2023 Tiger 1200 Rally Explorer

[Dr Joe]

Any 2022-23 T1200 owners out there? Anyone interested in an unbiased user/rider review?

 

[Qship]

Always interested in an honest review.
Like to hear members insights and opinions.

 

[shanered6]

Let her ripp !

 

[Dr Joe]

OK, Here I go.

I am 6’6” tall and weigh 275 lbs.

After 45 minute test rides on a 2023 BMW 1250 GSA, a 2023 Tiger 1200 GT Explorer, and a Tiger 1200 Rally Explorer, on February 27th I took delivery of a 2023 Tiger 1200 Rally Explorer from Baxter Cycle in Marne, Iowa, USA (I cannot say enough good about this dealer - saved me thousands over local Triumph Dealer in FL). The bike was used and had 900 miles on it when it was delivered. They delivered the bike to my winter home in Florida. I have put just over 1,000 miles on the bike since then. All local road and interstate travel. I don't go off-road (on purpose anyway).

I'll review various areas, in no particular order.

Fit & Finish - basically excellent. CONS: Some exposed colored wire by the throttle (noted by others on Youtube reviews, not just on my bike). Big gap between seat and tank.

Windscreen - Effortlessly move it up and down. Way better than electric (less to break and less weight). Could be wider. I need a clip on extender to get air over my helmet.

Looks: You decide.

Engine/Exhaust Heat: Excellent. No discernable heat from engine/exhaust even in 90+ degree Florida heat. I had a 2019 Triumph Scrambler 1200 back in Iowa and one of the major reasons for trading was the engine/exhaust heat (in summertime - at a stop) was almost unbearable.

Display & Connectivity: Pros: Very clear and bright display. Can be seen in direct bright sunlight without any issue. Cons: A bit slow to catch up when starting the bike. Also, too much scrolling to get to information. It is a large display and they could put a lot more information on the screen at one time. You can split the screen and get (essentially) two screens up at the same time, but even then they could do better. For example, you need to scroll to service menu just to see your odometer. Also, depending on which screen you use, the lit icon moves around so it is not always in the same spot and causes longer glances when riding.

Turn-by-Turn Navigation - Pure rubish. It is usually about 50-100 yards behind your actual location, so you will miss turns. No map, just an arrow. Why don't bike manufacturers just include Android Auto and Apple Car Play? No doubt they will at some point.

GoPro Connectivity: I have a GoPro 5. Yes, it is old. I can get it recognized by the bike, but the controls do not work. Maybe better with newer GoPro, but it looks like it is just an On/Off switch. That would have been nice if it worked.

Brakes: The best. Absolutely perfect. I do have a very slight squeak in the rear brake.

Engine & Power Sound/Delivery: Great. Pretty quiet and tame engine until you roll on the throttle. Then, all hell breaks loose. It roars like a Tiger and the pull is amazing, even in 6th gear. The engine does have some valve noise which makes it a bit "ticky".

Shift-Assist - Amazingly smooth, up and down.

Clutch: Nice and soft. Friction zone starts late in clutch release, but you get used to that after your 1st ride.

Seat/Ergos/Comfort: This is the most comfortable bike I have ever owned, and I have owned a few. I always buy an aftermarket seat, and I was planning to do so on this bike, but I do not need one. My manhood is not crushed or anesthetized, even after a long (one hour+) ride.

Lights: Great illumination at night with the fog (aux) lights on. Annoying feature, there is no flash button for high beams. This is also on other newer Triumphs, so when you "flash" (turn on and off) your high beams (which I do often), it shuts off your fog/aux lights.

Power Ports: One in front and one toward rear. They are "Euro" size (look like cigarette lighter ports, but smaller). I got a voltmeter that I plug into the front port. It then adds two USB ports.

Heated seats/grips. Both seats and grips have a hardware button. That is way better than scrolling through menu's. The heated grips are very good, but the seat heat takes a long time to feel anything at all, and then it is pretty subtle. It was only in the high 50's (Fahrenheit) when I used it so I think the heated seat especially would be disappointing on a really cold day.

Luggage: Trekker Panniers. Great and easy to get on and off the bike in one simple move. But they are not waterproof in the least, and gather a big puddle inside when I wash the bike.

Frame/Suspension: Brilliant. I have only played with the firmer setting a few times. Only damping is adjustable. The bike does pre-load automatically (though I cannot detect that). I leave it one notch about softest suspension, and it is like floating softly over the terrain. I love it.

Handling: Way better than I imagined. Even with the 21" front wheel, this bike leans into turns wonderfully. Very planted on the road. Just plain great. I also own a 2020 Bonneville, and that bike requires much more work to turn at speed.

Kick/Center Stand: Kickstand is long, elegant, easy to reach and smooth as silk. Center stand is a great feature, but this bike is tough to get on the stand, and even harder to get off. My driveway is titled up toward my house, and I had a bit of a time getting it off the center stand.

Mirrors & Blind Spot Monitor: Nice mirrors. Some vibration in mirrors at certain rpm, not bad but more noticeable in the mirrors then in the seat or bars.

Spoke Wheels: Hard to clean.

Key Fob - I have gone back and forth on key fobs. I never understood all the complaints... but after much consideration... now I hate them. I suppose these work as well as any fobs (includes the gas cap but the bike must be kept on) so love them or hate them. I need the key to get in/out of the panniers anyway, so I just do not see the need for those expensive, almost irreplaceable fobs that could create a no-start event. They scare me.

Vibration - I really do not feel much. Pleasant if anything.

Bottom line? For me, this bike fits me like it was made by my tailor. I absolutely love riding this bike. It is my all time favorite, and by a long shot.

 

[Qship]

Glad to see you're enjoying your new Tiger.
The connectivity issues you have mirror most others I have read. Triumph needs to work hard on this. Not an issue for myself but many others pay for and want something that works.
The rest sounds great about the comfort, handing and features.

 

[shanered6]

Very nice bike enjoy .... as said Triumph's connectivity is basicaly rubbish !
They realy need to get a grip on it as they are well behind , for me I dont care about that stuff on a bike ( thats what a tom tom is for ) but the younger generation do .

 

[brooke]

Looks great , efficient report , glad you’re happy about your purchase

 

[Mark lengal]

I have the 900 gt pro now but I looked at the 1200 explorer yesterday. I pretty much just use Waze for my nav as I can never get the turn by turn to work . I really want to get the 1200 gt explorer if I can swing the deal. They offered 2k off to help clear out inventory

 

[Dr Joe]

I have the 900 gt pro now but I looked at the 1200 explorer yesterday. I pretty much just use Waze for my nav as I can never get the turn by turn to work . I really want to get the 1200 gt explorer if I can swing the deal. They offered 2k off to help clear out inventory

$2k off seems a good deal. I also own a tiger 900 gt pro. I love that bike, but the 1200 just feels much bigger and is more comfortable for me. Try Baxter Cycle. They are in IA but delivered my 1200 to FL. They get low milage used ones every now and then. That may help the $ shock of a trade.

 

[Mark lengal]

$2k off seems a good deal. I also own a tiger 900 gt pro. I love that bike, but the 1200 just feels much bigger and is more comfortable for me. Try Baxter Cycle. They are in IA but delivered my 1200 to FL. They get low milage used ones every now and then. That may help the $ shock of a trade.

They offered me 15k for a trade so I’m not really taking a hit. I’ve only got 300 miles on it because I got it in November and just stored it for the winter. The blue 2023 were hard to find. And well , you know, just had to have it. Should have looked at the explorer first.

 

[Dr Joe]

They offered me 15k for a trade so I’m not really taking a hit. I’ve only got 300 miles on it because I got it in November and just stored it for the winter. The blue 2023 were hard to find. And well , you know, just had to have it. Should have looked at the explorer first.

Hahaha, yes. I know that had to have it feeling. It's a great bike in its own right. Maybe keep it this season and put a few miles on it?

 

[Mark lengal]

Hahaha, yes. I know that had to have it feeling. It's a great bike in its own right. Maybe keep it this season and put a few miles on it?

Most likely I will , I’m courius what 2024 will bring

 

[Dr Joe]

Most likely I will , I’m courius what 2024 will bring

Yes. Enjoy your t900. I doubt you will see any changes in the Tiger lineup for several years. They are all so new.

 

[brooke]

OK, Here I go.

View attachment 54026I am 6’6” tall and weigh 275 lbs.

After 45 minute test rides on a 2023 BMW 1250 GSA, a 2023 Tiger 1200 GT Explorer, and a Tiger 1200 Rally Explorer, on February 27th I took delivery of a 2023 Tiger 1200 Rally Explorer from Baxter Cycle in Marne, Iowa, USA (I cannot say enough good about this dealer - saved me thousands over local Triumph Dealer in FL). The bike was used and had 900 miles on it when it was delivered. They delivered the bike to my winter home in Florida. I have put just over 1,000 miles on the bike since then. All local road and interstate travel. I don't go off-road (on purpose anyway).

I'll review various areas, in no particular order.

Fit & Finish - basically excellent. CONS: Some exposed colored wire by the throttle (noted by others on Youtube reviews, not just on my bike). Big gap between seat and tank.

Windscreen - Effortlessly move it up and down. Way better than electric (less to break and less weight). Could be wider. I need a clip on extender to get air over my helmet.

Looks: You decide.

Engine/Exhaust Heat: Excellent. No discernable heat from engine/exhaust even in 90+ degree Florida heat. I had a 2019 Triumph Scrambler 1200 back in Iowa and one of the major reasons for trading was the engine/exhaust heat (in summertime - at a stop) was almost unbearable.

Display & Connectivity: Pros: Very clear and bright display. Can be seen in direct bright sunlight without any issue. Cons: A bit slow to catch up when starting the bike. Also, too much scrolling to get to information. It is a large display and they could put a lot more information on the screen at one time. You can split the screen and get (essentially) two screens up at the same time, but even then they could do better. For example, you need to scroll to service menu just to see your odometer. Also, depending on which screen you use, the lit icon moves around so it is not always in the same spot and causes longer glances when riding.

Turn-by-Turn Navigation - Pure rubish. It is usually about 50-100 yards behind your actual location, so you will miss turns. No map, just an arrow. Why don't bike manufacturers just include Android Auto and Apple Car Play? No doubt they will at some point.

GoPro Connectivity: I have a GoPro 5. Yes, it is old. I can get it recognized by the bike, but the controls do not work. Maybe better with newer GoPro, but it looks like it is just an On/Off switch. That would have been nice if it worked.

Brakes: The best. Absolutely perfect. I do have a very slight squeak in the rear brake.

Engine & Power Sound/Delivery: Great. Pretty quiet and tame engine until you roll on the throttle. Then, all hell breaks loose. It roars like a Tiger and the pull is amazing, even in 6th gear. The engine does have some valve noise which makes it a bit "ticky".

Shift-Assist - Amazingly smooth, up and down.

Clutch: Nice and soft. Friction zone starts late in clutch release, but you get used to that after your 1st ride.

Seat/Ergos/Comfort: This is the most comfortable bike I have ever owned, and I have owned a few. I always buy an aftermarket seat, and I was planning to do so on this bike, but I do not need one. My manhood is not crushed or anesthetized, even after a long (one hour+) ride.

Lights: Great illumination at night with the fog (aux) lights on. Annoying feature, there is no flash button for high beams. This is also on other newer Triumphs, so when you "flash" (turn on and off) your high beams (which I do often), it shuts off your fog/aux lights.

Power Ports: One in front and one toward rear. They are "Euro" size (look like cigarette lighter ports, but smaller). I got a voltmeter that I plug into the front port. It then adds two USB ports.

Heated seats/grips. Both seats and grips have a hardware button. That is way better than scrolling through menu's. The heated grips are very good, but the seat heat takes a long time to feel anything at all, and then it is pretty subtle. It was only in the high 50's (Fahrenheit) when I used it so I think the heated seat especially would be disappointing on a really cold day.

Luggage: Trekker Panniers. Great and easy to get on and off the bike in one simple move. But they are not waterproof in the least, and gather a big puddle inside when I wash the bike.

Frame/Suspension: Brilliant. I have only played with the firmer setting a few times. Only damping is adjustable. The bike does pre-load automatically (though I cannot detect that). I leave it one notch about softest suspension, and it is like floating softly over the terrain. I love it.

Handling: Way better than I imagined. Even with the 21" front wheel, this bike leans into turns wonderfully. Very planted on the road. Just plain great. I also own a 2020 Bonneville, and that bike requires much more work to turn at speed.

Kick/Center Stand: Kickstand is long, elegant, easy to reach and smooth as silk. Center stand is a great feature, but this bike is tough to get on the stand, and even harder to get off. My driveway is titled up toward my house, and I had a bit of a time getting it off the center stand.

Mirrors & Blind Spot Monitor: Nice mirrors. Some vibration in mirrors at certain rpm, not bad but more noticeable in the mirrors then in the seat or bars.

Spoke Wheels: Hard to clean.

Key Fob - I have gone back and forth on key fobs. I never understood all the complaints... but after much consideration... now I hate them. I suppose these work as well as any fobs (includes the gas cap but the bike must be kept on) so love them or hate them. I need the key to get in/out of the panniers anyway, so I just do not see the need for those expensive, almost irreplaceable fobs that could create a no-start event. They scare me.

Vibration - I really do not feel much. Pleasant if anything.

Bottom line? For me, this bike fits me like it was made by my tailor. I absolutely love riding this bike. It is my all time favorite, and by a long shot.

Are those spoked wheels tubeless ? Nice looking machine , looks slightly smaller than the older model

 

[Dr Joe]

Are those spoked wheels tubeless ? Nice looking machine , looks slightly smaller than the older model

Yes. Tubeless. It is definitely more narrow then the pre-2022 Tiger 1200's. Looking down from the top makes that very obvious. But make no mistake, this is a BIG bike. They made it more narrow for comfort and easier to get feet on the ground with a narrow seat. Also lighter than the pre-2022's.

I could say a lot more than in my review... E.g. regarding the Blind Spot Monitor, I thought that would be iffy, but I love it. Yes, I always check still by turning my head, but for re-assurance and also if someone pulls into the lane after I checked, it is nice. It works great. When a vehicle (even another motorcycle) is in an adjacent lane and not far behind it lights up and is noticeable in even the brightest sunshine. If you turn on your directional signal on that side, the Blind Spot Monitor warning light flashes. When the vehicle is next to you, and easy to see it turns off. It is not too bright at night either. I cannot imagine it working any better than it does.

But, the "T" crank of the engine does cause enough vibration to blur the images in the mirrors at highway speeds.

I do love the bike, but sort of wish they did not put the "T" crank. Since I do not go off road (on purpose), I would prefer the smoothness of the balanced triple. But, it is an Adventure bike so I understand Triumphs decision.

 

[Qship]

The new crank and 270 degree firing is supposed to help the tire hook up better in the soft stuff. Not needed, nor apparently wanted by many who stay mostly on the tarmac.
I'll stick with my smooth triple.

 

[Dr Joe]

The new crank and 270 degree firing is supposed to help the tire hook up better in the soft stuff. Not needed, nor apparently wanted by many who stay mostly on the tarmac.
I'll stick with my smooth triple.

Yes. I agree. I stick to paved surfaces and would have opted not to have the "T" crank if Triumph Engineers would have called me. I traded a 2013 Trophy so I know what smooth, vibration free riding is like. That said, the bike is so good, in so many other areas, that is a negligible price to pay imho.

 

[brooke]

Having got in the muck with both crankshafts now I must say the old crank works much better in the really slow slippery stuff . It lugs down at least 500 rpm lower and at close to idle it keeps going with out complaint. The new one starts advising you around 2 grand that idle won’t be an option . I suspect the 270 crank may hook up better in mid and upper range . But Kenny Robert’s did beat the Harleys with a 2 stroke 4 cylinder on the very first try ,and last I might add . HD had it outlawed immediately . Any way you often have to give up some thing to gain something else , maybe better maybe worse results .

 

[rodders]

The new crank and 270 degree firing is supposed to help the tire hook up better in the soft stuff. Not needed, nor apparently wanted by many who stay mostly on the tarmac.
I'll stick with my smooth triple.

Absolutely. Why would anyone take a smooth engine, and make it lumpy?
Terrible decision. Whoever did this, should be fired.
In addition, my observations are:

Crank:
The 270 crank still did not solve the problem of a lack of torque, which is why they have introduced that idle-rpm-increase function. But my -1200 will still stall, if you pull away at low speed in 2nd. And then you left are in charge of 250 kg of metal, that wants to plunge earthwards. Not good. Not good at all.

Crank:
And it is not smooth. I want a Grand Tourer, so why would I want a lumpy engine that does not even appear to deliver any extra torque advantages? And yes, it does go tick-tick-tick-tick. I expected BMW smoothness, but received Panther Sloper smoothness.

Center stand:
Useless. The splay is too narrow, so the bike will topple over if you are not on a perfectly flat pavement. And it can be near impossible to get it off the center-stand. Why no 'rocking-chair' lever system, to make it all easier?

Electrics:
Why make the electrics inaccessible? Why no spare 12v lead, for accessories? I don't class the DIN-plugs as a spare leads, but that is where I have had to plug my accessories into. Things like: extra cruising lights, dashcam, theft-tracker, extra USB ports, satnav, etc:

Gearbox:
Is this the best they can do? The slick-shift system only works on high power settings, while around town it gets its knickers in a twist and crashes the gears. This may be because of the shaft drive (see below).

Shaft drive:
The shaft drive has more slack than a derailleur bicycle chain - so the drive crashes from deceleration to acceleration. I expect this is half the reason the gearbox cannot mesh its gears properly. Shafts drives have 100 years of improvement history, but Triumph still cannot get it right.

Riding:
On the plus side, the handling, suspension and braking are exemplary, making this the safest bike on the road. Heavy braking during an unexpectedly tighter turn, proved to be effortless. Plus a complete lack of forks-dive and wheel-skid to boot. Remarkable handling.

Ground handling:
Difficult. I am tall, but at the limits of handling this thing. The pegs should fold up, so they don't dig your shins when peddling backwards. The suspension should drop down and inch or so, when you are at a stand-still. I bet this is possible, if they tried.

If Triumph got their heads together, and threw out all the brain-dead children who like 'growling exhaust notes', they could have a world-beating GT bike on their hands.

RE

 

[Dr Joe]

Absolutely. Why would anyone take a smooth engine, and make it lumpy?
Terrible decision. Whoever did this, should be fired.

A bit harsh, The reason was for better low end traction. But, in general, I agree. A disadvantage on paved roads.

In addition, my observations are:

Crank:
The 270 crank still did not solve the problem of a lack of torque, which is why they have introduced that idle-rpm-increase function. But my -1200 will still stall, if you pull away at low speed in 2nd. And then you left are in charge of 250 kg of metal, that wants to plunge earthwards. Not good. Not good at all.

Crank:
And it is not smooth. I want a Grand Tourer, so why would I want a lumpy engine that does not even appear to deliver any extra torque advantages? And yes, it does go tick-tick-tick-tick. I expected BMW smoothness, but received Panther Sloper smoothness.

Center stand:
Useless. The splay is too narrow, so the bike will topple over if you are not on a perfectly flat pavement. And it can be near impossible to get it off the center-stand. Why no 'rocking-chair' lever system, to make it all easier?

It is even harder to get that bike on the center stand. I understand keeping the stand as narrow as possible.

Electrics:
Why make the electrics inaccessible? Why no spare 12v lead, for accessories? I don't class the DIN-plugs as a spare leads, but that is where I have had to plug my accessories into. Things like: extra cruising lights, dashcam, theft-tracker, extra USB ports, satnav, etc:

I think DIN plugs count as spare 12v lead. It's easy to get insert with 2 or more usb outlets.

Gearbox:
Is this the best they can do? The slick-shift system only works on high power settings, while around town it gets its knickers in a twist and crashes the gears. This may be because of the shaft drive (see below).

Shaft drive:
The shaft drive has more slack than a derailleur bicycle chain - so the drive crashes from deceleration to acceleration. I expect this is half the reason the gearbox cannot mesh its gears properly. Shafts drives have 100 years of improvement history, but Triumph still cannot get it right.

I think the gearbox is great. There is some twitchy (chain slack) feeling with decelerating/accelerating throttle but that can be attributed to mapping, gears or shaft drive. Frankly, all of the Triumphs seem to be jerky at low speed.

Riding:
On the plus side, the handling, suspension and braking are exemplary, making this the safest bike on the road. Heavy braking during an unexpectedly tighter turn, proved to be effortless. Plus a complete lack of forks-dive and wheel-skid to boot. Remarkable handling.

Agreed.

Ground handling:
Difficult. I am tall, but at the limits of handling this thing. The pegs should fold up, so they don't dig your shins when peddling backwards. The suspension should drop down and inch or so, when you are at a stand-still. I bet this is possible, if they tried.

Yes. HD does this on the Pan America.

If Triumph got their heads together, and threw out all the brain-dead children who like 'growling exhaust notes', they could have a world-beating GT bike on their hands.

Agreed. I think they are about on par with the GS now.

RE

A few comments above...