Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Explorer 2023 vs. Triumph Tiger 1200 Rally PRO 2022

The Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Explorer 2023 and the Triumph Tiger 1200 Rally PRO 2022 are both powerful enduro motorcycles from Triumph. They share many similarities in terms of their technical specifications, including the engine type, bore, stroke, engine power, torque, starter, transmission, cylinders, and displacement. Both bikes are equipped with a 1160cc in-line 3-cylinder engine that produces 150 horsepower and 130 Nm of torque, providing ample power for off-road adventures.

In terms of suspension, both models feature an upside-down telescopic fork at the front and a swing arm with a monoshock at the rear. The front suspension on the Tiger 1200 GT Explorer has a diameter of 49mm and offers 200mm of travel, while the Tiger 1200 Rally PRO has a slightly larger diameter of 49mm and offers 220mm of travel. Both suspensions can be adjusted for compression, preload, and rebound, allowing riders to fine-tune their riding experience.

The chassis of both bikes is made of steel and has a tubular frame design. The Tiger 1200 GT Explorer has a rake of 65.9 degrees and a trail of 120mm, while the Tiger 1200 Rally PRO has a slightly steeper rake of 66.3 degrees and a shorter trail of 112mm. These differences in chassis geometry may result in slight variations in handling characteristics between the two models.

Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Explorer 2023

Braking performance is excellent on both bikes, with double disk brakes at the front and Brembo brand calipers. The Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Explorer has a 19-inch front tire diameter, a 150mm rear tire width, and an 18-inch rear tire diameter. The Tiger 1200 Rally PRO, on the other hand, features a larger 21-inch front tire diameter. Both bikes have a wheelbase of 1560mm.

In terms of rider assistance systems, both models are equipped with advanced features such as hill start assist, electronically adjustable suspension, riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, shift assistant with blipper, cruise control, and traction control. Additionally, both bikes come with Bluetooth connectivity, heated grips, a keyless system, cornering lights, LED daytime running lights, LED headlights, a TFT display, and an adjustable windscreen.

However, there are some notable differences between the two models. The Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Explorer 2023 has a fuel tank capacity of 30 liters, providing a longer range compared to the Tiger 1200 Rally PRO's 20-liter fuel tank. The seat height on the Tiger 1200 GT Explorer is adjustable from 850mm to 870mm, while the Tiger 1200 Rally PRO has a slightly higher seat height that can be adjusted from 875mm to 895mm. The Tiger 1200 GT Explorer also has a higher kerb weight of 255kg compared to the Tiger 1200 Rally PRO's 249kg.

Triumph Tiger 1200 Rally PRO 2022

In terms of strengths, the Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Explorer 2023 is praised for its silky yet powerful engine, semi-active chassis with a wide adjustment range, excellent brakes, comfortable ergonomics, and extensive equipment with many comfort features as standard. On the other hand, the Triumph Tiger 1200 Rally PRO 2022 is commended for its pleasant and relaxed ergonomics, good wind protection, state-of-the-art electronics, extensive equipment, very powerful brakes, finely responsive semi-active chassis, decent range, and quick-shifting quickshifter.

However, both models have their weaknesses. The Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Explorer 2023 is criticized for its limited lean angle clearance, high-frequency vibrations at cruising speed, and slightly sluggish turn-in behavior with standard tires. The Triumph Tiger 1200 Rally PRO 2022 is noted for its engine not running quite cleanly below 3000 revs, underutilization of the large TFT display, load change reactions at low revs, and being very high for short-legged riders.

In conclusion, both the Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Explorer 2023 and the Triumph Tiger 1200 Rally PRO 2022 are capable and well-equipped enduro motorcycles with their own strengths and weaknesses. Riders should consider their specific preferences and requirements to choose the model that best suits their needs.