Triumph Tiger Explorer 2012 vs. BMW R 1250 GS 2021

Triumph Tiger Explorer 2012

Triumph Tiger Explorer 2012

BMW R 1250 GS 2021

BMW R 1250 GS 2021

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Overview - Triumph Tiger Explorer 2012 vs BMW R 1250 GS 2021

When comparing the Triumph Tiger Explorer 2012 and the BMW R 1250 GS 2021, it is important to consider their technical specifications and strengths and weaknesses.

In terms of engine and drive train, the Triumph Tiger Explorer 2012 features an in-line engine with a bore of 85 mm and a stroke of 71.4 mm. It has a power output of 137 HP and a torque of 121 Nm. The transmission is a prop shaft, and it has three cylinders with a displacement of 1215 ccm. On the other hand, the BMW R 1250 GS 2021 has a boxer engine with a larger bore of 102.5 mm and stroke of 76 mm. It has a slightly lower power output of 136 HP but a higher torque of 143 Nm. The transmission is also a prop shaft, but it has only two cylinders with a displacement of 1254 ccm.

In terms of suspension, both motorcycles have front suspension with preload adjustment. However, the Triumph Tiger Explorer 2012 has a telescopic fork, while the BMW R 1250 GS 2021 features a telelever front suspension. The BMW also has rear suspension with preload and rebound adjustment, providing more customization options.

Triumph Tiger Explorer 2012

Triumph Tiger Explorer 2012

In terms of chassis, both motorcycles have a steel frame. The Triumph Tiger Explorer 2012 has a tubular frame, while the BMW R 1250 GS 2021 has a load-bearing engine frame type.

When it comes to brakes, both motorcycles have double disk brakes at the front. The Triumph Tiger Explorer 2012 does not have any additional assistance systems, while the BMW R 1250 GS 2021 offers advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS, anti-slipping control, hill start assist, riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, and traction control. This provides the BMW with additional safety features and improved control.

In terms of dimensions and weights, both motorcycles have a front tire diameter of 19 inches and a rear tire diameter of 17 inches. The Triumph Tiger Explorer 2012 has a rear tire width of 150 mm, while the BMW R 1250 GS 2021 has a wider rear tire width of 170 mm. The wheelbase of the Triumph is slightly longer at 1530 mm compared to the BMW's 1525 mm. Both motorcycles have a seat height of 850 mm. The Triumph Tiger Explorer 2012 is heavier with a kerb weight of 259 kg, while the BMW R 1250 GS 2021 is lighter at 249 kg. Both motorcycles have a fuel tank capacity of 20 liters.

BMW R 1250 GS 2021

BMW R 1250 GS 2021

In terms of strengths, the Triumph Tiger Explorer 2012 offers optimal wind protection, a pleasant seating position, a comfortable saddle, and a superior engine. On the other hand, the BMW R 1250 GS 2021 provides great ride comfort and great ergonomics, a powerful engine, a great connectivity app, an easy-to-read display, a confident feel in the saddle, practical riding aids, and a versatile chassis that accommodates every route. The BMW is also described as easy to ride.

In terms of weaknesses, the Triumph Tiger Explorer 2012 is criticized for its high weight, nervous traction point, and relatively weak braking system. The BMW R 1250 GS 2021, on the other hand, is described as having a rough overall appearance and somewhat clumsy gearshifts at low revs.

Overall, both the Triumph Tiger Explorer 2012 and the BMW R 1250 GS 2021 have their own unique strengths and weaknesses. The Triumph offers a comfortable and powerful ride, while the BMW provides a more modern and versatile riding experience with advanced rider assistance systems.

Technical Specifications Triumph Tiger Explorer 2012 compared to BMW R 1250 GS 2021

Triumph Tiger Explorer 2012
BMW R 1250 GS 2021

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeIn lineEngine typeBoxer
BoreBore85 mmBore102.5 mm
StrokeStroke71.4 mmStroke76 mm
Engine powerEngine power137 HPEngine power136 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power9,300 rpmRpm at Max. Power7,750 rpm
TorqueTorque121 NmTorque143 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque7,850 rpmRpm at Torque6,250 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio12 Compression Ratio12.5
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeAntihopping
TransmissionTransmissionProp shaftTransmissionProp shaft
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders3Cylinders2
Valves per cylinderValves per cylinder4Valves per cylinder4
ValvesValvesDOHCValvesDOHC
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingliquid-air
DisplacementDisplacement1,215 ccmDisplacement1,254 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionTelescopic forkFront suspensionTelelever
AdjustmentAdjustmentPreloadAdjustmentPreload

Suspension Rear

AdjustmentAdjustmentPreloadAdjustmentPreload, Rebound

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameSteel
Frame typeFrame typeTubularFrame typeLoad-bearing engine

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
PistonPistonDouble pistonPistonDouble piston
Shock mountShock mountFloating caliperShock mountFloating caliper

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsTraction controlAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Anti-slipping control, Hill start assist, Riding modes, Cornering ABS, Ride by Wire, Traction control

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre widthFront tyre width110 mmFront tyre width120 mm
Front tyre heightFront tyre height80 %Front tyre height70 %
Front tyre diameterFront tyre diameter19 inchFront tyre diameter19 inch
Rear tyre widthRear tyre width150 mmRear tyre width170 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height70 %Rear tyre height60 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
LengthLength22,482,110 mmLength2,207 mm
WidthWidth885 mmWidth952.5 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,530 mmWheelbase1,525 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height850 mmSeat Height850 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)259 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)249 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity20 lFuel Tank Capacity20 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

Triumph Tiger Explorer 2012

Triumph Tiger Explorer 2012

The Tiger Explorer could also come from Bavaria. Only with cast wheels instead of wire spokes do the English go their "own way", which is clearly more over asphalt than over gravel. Apart from that, it has to be said that the engine is convincing, the brakes less so.

Optimal wind protection

pleasant seating position

comfortable saddle

superior engine.

High weight

nervous traction point

relatively weak braking system.

BMW R 1250 GS 2021

BMW R 1250 GS 2021

The GS also impressed us with its versatility during the test in November 2021. We rode the bike on a wide variety of terrain and were once again very satisfied. The motorbike convinces in every situation with its easy handling and practicality. On the other hand, it can also be ridden delightfully irrationally.

Great ride comfort and great ergonomics

Powerful engine

Great connectivity app

Easy-to-read display

Confident feel in the saddle

Practical riding aids

Versatile chassis accommodates every route

Easy to ride

Rough overall appearance

gearshifts at low revs somewhat clumsy

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price Triumph Tiger Explorer vs BMW R 1250 GS

There are a few key differences between a Triumph Tiger Explorer 2012 and a BMW R 1250 GS 2021. In terms of price, the actual average price of a BMW R 1250 GS 2021 is about 141% higher. Compared to BMW R 1250 GS 2021 there are less Triumph Tiger Explorer 2012 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 8 compared to 66. It takes less time to sell a BMW R 1250 GS with 55 days compared to 56 days for the Triumph Tiger Explorer. Since model year 2012 1000PS.de editors have written 14 reviews for the Triumph Tiger Explorer and 50 reviews for the BMW R 1250 GS since model year 2019. The first review for the Triumph Tiger Explorer was published on 23/10/2011 and now has more than 13,600 views. This compares to more than 305,600 views for the first review on BMW R 1250 GS published on 19/09/2018.

Price Triumph Tiger Explorer

Model year
Current average market prices

Price BMW R 1250 GS

Model year
Current average market prices

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