Triumph Tiger Explorer XCA in the top test

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Triumph Tiger Explorer XCA in the top test

The gentle giant

Giants look threatening. The Triumph Tiger Explorer XCA wants to prove that this is not always the case. A flood of assistance systems should make them even more accessible than before. The top test clarifies the truth.

AT.In the beginning the sweat flowed. A lot of sweat. The photographer wanted to see the new Triumph Tiger Explorer XCA put in the right light. And she obviously fought back with each of her 286 pounds of live weight. No, it’s no fun to rank this giant. In addition: the high center of gravity does not allow half-hearted hesitation, always wants to be held vertically. Otherwise, an indecisive incline quickly develops into a stable push-up. Another ten kilos more than the 2015 XC cannot be hidden. Fortunately, that’s only one side of the great triumph.

Triumph Tiger Explorer XCA in the top test

The gentle giant

The tank is shorter compared to the previous model

So let’s move on to something more fundamental, about the sitting position. There is also an update to report here. Compared to the previous model, the tank is two centimeters shorter and the handlebars are turned further down. Overall, this makes the seating position more front-wheel-oriented and brings a little sportiness to the seating arrangement on the Triumph Tiger Explorer XCA. Without neglecting the convenience factor, of course. Because the front and back are still lounging excellently, really cozy on the big Triumph travel enduro. The next trip can come. Triumph increased the steering head angle from 66.1 to 66.9 degrees and at the same time shortened the caster from 106 to 99 millimeters so that the giant with its 1215 cubic three-cylinder engine was a little more willing than the previous model.

Despite the tire widths increased to 120 at the front and 170 at the rear (previously 110/150), the XCA bends a tad easier into the corner. A good part of this positive trend can also be attributed to the spring elements. Monitored by a travel sensor, the shock absorber sags less at the back and remains more stable. That provides the small plus in handiness and more cornering stability. The chassis is by no means tight. If necessary, the Triumph Tiger Explorer XCA rushes across the asphalt like a litter, turning a beet field into a four-poster bed for the intervertebral discs. How did the British do it?

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The Triumph Tiger Explorer XCA is optically almost the same.

In the different driving modes Road, Rain and Sport, in addition to the response behavior of the engine, the available power and the values ​​for ABS and traction control, specifications for the damping of the spring elements are already stored. These cover a setting range from 1 (soft) to 9 (firm). In the road mode of the Triumph Tiger Explorer XCA, the value 5 is stored, the golden mean. The interesting thing about it: Even while driving, the values ​​for the damping, as well as some other specifications for the assistance systems, can be changed according to your own preferences.

With just a few clicks on the rocker switch and the confirmation button on the left handlebar switch, the chassis is tightened further for joyful cornering or noticeably softened for comfortable gliding. Well done, dear Englishmen. However, the whole thing doesn’t work without a small but. Because you can tell that the fork of the Triumph Tiger Explorer XCA is not as sensitive as the shock absorber. Their response behavior is not as fine as that of the damper. The front wheel suspension reacts bumpily, not smoothly, especially with small impulses such as transverse joints in the road surface. This is noticeable straight ahead, but it is not particularly disturbing. It is more prominent in curves. Compared to the predecessor Explorer and its heavily damped fork, the new front wheel guidance works better.

Revised throttle response

The same can be said of the throttle response. For the current Explorer year, the throttle valve response has been revised. The reward: Even below 2000 rpm, the big triplet willingly follows the commands of the right hand. Jerking, vibrations, rough revving: Triumph has banned all of this from the specifications of the Triumph Tiger Explorer XCA. So far, it has shone under these aspects.

But now all of this works a little more finely. As if the last crease had been ironed out of the fine thread called responsiveness. Something like that creates trust. And yet another question mark. After all, an engine is working between the sturdy steel tubes of the frame, which should compress its three pistons with 85 millimeters of bore over the 71.4 millimeter stroke. The expectation would be a powerful start, a rapid striving away with the power of a large-volume triplet. The Triumph Tiger Explorer XCA is a bit far from that.

2016 model weaker than the old Explorer?

The old Explorer charged forward more explosively. This is not a subjective impression, it is a fact that you can experience, as the acceleration and draft measurements confirm in black and white. They are not only worse because of the defensive response of the engine, but also because the new Explorer lacks a few horsepower. Despite Euro 4 and a shrunk muffler, the Triumph Tiger Explorer XCA has 123 Nm at 6200 rpm and 139 hp at 9300 rpm on paper. A small surcharge compared to the previous model.

Practice on the test bench, however, showed a different picture. In terms of both power and torque, the curves of the 2016 model are below those of the old Explorer. An individual case? MOTORRAD has therefore put an XRT model of the new Explorer that is identical except for the spoke rims to the test. The curves do not differ apart from differences in the area of ​​the measurement tolerance. In real life that means: If you want to follow the previous model with the 2016 Triumph Tiger Explorer XCA, you can’t avoid hard manual work.

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Mandatory since Euro 4: the on-board diagnostic connector (OBD).

It succeeds almost as smoothly as possible. One finger is enough to pull the clutch. And since Triumph has also integrated a slip function, the nimble downshift before turning works without bumps. Before it goes around the corner, not only the left hand is required, the brake must also do its part for the correct cornering speed. Not an easy undertaking, after all, when the increased payload of 222 kilograms is used, more than half a ton of people and motorcycles fly towards the apex. Uff! The Triumph Tiger Explorer XCA rises to this challenge with two floating discs measuring 305 millimeters and new four-piston radial calipers from Brembo.

And even if the controllability might be a little better, crisper: What the giant from the Triumph shelf conjures up here on the parquet deserves applause. With an averaged 9.8 m / s² from 100 kilometers per hour, the XCA decelerates violently, the Metzeler Tourance Next whistles for mercy in the special specification "E". Since the load has already been mentioned: whether alone or in pairs, the Triumph Tiger Explorer XCA is always foolproof controllable during heavy braking stops, keeps both wheels safely on the ground in Road, Rain and Sport modes. Only those who call up the full potential of the brakes several times in a row, who are permanently anchored like a berserk, have to expect slight fading. Then the hand lever can be pulled almost to the handlebars.

Above 190 km / h it can get uncomfortable

As a travel enduro, the Triumph Tiger Explorer XCA has, in addition to the curve swing, the ability to quickly tear off long distances at the top of the specifications. The mounted touring screen is gigantic. It goes up and down electrically at the push of a button. It shields passengers well from the wind and allows rapid progress. Until the speedometer needle reaches the maximum speed range. This is limited to 211 km / h. The engine only develops full power in gears one to four, gear stages five and six are limited in terms of output. From around 190 kilometers per hour, things can get uncomfortable on the XCA, at least with the test copy from MOTORRAD.

Cross winds or turbulence from vehicles ahead are enough to get the Explorer to swing. The Triumph Tiger Explorer XCA lies nervously on the road. The problem with this: Taking off the gas does not help, it actually increases the tendency to swing at first. With the suitcases mounted, the instability increases again, which is why Triumph recommends a maximum speed of 130 km / h. This is where the already mentioned XRT variant of the new Explorer comes into play again. In the cross-check, this model behaved much more stable, showed only minimal pendulum tendencies, could be safely driven on the autobahn at top speed. Why is that? The frame and chassis of both models, including the coordination of the suspension elements, are the same. Nevertheless, the strut of the XRT in particular did its job much more tightly than the counterpart of the XCA version. Triumph is already testing the tested XCA. Until the results are available, the significantly lower yield remains in the point table under the aspect of straight-line stability.

Beyond the high-speed region, the XCA does everything

But nobody wants to heat all the time anyway. And beyond the high-speed region, the Triumph Tiger Explorer XCA does everything, carries rider and passenger safely and comfortably everywhere. So convenient that nobody wants to get off the car before the refueling stop is due. The XCA uses 5.2 liters from its 20 liter fuel tank for 100 kilometers of country roads. A forced stop would therefore only be due after almost 400 kilometers. At a constant 130 km / h on the track, the surcharge is 0.7 liters. In view of the weight, the consumption is reasonable. Generous 16,000 maintenance intervals and the four-year guarantee ensure relaxation when it comes to spending money.

Even if it certainly doesn’t contain any fall parts for the fairly fully equipped XCA giant, which can be had for 18,600 euros, we’re now taking the Explorer off to unpaved terrain. After all, adventure genes are part of great triumph. In off-road mode, the Triumph Tiger Explorer XCA also masters tricky passages and can withstand more than its gigantic appearance would suggest at first glance. Only maneuvering speed is tricky. Like pushing back and forth for the photographer. Then the sweat runs, that’s guaranteed.

Technical data Triumph Tiger Explorer XCA

www.factstudio.de, Joachim Schahl

Triumph Tiger Explorer XCA.

Here you can see an extract of the technical data. If you would like the complete measurement values ​​determined by us, including all consumption, torque and acceleration values, you can buy the article as a PDF for download.

There are five driving modes to choose from

triumph

Five different modes can be set here.

The Triumph Tiger Explorer XCA has five driving modes. Settings for traction control, response behavior, damping and damping mode are stored in these. Depending on the mode, the values ​​can be adjusted in a few steps or completely – as in rider mode. The off-road mode is a special form, the setup of which is completely different from the Road, Rain and Sport modes.

Driving mode ABS control Traction control Responsiveness Setting the landing gear Damping mode Road Road Road (Rain) Road (Rain / Sport) Level 5 (1–4 / 6–9) automobile Rain Road Rain (Road) Rain (Road) Level 2 (1 / 3–9) automobile Sports Road Sport (road) Sport (road) Level 8 (1–7 / 9) automobile Offroad Offroad (off) Offroad (off) Offroad (Road / Rain / Sport) Level 5 (1–4 / 6–9) Offroad (car) Rider Road (Offroad / Off) Road (Rain / Sport / Offroad / Off) Road (Rain / Sport / Offroad) Level 5 (1–4 / 6–9) Car (offroad)

(Optional setting options are listed in brackets)

MOTORCYCLE scoring

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The stoppie just for the photo in off-road mode. In the recommended road mode for road use, the rear tire remains down with top deceleration values.

engine:

maximum number of points Triumph Tiger Explorer XCA Triumph Tiger Explorer XC Draft 40 25th 29 acceleration 40 22nd 28 Top speed 30th 15th 16 Engine characteristics 30th 24 24 Responsiveness 20th 13 14th Load change 20th 14th 14th Smoothness 20th 14th 13 coupling 10 9 8th circuit 20th 13 13 Gear ratio 10 7th 7th Start 10 9 9 total 250 165 175

Old before new. Regardless of whether it is pulling power or acceleration: When it comes to the power delivery of the three-cylinder, the Triumph Tiger Explorer XCA has a disadvantage compared to the XC. The strong start has turned into a more defensive and cautious one. But the 2016 triplet runs even more smoothly and the clutch requires less force.

landing gear:

maximum number of points Triumph Tiger Explorer XCA Triumph Tiger Explorer XC Handiness 40 25th 25th Stability in turns 40 28 26th Steering behavior 40 25th 24 feedback 10 6th 5 Lean angle / ground clearance 20th 14th 13 Straight-line stability 20th 10 14th Suspension tuning in front 20th 12th 10 Chassis set-up at the rear 20th 15th 12th Adjustment options undercarriage 10 9 7th Suspension comfort 10 7th 5 Driving behavior with a passenger 20th 15th 14th total 250 166 155

The semi-active shock absorber of the Triumph Tiger Explorer XCA as a points guarantee. It improves stability in curves, the lean angle, is finely tuned and pampers you with comfort. The fork doesn’t quite keep up, but it also works better than the counterpart of the previous model. The only problem with the XCA test model is the straight-line stability.

everyday life:

maximum number of points Triumph Tiger Explorer XCA Triumph Tiger Explorer XC Ergonomics driver 40 33 31 Ergonomics pillion 20th 16 16 Windbreak 20th 14th 12th view 20th 12th 11 light 20th 15th 15th Furnishing 30th 30th 28 Handling / maintenance 30th 19th 20th Luggage storage 10 5 5 Payload 10 10 7th Tidy 30th 24 25th processing 20th 14th 13 total 250 192
 183

Fine-tuning everywhere: The driver sits sportier, but at the same time more comfortable on the XCA, the wind protection is almost exemplary, the payload has been increased significantly. There are also no gaps in the equipment. In many ways, the Triumph Tiger Explorer XCA collects more counters than the XC in the everyday chapter. That adds up significantly in the end.

security:

maximum number of points Triumph Tiger Explorer XCA Triumph Tiger Explorer XC Braking effect 40 33 30th Brake metering 30th 18th 19th Braking with a passenger / fading 20th 14th 15th Righting moment when braking 10 8th 7th ABS function 20th 14th 13 Handlebar slapping 20th 16 16 Systems assistance 10 9 4th total 150 112
 104

Less braking distance, better points, this is how the topic of safety can be summed up. The fact that the Triumph Tiger Explorer XCA also has significantly more assistance systems increases the point advantage.

costs:

maximum number of points Triumph Tiger Explorer XCA Triumph Tiger Explorer XC guarantee 30th 18th 18th Consumption (country road) 30th 18th 19th Inspection costs 20th 19th 19th Maintenance costs 20th 8th 9 total 100 63
 65

A little more consumption and the wider and therefore more expensive tires cause the cost pendulum to swing in favor of the old Triumph Tiger Explorer XC.

maximum number of points Triumph Tiger Explorer XCA Triumph Tiger Explorer XC Overall rating 1000 698
 682
Price-performance rating 1.0 (top grade) 3.2 2.5

More points, but also almost 4000 euros more expensive. This has an impact on the price-performance ratio.

Conclusion

www.factstudio.de, Joachim Schahl

Thanks to semi-active damping, the shock absorber is now more stable, the notches scratch the asphalt a little later.

The Triumph Tiger Explorer XCA has remained a giant, but a really good-natured one. The numerous assistance systems are effective and help with handling. The improved chassis and braking qualities are two good examples of this. The bottom line is that the XCA is the better XC. So a lot of light, which is clouded by abnormalities in performance and driving stability.

Offers for the huge Triumph Tiger Explorer XCA

Used Triumph Tiger Explorer XCA in Germany

The Triumph Tiger Explorer XCA has long been a flagship adventure tourer. Anyone who is interested should take a look at the used motorcycle exchange. There you can find both the Triumph Tiger Explorer XCA and the renamed successor model Triumph Tiger 1200 XCA, in good condition at low prices: Used Triumph Tiger Explorer XCA in Germany

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