Weight TTSE vs TEX

[Donk]

Was looking at the specs for the '17 Explorer.  The listed dry weight is 550lbs.  The listed wet weight of the TTSE is 300kg/660lbs, that's including 6 plus gallons of gas and I would guess it includes the panniers as they are included on the bike.  So if you take the TEX at 550 dry and add 40lbs for the 5 gallons of gas plus the weight of a set of panniers there really isn't much difference in weight.  Why does everyone say the TEX is so much lighter?  I can't believe the CG is that much lower?   

[cropbiker]

the CoG felt much higher when I had one as a loan bike

[Stelyn]

Originally Posted by cropbiker

the CoG felt much higher when I had one as a loan bike

I agree, I owned one for 18 months, CoG  felt higher, especially with a `full tank',   my TTSE,  imo
handles better in tight turns and is  better balanced,  albeit still a heavy Bike....

[RedMerle]

Having owned an Explorer for coming up to 4 years and having test ridden the Trophy, the more striking difference than weight has to be bulk, especially the width of the saddle and the beam frame underneath the saddle.

Getting back on the Explorer, it was this compactness (rather than the weight - the Explorer is still a very heavy bike) that made it feel that made it feel so much more controllable at low speed.

No criticism of the Trophy intended, it was just not for me

[thumper]

I have both an Explorer (2013) and a TTSE in my garage.   

The TTSE carries its weight much higher.   The Explorer's handlebars are both higher and wider, providing better leverage.    The TTSE carries its battery at the top of the fairing, on the right side.    The Explorer's battery is under the seat, in a neutral location (as the bike flicks from side to side.)    The TTSE has wider tires, which are a little more resistant to turning.     The Explorer weighs much less, and therefore accelerates much harder.   

Although the two bikes share the same engine and drivetrain, they have their own distinctive personalities and characteristics.     

[RedMerle]

Originally Posted by thumper

    The TTSE has wider tires, which are a little more resistant to turning.       

It's funny you should say that. A lot of Explorer owners complained about the tyre width being "dated" (arghh - I hate fashion!) and the current ones have had their wheel and tyre width increased, such that it's now fitted with a 170 (rather than a 150) section rear tyre. I imagine it's easier to fit a fatter rear tyre to the Explorer than explain why the narrower tyre works better on the bike!

[Donk]

One thing for sure is I'm not criticizing either bike, I just happened to be looking at some numbers.  I owned a TEX, own a TTSE and hope to own another TEX to go with it.  I think it would be really interesting to park the 2 bikes side by side and get a tape measure out.  Are the TEX bars really wider?  The TTSE bars are pretty damn wide!  I think with the bikes next to each other we may find they are more similar than any of us would expect.  IMO for whatever that's worth the TEX is more agile in the parking lot and the TTSE is better in the twisties.  Getting either on the center stand is a bitch.  One thing I am sure of is that while Triumph may design a nice bike they have no idea how to design a center stand. 

[thumper]

Originally Posted by Donk

Are the TEX bars really wider?  The TTSE bars are pretty damn wide!

The TEx's bars are wider, as measured at the center of the grips on each bike:

TEX: 28"
TTSE: 26"