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Explorer Problems: Cruise Control & Throttle

28K views 14 replies 14 participants last post by  gschlaf 
#1 ·
Greetings!

After around 1100 miles, a couple of problems have crept up with my Tiger Explorer.... Let me preface that I'm an experienced rider with a stable of Triumphs and other bikes to compare some of my issues to ( in other words, I'm not over sensitive to anomalies in a machine...)

1.) After switching out the stock grips for the Triumph Heated Grips, I've found that the throttle is extremely funky and rather "loose". While many of made mention of a twitchy throttle with the drive-by-wire, this is downright funky...hit a slight bump in the road and you will get power surges, no matter how you adjust your grip. I find in general it is "vague" feeling at best...The stock was much better.

I contacted Triumph and they stated they have only heard of this on an anecdotal basis, but I believe it could become a safety issue...especially on a bike that is designed to do it all. I would encourage you to express this to your dealer if you have a similar feeling, or call Triumph as well. My dealer believes it might be a tuning issue since it is drive-by-wire. I'm also going to look at throttle grease, which many have reported can help.

2.) I discovered that the cruise control on my bike will not disengage with the front brake application. SCARY! I went to apply some light braking, and found that with the adjustment in speed, the bike actually wanted to take off: it was adding speed while applying the front brake at the same time. Let me say it was a bit unnerving.
I tested it multiple times at slower speeds, and it was consistent. If I applied the rear brake or clutch, it was an instant off.

Triumph advised to take it in, and expressed concerned about what was reported on this last point....

Needless to say, she goes to the shop next week to take a quick peek.

Otherwise, after some extremely enjoyable rides, she is definitely a hit, and Triumph knocked it out of the park with this bike.

Let me know if you have had any similar issues!
 
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#2 ·
Having the exact same issue with the cruise and the front brake switch for deactivation of cruise function.
Worked great the first day, second day of riding, the bike just wants to accelerate really hard depending how hard you apply the front brakes. I have had to resort to cycling the clutch lever or apply the rear brake.
I have found people in British forums with same issue.
 
#3 ·
This seems to be a common thing. I've taken apart the brake switch and there are actually two different switches in the housing. One for the cruise control deactivation and one to light the brake light. However, they both seem to activate at the same amount of lever travel. I could live with the cruise control part, but you can actually brake fairly hard before the brake light is activated. Try it yourself, ride at night and watch your mirrors for the brake light to come on as you are braking. On my bike, I could ride 'normal' and almost never activate the brake light (unless I use the rear brake, which lights when barely moving the pedal as it should). I have a feeling this will be a recall issue to fix.
 
#4 ·
Traded my 2011 Tiger 800 for a new Explorer. Not sure that was a good move. The 800 had zero issues. Went for a 2 day ride through New Hampshire & Maine last week. Seat is a best good for 2 hours. On a
On a very bumy road the overly sensative trottle created surgeing which was very upsetting. Going to dealer Monday

K
 
#6 ·
Hi All,

I picked up my Explorer last Thursday and took it for a good running in session around Wales on Saturday (did around 400 miles). I have heated grips which were fitted by the dealer and have to say that I have not had any problems with either throttle controlability or cruise control. I took the bike off on a gravelly track on the Breon Beacons, and whilst I agree that getting used to the fly-by-wire off road - I have found that control is satisfactory. In addition and putting a positive spin on the above comments, the engine is a real delight, not needing revs about the 5000 that I can currently go to based on the running in recommendations. The bike is comfortable, planted and just as agile (if not more) than my previous 955i Daytona. I quite understand now why this bike is outselling the GS1200. If I do experience any Cruise control issues as the miles pile on I will let you know, but to date the front brake has disconnected it with no issues...although to be honest I tend to flick the throttle forward to disengage as it seems more logical....and as a parting cooment, the bike does look awesome too!
 
#7 ·
The fly-by-wire does take some time to get use to...I have only 8000 miles on the bike and I am just getting the "hang" of the throttle (verses my old Sprint which you needed a death grip to keep the throttle open). I also flick the throttle forward to disengage the cruise control - it is often a little abrupt (wakes up my girlfriend!). A great two up bike, specially with the top box...
 
#8 ·
I thought I was sold on a T800 roadie until I started reading about the Explorer. Other than a few issues with throttle and cruise, it seems like a great machine!
 
#9 ·
The first time I activated the Cruise Control and subsequently tried to turn it off by braking, it didn't work. I just closed the throttle and it shut off. I didn't even know it was supposed to turn off with brake application. This is something I will bring up to my dealership when I get the lights fitted.
I have nearly 1800 miles on it after four weeks and am delighted with the bike in general. The seat took almost 1000 miles to bed in and having rode from Vintage Days at Barber's in Birmingham, AL back home to Dayton, OH only stopping every 190 miles for fuel, in under 8 hours (including a quick breakfast at Cracker Barrel :) ) I can say this out tours the Sprint ST's I've owned.
 
#11 ·
Update. This mornings commute was as hectic as ever, but I dd have a chance to try the CC again. This time it turned off with minimum front lever action, so all seems to be as designed. It is a good idea to keep the throttle open while doing this, as ^^ says, it makes things way smoother.
 
#10 ·
I've had my 1200 for almost 2 months and have put 3800 miles on her. It took a little getting use to the throttle by wire, VERY responsive. After the first 2 days of riding it now is second nature to me....wouldn't change a thing about the throttle.

My seat took about 1000 miles to break in, the first 300 were absolutely terrible and gave me pause to question buying an after market or going to the soft seat available from Triumph. Glad I waited , the stock seat is one the most comfortable seats I've owned.

The cruise works for the most part as designed. I've had a few glitches regarding not being able to engage from time to time. I would recommend when wanting to disengage the cruise...use the foot brake while maintaining throttle.....works great.

Bottom line....I love this ride. Sometimes I miss my Tiger 1050 but that lasts for a few minutes and no regrets.
 
#12 ·
I had the same problem with the front brake not disengaging the Cruise, mentioned it at the first service and they adjusted the switch....... all good.

As for the throttle response I had a Suzuki Gladius as my learner bike and it was waaaay worse for grabbiness than the Explorer. on it it was to do with the swap over point on the TPS from retarding to advancing, might be worth investigating.

Warren
 
#13 ·
I had problems with the throttle at first, but I'm used to it now. It really didn't take that long. I had trouble with setting the cruise at first because of the touchiness of the throttle, but I have been able to get used to that, as well. I turn the cruise off by rolling forward on the throttle so I haven't noticed if the brake switch works or not, but I will be trying that. I traded a 800 XC for the Explorer and I'm glad I did. I much prefer that shaft drive and the bigger engine. I'm not much for riding on the dirt anyway so the Explorer is just right for me. I haven't had any mechanical issues at all and the seat is just fine for me, as well.
 
#14 ·
I have moved from a BMW R1200RT to the Explorer. Prefer the upright position of the Explorer and almost 90 degree knee angle. Have taken a while to get used to the firmness of the suspension, compared to the RT, which is soft like an armchair. The triple engine is smoother and more powerful than the boxer...the boxer being quite a bit more quirky. Before buying the Explorer, I test rode a Wethead GS. Far preferred the engine on the Triumph.
 
#15 ·
I had the exact same loose throttle problem after the dealer put on the heated grips. They were unable to remedy it. My fix was to add a rubber washer at end of grip, held in place by the handlebar end washer. It does keep the throttle from automatically returning, but to me that is way less scary than a loose throttle that guns your speed at the slightest twitch of your hand, especially when you go to stand on the pegs.
 
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