June 2020
After the sudden and tragic demise of Fiona, my Kawasaki Versys 1000, I found myself in need of a new ride. I was tempted to just get another Versys 1000—I mean, who wouldn’t want to keep riding the big green beast? But then I remembered a long-standing itch I had to scratch: I’d always wanted a Triumph Tiger. This seemed like the perfect time to finally give in!
I’ve admired the entire Tiger range, from the 800 to the 1050 and the 1200 (OK, fine, it’s technically 1215cc, but let’s not split hairs). So, while I was laid up recovering from my injuries, I did what anyone would do: browsed the internet obsessively for my next bike. I even made a super-sexy Excel spreadsheet with all the possible contenders.
Triumph Tiger Explorer 1200
Then, bam! I stumbled upon a beautiful Triumph Tiger Explorer 1200 with the perfect color, year, mileage, and loaded with accessories—all just down the road from me. After a quick call, I arranged to check it out. Fast forward, and I’m now the proud owner of a Triumph Tiger Explorer 1200, which my kids promptly named Dora (because of course they did).
While I haven’t had much time to ride Dora due to my injuries, I did manage to take her for a short ride home and a couple of 10-minute spins around the block. I have to say, I’m thrilled with her. She reminds me a lot of my old BMW R1200GS, which makes sense since Triumph designed the Explorer as a GS rival. The 1215cc inline-triple engine does carry its weight a bit higher than the BMW, but you only notice that when you’re pushing it around the garage or driveway.
Triumph Tiger Explorer 1200
Of course, the weather in the UK is glorious right now—typical, since I’m not fully recovered and can only manage short rides before the pain kicks in. You can bet that by the time I’m healed, it’ll be snowing!
July 2020
Since I can’t ride Dora much, I’ve been keeping busy (and spending money) online. One of my first purchases was a set of 20mm bar risers from Moto-CNC. Fitting them was a breeze, and the risers themselves are top-notch. But the bolts they provided? Cheap and disappointing. For a quality product, I expected stainless steel, not something that looked like it was sourced from the bargain bin.
Titterstone Clee Hill Summit
August 2020
The Triumph panniers had to go—they made Dora too wide for my comfort. Next up, I turned my attention to the Triumph top box. While it’s a decent-looking piece of kit, it suffers from a reverse TARDIS effect: it looks huge on the outside but barely holds anything inside. So, I started hunting for a replacement.
I usually go straight for Givi cases, but their big ones always look, well… BIG Then I came across a YouTube video featuring the SHAD SH59x, an expandable top case with three different sizes. After more research, I ordered one late on a Sunday, and it arrived early Tuesday morning!
SHAD claims you don’t need a fitting kit because the top case comes with its own mounting plate. Well, after removing the Triumph top case and mount, I discovered the SHAD plate didn’t quite fit—it was about 3 inches over the pillion seat. So, after muttering a few choice words and channeling my inner Delboy’s Garage, I made some “modifications” and got the thing installed. I almost boxed it all back up to return it, but I managed to make it work.
Titterstone Clee Hill Summit
October 2020
One thing that worried me about buying another Triumph was the notoriously poor service and high costs at their dealerships. I’d been burned before by dodgy Triumph dealers, and while my last Triumph was over 15 years ago, I was still wary.
When I owned Betty, my BMW, I discovered the joys of using independent specialists like Mikey Boy at Overland and Classic Motorcycles. So, I started looking for Triumph equivalents, and one name kept popping up: MuddySump.
Turns out, MuddySump is a guy named David, a Triumph-trained, mobile mechanic who comes to you! After sending him a message via Facebook and waiting a few days (he’s a busy guy, apparently always on the road), we finally arranged for him to come and do a 10K service on Dora. He did a fantastic job, and the price was very reasonable. Definitely no regrets!
SHAD SH59x Troubles
One day, while grabbing a sandwich at Greggs, I noticed the button on my SHAD top case wasn’t working. I pressed it, but the handle didn’t pop out. After some finger gymnastics, I managed to get the case open and safely stashed my sandwich. But I also noticed the paint around the button had started flaking off—not what you’d expect from a “high-quality” product that was only four months old and had done less than 1,000 miles.
When I got home, I fired off an email to BikeLuggage.co.uk, complete with photos and a video. They’ve since forwarded my complaint to SHAD’s warranty department, and now I’m just waiting to hear back. (Note: 3 years later and I’d still not heard back from SHAD UK)
SHAD SH59x Expandable Top Box
July 2021
And just like that, my adventures with Dora came to an end! Don’t worry, she didn’t meet the same fate as poor Fiona. But on a whim, I decided to sell Dora and embrace the dark side… I now ride a 2017 BMW R1200GS Rallye.
In the 13 months and 6,374 miles I spent with Dora, she was an absolute joy. I’d buy another Triumph Tiger Explorer in a heartbeat—truly one of the best bikes I’ve ever ridden.
| Accessories | |
|---|---|
| Triumph Panniers | Triumph Top Case |
| Triumph Hand Guards | Triumph Fog Lights |
| Triumph Engine Bars | Triumph Heated Comfort Seat |
| Triumph Heated Grips | Triumph Headlight Cover |
| Triumph Radiator Guard | Garmin Zūmo 590LM |
| Lust Racing Lowering Kit | Rear Wheel Bung |
| R&G Swingarm Protector |
Moto-CNC Bar Risers |
| Pyramid Plastics Extenda Fenda |
SHAD SH59x expandable top box |
| R&G Shock Tube |
Triumph CNC Machined Footrests |
