Scared To Buy. Convince Me It's Ok!

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Alien

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Ive owned over 40 bikes in the last 24 years and I'm considering buying a 2012 or 2013 Explorer with around 25,000 miles.

But after hearing about the engine problems with these bikes, I'm very tentative to pull the trigger. I love to ride and nothing's worse than when my bike is in the shop.

I'm hoping that by the time these bikes reach. 20k miles, if the motor was going to show problems, it would've happened and been addressed already.

So I guess I'm just looking for some reassurance to buy or stark warnings to run away.

So, is it worth dropping $10k on one of these? (Actually trading a 2013 Ninja 1000 and a 2003 VMax 1200 for one of two at dealerships in my region).

All thoughts and advice is appreciated.
 
I was looking at a '13 but went with an 800XC because of the horror stories you have heard too. I haven't heard much after the initial stories so I can't say yes or no on purchasing one.
 
This is not a model that I had any interest in so I don't know anything about issues with it, but it would probably be best to avoid it if there is any question about the engine.
 
i like lower mileage used bikes. to me, that seems like a lot of miles. I'm sure it was their daily commuter and i'm sure the bike has seen all types of weather. Is there any noticeable rust anywhere? how about hoses? Do they feel brittle? look for cracks, oil color, etc. Treat it like any other high mileage/high use vehicle. I on the other hand, like to lean towards more virgin bikes that I can build history with. 4 years is not a lot but mileage and usage to me is more important. Obviously it all depends on your budget but for $10k you can afford to keep looking. I have seen 2014 leftover new models go for $12k.
 
That's a tough one DR, I've heard of some riders having no problems at all with these bikes, and others that wouldn't touch them with a barge poll. To be fair I've heard of no reports in the motorcycle press this side of the pond, slagging this model off.
Good luck with whatever you decide.
 
i haven't heard anything bad either.. Just remember when buying any used vehicle please perform a thorough inspection. If you get a good deal on a good condition used bike, go for it. If it's close in price to something you can get that is newer with a lot less mileage, I would lean in that direction.
 
Alien you've got me worried now I've just bought a 2012 explorer with only 10,000 on the clock. I hadn't heard of engine problems. What sort of issues have you read or heard about ?
 
The only problems that did seem to affect the very early models were top end rattles, but to the best of my knowledge these were all sorted by Triumph. I think you'll find BMW have far more issues with their bikes than Triumph do, I know of a chap that has one of the new 1200 round the world bikes, and the bearings have gone on the shaft drive 3 or 4 times, and he was in the Triumph store in Lincoln the other month contemplating the new Explorer.
I had a BMW R1150 GS, wasn't impressed with it as it was corroding in front of my eyes. My Thunderbird is 21 years old next month
( :Birthday2: old girl ) and is in better condition than that BMW was when I sold it.
 
The early problems with the explorer were heat related but it was sorted on a recall and there were some gearbox probs ! also heat related but as far as I'm aware these have been well sorted by triumph in ether a recall on early models or upgrades on the newer ones .
And the problems were in a very small minority and in extreme conditions ! so no worries (y)
 
Ive been doing a lot of research lately as I'm on the hunt my self and the explorer figures high on the list , and i intend to make this probably my last buy and want it to last many years .
Im looking at a black 2012 exsplorer with 25000 on the clock or a 2014 scrammbler with 498 on the clock , but i dont know at this point what i will have to spend on a bike .
 
I was in a Triumph dealer yesterday, and I asked the question about reliability of the Explorer, yes there were issues relating to some top end rattles, that have now been sorted. But a dealer would say that wouldn't they, well I've known this dealer 21 years now, my mate Chris just bought his 4th Triumph from them yesterday,.
We both trust this dealer, so I wouldn't have a problem buying one and enjoying the ride.
 
shanered6 said:
Ive been doing a lot of research lately as I'm on the hunt my self and the explorer figures high on the list , and i intend to make this probably my last buy and want it to last many years .
Im looking at a black 2012 exsplorer with 25000 on the clock or a 2014 scrammbler with 498 on the clock , but i dont know at this point what i will have to spend on a bike .
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My only thought on that choice would be that they are two very different bikes. Suited to different types of riding, although all the reviews say that the explorer does everything well. Which I would agree with. I've not ridden a scrambler but wouldn't think it's very comfortable on long rides. I'm biased but would go for the explorer although 25k on a 2012 is quite high.
 
im not worried about the milage its a triumph and its 1200cc which should be good for 60,000 with out much issue , i have a mate thats a courier he bought an explorer the week they came out thats now got 76,000 on the clock and only had the shims done twice and a cam chain .
the reason for the scrambler is I'm not going to be doing long distance rides no more my back wont take it ( no matter how comfy the bike is ) so its mainly going to be sunday blasts , and im not really a fan of normal road bikes after spending years on dirt bikes .
WE WILL SEE WHAT HAPPENS !
 
When I was looking at the Explorer the news of the head rattles and ECU issues were just coming out. I knew they were more than likely new model bugs that weren't completely worked out. I would still like to have one but Jessica is my ride for the next several years, maybe for the rest of my riding days.
 
shanered6 said:
Jessica !!!! i have been a way a long time ? :eek:
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Jessica

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