The famed Hinckley-based brand first got its ball rolling when it introduced the fully revamped Triumph Bonneville range towards the end of October, followed by the refreshed Speed Triple model just weeks before EICMA 2015 opened its doors.
Now, the firm is strengthening itself further for 2016 after it introduced the refreshed range-topping Triumph Explorer model for 2016. This mid-life refresher sees the flagship dual-sport gaining with a series of new kit and features, with much of the updates mirroring what Triumph did with the smaller Tiger 800 range last year indeed.
For 2016, the Triumph Tiger Explorer will be available in six variants altogether – XC, XCx, XCa, XR, XRx and XRt. The range is separated simply by the fact that the XR range is optimised more for road and street whilst the XC line-up boasts more off-road optimisation instead.
All six models share the same 1,215cc inline three-cylinder 12-valve powerplant; all of which standing rather unique in the class thanks largely to the cylinder configuration it boasts, along with the shaft-drive layout as well. The looming Euro4 legislation prompted Triumph to update the Explorer’s engine in order for it to be compliant in two fronts of said legislation: emissions and noise.
Triumph remains rather coy about the mechanical changes, but sources online report that the powertrain has received a completely new exhaust system accompanied by a larger new catalytic converter, ride-by-wire software, as well as a hike in both power and torque figures too.
Like the smaller Tiger 800 range that was updated for 2015, the 2016 Tiger Explorer gains with a host of tech upgrades aimed at improved stability and control. These include Triumph’s first ever semi-active suspension primed in all but the two base XR and XC variants, followed by other features such as cornering ABS and traction control, four selectable pre-set rider modes available plus an additional fifth riding mode which riders can tailor to their own settings.
Also updated is the ABS system with entry-level models offering switchable ABS and traction control whilst the remaining four models gaining further with the aforementioned advanced cornering ABS and traction control suites. These four models are also further primed with an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), which uses an array of sensors to measure five axes of movement: including lean angle, acceleration and deceleration ensuring the traction control and ABS suites are at their most optimal level of performance. There is also the option of a Hill Hold Control (HHC) feature that electronically holds the brakes on to stabilise the bike during hill start.
Other notable changes here include a mild exterior styling revamp, the presence of heated grips and seat, an adjustable windscreen, plus a rich choice of luggage as well. Overall, Triumph have indeed granted its flagship dual-sport adventure bike with a much more complete package for 2016, allowing it to stack up well against new and improved rivals such as the new Ducati Multistrada Enduro.
Sources: Asphaltandrubber / Visordown / MCN
According to BMW, the helmets that are affected by the recall have the reference ‘059241/P’ printed the chin-strap label.
It is said that the involved helmets will be exchanged irrespective of age. The German manufacturer said that owners can return their helmets to the nearest authorised BMW dealers, who will exchange them for a product of equal value.
The firm said that there was no safety risk to users’ but the helmets ‘do not fully meet the approval test requirements according to the European standard UNECE [Regulation] 22.05’.
According to the Department for Transport, UK law requires motorcycle helmets to either meet UNECE Regulation 22.05 or British Standard BS 6658:1985 or ‘a European Economic Area member standard offering at least the same safety and protection’.
BMW said no other helmet models were affected.
For 2016, the Aprilia RSV4 will feature several minor but essential enhancements over the model it replaces.
Firstly, the 2016 Aprilia RSV4 RF gains with new ‘Superpole’ graphics to enhance its looks further. Crucially though, the 2016 model now gains with a revised rear suspension setup, which Aprilia claims to be ‘more effective’.
Giving it a better tech edge, Aprilia have also updated the 2016 model’s electronics where it will include its V4-MP system. The new suite is in fact a full-blown telemetry system with smartphone connectivity, with the level of detail available for change covering all the way down to setting individual parameters for each corner or section of a track.
However, should the road-going RSV4 line not tickle your fancy for not being track-focused, then enter the newly introduced Aprilia Factory Works program. Essentially, the program sees Aprilia offering to produce RSV4 R-FWs that are optimized for track performance, or in accordance with the superbike and superstock regulations of race series across the world.
It is open to full time racers and teams, as well as members of the public alike who have race team-like budgets. Factory Works bikes gain with special chassis preparations, electronics packages and engine tunes to suit whatever class they’re competing in, right up to a top-level of tune exceeding 230hp.
The biggest change for 2016 is the addition of a new six-speed gear box, which will be replacing the outgoing five-speed transmission. Complementing the new gearbox is a new A&S slipper clutch, similar to the one that is fitted on the R1 to be exact, which promises to offer better riding dynamics.
The bike also gets a new instrument cluster which looks slightly more modern and sophisticated compared to the current unit.
In terms of cosmetics, Yamaha is now offering two new Matt and Silver paint schemes, a reshaped tail unit, as well as LED headlights and tail lights with adaptive cornering feature.
According to Yamaha, how the adaptive cornering lights work is that three aditional LEDs that are added above the left and right main headlights come on as the bike corners to help illuminate turns, using an inertial measurement unit to detect lean angle.
Unveiled yesterday at the Motorcycle Live show in Birmingham, UK, is expected to go on sale next year. However, Yamaha has not revealed any details on its pricing yet.
