Best ADV Motorcycle On The Market - TRIUMPH Tiger 1200 Rally Pro In-Ride Owner Review

[@motofamilyandfun]

I have a 1200 GT explorer for 1 year now, its an amazing bike! You can also disconnect cruise control by rotating the accelerator to the front when its in a neutral position. It has maybe 1 or 2mm rotation to the front, it's smoother than using the brake and you don't have the brake light on everytime you disconnect the cruise control

[@Dr.MichaelsMotorcycles]

Great suggestion, I will definitely try it! I had been using the front brake to deactivate cruise control but it was too jerky. The back brake is a bit smoother, but this technique sounds like the best.

[@jonasmanny3726]

I ride a Rally Explorer and have no problems with vibes but I'm not sensitive to that. It's a motorcycle 😊 The engine is powerful and the seat is the best seat I ever had on a bike 👍😃

[@Dr.MichaelsMotorcycles]

Very true, the engine and seat are fantastic! I wanted to mention the vibration in case some people are sensitive to it. The boxer engine, for example, feels smoother at higher RPM.

[@DukeJohnny]

I am super interested in that Tiger 1200 but the more road-oriented ones, so either GT PRO or GT Explorer. For now "on paper" the GT PRO makes the most sense to my needs. I really don't want to go for a GS, the cost (especially service) is ridiculous to me... and the new 1300 is just absolutely ugly to me. I'm getting addicted to hearing that Tiger growl, sounds absolutely awesome with the stock exhaust. Very nice video, very informative, safe travels!

[@Dr.MichaelsMotorcycles]

Thank you for watching! I am also not a huge fan of the new 1300. I think you get a lot more bang for your buck with the Tiger 1200 line. I am going to be making a video soon comparing the whole Tiger 1200 line including the GTs. For predominately road use, the GT makes a lot of sense. I wanted the potential to do some off road riding so I went with the Rally Pro. Although with its stock tires, it is great for road riding.

[@DukeJohnny]

@@Dr.MichaelsMotorcycles you sir, just got a subscriber then, can't wait for more vids on this bike! One question that I have, of I may - how is the stability with the back tyre being quite narrow... I mean in comparison to other bikes. I'm currently enjoying a Suzuki GSX-S750 and it has a 180mm rear tyre, very stable, but I want something more road trip focused, that's why I'm considering the Tiger 1200 GT PRO.

[@Dr.MichaelsMotorcycles]

@@DukeJohnny Cheers! The stability of this bike is quite good. The way they positioned the engine lowers the center of gravity, making it feel more planted on the road. I find that it handles very well, even on curvy country roads. In a touring setting you also would not take the tires to their limit.

[@DukeJohnny]

@@Dr.MichaelsMotorcycles you're absolutely right, thank you very much, cheers from Poland! :)

[@Dr.MichaelsMotorcycles]

@@DukeJohnny Here is the link to the comparison video for the whole Tiger 1200 line! kzbin.info/www/bejne/h6izhaaXdsSoos0si=0eUJC1U26QtBMmxv

[@regin2462]

Wonderful video with so much detail!

[@Dr.MichaelsMotorcycles]

Thank you!

[@Eaglelevel100]

Great real world display of GT 1200 Explorer features, including engine sound. Perhaps it’s best to wait for next model that has better color options less engine buzz and actually includes everything in the flagship price

[@Dr.MichaelsMotorcycles]

Thanks for watching! What color would you like to see in the next release? The engine buzz would be tough to eliminate since it comes from the engine configuration and firing order.

[@bruceread4507]

Very good dialogue. The lower spec GT with its price must make it No 1.

[@Dr.MichaelsMotorcycles]

Thank you! The GT is also a fantastic option and also a lot more approachable in terms of seat height. It is a great option if you primarily do highway riding. I went with the Rally Pro because eventually I want to get more into off road riding.

[@gilvietor1918]

Which backrest are you using? Great video, I just bought a GT Pro and was watching this to learn more about what all it was about, thanks.

[@Dr.MichaelsMotorcycles]

Awesome, thanks for watching! The GT Pro is a fantastic bike - I was really torn between it and the Rally Pro. I actually have a few more videos on the channel about the Tiger line. Here is a quick one talking about all the features included in the Tiger line: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h6izhaaXdsSoos0 This video talks about the backrest specifically and should answer all your questions: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gIOWZ5Wcgal2mrc

[@DanaW-wf4kh]

I have such a great time on my rally pro. I road Harley road kings before and all I miss is the looks and the sound. At 6foot 3 the RP fits me so well no more monkey fucking a football look !!

[@Dr.MichaelsMotorcycles]

Haha, I feel like your height is perfect for the Rally Pro. I have a friend I ride with who is also 6 ft 3" and he can flat foot it comfortably. If you want the fun of a Rally Pro and sound like a Harley, take a look at the Ducati Multistrada line. Their V2 and V4s sound amazing and they are built for dual sport purpose.

[@TheLoathsomeCowboy]

Remember the good-old-days when bikes just had one riding mode, no riding aids, and maybe you could adjust the preload on the rear shocks with a C-spanner? Come to think of it, I used to spend a lot of time dragging my bike out of ditches.

[@shegocrazy]

The vibes start around 5k revs. I'm used to a big twin so the vibes from the tiger are insignificant. Its not 4 cyl smooth though. 5k is probably highway legal speed in 6th though so only a problem if you want to speed for an extended distance.

[@Dr.MichaelsMotorcycles]

I agree, they don't bother me too much but I haven't tried a long distance trip yet to see how it is over time.

[@chrissahlstrom8939]

I really liked the tiger 1200 rally as well. Youve gotta try the multistrada v4 and the desert x. Both those bikes are awesome. With the multistrada you can program the engine braking for offroad downhills

[@Dr.MichaelsMotorcycles]

Good suggestion! I've been wanting to try the Multistrada. I had a chance to sit on it when I was picking up my Ducati Monster but haven't had a test ride yet. What do you ride?

[@chrissahlstrom8939]

@@Dr.MichaelsMotorcycles I ride a 2020 ktm 1290 sar. Actually took the newer 1290 sar body style out and like it less. The 2020 has a higher seat height and has way more leg room. I'm 6'2 fits me perfect.

[@triumphthunderbird1]

Agree, the best ADV on the market! I'm 6'2'' so it is a perfect fit.

[@Dr.MichaelsMotorcycles]

That's awesome! Great height for the bike. I'm going to the dealer in a few weeks to get my computer updated to the latest version which lowers the suspension when coming to a stop. It's supposed to add around an inch of drop at slow speeds.

[@triumphthunderbird1]

Had it installed on the 20,000 mile service. Keep forgetting to try it out.@@Dr.MichaelsMotorcycles

[@RolandRotheut]

Curious why you’re using the clutch. The quick shifter works so well.

[@Dr.MichaelsMotorcycles]

I agree, the quick shifter is excellent! One of the smoothest I've tried. I will always use the shifter when accelerating quickly but sometimes at low speeds, I feel better response when I use the clutch. Coming to a stop, I always use the downshifter. The rev-matching is just too good.

[@madcannon3162]

Great video. I was considering purchasing one and trading in my Tiger 800 but I recently had a repair bill for 2,500 $/EUR just as my warranty ended for parts that I wasnt at fault (sudden failures). Now I'm scared of this bike's reliabilty and while I'm sad to leave the three-cylinder behind, its gonna be hard for me to ever really trust the brand again. I was considering Honda which bikes are made to last, but the Africa Twin Adventure Sports is not as smooth rider as the Tiger. Also tested GS old and new (1300). Multistrada V4S, KTM SAS ... and maybe besides the Ducati's testastretta engine I still haven't found anything that I like, so at the moment I'm stuck with Triumph.

[@Dr.MichaelsMotorcycles]

Thank you! I'm sorry to hear about your issue with the 800 - what year is the motorcycle? I haven't heard too many problems with reliability on these bikes. Sometimes it just comes down to bad luck :-( The GS boxer engines are quite smooth, but I don't like how large they are and overall design is lacking. The new 1300 looks like a microwave on wheels haha. The Ducatis are wonderful but are designed mostly for road riding. I haven't seen too many people take those off road. Shame you didn't like the Honda - the Africa Twins are really cool bikes. KTM might be a nice choice as well. Have you looked at the Harley Pan Am? I haven't had a chance to ride one but the V twin is quite nice and I like the design. Here's a sleeper to consider - the Yamaha Super Tenere 1200. A close friend of mine has one and I've put quite a few miles on it. Very smooth ride, very nice manageable height. Great on and off road. I will be doing a head to head review as soon as our schedules align!

[@madcannon3162]

​@@Dr.MichaelsMotorcycles Thanks for replying! My Tiger 800 is from 2019, and I agree with you that I might just had bad luck. My stepfather has a 1250 GS which I get to ride often, it is not a flawless bike but I agree with you that they are smooth and overall nice bikes as long as you refrain from riding them in the city. It is simply too bulky to ride comfortably between lanes. I have yet to see the new 1300 ADV in person, but yeah, it looks weird hahah... The Africa Twin was the perfect replacement for me, however I found the throttle too jerky, quickshifter did not engage at times, dashboard for me is either too small or saturated with information that at my age is getting hard to read, and the left handlebar control needs more buttons! (irony). Furthermore, no TPMS in 2024? Sigh. However, after all this rant, the bike wasnt that bad, just not the unicorn that I though it would be. I've looked briefly at the Pan Am. A friend of mine demoed it and was left flabbergasted. He loved the engine. I have not consider it because lack of dealerships in my area, thus it would be a pain to service. Hmm... I didn't even consider the Supere Tenere 1200, will have to take a look at that. Anyways, I'm gonna pay a visit to Suzuki soon, they released the GSX-S1000GX not too long ago and it piqued my curiosity. Also, will revisit the Kawasaki Versys 1000. Its old, heavy and might need an update, but its reliable for sure.

[@mrmullet6666]

just got the 1200 rally explorer! im obsessed with it

[@Dr.MichaelsMotorcycles]

Amazing bikes! They're also less talked about than some of the other adv options on the market.

[@Kevimoto]

​@@Dr.MichaelsMotorcyclescompletely overlooked, in some cases.

[@RolandRotheut]

Sorry. You did use the quick shifter. It really is an awesome bike. I have the Explorer. Nice roads.

[@Dr.MichaelsMotorcycles]

Thanks I have enjoyed owning it so far. The Explorer is super. I wish I had the bigger fuel tank!

[@TallOn2Wheels]

You briefly mentioned a back rest - can you provide a link or brand and show it please?

[@Dr.MichaelsMotorcycles]

Yes! I made a review and overview of this backrest in another video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gIOWZ5Wcgal2mrc

[@edmatthews4553]

You may want to talk to your dealer. Heated seats are standard on the 1200 GT Explorer. Other than that, good review.

[@Dr.MichaelsMotorcycles]

I just confirmed on the Triumph 1200 Rally Pro website. Under the Rider Comfort tab, heated rider and passenger seats are listed as "Accessory Option". On Rally Explorer and and Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro it is listed as a green check mark for standard. I really don't understand why they would skip over the 1200 and makes the heated seats an option.

[@Dr.MichaelsMotorcycles]

Do you use / like the heated seats? It is now late fall and the rides are getting colder and colder.

[@deanmayke6959]

What area are you riding in , live in Ontario Canada and looking for a place to go this winter for a ride.

[@Dr.MichaelsMotorcycles]

I'm riding in Northern Maryland, USA - close to the Pennsylvania border. Winter isn't great for riding here though. We will get a few warmer days here and there but generally it's quite cold.

[@deanmayke6959]

@@Dr.MichaelsMotorcycles thanks will most likely head farther south then end of February/ early March.

[@darthvalar4377]

I will never understand this obsession with red-lining and adventure bike!

[@Dr.MichaelsMotorcycles]

It has a high displacement, high performance engine with amazing sound. Why wouldn't you enjoy revving it up!? :-)

[@rsg1459]

why are you using clutch ... its got quick shifter doesn't it MY 900gtPRO has

[@Dr.MichaelsMotorcycles]

Yes, it does have the quick shifter and it is one of the smoothest I've tried. I always use the shifter when accelerating quickly. Sometimes at low speeds, I feel better engine response when I use the clutch. Coming to a stop, I always use the down shifter - the rev-matching is just too good.

[@rickyzoom8059]

What stop sign 😂

[@Dr.MichaelsMotorcycles]

I blame it on the bike 😂

[@benkelly2190]

You are wrong, for one, reason, as with many other. “This bike is better” merchants. Bikes are subjective. One man’s beer, is another’s poison.

[@Dr.MichaelsMotorcycles]

Fair point, but I am presenting a comprehensive review and opinions as an owner. To me, this bike is better than others I have tried. I always recommend people to test-ride and watch as many reviews as possible when making a decision for themselves.

[@benkelly2190]

@@Dr.MichaelsMotorcycles indeed. As I said. I tried the tiger and wanted to like it enough to change from a GS, as it happens, sadly it didn’t, quite hit the mark! As I said very personal choices.

[@PhatSimey]

Superb bike, test ridden the Rally Pro a couple of times, but why do people insist on calling these things ADV bikes? That makes no sense, might as well call them XYZ bikes, the internet spreads idiocracy faster than covid ;-)

[@Dr.MichaelsMotorcycles]

ADV is just short for the "adventure" category of bikes. But the abbreviation is still 3 syllables so it doesn't really save any time when saying it 😂

[@PhatSimey]

@@Dr.MichaelsMotorcycles It might be if it was written as adv. but non-sensical if you actually say, "ADV". ADV is an abbreviation, but for what? Sorry (not really) for the rant, but our language is being quickly eroded by this sort of thing. Not quite as bad as the stupid use of an apostrophe to make a plural (really boils my piss), or writing Nato instead of NATO, Ulez instead of ULEZ etc. PS Still considering a 1200 Rally Pro, or maybe GT Pro. Nothing wrong with my Tiger 800 XRx to be fair, but after riding the 1200...😁