Friday, May 3, 2013
The 2013 Triumph Trophy
In the 2012 Triumph Trophy model year, Triumph released a machine that would go head-to-head with the BMW R 1200 GS, the manufacturer from Hinkley releasing the Tiger Explorer. Powered by a 1215cc inline three, the Explorer quickly became the largest displacement Adventure bike on the market, beating the BMW R 1200 GS by a few ccs.
The liquid-cooled, 12-valve DOHC engine features ride-by-wire electronics, and produces 132 horsepower @ 8900 rpm (for comparison, BMW’s K 1600 GT & GTL produce 160 horsepower), and 89 ft. lbs. of torque @ 6450 rpm.
For 2013 models, Triumph seems to be once again going head-to-head with the Bavarian manufacturer, but this time in the luxury sport touring class. Triumph’s latest model, the Trophy, seems to be directed at BMW’s uber-luxurious and powerful sport tourers, the K 1600 GT and the K 1600 GTL.
The liquid-cooled, 12-valve DOHC engine features ride-by-wire electronics, and produces 132 horsepower @ 8900 rpm (for comparison, BMW’s K 1600 GT & GTL produce 160 horsepower), and 89 ft. lbs. of torque @ 6450 rpm.
To reach comfortable riding the 2013 Triumph Trophy is built on an aluminum twin-spar frame, with a single-sided cast aluminum alloy swingarm. Taking care of suspension up front are WP 43mm upside down forks with manually adjustable rebound damping, and 130mm travel. The SE model also features WP 43mm upside down forks, but with electronically adjustable rebound damping (sport/normal/comfort) and 127mm travel.
The Triumph Trophy rolls on cast-aluminum, five spoke wheels (17 X 3.5-inch front, 17 X 6-inch wheel), helping to keep the overall wet weight around 662 lbs. Stopping the machine are twin 320mm floating disk brakes squeezed by Nissin four-piston calipers, and a single 282mm disc out back squeezed by a two-piston sliding caliper. The Triumph Trophy and Trophy SE both feature linked ABS, which is non-switchable (linked means front brakes are partially activated by the rear brake).
