Triumph Tiger Explorer - 2012 Specifications and Reviews

The 2012 Triumph Tiger Explorer is a versatile adventure-tourer designed for riders seeking long-distance capability with genuine off-road potential. Its 1215cc three-cylinder engine delivers 137 horsepower and responsive mid-range torque, making it equally at home on highways and challenging terrain. Best known for balancing comfort, performance and affordability in the adventure-touring class.

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General information

CategoryAllround
Year2012
ModelTriumph Tiger Explorer

Engine and Transmission Specifications

Exhaust systemStainless steel 3 into 1 . side mounted stainless steel silencer
ClutchWet. multi-plate
Transmission type,final driveShaft drive (cardan)
Gearbox6-speed
Cooling systemLiquid
IgnitionDigital-inductive type via engine management system
Fuel controlDOHC
Fuel systemInjection. Drive by wire. fuel injection
Valves per cylinder4
Bore x stroke85.0 x 85.0 mm (3.3 x 3.3 inches)
Compression12.0:1
Torque121.00 Nm (12.3 kgf-m or 89.2 ft.lbs) @ 6400
Power137.00
Engine typeIn-line three, four-stroke
Capacity:1215.00 ccm (74.14 cubic inches)
 
 

Brakes, suspension, Frame and wheels

WheelsCast aluminium alloy 10-spoke
Rear brakes diameter282 mm (11.1 inches)
Rear brakesSingle disc. Switchable ABS
Front brakes diameter305 mm (12.0 inches)
Front brakesDouble disc. Switchable ABS
Rear tyre dimensions150/70-17
Front tyre dimensions110/80-19
Rear suspensionKayaba monoshock with remote oil reservoir, hydraulically adjustable preload, rebound damping adjustment, 194mm rear wheel travel
Front suspensionKayaba 46mm upside down forks, 190mm travel
Rake (fork angle)23.9°
Frame typeTubular steel trellis frame

Physical measures and capacities

Oil capacity4.00 litres (0.26 quarts)
Fuel capacity20.00 litres (5.28 gallons)
Wheelbase1,530 mm (60.2 inches)
Overall width962 mm (37.9 inches)
Overall length2,248 mm (88.5 inches)
Overall height1,410 mm (55.5 inches)
Seat height837 mm (33.0 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting.
Weight incl. oil, gas, etc259.0 kg (571.0 pounds)

Other specs

MaintenanceFind parts, fluids, filters, maintenance tools and service items on eBay
Color optionsPhantom Black. Crystal White
InstrumentsLCD instrument pack with digital speedometer, analogue tachometer, gear position indicator, fuel gauge, range to empty, service indicator, clock, air temperature, frost warning, hazard warning lights, trip computer, Tyre pressure monitoring system
StarterElectric

Performance Profile & Rider Fit

137 hp
Peak Power
3.6s
0-60 mph

Best For

Track45%
City55%
Cornering62%
Daily Riding75%
Touring92%
Passenger85%

Rider Profile

Best ForThis is best suited to intermediate and experienced riders comfortable managing a tall, heavy adventure-tourer with strong midrange power.
PurposeBuilt primarily as a long-distance, shaft-driven adventure tourer that prioritizes comfort and highway capability over technical off-road prowess.
Rider FitAt around 259 kg wet and an 837-857 mm seat height, shorter or lighter riders may find low-speed maneuvering and U-turns demanding.
CharacterA refined, torquey triple-powered tourer that feels smooth and confident eating up highway miles with a premium, feature-rich cockpit.
Not Ideal ForNot ideal for riders seeking a light, nimble off-road machine or a track-focused sportbike experience.

Character map is an editorial estimate based on this bike's specifications, not a lab-tested measurement.

Rider Fit Visualizer

2012 Triumph Tiger Explorer Rider Ergonomics Assessment

Calculated in your browser only - your height/inseam are never sent to our servers.

Feet:

At 837mm, a rider of 175cm with a 79cm (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with balls of both feet on the 2012 Triumph Tiger Explorer, with a relaxed knee angle of around 135 degrees and a forward-leaning riding position.

Data quality: measured. Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated (a typical street-bike rule of thumb - stiffer or softer suspension will vary). This is an approximation from category-typical geometry and generic body proportions, not a measurement of this specific bike or you - sit on it before you buy.

Find bikes that fit your height →

⚠ Safety Recalls (3)

STRUCTURE:MOTORCYCLE:KICKSTAND/CENTER STAND Dec 2014 · 14V765000

Triumph Motorcycles America, LTD (Triumph) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Explorer motorcycles manufactured November 1, 2011, to June 1, 2014. The side stand pivot bolt may fracture.

Risk: If the side stand pivot bolt fractures, the motorcycle may fall when parked on the side stand, increasing the risk of injury to someone nearby.

Remedy: Triumph will notify owners, and dealers will replace the side stand pivot bolt and lock nut, free of charge. The recall began January 5, 2015. Owners may contact Triumph customer service at 1-678-854-2010. Triumph's number for this recall is SB518.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM Jan 2014 · 14V009000

Triumph Motorcycles America, LTD (Triumph) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Tiger Explorer ABS A1 and 2013-2014 Tiger Explorer Spoke ABS XC A1 and Trophy SE A1 motorcycles manufactured November 17, 2011, through December 16, 2013. In the affected motorcycles, the electronic control unit (ECU) hardware and software may improperly detect the motorcyle's throttle position resulting in the motorcycle shutting down.

Risk: An unexpected shutdown increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Triumph will notify owners, and dealers will update and install new ECU hardware and software, free of charge. The recall began on January 24, 2014. Customers may contact Triumph at 1-678-854-2010.

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS May 2013 · 13V180000

Triumph Motorcycles America, Ltd. is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Explorer and Explorer XC motorcycles. The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating data on the certification Label is incorrect. Thus, the motorcycles fail to comply with the requirements of Part 567, "Certification."

Risk: The incorrect label could cause the operator to overload the motorcycle which may result in handling issues and/or tire failure, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Triumph will notify owners and replace the labels with corrected GVWR data, free of charge. The recall began on April 30, 2013. Owners may contact Triumph at 1-678-854-2010 for more information.

Source: NHTSA. View all Triumph recalls →

Rider Reviews

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