Trying to keep up with the ever-advancing ADV category, Triumph has announced six new motorcycles in its 2016 Explorer lineup at EICMA this year. Like the Tiger 800 adventure set, the new Explorers will be broken down into XR (on-road) and XC (off-road) versions. The entry-level XR and XC models (both using adjustable WP suspension in 2016) will be bolstered by up-spec versions—the XRx and XRt for pavement and the XCx and top-line XCa for whatever your adventure throws at you.
2016 Tiger Explorer XCa
©Motorcyclist
All bikes will share the updated 1,215cc three-cylinder engine, familiar from the previous Explorer, now with more power and torque, and still with shaft final drive. Available throughout the line will be the usual suite of upgrades we’re used to seeing from Triumph; cruise control, heated grips and seats, fog lights, tire-pressure monitoring system (TPMS), available luggage, power sockets, and crash bars. The XR models will roll on cast hoops while the XC variants will have spoke wheels, while all bikes will use Brembo, four-piston monoblock front brake calipers—fancy! Low seat options will also be available on the XRx and XCx models.
The big news for fans of the Explorer is Triumph’s step forward into the realm of ride modes and electronic, semi-active suspension. An updated dash still displays in two-color fashion but now controls up to five selectable ride modes (including a rider-programmable setting). While the base model XR and XC models use WP, the four up-spec versions will use Triumph Semi Active Suspension system, allowing the rider to tailor suspension response to suit the terrain. Shock preload adjusts electrically as well, based on the suspension setting chosen.
Also in use on the four upper-level versions (XRx, XRt, XCx, and XCa) is an Inertial Measurement Unit, sending vehicle movement data to help control the new “cornering-optimized” ABS and traction control systems. The base bikes have standard multi-channel switchable ABS and TC, but no IMU data to help with cornering forces and loads.
2016 Tiger Explorer XRt
©Motorcyclist
Another of the nifty features for the Explorer is the Hill Hold Control feature, familiar from KTM’s 1290 Super Adventure and debuting on Ducati’s Multistrada for 2016. The system works by keeping the bike from rolling back when starting on a steep incline. Lastly, for 2016 the Explorer adds an electronically adjustable Touring windscreen, a first for the category as Triumph pointed out.
No word yet on availability or color options, but expect the Explorer early in 2016 and the colors to be rugged and adventuresome.
By Motorcyclist.
2016 Tiger Explorer XCa
©Motorcyclist
All bikes will share the updated 1,215cc three-cylinder engine, familiar from the previous Explorer, now with more power and torque, and still with shaft final drive. Available throughout the line will be the usual suite of upgrades we’re used to seeing from Triumph; cruise control, heated grips and seats, fog lights, tire-pressure monitoring system (TPMS), available luggage, power sockets, and crash bars. The XR models will roll on cast hoops while the XC variants will have spoke wheels, while all bikes will use Brembo, four-piston monoblock front brake calipers—fancy! Low seat options will also be available on the XRx and XCx models.
The big news for fans of the Explorer is Triumph’s step forward into the realm of ride modes and electronic, semi-active suspension. An updated dash still displays in two-color fashion but now controls up to five selectable ride modes (including a rider-programmable setting). While the base model XR and XC models use WP, the four up-spec versions will use Triumph Semi Active Suspension system, allowing the rider to tailor suspension response to suit the terrain. Shock preload adjusts electrically as well, based on the suspension setting chosen.
Also in use on the four upper-level versions (XRx, XRt, XCx, and XCa) is an Inertial Measurement Unit, sending vehicle movement data to help control the new “cornering-optimized” ABS and traction control systems. The base bikes have standard multi-channel switchable ABS and TC, but no IMU data to help with cornering forces and loads.
2016 Tiger Explorer XRt
©Motorcyclist
Another of the nifty features for the Explorer is the Hill Hold Control feature, familiar from KTM’s 1290 Super Adventure and debuting on Ducati’s Multistrada for 2016. The system works by keeping the bike from rolling back when starting on a steep incline. Lastly, for 2016 the Explorer adds an electronically adjustable Touring windscreen, a first for the category as Triumph pointed out.
No word yet on availability or color options, but expect the Explorer early in 2016 and the colors to be rugged and adventuresome.
By Motorcyclist.
