2016–2017 · Adventure · Buyer's Guide
Tiger Explorer XRx (MY2016)
Triple Engine, Fully Loaded
The Machine's Character
The 2016–2017 Tiger Explorer XRx is Triumph's big adventure tourer in its most complete form, and the 1215 cc inline-three is its heart. It makes 137 hp and 91 lb-ft and sends that through a six-speed box and a shaft. It pulls hard from low revs and has a real triple character, which gives this big bike its personality. That engine sits in a steel trellis frame with an upside-down fork and semi-active electronic suspension. Cornering ABS, traction control, ride modes, cruise control and an electrically adjustable screen all come standard. This is a fully equipped long-distance machine, not a stripped-back dirt tool.
It rides like a heavy, well-sorted machine should. It is calm and planted at speed and has more lean clearance than you'd expect from something this big, and the adjustable suspension lets you set it up for riding solo or fully loaded. Routine maintenance is straightforward, and the shaft keeps chain chores off your list. Check the history before you buy. Some owners report the gearbox jumping out of second under load, and the caliper pins need regular cleaning. At 578 lb (262 kg) wet with 7.5 in (190 mm) of front travel, this is a tourer that tolerates gravel. It is not a trail bike.
Hard Numbers
Spec sheets don't ride bikes, but they set the baseline.
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| Power | 137 hp (102 kW) |
|---|---|
| Torque | 91 lb-ft (123 Nm) |
| Displacement | 1215 cc |
| Engine | Inline-three |
| Cooling | Liquid-cooled |
| Gearbox | 6-speed |
| Final drive | Shaft |
| Fork | Upside-down (USD) |
| Front brake | 305 mm |
| Front tire | 120/70-19 |
| Rear tire | 170/60-17 |
| Front travel | 7.5 in (190 mm) |
| Rear travel | 7.6 in (193 mm) |
| Seat height | 33.0 in (837 mm) |
| Wet weight | 578 lb (262 kg) |
| Fuel capacity | 5.3 gal (20 L) |
| Fuel economy | 44 mpg (US) |
Equipment check
Chassis
- Electronic Suspension Standard
- Front Suspension Adjustable Standard
- Rear Suspension Adjustable Standard
- Cruise Control Standard
Comfort
- Heated Grips Standard
- Luggage System Optional
Connectivity
- Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) Optional
Safety
- ABS Standard
- Cornering ABS Standard
- Traction Control Standard
- Ride Modes Triumph Ride-by-Wire Throttle Maps Selectable ride modesRefined throttle response Standard
Known issues
-
Gearbox jumping out of 2nd gear under load
Some owners report the gearbox skipping 2nd gear and going into neutral, or jumping out of 2nd under acceleration. The issue may be related to inadequate hardening of selector shaft components. Can progress to more severe gearbox damage if not addressed.
-
Brake caliper pin corrosion
Caliper pins can seize due to corrosion, leading to uneven pad wear or reduced braking efficiency; regular cleaning and lubrication are recommended.
The Numbers Compared
Compare the technical specifications of the Triumph Tiger Explorer XRx with other bikes in its class.
Head-to-head: Triumph Tiger Explorer XRx vs. its rivals
Power
Torque
Displacement
Wet weight
Seat height
Alternatives to the Triumph Tiger Explorer XRx
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Any price note compares both bikes at the same age — the youngest age both have on the used market — against this Triumph Tiger Explorer XRx. “cheaper/pricier” is what that bike costs second-hand, not how worn it is.
