I've had a 2023 1200 Rally Explorer for almost 1 year (11k miles) and i absolutely love it. I would agree w/ everything you had to say generally except the looks, I have the green w/ spoke wheels and I think its the best looking ADV bike around. Multistrada looks like it's trying way too hard; the Triumph is much more subtle and grown-up looking. 100% the best ADV bike in my opinion (and, yes, I've rode a 1250GS and Multi. Also, no chain maintenance is a HUGE plus over the Multi when you're riding 500+ miles in a week sometimes.
I just picked up the GT Explorer in Lucerne Blue....absolutely love it. I got it in late September, and already have over 2K miles on it. It’s my every day rider, and I am planning a 400 Mile round trip next week fully loaded with luggage(Mine came with the Aluminum Panniers...minus top case)....it’s been cold here in the North East, and the heated grips and seats are a godsend.
First of all, I want to apologize for my english, I'm french and my english is a little bit tired 😅 I want to thank you for the review of this bike, I can feel the smile on your face when you're riding that 1200 Tiger GTExp In france we have to practice 2 years on a 47hp bike from the day we have the license, and in august 2023 I'll have my 2 years of rider ! And I want to buy that 1200 Tiger GT Explorer to travel in France and Europe, and your review made me more confident about my choice ! Thanks a lot ! Ride safe (and sorry for my english 🤣)
I got one of these out the door for 14.1k, GT Pro, 4k miles. Used they don’t appear to hold their value due to people want the BMW. It really good at wind and high speeds, it is very cool to ride as in the temperature which is not something that happens on a lot of other brands. The menu system drives me bonkers it is not intuitive at all but you get used to it. It corners really well, brakes are awesome and the motor pulls so well. It is very comfortable on longer rides too. As you said the low speed balance is just so good. I think this will be a popular choice eventually after the public figures out how good it is
I've had my GT Explorer for more than a Month and agree with most of your comments. I too have had my menu button stick and more than two times in a month. I'd like to see your comments with the large boxes that I got with mine. One other "Con" is the placement of the "Pillion" foot pegs. The one on the left side is just in the way when placing the bike on it's Center Stand. I've only had one passenger so far and she commented about the Boxes being sort of in the way for her legs. She is maybe 5'3". Anyway, thanks for your review.
I have the Rally Pro. Regarding the Sport mode, true you do not need the extra power. However, it also firms up the electronic suspension, and makes it feel very sporty for the curves. I find myself keeping it in Sport for that reason, though if I'm cruising or on a longer trip, I'll put it into Road for a plusher suspension. Also, the menu is very easy and intuitive once you get used to it. One major thing I disagree with for the positives is the heated seat and heated grips. They are quite weak on this bike. I have poor circulation, and cold and numb fingers are a big problem for me. I cannot ride without heated grips on a 60F day. They are much weaker with the Tiger 1200 than on any other bike I have or have ridden.
Chase I just want to say I really like your reviews. I’ve been riding since 2017. We met at the Buford mountain Motorsports and you signed my sedici jacket which I still have lol. I currently have a drz400sm but every time I consider adding another bike to the garage I come to your reviews because you ride such a wide variety of bikes and are very knowledgeable but also relatable. Thanks for what you do!
I have same issue on speed twin with throttle. I don’t notice much now days. Now when I’m trying to ride smooth with wife I literally can’t in sport mode have to put it on road or rain. I don’t we are bumping helmets. Multistrada with that soec would be 29-31k that’s another 8k with triumph having 2500 off and 0% right now too.
And the Ducati Multi (is my dream bike too) 25:48 is $42k and for me this research I’m doing is for a 2nd “pop around bike” 1st seat is an HD Ultra. So my list is down to 3. HD Pan Am, Triumph 1200 & BMW 1300.
Great review. I like the looks of this bike. I have seen this bike for $22k out the door at Byron Powersports in Byron, GA. Plan on getting one next August after I pay my truck off...love this bike!
Thank you for the great review. One thing you could have throw in the comparison between the Tiger and the Multistrada is the valve adjustment schedule, much better on the Ducati.
Thank you for pointing out the cons on this motorcycle. Very decent review. Also not a fan of the Dashbooard User Interface as well and how they flash back and forth with the time/wrench or other things. And there is no odometer shown on the default screen which is really silly....just not alot of info shown on that generous screen size. I don't want to have to bring up the odometer every time I power cycle the bike.
just a correction, if it has programmable modes, rain, road, sport I'm sure the throttle it's not cable actuated, but done by a pot meter. If with cable you would oppen the butterfly valves there would be no adjustment to modes
I’m in the “predicament” of just about put a down payment on a new tourer or ADV. That one that my heart has fallen for hard is the 2024 (yes I’m from the future” Tiger 900 Rally Pro. But as a 2023 1200 is the same price with only a few miles on it… I’m still thinking brand spanking new 900 though Regarding the height of the 1200… not a problem for the ones with a 30-31 inseam as the dealer can adjust the height of the bike And there is always a low seat option for Triumphs. And… in Sweden the price for the Multistrada V4 with the same spec as the Triumph that you have ridden is WAY higher. So high I will not even think of trying one out. Cheers
I think the engine braking feature is that “anti-stall” on the bike. My speed triple 1200rs does that. It actually gives it gas to keep it from stalling. So even with closed throttle it decides to give a little throttle. 🤷♂️. I’d imagine they have the same feature. It’s weird but less so knowing what’s happening.
I would be interested in this bike but, the price is pretty up there. I’m currently looking at the new Ktm 890 adv r bike considering I’m technically still a beginner and $15,000 is a bit more of an approachable price tag
I don't love the looks of the new Tigers. The 1200 is better than the 900, but I really love the previous gen 1200 Desert and Alpine editions. Sweet bikes though anyway. Cheers from Canada.
The BMW is nice, but it feels too much like an appliance. The Tiger has a ton of soul and character! Lots of front end feel and feels better when you ride sporty. The BMW would be better if you want the smoothest ride and lots of low down torque
I have had a Versys 1000 SE during 1 1/2 year, 5000 miles. Coming from a Tiger 800 XCA. Stock seat was getting very uncomfortable after 1 hr drive. I replaced the stock winshield by a large Puig one: I would get either a lot of side noise on the helmet, either strong buffeting, according to the position of the windshield. Which could be adjusted only by stepping out of the bike. Engine was very nice, above 5000 rpm it’s😂 fantastic, smooth and sleek under, not noisy, enabling to cruise a low speed on 6th at 2 in town driving. Very easy to pilot. No heated seat available. Not the same machines at all compared to a Tiger. Versys is a transportation mean, not a fun machine.
Hey guys, who’s in L.A area with bikes like this, let’s meetup and ride? My sport bike friends left me alone after i bought this Tiger. 😂😂😂😂 I need new friends LOL
