
+pnkfld100 we've reviewed the Africa Twin. We've done the launch test and a group test. Neevesy MCN
+MCN - Motorcyclenews.com Great, I've found it! I was searching on Your RUclips-site.
Keep up the fantastic work!
how they make that Royal Enfield Vedio ???Plzz tell mr
Well crap...Was at the dealer today looking to get on a MY15 Explorer XC (decent incentives on these now) but reviews of the MY16 now have me thinking I should wait.
Hmm, that must be the new 2017 here in the US. The 2016 was same as the 2012-15 I think.
Very good review. Nice bike too...
all these problems with the old Explorer eh? isn't it odd that they weren't problems last year. and rider modes, why is everything about rider modes, gimmicks that's all they are
+VeeFour the electronics on this are more than gimmicks, they transform the bike's performance, handling, fun and safety. Neevesy MCN
+MCN - Motorcyclenews.com things quietly working in the background like traction control and cornering abs are great and I'm all for them, but in my opinion rider modes that change the throttle response and power are bunk. I have an Aprilia Tuono that has them but it only needs one and that's Track, because the other two feel like they're stifling the bike. I've rides tons of others machines with them too, and it's always the same feeling. after half a day I ended up putting it into the one that let the bike breath freely and perform to its maximum designed potential and leaving it there, Dynamic mode on the R1200GS, sport mode on the DVT Multistrada to name just two. if I owned either of those I would never ever take them out of those modes, and someone who needs a button to press when it starts raining has no business riding that bike in the dry.
I also own the previous model of Tiger Explorer, and at no time have I felt that it's losing out on not having rider modes. it has traction control abs and a lovely ride by wire throttle, and the only thing I feel it's missing is a single button to press that disables the TC and ABS instantly for when I take it up fire roads. The only thing on this new one I'd want on my bike are the Brembo brakes, everything else is, like I say a gimmick put there to try and keep pace with the likes of BMW.
It's just all getting a bit like the parable of the Emperor's New Clothes in my humble opinion.
+VeeFour agreed - once you've found a mode you usually stick to it...but the electronic suspension is the thing that transforms the Explorer the most on the road and dirt. Neevesy
+MCN - Motorcyclenews.com it's probably just me as I'm a moaning old bastid. The 1200GS I tried had the semi active suspension and I couldn't discern much of a difference, but that just probably meant that it was doing its job correctly
+VeeFour I agree with the last year statements haha. It seems that way with every bike review tho, they praise it one year then the next they say in the review "ah yeh coulda been better"
i just want to cry.. every bike and car brand comes to my country to try out their new model.. i want to be invited too .. ;(
All the electronics in the world can't make it look less like the dog's dinner
Will take Triumph over GS any time
up shit street if it breaks down with all those lekky gimmicks.
+all systems down again Yes .agreed . It cant last too long on dirt roads with all that too cool for school stuff. The hare and the tortoise story springs to mind.
MCN - unofficial retailer of Triumph bikes. Stupid review. But then again, if you say ANYTHING bad you might not get a (free?) trip to Portugal and play around with cool new bikes. Absolutely 0 credibility. You want us to believe that there's nothing that is anything but optimal on this bike? It's the perfect bike! Best ever made! Ever. Yes I know you mentioned it's a bit heavy. BUT not a compromise at all! It's a sports bike and a touring bike and an offroader! Unbelievable... literally.
Have you ridden one?? Maybe it is all they say? MCN praise other manufacturers,not just Triumph!