Author Topic: Exploring the new Explorer- Official launch report (Read 3984 times)

letsgofishing · « **Reply #20 on:** May 17, 2012, 07:45:48 am »

Well written, objective report MJ!
If the tank is only 20 L, what makes it so incredibly wide?

Kaboef · « **Reply #21 on:** May 17, 2012, 09:42:46 am »

Quote from: letsgofishing on May 17, 2012, 07:45:48 am

If the tank is only 20 L, what makes it so incredibly wide?

Its not a tank, it's an airbrake.

paule · « **Reply #22 on:** May 17, 2012, 10:05:41 am »

Givr this man a Bell's

King Louis · « **Reply #23 on:** May 17, 2012, 10:37:12 am »

Great write up MJ, thanks....

I took her for a spin and was impressed. I compare her to the GSA and not the GS. The Explorer feels lighter, is faster, easy to move around. Wind protection: not there, I am 1.95 and the Explorer (had the one with the extended screen) does not come close to the GSA. the GSA feels more solid. Agree that the continuous re-setting if you go on gravel is irritating. Have not checked, if the tyre pressure guage also kicks in if you lower the pressure for off-road riding, find that flashing light and the warning triangle on the GSA pretty irritating. The new tyre valve angle is great, no need to fiddle around any more, I like.

Still have to try out the new GSA and the Honda X-Tourer to compare. Nice to have various choices.

YamaV · « **Reply #24 on:** May 17, 2012, 11:14:08 am »

Nice read, good review, thanks MJ

Buddy · « **Reply #25 on:** May 17, 2012, 11:24:00 am »

Good one! I'm impressed, you obviously went to a lot of trouble and thought.

Captain Zef · « **Reply #26 on:** May 17, 2012, 11:51:09 am »

My new dream bike in the big DS class.

RobC · « **Reply #27 on:** May 17, 2012, 12:03:12 pm »

Loved the report, like the bike too

but for one thing.
Why have that seat!

Stepped seats are very uncomfortable when 2 up I have found, either the pillion sits too far back or ends up wedged halfway between? Not very comfortable for them at all.
Or even worse they slip down onto the driver seat as well... need I explain the discomfort then?

C-bass · « **Reply #28 on:** May 17, 2012, 12:18:08 pm »

WOW!!Seems like a real competitor that's unleashed!
Thanks for the well written info!

BryanOC6 · « **Reply #29 on:** May 17, 2012, 12:54:10 pm »

I feel like test riding an Explorer right now!! Boss will be back now now

Thanks MJ great write up !

michnus · « **Reply #30 on:** May 17, 2012, 01:14:36 pm »

Did they give any pricing for the bike?

Also what is the pricing for the panniers and kit? They mentioned you can replace the panels on the panniers when damaged which is really cool.

King Louis · « **Reply #31 on:** May 17, 2012, 01:44:32 pm »

R 144,500 base model, to kit it out ? up to you but another 30-40K to get close to the GSA

Metaljockey · « **Reply #32 on:** May 17, 2012, 02:09:41 pm »

Quote from: michnus on May 17, 2012, 01:14:36 pm

Did they give any pricing for the bike?

Also what is the pricing for the panniers and kit? They mentioned you can replace the panels on the panniers when damaged which is really cool.

The base price for the bike is right at R144 500.

The price on the panniers is in the region of R7400. And you are right, no more replacing a pannier when you damage it, the individual panels are seperately replace-able.

Here is a pic.

Trippple XC · « **Reply #33 on:** May 17, 2012, 02:24:07 pm »

My next ride in two years when i replace the 800xc,great write up

Metaljockey · « **Reply #34 on:** May 17, 2012, 02:45:40 pm »

Quote from: Karel Kat on May 16, 2012, 07:28:46 pm

Would also like to know what your pick will be if you have to choose between the big BMW, the Honda, the Yammie and the Triumph - even the Versys 1000 - or if you think the KTM990 is enough of a tourer to get the nod.

I would have loved to give you an informed opinion on all those, the problem is that I have not ridden alll those with the view to give them a proper review.
I personally was very interested in the Honda for instance. But they did not see fit to invite the Wilddogs to a launch.
Which is sort of stupid if you ask me.

- Wilddogs have over 10 000 members, and that is just the ones bothering to register. It is an open forum that can be accessed by anyone.

- Wilddogs is the single biggest motorcycle forum in Africa.

- Wilddogs have anything in the region of 1.8mil to 2mil page views per month.

- The average Wilddog is already on a Dual Purpose bike, meaning they can afford a DS bike and a computer.

- Every Wilddog is already interested and involved in the DS market. How much more focused a target group can you get?

- Our bike reviews are not published this month and gone the next like a hardcopy magazine. It stays on the forum and will be used for research from now on for months and years to come. Our Super Ten review is still getting hits and I know for a fact that review was viewed worldwide. Google this url http://www.wilddog.za.net/forum/index.php?topic=50530.0 and see how widely it was read.

- Magazine circulation numbers tell you nothing about how many readers were buying it for your launch article. Our hits are all people directly interested in the Explorer. The people you want to reach.

So, ja. I would have loved to give you an in depth review of the Honda, but we were not invited.

michnus · « **Reply #35 on:** May 17, 2012, 02:54:03 pm »

Jeez R7k for panniers is really good value for money!

Maybe BMW, KTM and Honda would one day see the error of their ways.

This is really a good looking bike. Did Arnold say anything about dealerships and if they will open more in future? He said at one stage they are selling every 800 they can get their hands on.

Metaljockey · « **Reply #36 on:** May 17, 2012, 03:04:36 pm »

Quote from: letsgofishing on May 17, 2012, 07:45:48 am

Well written, objective report MJ!
If the tank is only 20 L, what makes it so incredibly wide?

It is a sort of protective cover. There is some tank in there, but it is difficult to see because Triumph, unlike everybody else, went through the trouble of covering all open panel pieces. They call it Infill Panels.

Metaljockey · « **Reply #37 on:** May 17, 2012, 03:08:24 pm »

Quote from: King Louis on May 17, 2012, 10:37:12 am

Great write up MJ, thanks....

Have not checked, if the tyre pressure guage also kicks in if you lower the pressure for off-road riding, find that flashing light and the warning triangle on the GSA pretty irritating. The new tyre valve angle is great, no need to fiddle around any more, I like.

I checked, the pressure gauge alarm value is fixed, you cannot adjust it, so you are sitting in basically the same boat there.

And yes, that tyre valve angle is the way every bike should have been.

Bundu · « **Reply #38 on:** May 17, 2012, 03:20:36 pm »

I have test ridden the Honda and the Triumph and oddly enough the Honda felt more powerful, but I liked the Triumph more - maybe the Triumphs power has been limited in the lower gears, similar to the Yamaha

Adventurer · « **Reply #39 on:** May 17, 2012, 05:39:25 pm »

I must admit, I was quite miff when I was told I am not doing the launch, but perhaps it was a good thing, I now have a full house Explorer for a week, got it yesterday, am really enjoying it. The one I have is full house, heated grips and seats, touring screen.....am going for a fair ride this weekend.