Trail – Tiger Explorer XCA test: Triumph at the crossroads – At the aspi ‘of his Majesty …

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Tiger Explorer XCA test: Triumph at a crossroads

Trail - Tiger Explorer XCA test: Triumph at the crossroads - At the aspi 'of his Majesty ...

Electric screen, semi-active suspensions, hill start aid, high-tech ABS and anti-skidding: so many features previously reserved for high-end road motorcycles. Here they are now standard on the 2016 Triumph Tiger Explorer XCA. Test.

At the aspi ‘of his Majesty …

Since its release, the Tiger Explorer has only had eyes for the R1200GS, queen of maxi-trails and incidentally the best-selling BMW motorcycle in the world. Until ape the German with a similar general silhouette, the same type of rear loop in welded tubes, close mechanical performance and equivalent equipment…

But imitating the reference is enough – rarely – to overshadow it: despite its undeniable dynamic qualities, its supreme comfort, its pleasant 3-cylinder and its rich standard equipment, the Explorer struggles to shine against this damn " Gehesse ", one of the rare motorcycles in history to make all competing manufacturers drool and bend year after year (reread in particular our) !

The statistics of – one of the largest in terms of volume in this segment – set the tone: in 2015, the R1200GS took 7th place in the + 125cc sales ranking, with 2,247 registrations. The Tiger Explorer appears in the 89th rank, with … 366 units. And this domination turns to crushing by adding some 1204 GS in version "Adventure" sold over the same period !

Our test of the Triumph Tiger Explorer 2016 in video

In addition to this first full test of the new Triumph Tiger Explorer 2016, also discover our .

In short, Triumph understood it: to scratch his "Majesty R1200GS", he must sharpen the claws of his big "Tiger". And above all to give it more consistency and distinctive assets to eliminate the risk of being reduced to a simple "English GS". The Explorer must develop his own identity, by cultivating striking and attractive references.

The Hinckley firm has therefore essentially focused on improving the road qualities of its maxi-trail, assuming the position that this kind of motorcycles rarely leave the asphalt. A logical bet and a priori relevant insofar as the big trails have become “road on stilts”, hyper-comfortable motorcycles with high technological content. Monsters of versatility, at ease on all types of routes … especially paved !

Static: an exemplary finish and equipment

First clue revealing this assumed "road" orientation: the integration of an electrically adjustable windshield, equipment so far only reserved for "pure" road motorcycles. The manipulation of "this electric window" is controlled from arrows on the left stalk, after having selected the dedicated function on the readable instrumentation – except with the sun in the back – and full of information (list in our Technical sheet in page 4).

Without a memory function, this device therefore remains at the selected level when the engine is switched off. Its sliding is fast and relatively quiet. Its handling is quite simple, even if a control dedicated to the handlebars would make its use more intuitive..

The absence of this type of "shortcut" keys is also penalizing for other functions such as the adjustment or deactivation of the ABS and traction control installed as standard from the entry-level "XR" model. (€ 15,400), with spoked rims (read the box presenting each variation in detail below).

Tiger Explorer 2016: 1 novelty, 7 versions

The Tiger Explorer 2016 is available in 7 (seven!) Different versions, with a more or less rich endowment of equipment. All gathered in two families: the XR models, more road with stick rims and the XC models, oriented "adventurers" with spoked rims (tubeless tires in both cases). Here is the list of their main equipment:

  • XR: electric windshield, manually adjustable suspensions, 2 driving modes (Road and Rain), configurable ABS and traction control, USB socket under the saddle, 12 V socket on the handlebars, bulb indicators, plastic shoe, center stand , saddle adjustable without tools

  • XRX: same endowment as XR + semi-active suspensions + 1 driving modes (Off-road) + configurable ABS and traction control informed by angle sensor and IMU + "advanced" on-board computer (with more info, like average and instantaneous consumption) + cruise control + heated grips + LED indicators + handguards + additional 12 V socket

  • XCX: same equipment as XRX + aluminum engine guard + engine protection bars

  • XRT: same equipment as XCX + 2 driving modes (Sport and Rider) + hill start assistant + tire pressure indicator + heated saddles + case racks

  • XCA: same endowment as XRT + machined toe clips and LED fog lights

  • In addition, two "low" versions are also appearing, the XRX and XCX Low. They are equipped with an adjustable hollow saddle and specific suspensions, with less travel, to improve accessibility: the saddle height goes from 837 to 785 mm in the low position and from 857 to 805 mm in the high position.

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    On the other versions, better equipped and more expensive, these assistances are more advanced because they are informed by a sophisticated inertia unit (IMU) which continuously measures the position of the motorcycle along 3 axes. Very advanced technology, recently introduced on the most efficient sports motorcycles (all technical details on the engine, chassis and electronics on page 3).

    Despite the obvious efforts of Triumph to take care of the ergonomics and the simplicity of navigation, the incalculable number of modifiable parameters complicates their discovery. The more so as it is also possible to intervene on the sensitivity of the electronic accelerator and to adjust on 9 levels the behavior of the new semi-active WP suspensions, installed in series on all Tiger Explorers except for the XR model…

    With a little practice, however, the essential functions end up being tamed: the moments of trial and error at the beginning give way to a more instinctive management of the multiple parameters. The proof of a system that may be complex at first glance but in the end intelligently and logically designed.

    Like all the rest of the bike, one would be tempted to write when discovering the transparent deflectors placed at the bottom of the fork crown, in order to improve protection and limit swirls at high speed. Or the radiator scoops and the sides of the fairings redesigned to boost the general pencil stroke while improving the evacuation of heat from the engine. Combine elegance and utility, we like !

    In addition to major changes to the chassis (closed front axle, wider pneumatic mounting, Brembo monobloc radial calipers in place of the previous Nissins), the Tiger Explorer 2016 also inaugurates an engine that succeeds in being slightly more efficient despite its transition to Euro4 standards (139 hp and 123 Nm of torque against 137 hp and 121 Nm). Respect the Hinckley engine manufacturers !

    Other areas in which Triumph is very strong: the finish and the equipment. Whatever the piece on which the gaze rests, the quality of the materials used is immediately obvious, as is the depth of the surface treatments. Mention "Very good" also for the electricity network, as perfectly concealed as the accounts in Switzerland of the former Minister for the Budget, Jerôme Cahuzac !

    The fit of the parts is so neat that we are surprised to imagine the workers of the Hinckley factory lovingly tightening the stainless steel screws of the "3-legs", before installing the robust perforated aluminum shoe underneath … And it’s neither the stunning machined footrests, nor the neat weld seams on the tubular frame and crash bars that spoil that flattering feeling. !

    As for the equipment, it is bloated on the XCA, high-end version with spoked rims discovered by MNC: apart from the optional luggage, nothing is missing on this motorcycle at € 19,700! Its standard equipment covers all areas, including LED fog lights, cruise control, hand guards, 12V and USB sockets, heated saddles and grips and even a new hill start assistant..

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