The bolt on the shift assembly (threaded from bottom /up) came off. The shift assembly arm came off when in motion and I was unable to change gears. Motorcycle was stuck in gear with no ability to shift.
The worst 2012 Triumph Explorer problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Transmission1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Transmission1
Recalls 2
Structure: motorcycle: kickstand/center stand
- What is wrong
- Triumph Motorcycles America, LTD (Triumph) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Explorer motorcycles manufactured November 1, 2011, to June 1, 2014. The side stand pivot bolt may fracture.
- Risk
- If the side stand pivot bolt fractures, the motorcycle may fall when parked on the side stand, increasing the risk of injury to someone nearby.
- Remedy
- Triumph will notify owners, and dealers will replace the side stand pivot bolt and lock nut, free of charge. The recall began January 5, 2015. Owners may contact Triumph customer service at 1‑678‑854‑2010. Triumph's number for this recall is SB518.
Recall number 14V765000 · Recall details
Equipment: other: labels
- What is wrong
- Triumph Motorcycles America, Ltd. is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Explorer and Explorer XC motorcycles. The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating data on the certification Label is incorrect. Thus, the motorcycles fail to comply with the requirements of Part 567, "Certification."
- Risk
- The incorrect label could cause the operator to overload the motorcycle which may result in handling issues and/or tire failure, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Triumph will notify owners and replace the labels with corrected GVWR data, free of charge. The recall began on April 30, 2013. Owners may contact Triumph at 1‑678‑854‑2010 for more information.
Recall number 13V180000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2012 Triumph Explorer 90
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Dealer notice announcing the availability of Daignostic software and dealers should begin using it...
- Dealer notice advising to check for an immobiliser software update before replacing any TPMS components on...
- Dealer notice announcing the availability of Triumph Diagnostic Tool 2026-07 and dealers should begin...
- Dealer notice announcing the availability of Triumph Diagnostic Tool 2026-06.1 and dealers should begin...
- Dealer notice announcing the availability of Technical Bulletin 264.
- Dealer notice announcing the availability of Triumph Diagnostic Tool version 2026-06 and dealers should...
- Technical Bulletin 264 provides instructions that relates to: Triumph Diagnostic Tool
- Dealer notice advising the availalbility of TDT version 2026-05.2 which resolves the ABS as Not Connected...
- Dealer notice announcing the availability of Diagnostic software 2026-05.1 and dealers should begin using...
- Dealer notice reminding of Motorcycle Cleaning, prohibited use of High-Pressure & Steam Cleaning equipment.
What 2012 Triumph Explorer owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Compare the 2012 Triumph Explorer
Other model years
Questions about the 2012 Triumph Explorer
Is the 2012 Triumph Explorer reliable?
Owners have filed 1 complaint about the 2012 Triumph Explorer, close to a typical Explorer model year.
What is the most common problem with the 2012 Triumph Explorer?
Transmission and drivetrain, with 1 complaint.
How many recalls does the 2012 Triumph Explorer have?
2 recalls, covering structure and equipment.
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 2012 Triumph Explorer?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history