2023 Triumph Tiger 1200 Rally Explorer | BMW GSA Beater??

[@hodgmoe]

you gotta love this guy's attitude: pure motorcycle riding enjoyment. He demphasizes all the boring specs and electronic gizmos. It's all about the sheer visceral feeling while riding that's it!

[@bharadwajmanepalli8897]

Hey there Wish you could make detailed comparison between the new tiger 1200 rally explorer and the new BMW 1300 gsa. Would be great to hear it from a pro like you. Looking forward for the video

[@daveo9844]

The most comfortable bike I’ve ever owned. Induction roar sounds great too 🍻

[@RevBombUK]

Ended up getting rid of my gtr1400 for a gen 1 explorer best decision ever made Great video mate

[@elithegreat6463]

I have a 2023 Tiger 900 GT pro and I think that, bike not because it’s mine, but it’s the perfect Goldilocks type motorcycle. It does everything well there’s enough power and the triple engine is more than anyone needs.

[@saltyJNE]

Took out the 1250GS and then this…I ended up and still love the tiger 🐅 10k so far in 6 months it’s epic 😊

[@tinfoilhatplumber485]

Yes they are !

[@simonclare-fu7sx]

I had the older model explorer for 2yrs, lovely bike, handled well, brilliant distance muncher, went like stink when needed, pleasure to ride, being 5'6" pushing it around a gravelled sloping car park in the mountains of Europe became a pain in the arse, so heavy, still miss it though

[@alanshearing7515]

Great video Chops, nice to hear you having fun on this bike . Bit of a Mammoth machine I’m sure a lot of bigger people will love it . Not for me but I appreciate the quality and flexibility of the Tiger. Great review.

[@GCTO239]

The Tiger 1200 is on my test list. This week I rode the new R 1300 GS, which was an utter disappointment. I think that I will like the Triumph more. Will be more comfortable to sit on for sure.

[@andrewhull365]

Disappointing how?

[@GCTO239]

@@andrewhull365 I am of the opinion that you have to ride a bike before you say a single word about it. I wanted to check which journalist’s opinion was bought. Many things about the new GS were not talked about at all. The new GS feels cramped, the knee angle is not adv bike worthy, my feet collide with the passenger foot pegs, the sound is horrible, the suspension does not offer a satisfying range between comfort and sport and and is clearly not top of the shelf material, fast, hard bumps challenge the front suspension, the gearbox is better than the old one but still below average, many parts (e.g. the rack made of wobbly plastic) feel cheap. Don’t get me wrong: it is not a bad bike and many people will like it. But it does not live up to the hype at all. I really wanted to find out whether the bike deserves all the credit and have to say that it is just okay. Nothing more, nothing less. Not for me…I tried without any bias and now know that my Africa Twin 1100 is the much better bike for me. It still amazes me every day and damn…it is beautiful. Will try the Tiger 1200 next. The Showa E-Suspension is clearly better than the suspension on the R 1300 GS.

[@lawriemoto]

I bought one to replace my GS adventure which was written off, we did a decent tour from Scotland to Czech Republic 2 up fully loaded, the bike was great, superbly comfortable with a good bit more power than my GS had, one thing I did notice with the Triumph in Germany and Czech Republic there were many other riders who wanted to talk about the bike, that never happened with my GS, maybe because there are so many and this is just a bit different

[@GCTO239]

I am that type of person you mentioned. I want the seat higher. My modified Africa Twin now offers a seat height of more than 900mm and I love every bit of it.

[@shegocrazy]

The dash changes are actually animated which is why it seems slow. Really the only thing I don't like about it is that info moves around depending on the screen mode chosen....e.g. seat warming indicator is normally in the bottom left but will move elsewhere if screen is in different mode. A lot of the info panels do that. One thing that some don't realize is that you don't have to wait for the screen to finish loading before starting.

[@AndersPetersson79]

Nice to see at least one model for taller riders, when most brands are going in the opposite direction. Don´t like the shorter distance between the pegs and the seat, which most brands offer. Tried a new Multistrada V2 recently, which was too cramped for my 190cm.

[@andrewshore262]

Presume this was filmed back in the summer, since that time Triumph have introduced suspension lowering at the press of a button. They’ve updated the software, you’ll get this upgrade at the next service if your bike hasn’t got it (software update), that said I chose the GT version ((19 inch front), lighter, more agile, alloy wheels).

[@LambChopRides]

Ah nice! 👍

[@alf9638]

The lance shots are wicked tbh... worth it lol

[@scottmason7124]

Nice to see someone standing up to the GS fan boys....

[@glencavers1839]

Had a new 2020 Triumph Tiger Alpine. I'm 6'4" and it fit me perfectly. Very comfortable when it ran, which unfortunately wasn't very often. Thank goodness for warranties. Incredible heat coming off engine and tank in 30C weather. In 2 years dealer replaced fork seals, main wiring harness (twice), IMU modules, complete front Brembo rotors and pads, had to bleed rear brake when it totally failed on trip, starter motor, solenoid (twice, second time didn't even get out of dealer), and complete charging system including stator, rectifier/regulator and battery. Sold it and bought a Moto Guzzi V100S. 10,000km this year and not a single problem. Beware if you buy one.

[@DSplatter]

Man that sounds like a lot of issues. I’ve been unable to really find any forums online with people having issues either these.

[@deanharris9331]

I think that the Triumph range of adventure bikes are some of the best looking machine's that the company produce . Great review again chops 😊👍

[@LambChopRides]

Thanks Dean 👍

[@viktorkatona7521]

I totally agree. Actually, I think it IS the best looking ADV right now.

[@hartley383]

I own a 1250GS and recently test rode the 1200 GT Pro. The Triumph felt more nimble than the BMW and very comfortable. Goes like stink when you wind it up but it doesn’t have the lowdown grunt of the GS which I like. I rode the previous 1200 and thought the engine was lovely but I wasn’t keen on the feel of the current engine. I thought it felt ( and sounded) unrefined. GS feels a lot smoother. I know some love it but for me it puts it just ( only just ) behind the BMW. If it had the same smooth engine it used to have I’d have bought it and not the GSA I picked up yesterday.

[@LonelyTreeSunset]

Still hoping Triumph do a Tiger 1200 Sport with the conventional triple and shaft drive. Would be a weapon on the road.

[@LambChopRides]

Yeah I think the road models would be better perhaps without the cross plane setup 👍

[@LonelyTreeSunset]

​@@LambChopRidesthanks for the review, Chops. 🙏

[@DucatiDale]

Only pensioners want shaft drive normal people don’t want the weight and power loss that comes with shaft

[@johnnyboy1586]

​@@DucatiDalemoto guzzi?

[@DucatiDale]

@@johnnyboy1586 there’s a reason almost all bikes are chain driven and anything in motorsport is also chain driven bsb wsb Dakar motocross the list goes on shaft is for old folk who think adjusting and oiling a chain every few weeks is hard work

[@CCooke-nm2be]

Wishing you and your family a great Christmas. Thanks for all your great videos. They keep me going when I can’t get out to ride . Have a super 2024 😄

[@LambChopRides]

Thanks buddy, much appreciated and same to you 👍

[@Icem4n84]

A chops video this morning, Moto GP this afternoon! 😁

[@LambChopRides]

Hell yeah! 🤣👍

[@Themotograndpa]

I’ve got the 900 RP which is so comfortable and been twice touring in Europe on it and good off road too and its lighter which is fine for me even though I am 6 ft 1 great vid chops👍

[@DSplatter]

How much of a beating have you gave your 900RP off-road? I’m looking at upgrading to one in the future and want to go off trail with all but the toughest terrain..

[@shadowred1980]

Great review, just waiting for it to go above zero outside. :) If you haven't already filmed it, a question for your q&a with Gregg. Of the bikes you both have ridden this year, which one would you buy with your own money ? Thank you.

[@LambChopRides]

Great question, no not recorded yet 👍

[@davidstiglitz4341]

great vid, as usual. However, I never really understand why anyone would want such a large, heavy and powerful off-road bike. I appreciate most owners never go beyond what you have done here. Most bike can do this though and provide great suspension. Just my personal view. Thanks Chops.

[@masteroutlier]

it's for huge people that want constant comfort and also that off-road potential. Not most bikes can be ridden in all types of roads, and what is considered off-road on these is actually just the bigger diameter front-wheel that allows for better control (aka: even more comfort in the niche roads)

[@masteroutlier]

suits that go back home to the country at the end of the day, and occasionally want that weekend off-road adventure, or longer rides with unpredictability

[@KnutJMo-ek2mw]

Something I would like to see is a comparison between your Gsx-r and Greg's, and other new sportbikes. Of course you must have done an ecu flash first and checked the suspension settings. 1/4 mile, roll on race, lap times, dyno run, much like how Revzilla did Ducati vs Suzuki

[@_Archambaud]

Ideal to watch while I'm waiting for it to get above zero degrees outside👍

[@LambChopRides]

Yes will keep you warm this one! Back in the days I was moaning it was too hot 🤣

[@ReferenceFidelityComponents]

I had one of the older ones with a similar spec…fully loaded. Huge bike. Trouble is it was so top heavy and slow steering that touring with luggage made just getting it off the sidestand an ordeal, as did negotiating hairpins where it felt like it would drop. Ended up trading it for a GSA which was much nicer balanced and more comfortable despite being similar weight. Boxer was much more relaxed to ride and even torquier at lower revs. Sweeping A road work is where the Trumpet felt best. It was way too heavy to be an enjoyable off roader and spun up the rear wheel with little provocation. GSA deffo easier off road but these bikes are better kept to gravel tracks. Loved the trumpet engine. Bags of character and the seat was pretty decent plus kit levels brilliant.

[@wattie1050]

Nice one chopsy , better weather at least then mate. !!! That's one big machine , I prefer the normal firing order triple sound right enough , but for touring using single track roads and unmade roads must be the bike to have 👍👍 but 260 kg 😮😮😮

[@antonoat]

I wonder if the Valve adjustment service at Triumph will cost £1,000 plus like on the previous model? Unfortunately my Triumph Tiger ownership was ruined by gearbox problems which Triumph were unable to fix! On a positive it was the most comfortable bike I've ever ridden and that's from someone who's covered over half a million miles on motorbikes!

[@martinhughes9769]

Sounds a bit on the Extra Large size in weight and height for so many riders , lovely sound, I like the new Tiger 900 GT Pro but I still think for a 900 it’s still down on a bit of power at 108 hp , Enjoyed the commentary the 1200 seems a great machine for the taller riders,

[@LeeWs1970]

Great review again chops , question to folk who own one ....would you say the 21 inch front wheel makes it lazy on the turn in for road riding . The look of the rally explorer is good but i wonder how it would look with 17 19 inch wheels but spoked type , the GT just does not look as good

[@benhughes5609]

You're 6'2 and cant flat-foot it?! i'm 5'6 on a good day so that answers that question! Another fantastic vid chopsy! I'm also making my way through the blade rebuild playlist. A very inspirational series, giving me big ideas and massive itch!

[@LambChopRides]

Thanks Ben! Wow that's proper vintage footage 😁👍

[@thelikeablerider8800]

Good lad Chops! Thats why I went for the Rally version (which is still big) but the explorer is proper massive!😂

[@LambChopRides]

Yeah it's big big isn't it! 😄👍

[@andrewhull365]

Bike magazine dyno'd both r1300gs and 1200 tiger. GS has 138bhp@7800 104lb.ft, t1200 has 135bhp@8750 87lb.ft.

[@LambChopRides]

This was recorded before the GS1300 broke cover

[@SzczęśliwyNikt]

my gap on 2 wheels was 32 years,currently waiting for delivery of tiger 1200 ex-demo rally explorer Greetings from old Polish 🇵🇱 motobiker

[@jmsmikey]

Greetings from Las Vegas LC! Great review, but I have a suggestion. Please include a 'heat management' section in all of your reviews because it's becoming a big problem with modern bikes that are forced to include the dreadful catalytic converter. I live in Nevada & it is dreadfully hot for 5 months out of the year, so this is an issue for me. Technically, it's not even fair to evaluate a bikes heat until you remove the cat with either a mid pipe or a full de cat exhaust, but it would make for a great starting point. Some bikes come out of the factory with no heat problems~ the Yamaha Tracer 900 & Honda Transalp are good examples. If you google 'Tiger 1050 heat problems' the owners report dreadful heat problems. Also, some even popular motorcycles just do not have any de cat system available to them. This is really becoming a serious consideration in today's market when buying a motorcycle and I think that the new Euro 5 smog standards (which I suppose are supposed to protect the Earth from global warming & save it from motorcycles) are making this heat issue more severe. Thank you~

[@FelixBillson]

Perfectly timed. I’m wondering what to put a deposit on, love the bmw community but have a T120 already…! Love the content as always, which would you choose Chops?

[@LambChopRides]

Tough one Felix, I was very impressed with the new R1300 GS however... Its a very close call 👍

[@FelixBillson]

@@LambChopRides fair play! I wouldn’t go for the 1300, it’s the warhorse of the 1250 GSA. Enjoyed your Big Daddy comparison video, always the right view point of proper consumer!

[@inked-96]

You'd be stupid to finally these adv bikes. I bought my 2019 1200GSA TE triple black outright for 12k from bmw with 2 years warranty, why? Because I don't want to be capped on mileage and pay £265 a month for the new 1300 on a 4 year pcp.😂

[@FelixBillson]

@@inked-96 I love KZbin comments like this. Have a great day! I’ll spend my money how I like.

[@boostaholic7116]

Great vid Chops being a similar age to you I appreciate not getting your leg over anymore! 🤣🤣🤣

[@LambChopRides]

I know sign of the times! 🤣👍

[@martyndunn1905]

​@@LambChopRides I'm older than you and still getting my leg over 😊😊

[@JEmmertz]

Barely at the intro of this video, and I already like the look of it! (The weight and height puts me off though.)

[@austinmatthews347]

How qould you rate the tiger compared to the 1300gs obviously the tiger is the gsa equivelent but i would you compare them i own a gsa 1250 and i test rode a gt pro and didnt lime it one bit

[@iklodyp]

Hey man! Just found your channel through your Honda CB650R ride & review, great content! I was wondering if you ever tried the Honda CB300R? I'm asking because I’m watching videos to find out about what should be the first bike I own. And even though I wouldn't mind starting on a 300cc bike in this economy I feel like selling it would be nearly impossible in order to upgrade. I wonder what’s your opinion about getting a Honda CB650R as a first bike. Pricier for sure, but I don't want to buy another one in a few years and it appears to me that the CB650R might be a good choice being a beginner as well as long term ownership, and that in line 4 sound... I'm in love with it. It has amazing reviews, haven’t heard anything bad about it so far (maybe that it's not that snappy with the throttle but I'm not an agressive driver anyway) everyone who rides it loves it. Do you think it works well as a beginner bike for a responsible rider? I would use it for city and longer trips as well. Thank you in advance! Have a good one!

[@neilbenton1152]

My bro has this bike dropped it the same weekend he had it ! Nice bike but dropped in value alot , triumph have reduced the list price to get rid ! In my view a better bike than my gs1250 just the resale is worst, but I'd still pick my 1250 😊

[@talkingrock7011]

I would not be able to pick the bike up if tipped over , thanks for the ride Chops Ride Safe

[@101steel4]

Finally a bike for proper sized people 😁 I look ridiculous on my street triple lol

[@AliG-iq4gd]

Does it turn in faster/drop down faster with a High CoG? I'd have thought it would be more ponderous to drop in and to retrieve upright than the GS.

[@LambChopRides]

Falls in faster let's call it

[@AliG-iq4gd]

@@LambChopRides But does it? Gravity is gravity, but the inertia required to fall in - is greater (as it is - to bring upright).

[@MrBerry67]

Great looking bike - Im. in the market for one

[@sambagogo777]

So Triumph built a £19,495 (before options) motorcycle that's not optimum unless you're at least 6' 3" tall. Its target market is presumably reasonably affluent individuals in the Netherlands, haha!

[@GCTO239]

Finally a bike for me. 😂 I am 6'5. There are so many bikes for short people. I don't fit on these tiny bikes. So I will not complain about a proper bike. Would take the Rally Pro though. Regards from Germany.

[@101steel4]

There's plenty of us here in England too 😁

[@GCTO239]

@@101steel4 exactly

[@lestersmyth692]

Lovely bike for the taller ones amongst us but not a big fan of the new engine firing order. Having owned the previous generation buttery smooth triple this variant is more liking to a vibrating V twin, thanks for spoiling a great bike Triumph I’ll give it a miss 👍

[@MrAndrew1953]

I’m 5’8 and wouldn’t look at anything larger than the 900. I hope all your cameras are bolted on?

[@ragerider6283]

Interesting review. It seems a decent bike & a great piece of engineering etc but imo it's just too much of everything. Too tall, too heavy & too expensive. Compared to the new GS, which now has more similar power, lighter, lower & also has the adaptive ride height etc as an option, I can't see Triumph selling many of these as you say.

[@Crsf84]

having owned a 1290 ktm and now on my second gs whilst having a mate who is a triumph fanatic I disagree slightly. The triumph for me is kinda weird, It’s a bit of a shitty layout tft, The phone nav plug in thing under the seat reminded me of the plug in tape deck onto the portable cd player in the 90s. It’s like they thought about it 5 minutes before they released the bike. The quality of the build is slightly better than the ktm but not close to the gs or multi imo. I have had my fun on the gs so looking to swap it out and this isn’t something I would ever consider. Never be a triumph in my garage unless my mates brakes down on my drive.

[@ibuk4309]

One point you haven't mentioned is the horrible vibration at motorway speeds cause by the cross plane crank .

[@paulharrison8155]

It was the awful cross plane crank that stopped me buying a new 900 GT

[@ibuk4309]

​@@paulharrison8155yep my brother just bought the older 900 as didn't like the cross plane crank .

[@MW_1981]

I have the Tiger 1200 Rally Explorer and don’t suffer with any vibration issues on it. I have heard a few people mention it though, which were easily solved with some different bar end weights sold by Evotech Performance

[@ibuk4309]

​@@MW_1981depends what u are used to ,all the road testers I've seen didn't like it at motorway speeds ,GS 1250 is way smoother.

[@MW_1981]

@@ibuk4309 I traded in Ducati Panigale V4S so compared to that, the Triumph is like riding along on fluffy clouds!

[@neilrd350]

Now that I like❤❤

[@mloclam6917]

Why do adventure bikes have beaks when they have s front mudguard

[@paulharrison8155]

Wind flow

[@CMcNair]

Great vid Chopsie, that’s a fantastic bike I definitely would choose this over the GS

[@markyoung6027]

Great review as always but will never be a GS!.

[@kindnessalwayscomesback2419]

We ❤ lamb chops and roast beef Yorkshire puds roast potatoes with gravy

[@dukie1616]

A motorcycle for the globe that even a 6’2” human being can’t flat foot. Professional racing in all formats “Infecting” seat heights. So why has this seat height ethos dominated every manufacture on almost all of their motorcycles. Surely they’d sell more if an average short person of 5’10” could flat foot it.. no? Lol. Anyway great vid Chops!👏

[@lold6130]

Would you rather own this bike or the new GS John?

[@markshirley7639]

I bought one in march , 6000 miles in two months ! The gs is a better bike in every way ! And the triumph is restricted to 125 mph 🙈 which is fine until your on a euro trip and everyone comes pissing past you and disappears into the distance 😭

[@richardentwistle918]

I'm glad there is a bike that suits tall riders as I'm so fed up of looking like a bear on a moped 👍😂

[@LambChopRides]

You and me both! 😁👍

[@richardentwistle918]

@@LambChopRides Horah brother 😉😂

[@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff]

You can cancel the Gym membership now!

[@mrcintheuk4641]

Nice bike, shame about the height! 😁 Turns it into a bit of a niche market suitable for people 6'4" + . 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@LambChopRides]

Yeah it's absolutely huge this one! 👍

[@FelixBillson]

I love being finally able to have a bike built for 6’4”.

[@robt7773]

Triumph now offer a software upgrade that actually lowers the suspension and ride height

[@SteveBrowner]

Certainly a move on from the Gen 1 I had,but the old engine was so smooth 👍 Bit different weather now though 😢

[@LambChopRides]

Yeah isn't it just! 😫

[@johnstephens1447]

The problem with these bikes is over 75% of men won’t be able to reach the floor properly on these machines let alone women.

[@mattspencer4395]

Agree. I would buy one if the seat height wasn’t so stupidly high

[@GCTO239]

Why is it a problem? Then go for the GT. Come on, 75% is exaggerated. I am glad that there are some tall bikes available. There are many tiny bikes you will be happy with.

[@chrishall734]

I’m 6ft2 and find many bikes too cramped so I have the opposite issue. I can’t find a small engined commuter bike that’s comfortable without going to a big engine

[@GCTO239]

@@chrishall734Transalp 750. Bloody fantastic everyday bike with a peach of an engine. Comfortable, very efficient, so flickable! I am 6‘5.

[@chrishall734]

@@GCTO239see I’d still class that as a big bike or mid sized (plus still quite pricy for a commuter). I mean something 200 to 400cc which is tricky when you’re tall

[@magaudion]

Where’s the GX vid ?

[@LambChopRides]

Give me a chance only got back yesterday! 😄 Two days for the editing 👍

[@magaudion]

@@LambChopRides you’ve got till Tuesday 0800 or yer dumped 😜

[@LambChopRides]

Haha OK 😄👍

[@StringTone-t6v]

Akhirat pikiro Dewe akuratau nyalahi uripmu

[@philipprior4662]

If you want "tarmac" (concrete) roads that will challenge the Tiger, go to Canvey Island

[@Bazza47]

Does it also have Depeche Mode? Asking for a friend.... If it's height and weight is a concern for you us mere mortals would have no chance- Imagine trying to pick that up if you're 5'7" like me 🙄 Off road capability is really not of any interest to most riders thinking of getting a big ADV bike and where I live (Worcestershire) the county council have closed all the BOATs with I believe the exception of 1 down by Eastnor Castle that's only about 1 mile long. As most would use it for touring (hence the need for the big tank) the 21" front wheel seems the wrong choice as those with any dual purpose on road/off road requirements would surely gravitate towards the 900 Tiger?

[@KnutJMo-ek2mw]

The Tiger 1200 and the GS 1300 is motorcycles answer to what the SUV is to cars, not particularly good on or off road. They are big and heavy and are the choice for a middle-aged man with a little too much money, who already has a SUV in the garage. He will never take his bike off the road in the same way that the SUV is never off the tarmac. He thinks his big bike looks good in the garage and his passion for motorcycles is limited to that. Manfacturers are smart and have seen that this segment of the market is growing and are delivering the motorcycle's answer to the SUV. I Think KTM smaller adventurebikes still is true to concept of adventure. It is a long time since BMW R80 GS was made!

[@soulrebelno1]

One thing is for sure, you're definitely not putting a tail tidy on that one!

[@inspectorclouseau3880]

I have a 1250GSA and it way more manageable than one of those because the weight is lower down. Also the new 1300gs is way ligher and faster now. The Tiger explorer is just way too big for the average guy i'm afraid

[@TwoGoTouring]

I have a GSA and an XR. It would be interesting to hear your comments after you ride the new 1300. I’ve ridden it and it’s not for me so I’m looking around now.

[@inspectorclouseau3880]

@@TwoGoTouring the new XR looks awesome

[@inked-96]

This issue is Triumphs servicing cost. It is ridiculously expensive.

[@101steel4]

More than BMW?

[@1956colinb]

@@101steel4More than Ducati??

[@andrewshore262]

2nd service GT pro £210……you clearly don’t own one

[@inked-96]

@@andrewshore262 Valve check is how much? My grandad was charged £780.

[@inked-96]

@101steel4 £800 for a service pack which covers 3 services, which is 18k miles. My grandad was charged £780 just for his valve service on hi GT PRO.

[@stephenchapman8344]

Nice enough bike. Just too big and heavy. 👍

[@ownyourworld]

Nah gave up on triumph when they still put the Union Jack on there bikes and so many parts are from China. Same as the new mini which isn’t a mini yet has the Union Jack on the rear light fake news 😅

[@johna6968]

The BMW labelling appeals more. It would be a used 1250 and not a 1300 for me.

[@ninja12lawbreaker]

Handsome bike Chops, but only an idiot would try proper off roading on something so heavy and huge. I look forward to you proving me wrong

[@LambChopRides]

Haha no it won't be me proving you wrong hehe 👍

[@Bow-to-the-absurd]

This is that silly 'long way round' nonsense taken is its absurd conclusion.

[@williambrown6080]

Can't help but feel, it's as ugly as sin. That hideous rear radar, preload adjuster, naff car headlight etc. Are Ducati the only company who know how to make a good looking bike. It's almost like every other manufacturer has just decided, as long as it works, whocares what it looks like!