Charley Boorman review / TRIUMPH TIGER 1200 RALLY EXPLORER

Hey there,
Check out my review of the Triumph Tiger 1200 Rally Explorer.
Let us know what you think and subscribe.
Cheers,
Charley
www.charleyboorman.com

[@eblackshaw]

Just dropping a comment to let you know how much you've inspired me ... I've watched all the Long Way series ... been researching bikes and riding since that start of that series and last week, popped into the local licencing hub to pick up a book and said 'what the hey, I'll take the test today' ... next week I'll take the M2 Course and then it will be back roads and some camping ... thanks so much for sharing your passion with us.

[@Charley.Boorman]

Wow, that is so kind of you to say. So nice to know that you’re on two wheels. Hopefully see you down the road one day

[@john3Lee]

I don't even have a bike, or intend buying one - But I will always enjoy watching a Charley Boorman production... Thanks Charley

[@MarkSmith-io3qd]

Perfect bike for you and Ewan to ride on ‘Long Way Down Under’. Come on guys, an adventure through and round Oz would be epic. 😎🏍

[@Kim_Thomas]

I took one of these for a test ride a few weeks ago and thought it was a great bike. I even found it easy to balance maneuvering through slow-moving traffic, as well as blast through some country lanes

[@ChefGreen]

Great video - I really love how much you love riding. It's clear how much enjoyment you get from a good stretch of pavement. Makes me want to ride even more!

[@bignosecrisuk5860]

Wouldn’t be a Charley vid without some badass wheelies. Keep going mate, great stuff

[@Anthony-hc9ib]

Mr charlie always enjoy you on or around a motorcycle. Long way round was epic!!!! You have an army of support. ❤

[@philipbowers3671]

Got mine last week, its perfect for here in Alaska. So far the bike is fantastic to ride.

[@0HARE]

This is my number one wanted motorcycle! Thanks for a very informative and enthusiastic review. Happy Trails

[@KarlChoons]

Absolutely love this bike. I’ve got the 800 tiger, but a 2013 model. Would love to upgrade to this. Fantastic review Charley 🙌🏻

[@paulhiggins8526]

A great vlog Charlie for the 1200 just like all your other presentations on U Tube . I have the Tiger 900 and cannot fault it . Riding over to Bala later today so will be keeping my eyes open for one of these 1200s

[@matthewyearber9361]

I have a Tiger 800, but hopefully someday soon I'll have one of these. Great review! Keep them coming!

[@mikeb9281]

I absolutely love your videos Charley. Really professional and exciting to watch

[@raygods123]

Hi Charlie, a great review but I’d like to say what a great inspiration you are to people all around the world, what you have gone through from your childhood to adulthood and beyond is amazing, I’m reading your book for the second time and I’ve watched the long way series many times. Thank you

[@Charley.Boorman]

Thank you so much for your kind words. I’m glad somebody is reading the book. Ha ha all the best.

[@martintaylor5879]

Thanks for great review I am a bit of a Moto Guzzi fan but the Stelvio is axed was really heavy had a Breva 1200cc but Triumph is the brand of choice that Thruxton you have is just so cool keep giving us great content 💯

[@bartrabiej]

Great review Charley! 💪🏼

[@jonasmanny3726]

I love the bike! The best seat i ever had on a bike and the engine is a monster. I was going to buy a BMW GSA but after riding the Triumph Tiger Rally Explorer i changed my mind 👍🙏👏

[@bikerbuddy3166]

Last bike to come out fo come out of triumph that I worked on 👌good to see you doing reviews I think morocco was the last time we rode together keep up The good reviews 🙏

[@advaddictees]

I as a German love Triumph motorcycles, ride the TT900RP2022. You and Ewan Obi Wan from the McGregor clan should ride exactly this beautiful TT1200RPE on your next adventure "The long way up and down and around the clock"! Will there be a new adventure ride with you and Ewan someday? Oh please...

[@Bod1st]

Love your review style Charlie, great bike I’m keen on one, subscribed

[@triumphthunderbird1]

Great review Charlie. I'm 15,000 miles in on the GT Explorer variant. It gets better the more you ride it. In fact, you have just inspired me to throw my leg over it and head off over the Yorkshire Wolds.

[@mardelplatalimousines3423]

This is an excellent review. I think your comments strike at the heart of why we ride motorcycles in the first place. I've owned all sorts of bikes for the last 25 years, and the one constant has been the pure enjoyment of just riding. When you say character, for me, it's a bike that stirs your soul unlike anything else. Obviously, these modern bikes have so much equipment on them that it's often difficult to get that unfiltered joy. Also, because these bikes are a similar price to some cars, people naturally expect them to be polished diamonds, and it disappoints somewhat when they have faults, design problems, or just unpleasant compromises. Often, it's easy to forget why we got into this pastime in the first place!

[@88davidw]

Excellent review. Love your channel 👍🏼

[@oschneider706]

if only it would weigh 161kilos wet.😆

[@XplicitGamer]

It's 261kg wet

[@Kevimoto]

​@@XplicitGamerwe know, but that's not what Charley said. Lol

[@bigdavedarbs]

I’ve just bought one and it’s amazing!!!! Best bike I’ve ever owned. Just wish I could ride it like you do 🤣

[@toddswain7459]

Thanks Charlie. Another great video!!

[@Kim_Thomas]

I took the Tiger 1209 for a dealership test ride. Part of my route required some slow speed in traffic. I didn’t notice it being too heavy, albeit it is heavier than my 500cc single cylinder Armstrong MT500.

[@Bl0ckHe1d]

Damn Charley, I already bought the 900 Rally Pro after your video on the bike, now you are tempting me to to get the 1200!

[@Charley.Boorman]

Ha ha, I’m glad you like it. You can Never have enough bikes!!!

[@dankorolyk5917]

Great review!

[@taz.d.9149]

Loving the review .. 261kg wet is a Hugh saving on the previous bike .

[@andrewshore262]

I’ve got a GT PRO at 6’ even I found the Rally a bit tall and frankly taking these bikes properly off road (not just unpaved roads which both models are capable of) would prove expensive and bloody hard work on a drop. They do ride very well they’re comfortable and shift, their party trick is in the handling and damping it’s outstanding!

[@ChefGreen]

I've got the GT as well, Explorer model. Last year I took an ADV Bike class and the training was instrumental in understanding how to ride these big beasts off-road. Definitely worth the investment! I'll never be as comfortable off pavement as Charley is, but at least I know where my limits are.

[@andrewshore262]

@@ChefGreen Good move on the training it all helps, I’ll stick with my Honda 250 for off road I’m past 60 now and can’t muscle bikes like I once could

[@CaptLawrence]

This is the top of my list for a new bike this year. Currently I ride a Suzuki Vstrom 1050xt which is a vtwin adventure bike. Its a 2020 and already has 30000 miles. Love your opinion on anything to do with bikes Charley keep it up.

[@fs5866]

my 2020 Africa Twin has 46000 miles on it so yours are rookie numbers.

[@RichDunn]

260 kilo wet! Nice haircut Charlie! I own this bike and it's a great tall-rounder Adv-tourer.

[@alaneverett2531]

Nice video Charlie thanks and your looking well my friend 👍

[@TallyHoTech]

Perfect. I was waiting for a sub 200Kg bike adventure bike❤

[@beejoutbush3322]

@@webmonkeyuk Yep there's no way it's 160kg.

[@jacodejongh9885]

What an absolute beaut of a machine.

[@meganogorman8763]

Awesome review Charley ❤️ I'm still weighing up the Tiger, the GS and as a wildcard, the Yamaha Ténéré raid. I live up in Wasdale in the Lake District, so my local runs are mountain passes (Hardknott and Wrynose etc), naturally a lot of water and rocks washed across the road, these kind of bikes are so well suited to the local terrain around here. Got a few planned trips through to rural Spain, Norway and the usual Scottish trips this year. Next year wouldn't mind a longer ride through to Gilgit, Baltistan, the GS and Tiger definitely more suited to those longer journeys I reckon. Also just watched your long way up trip, great series again xx Megan x

[@marwood1969]

I have a Tiger 1200 GT Explorer and in about 10 minutes, I am taking it back to Triumph for the 4th time in 9 months. It's been recovered 3 times before with the same clutch problems, now the headlamp is fogged and needs replacing and one of the paniers is full of water. Maybe I've just been unlucky but it's been a miserable experience. I'm supposed to be off on a tour with a friend soon and I barely trust it to get to Croydon, let alone Spain.

[@vailmcc]

⁠@@marwood1969 I’ve had my Rally Explorer since last August, with over 8k miles on her. I’ve had absolutely zero issues with the bike, and wouldn’t hesitate to purchase another..

[@marwood1969]

@@vailmcc Well, good for you and I hope mine is just an oddity. 6 warranty claims in under 12 months seems ludicrous to me, but as I said, maybe I've just been unfortunate. Happy riding!

[@davidbarton7463]

Glad you mentioned Lake Commo and MG, can you blag a test ride on the V100 Mandello if you venture that way, or just wait for a UK demo and let us know what you think of it Charley?

[@bens5186]

I have been riding my rally explorer mostly off-road now for about 6 months. The bike is so close to being perfect really… HOWEVER a couple of things that makes it miss the mark. 1. Air filter being under the tank and no ability to fit pre-filters is a concern for anyone who rides in dusty conditions. 2. OEM crash bars are purely cosmetic and due to no aftermarket support you have no viable protection options. I have bent 2 sets with slow speed technical riding drops. The bars fail and bend into the bike causing more damage. Probably better off without them, bike would be lighter. 3. Shaft drive is great however the gearing is way to tall… the triples like to rev meaning 6th gear is pretty much redundant. On the explorer that will likely be getting knobbies you will not have tyres rated for the speed it can do. Make the current 5th gear 6th, make the current 1st gear second and add a gear under it. 20kph idle in 1st is nuts… 4. The windscreen jams once it gets dust in the mechanism. Being plastic it will break if you pull too hard. Mine stopped working correctly after 2 months. 5. The rear brake has a high and low setting. It’s needlessly complex and mine has failed, often vibrating 1/2 way (no grip facing up to boot) while riding making braking with the rear hard/impossible as your foot slips off. So close but a massive miss.

[@dmunro91]

Hey Charley! I need some advice from a well travelled motorcycle guru such as yourself. I absolutely love my 2019 Triumph Scrambler 1200 XC. It ticks all my boxes for a daily commuter and weekend getaway machine. I’m heading off on a 5,500 KM trip over 14 days in August (Toronto, ON to Cape Breton, NS in Canada) and am thinking if I enjoy the longer format trip, finding a bike with more wind protection would be a good idea. Any advice on choosing between the Tigers you’ve reviewed - 900 Rally Pro and the 1200 Rally Explorer? Coming from the Scrambler 1200, would the 900 feel like a downgrade in any way? Appreciate any wisdom you can share.

[@bradmellor6636]

Good morning Charley, great review and great jacket. Is it Belstaff by any chance? Thanks for the Long way series, you and Ewan reignited my passion for motorcycles. I hope you do another one but please, not electric bikes….

[@shingnosis]

Love your review style Charlie! Why don't you review some more middleweights: the Tenere 700 is an amazing and reliable Yamaha package, the KTM 890 has world-class suspension and low weight, the Suzuki 650 XT has everyday usability and that Suzuki v-twin is a gem. You'll have a blast :)

[@kevinc8744]

Beautiful motorcycle

[@j.bin_genex1927]

great video

[@Chromatrix1]

As always thanks for the great reviews and footage Charley. I’m torn between the BMW r1200/1250 and the Triumph 1200 rally explorer. I’ve heard the Triumph tends to be super top heavy and very buzzy at higher speeds. Do you find that to be the case? Thanks and be safe.

[@GS_riders1250]

I was the same but after comparing servicing costs I’m heading for the 1250GSA

[@ReferenceFidelityComponents]

Triumph is very top heavy. I had the 1200 Explorer. Very tall, loaded up it felt ridiculously heavy just getting the thing off the side stand. Handled nicely and that engine was a peach but the weight was just too much up top. Sold it and bought a huge GSA which was a doddle to manoeuvre by comparison. Now have the R1200RS which is even better but obviously road oriented.

[@mfpix]

Nice review Charley. Question has to be Tiger or GS?

[@DarthDainese]

My dad owned both the Tiger 110 and a T120 before I was even born

[@guidokruck2938]

Hello, may I ask a general question about the motorcycle? is the problem with the jerk in the drive fixed after the software update? Does the engine still rattle at low revs? Thanks a lot for your help!

[@bikerbuddy3166]

lol ps it was 2016 and dam you made a mess of yourself and the bike glad you made a good recovery 🙏

[@peer-olafkremer4715]

The more beautiful GS!

[@insenersurf]

Great review Charley👌 161kg wet weight could not be correct?

[@johnhilliard2273]

Must have meant 261kg. I noticed that too.

[@normancrighton7622]

Road tyres - how did they behave? I have gone for Conti Trail tyres.

[@everestvirtue309]

Dear Charlie Thank you for making helpful videos I am 57 I am 6f1in tall with a 34in inseam And a long reach I saved for 2 years i went with only using a non motorized bicycle for all travel to work and errands In my area the dealerships do not allow test rides so i had to do alot of research And finally take a chance One month ago i bought the Tiger 850 sport Caspian blue As you know this bike is marketed to have V twin characteristics in the lower rpm range and then act like somewhat of a inline at above 4000 rpm, but so far it seems the fueling is so lean that it is a snatchy throttle and has a constant jumpy feel , there is no booster plug available for this model and any power commander will void the 2 yr warranty so if you have any advice that could help me i will greatly appreciate it. Even if it means changing to a different model with the Anti stall feature or getting the Scrambler 1200 XE Riding for me is so important and is a Therapy that i enjoy on and off road My intentions are to work with the 850 for the next 6months and then by January get a Triumph 1200 Tiger rally pro Or the 900 Rally Pro or the Scrambler 1200XE If you have any advice i will Greatly appreciate it Thank you All Happiness to you Take Care my Friend

[@Charley.Boorman]

Hey there, hope this finds you well. Very interesting story about yourself and your bike and your choices. It’s difficult to choose the right bike. Luckily you’re very tall which means all the tiger 1200 and the target 900 rally pros are all there for you. As you have such a long reach. it’s a tough one because it’s such a personal thing.. All the bikes are so good these days. That there’s not much in between any of them. All of them are bolt so well these days.. I have just bought the Ducati desert X and have to say I love it. But it’s all down to what you fancy. What do you like the look of. As you walk up towards that bike it’s what you like to look off. Anyway good luck with your next bike and choice.

[@everestvirtue309]

@@Charley.Boorman Thank you Charlie I will remember all you say Thank you for all your Kindness All Happiness to you Take Care my Friend I will succeed

[@ThrottleAddiction]

Which is the 'mode' where you ride along, then full-throttle it into wheelspin - like in every snip of b-roll here? I think on the Ducati, they call it *Wanker Mode!*

[@rayhill668]

Hey Charlie I think you need to read the spec on the weight again your near on 100 kgs out 😮 cheers mate

[@Charley.Boorman]

Haha

[@spartacus-jw9up]

Wow - only 161 kilos wet!!! Charley.....Triump have truly worked a miracle.

[@aunoates6617]

Two broken legs! I don’t know how you managed.... I only had one leg out of action and it was a nightmare! I remember constantly crawling to the toilet for months!

[@rusco88]

you got me excited there sir when I heard you say 160kg wet :) .. it is 245kg wet, just so it is clear for everyone

[@hildichannel9739]

👍

[@GermanBarreraBiker]

Nice review 👌🏻I just make a test drive and the bike it’s awesome. Looking for mor reviews and videos I just find that the bike it’s limited to 205 KPH. Anybody knows about that?

[@terryf.26201]

Great video and review Charley! I have the street version, the GT Explorer with the 8 gal tank; you are absolutely spot on correct! Top heavy when standing still or slow speed, but disappears when you get going. I just finished a 1500 mile/6 day road trip on mine & I realize now, that I NEED a Quad Lock! Can you share how you mounted yours in this video (which mount & how did you hook up to power)? The electrical is not a USB. Thank you in advance if you get some time to answer my questions. If not, still love your work (I have watched it all) & Cheers!

[@Charley.Boorman]

Yes I can easily show you the Quad Lock system that I use. Will do a little video of it and post it. Basically you need the Bar mount and then the vibration dampener and the wireless charger head. And that’s basically your system

[@shegocrazy]

Re anti stall. I stall mine much more than any other bike. I'll probably get used to the clutch pressure though.

[@shegocrazy]

I'm used to it now. No stalling.

[@LateApexChiangMai]

I have had this bike for about three months (Rally Pro, not Explorer). In general it's fantastic, but there's one point in your review I disagree with. The low-down grunt is not that strong. You have to very consciously keep the revs up on a steep twisty hill, slip the clutch and/or change down to first gear or the engine will start a "death rattle" and threaten to stall. It's surprising to me, even the Africa Twin performs better in this area, let alone the big GS.

[@commonsense769]

Was concerned with footage showing how low to ground the main stand was to road surface, very disturbing!

[@CR4ZYHOR5E]

161kgs?! Is that minus engine and running gear?

[@chewie8]

I have the 900 Rally, the 1200 looked fantastic but just too big to manhandle

[@northerniltree]

An American expression when someone wishes you well on an endeavor, is to say "Break a leg". Don't ever say that to Charley. Just say "Have fun".

[@JayBee-cr8jm]

My 800XC was so bad I'll likely never buy another Triumph.

[@colingoldthorpe5918]

Charley you could ramble on about boiling water and I would listen constantly 🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️

[@Charley.Boorman]

Ha ha, that is very kind. But I’m sure boiling water is much more interesting!!!

[@colingoldthorpe5918]

@@Charley.Boorman it’s great to see you on KZbin 👍👍 your trip around the world was a driving force behind my expensive addiction for motorcycles 🤣🤣 currently riding A Triumph Trophy, Bonneville T120 and an Aprilia and three versions of Mini Coopers, supporting the British workforce and Watching from Canada 🇨🇦 great to see you on here looking forward to watching this channel grow exponentially.

[@PutOnYourLid]

161kg wet????

[@smith4010]

It can’t be 161kg??

[@austinmatthews347]

161 kilos thats light

[@I_am_Thursday]

I'm surprised that the vibes above 5800 didn't annoy you? It's almost like a HD in it feels unsympathetic to rev it out. Like the 900 not a 'fun' bike because of that.

[@andrewharris1837]

Looks so heavy.

[@darylwilliams1692]

161KG wet? I doubt it. that's about 100KG out, surely.

[@jamesmoros1274]

As usual these bikes get bigger heavier and still don’t have enough power 😊 like any squid will tell you. Cheers from Oz 🇦🇺

[@caenmyles]

I bet KTM haven't phoned you up Charley 😉

[@MrUled]

He misspoke and said its 160kg wet.... That's a hell of a mistake. It's 260kg wet.

[@stevebowser2796]

@ 2:38 - 161 kilos wet = 354.2 lbs. I doubt it.

[@Charley.Boorman]

🥹

[@czarekp3552]

1:37 overcooked it

[@ScragNath]

I find the bike stalls very very easily.

[@flippy66]

2:30 - I think you mean 261kg 😉

[@everestvirtue309]

Dear Charley I wanted to send this just one more time I didnt realize it at the time of my first communication Please forgive me Charley, are you John Boorman's Son? The Film Director? Of my FAVORITE MOVIE of All Time? EXCALIBUR?!!! WAS that you as Mordred? If possible please let me know It would be a Tremendous Sublime experience for me to know that i made contact with a person from that Brilliant Brilliant Timeless movie. I briefly explained in my first text That riding is a therapy for me I have saved so long to have what i have I am 57 The pandemic took away a girl i loved since we met in the 8th grade Excalibur was and is an All time dear movie to Us If possible please tell me if that is you and all your sisters in Excalibur All happiness to you and your Family My Friend Take Care

[@everestvirtue309]

Thank you Take care

[@Charley.Boorman]

Hello there. Yes John Boorman is my father and I did play Young Mordred. I have to say it was a great move. Such fun to be able to work on it as well. It was filmed just around the corner from my house in Ireland. And having everybody involved all my sisters and friends. It also started many many peoples careers. The likes of of Liam Niessen And all the others. I’m so glad you enjoyed the movie. Have to say it was great fun. Growing up with dad. Travelling all over the world making his movies.. He used to throw us all into the movies much cheaper than actors. Anyway I’m glad you found your therapy riding motorbikes. I have to say it is a big part of my life, jump on a bike and clear your mind on a ride. Anyway, maybe see you down the road. All the best.

[@everestvirtue309]

@@Charley.Boorman Hello Charley! Thank you for telling me It is my humble honor To have met you through these few texts Thank you for sharing your insights from that time and the location as well. What a Magical time that must have been, growing up that way. I was born in 65' And began riding when i was about 12. I wish you and your family All Happiness and thank you All for your immense talents and kindness. A while back i worked with therapy horses, these are slow rides for people who have experienced trauma, the movement under them of the horse walking and side to side a little was something that could help them feel a little better, then after a time passed i noticed for myself when i was on a good fitting and sounding motorcycle, it has a similar helpful effect. But beyond all that, Excalibur is an All time lifetime Favourite Film I Wish you All happiness in your life and travels I hope to see you one Day my friend Take Care Thank you

[@williammahaffy4642]

161kg wet???? oops... you meant 260kg. She's a beefy beast!

[@inspectorclouseau3880]

I'm sorry, Triumphs anti stall technology ? they basically screwed up on the low speed control of the bike, so they've put another engine map in the ECU to bring the tick over up. Bad design

[@shaunhickman]

Did I hear that correctly 161kgs? Yeah sure it does 😂

[@Charley.Boorman]

Haha

[@shaunhickman]

Does look a nice bike and thought so when I looked at one. But at 261kgs plus the cost of what I wanted I found it a bit too much £. So went for the V-strom XT1050. Last trip 1700 miles no issues and fits my needs

[@NHSeidler]

161 kg 😮............. does not seem right

[@crowbiker4462]

Charlie needs to know his bike better.....

[@martinhughes9769]

Same weight as a BSA Bantam 😮 Not !!

[@flippy66]

Charlie should watch his wheelies on roads, people have been done for dangerous driving based on their youtube videos. Word to the wise.

[@rodericde876]

Um! Er um! Um! Um!

[@efrygasservices6169]

Who is that cock womble in the Audi on your side of the white line when you are taking about the mirrors? 07:08

[@RichO1701e]

£20k!?!? Hard pass!