In terms of raw performance, these two are evenly matched. The Pan America 1250 Special and Tiger 1200 GT Explorer produce nearly identical power figures, meaning the real-world difference will come down to gearing and torque delivery rather than peak horsepower. Both bikes share a similar footprint on the scale, with only a negligible 2kg difference between them, so handling characteristics will depend more on center-of-gravity than raw weight. Riders with a shorter inseam should lean towards the Tiger 1200 GT Explorer. Its seat height is 19mm lower than the Pan America 1250 Special, making it much easier to flat-foot at stoplights and increasing confidence during stops. Bottom Line: It's a close call. Choose the pan-america1250 if you prefer its specific styling and ergonomics, or the tiger1200 if you want the alternative brand character.
| Spec | Pan America 1250 Special | Tiger 1200 GT Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1252 | 1160 |
| Power | 150 | 147 |
| Cylinders | 2 | 3 |
| Weight | 258 | 255.9 |
| Seat height | 869 | 850 |
| MSRP (US) | 20649 | 23795 |
| MSRP (EU) | 18995 | 22145 |