2016
Triumph Tiger Explorer
Triumph have given the
range-topping Tiger Explorer range a significant mid-life refresh and have now
expanded the available bikes to six within two model variants called XR and XC
to follow the pattern set by the smaller 800 cc Tiger.
Many of the changes to
the bikes are common across the whole six-bike range but Triumph have attempted
to split the bikes into those that are completely road orientated (XR) and
those that offer more off-road ability (XC).
All models share the
same 1215 cc inline three-cylinder 12-valve motor; unique to the class thanks to
the cylinder configuration and also sporting shaft drive. Triumph were forced
by the looming Euro4 legislation to update the Explorer’s engine because it
wasn’t compliant in terms of either emissions or noise.
The changes to the
engine aren’t believed to be radical but Triumph are yet to reveal detailed
information about the internal changes. What we do know for sure is that the
bike has a new exhaust system with a larger catalytic converter, as well as
updated ride-by-wire software and increased power and torque.
In line with the
smaller-capacity Tiger 800 range, Triumph have deployed half the alphabet in
order to differentiate the six models of the two separate models. The
road-focussed models are XC, XCx, XCa and the more off-road capable machines
are dubbed XR, XRx and XRt.
All models feature a
host of technological upgrades which, Triumph say, are aimed at increasing
stability and control. Those features include new semi-active suspension – a
first on a Triumph –cornering ABS and traction control, and four rider modes
available which have been pre-set and a fifth which the rider can tailor to
their own settings.
The two entry-level
models in each range; XR and XC; get adjustable and non-semi active suspension
supplied by WP. The other four are specified with the Triumph Semi Active
Suspension (TSAS), which allows the rider to electronically control the
adjustment of the front and rear suspension damping, and automatically adapts
the rear shock preload settings to match the surface.
The ABS system has been
updated too. The entry-level models get switchable ABS and traction control
while the remaining four models are fitted with more advanced cornering ABS and
traction control. These four models are fitted with an Inertial Measurement
Unit (IMU), which uses a bank of sensors to measure five axes of movement
including lean angle, acceleration and deceleration to ensure the traction
control and ABS work to the best performance.
Additionally there is
now the option of a Hill Hold Control (HHC), which electronically holds the
brakes on to steady the bike for a hill start; handy on a big adventure bike on
uneven surfaces.