Cw First Ride 2014 Triumph Tiger Explorer Xc
Ignition
THE RIDE STARTS HERE
TRIUMPH TIGER EXPLORER XC HONDA CB500F BMW F800GT HONDA CTX700 2015 GSX-R1000
CW FIRST RIDE 2014 TRIUMPH TIGER EXPLORER XC
Tea with a Tiger
Jamie Elvidge
THE OFFICIAL ANIMAL of Scotland is the unicorn, which says so much. And out here in the castle-strewn Highlands, you'd almost expect to see one raise its fabled white head from the velvety grass. It might even be less of a surprise than seeing a pack of Tigers charging out of the woods, all whoops and wagging tails.
But that's what happened when Triumph invited a handful of jour nalists from around the world to test its new 1200 Tiger Explorer XC.
The new version of this Brit adventure bike is, for all intents, the same standard Explorer we already know: lively 1251CC Triple; agile, easy-to-control chassis; well-behaved KYB preload-adjustable 46mm fork and shock with adjustable damping and preload; switchable traction control and ABS; standard cruise control; the works. Relaxed, straight up ergonomics and a roomy saddle provide all-day comfort; the adjustable windscreen offers sufficient shelter and stock Metzeler Tourance tires stay super grippy, even in Scotland's constant rain-like mist.
What's new about this model is the off-road kit. Adventure-ready anodized-aluminum rims with steel spokes accommodate tubeless tires and replace the base Tiger's cast wheels. This is key, we're told by Triumph Motorcycle's product manager, Simon Warburton, because nearly half of Explorer owners enjoy their adventure bikes on actual adventures, or at least on unsurfaced roads that have lots of washboard and potholes.
In case of unintended adventures, the XC also receives a marinegrade aluminum skidplate and powdercoated steel engine guards. The sizable new nylon handguards double as wind protection for your paws and work great in tandem with the bike's optional heated grips. Lastly, the XC receives aluminum-shrouded halogen driving lights to guide you on those unlit. unsurfaced backroads.
A saint on the street, the near 6oo-pound Explorer feels its size in the dirt, especially on street tires. We were let loose on a 13,000-acre private estate to check out the Explorer's dirty new ambitions. There, on the steep muddy ruts, it was the bike's light-switch throttle that presented the greatest challenge, making a smooth hand and intelligent gear choice essential. Overall, the Triumph XC felt adequate for mild adventuring and, with more aggressive rubber, would be a fine mount for exploring unmaintained roads.
BY THE NUMBERS
MODELS IN TRIUMPHS CURRENT RANGE: That's more than twice as many as the company imported to the U.S. in 1995, its first year here.
DISPLACEMENT, IN cc, OF FIRST TIGER 900 THAT ARRIVED IN 1995: This first-generation Tiger produced only 78 horsepower.
FIRST RIDE
DRESS IT UP
EXPLORER xc ACCESSORIES
Good news for owners of the standard 1200 Explorer: The XC bits are all available as accessories, although you will save a good chunk buying the kit already fitted to the XC version. Triumph offers more than 54 accessories, including the Top Box ($439.99), Explorer Tank Bag ($169.99), Explorer Pannier set ($799.99) and heated grips ($229.99).
It's on a twisty paved road, however, where the Explorer feels most at home. Jaws that tightened during the off-road portion of the ride went slack with smiles as we etched the shores of Scotland's famous Loch Ness. We stopped to look for the monster but our bravelooking bikes must have scared "Nessie" away.
Along with all the unicorns.
WE WERE LET LOOSE ON A 13,000-ACRE PRIVATE ESTATE TO CHECK OUT THE EXPLORER'S DIRTY NEWAMBITIONS.
Questions? Comments? Email us: intake@cydeworld.tom
