Triumphrat

duncan67 · 12-07-2012, 12:20 PM

I saw the leaked pics. Its a good lookin bike,the old tiger 1050 was damn near perfect so if all the rework they did are improvements then its an even better bargain.

okcrich · 12-08-2012, 02:01 PM

I faced the same decision you did this spring. Ultimately, I chose the Explorer. I purchased the "launch" model. This summer I rode it all over Colorado on twisty mountain highways (paved). I also made a trip to the Pacific Ocean and then to Oregon and back. I specifically tried to avoid interstate highways and use the back roads. The bike has been magnificent. No problems with throttle. In fact that's what makes this bike fun. When I loaded up for my cross country trip, I drove to the truck scales and weighed the bike, 2 weeks of gear and me on it. I think it was like 960 pounds. You can accelerate to over 100mph very quickly even going up steep hills in Colorado (although I wouldn't recommend it for money reasons

).

I'm not sure how you can go wrong with Explorer. The only modification I made was to buy a custom made heated, gel motorcycle seat.

Next summer I'm planning on riding to Prudhoe Bay! Wish me luck.

Hope you enjoy yours as well.

blacktiger · 12-10-2012, 03:59 PM

IMO you already have the bike you need. The Explorer is the replacement in the Triumph range for the Tiger955i. Same weight and wheel sizes etc just that it has more power (do you really need it?) and more gizmos (more to go wrong).
As for the BMW, I don't know. It's perfectly OK I suppose if you get one that's been put together properly and you don't use it. But, again, it's basically what you've already got.

Seacoast-Rob · 12-31-2012, 12:32 PM

The Explorer gets generally more favorable reviews compared to the current GS's. However, BMW is reworking the line for 2013 so their new offering may trump the TEx.

You could also speak to the Triumph dealer about service incentives. My dealer (same as SalisburyGuy's) offered $800 to cover three years of maintenance. Which I snatched up because I ride a decent amount.

I have 5000 trouble-free miles on my Explorer.

kback · 12-31-2012, 05:47 PM

Having owned an R1200GS for four years, I'd say go with the Explorer. I rode one last weekend, and it is a very nice bike, suitable for just about anything you would want to do with it short of aggressive off-road riding. My experience with BMW was not good; though I liked the bike, it was less than reliable, and very expensive to fix. I sold it and bought a Tiger 1050. Still have it, and would buy it again.