Triumph tiger 800 vs explorer 1200: the ultimate adventure bike showdown

The Triumph Tiger 800 and Explorer 1200 are two of the most popular adventure motorcycles on the market. Both bikes are known for their versatility, comfort, and off-road capabilities. But which one is the right choice for you?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare the Triumph Tiger 800 vs Explorer 1200 in detail, covering everything from their engines and performance to their suspension and handling. We’ll also provide our expert opinion on which bike is the better choice for different types of riders.

Engine and Performance

The Triumph Tiger 800 is powered by an 800cc triple-cylinder engine, while the Explorer 1200 is powered by a 1200cc triple-cylinder engine. The Tiger 800’s engine produces 95 horsepower and 59 lb-ft of torque, while the Explorer 1200’s engine produces 139 horsepower and 90 lb-ft of torque.

The Explorer 1200’s larger engine gives it a significant power advantage over the Tiger 800. However, the Tiger 800’s lighter weight and more compact size make it more agile and easier to handle.

Suspension and Handling

The Triumph Tiger 800 comes with a WP suspension system, while the Explorer 1200 comes with a Showa suspension system. Both bikes have long-travel suspension, which makes them well-suited for off-road riding.

The Tiger 800’s suspension is more adjustable than the Explorer 1200’s, which gives riders more options for fine-tuning the bike’s handling. However, the Explorer 1200’s suspension is more robust and better suited for heavy loads.

Brakes

The Triumph Tiger 800 comes with Brembo brakes, while the Explorer 1200 comes with Nissin brakes. Both bikes have excellent brakes, but the Tiger 800’s brakes are slightly more powerful.

Features

The Triumph Tiger 800 and Explorer 1200 come with a variety of features, including:

• ABS: Both bikes come with standard ABS.
• Traction control: Both bikes come with standard traction control.
• Cruise control: The Explorer 1200 comes with standard cruise control.
• Heated grips: Both bikes come with optional heated grips.
• Panniers: Both bikes come with optional panniers.

Price

The Triumph Tiger 800 starts at $12,995, while the Explorer 1200 starts at $15,995.

Which Bike Is Right for You?

The Triumph Tiger 800 is a great choice for riders who want a versatile, comfortable, and off-road-capable motorcycle. It’s also a good choice for riders who are on a budget.

The Explorer 1200 is a great choice for riders who want a more powerful and feature-rich motorcycle. It’s also a good choice for riders who plan on doing a lot of long-distance touring.

Ultimately, the best way to decide which bike is right for you is to test ride both of them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the Triumph Tiger 800 and the Explorer 1200?

The Tiger 800 is a smaller, lighter, and more agile bike than the Explorer 1200. The Explorer 1200 is more powerful and has a longer range.

Which bike is better for off-road riding?

The Tiger 800 is better for off-road riding than the Explorer 1200. It’s lighter and more agile, and it has a more adjustable suspension.

Which bike is better for long-distance touring?

The Explorer 1200 is better for long-distance touring than the Tiger 800. It has a more powerful engine, a longer range, and more features.