New MCN February 29: Triumph Explorer 1200 first ride

By Liam Marsden

Updated: 20 November 2014

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In this week’s issue of MCN, on sale Wednesday February 29, we have the world first ride of the all-new Triumph Explorer 1200.

Using an all-new 1215cc three-cylinder engine, Triumph hope the new bike will knock the BMW R1200GS from the top of the adventure class.

Also in this week’s MCN we test the new KTM Duke 690 against the Yamaha MT-03 and Ducat Monster 696 and have all the news and gossip from the first round of WSB at Phillip Island.

Plus, we have a free Silverstone 2012 supplement!

Don’t miss out, subscribe to MCN from only £1 per week.

What you’ll find in the February 29 issue of Motorcycle News:

Triumph Explorer 1200 first ride
Triumph is making no bones about gunning for BMW’s best-selling R1200GS – its new Explorer 1200 is aimed squarely at giving the BMW a bloody nose. And in every possible way, except for off-road ability and image, the Triumph is dynamically the better bike, and in some cases by a long way.

Triumph Explorer 1200 in detail
Every single component on the new Triumph 1200 Explorer is new. MCN details every part of the bike from the sculpting of the seat to the new 1215cc three-cylinder engine.

Does KTM’s new Duke 690 rule the roost?
The new KTM 690 Duke is the most powerful single-cylinder bike on the market. But can it compete with the Yamaha MT-03 and Ducati Monster 696?

Affordable adventure bikes
This week sees the launch of the new Triumph Explorer 1200, but there are plenty of two-wheeled globetrotters – some under £2000 – for sale at www.mcnbikesforsale.com

Full speed ahead in Moto3
MotoGP 125cc two-strokes singles are dead, long live Moto3 – because it promises to be something special.

Sykes hangs his critics out to dry with Phillip Island podium
After months of having to bite his tongue, Tom Sykes answered critics who claim he and the Kawasaki are only fast in the wet by delivering an accomplished weekend performance at WSB’s Phillip Island season opener.

Free Silverstone 2012 supplement
There’s a real buzz about all the major motorcycle racing events at Silverstone and we’re delighted to have this opportunity to showcase their MotoGP, WSB and BSB race weekends in this supplement.

By Liam Marsden

Former MCN Web Producer