Triumph Motorcycles has released the United States retail prices of its new-for-2012 models and a legendary motorcycle-loving face from the age of the Silver Screen is leading the pack.

The motorcycles riding out for 2012 are the Tiger Explorer, Speed Triple R and Steve McQueen Edition along with a focus on offering customers a tremendous value for their money with high-specifications at competitive prices.

The Tiger Explorer is Triumph’s first entry into the premium adventure touring sector and features a class-leading specification as standard. Boasting an all-new 1215cc three-cylinder powerplant delivering a best-in-class 137bhp, the Tiger Explorer also features a durable shaft drive unit, electronic ABS brakes, cruise control and traction control, all as standard equipment.

The Tiger Explorer will be available in May, priced at a very competitive $15,699.

“Following on the success of 2011, which saw the Tiger 800XC named Best Dual Sport by Cycle World and Best Adventure Bike by Motorcyclist, the Tiger Explorer, Speed Triple R and Steve McQueen Edition Bonneville will no doubt earn their place in Triumph’s long list of legendary motorcycles,” Greg Heichelbech, CEO of Triumph North America said.

Joining the Tiger Explorer in Triumph’s 2012 range is the Speed Triple R ABS, a premium version of Triumph’s iconic Speed Triple. Taking the already class-leading Speed Triple as its base, the R version employs even higher-specification chassis components to bring handling to yet another level. With MotoGP-developed Öhlins suspension front and rear, Brembo monobloc brakes and lightweight PVM forged aluminum wheels, as well as sporty new colors and graphics, the Speed Triple R ABS represents excellent value for the money at $15,999 when it goes on sale this March.

Also new for 2012 is the limited-run Steve McQueen Edition model, of which only 1100 are being produced worldwide.

Triumph has joined forces with the estate of Hollywood icon Steve McQueen to create a limited edition motorcycle that pays tribute to the late actor’s love of the British brand’s products.

Just 1100 of the Triumph Steve McQueen Edition will be produced and sold worldwide from April 2012, which is likely to make it one of 2012’s most sought after bikes.

McQueen was famous almost as much for his passion for cars, aeroplanes and motorcycles as he was for his legendary movies. He owned numerous Triumph motorcycles and loved to spend his spare time riding in the Californian dunes aboard his modified 1963 Triumph Bonneville. A highly accomplished rider, he also competed in the 1964 International Six Day Trial in East Germany using a factory-prepared 650cc Triumph Trophy and was reputed to own 138 motorcycles at the time of his death in 1980.

Based on the classic Bonneville T100, the Steve McQueen Edition pays homage to the actor’s love of Triumph motorcycles and features a host of modified parts and a vintage color scheme.

The design is inspired by the classic Triumph Trophy TR6 that McQueen insisted on riding during the famous stunt scene in the movie The Great Escape, and features a military style Matte Khaki Green livery, stencil-style Triumph decal on the tank and the actor’s signature on the side covers.

Fully licensed by the Hollywood icon’s estate, each bike is individually numbered and comes with a certificate of authenticity. Priced at $9,999, the Triumph Steve McQueen Edition arrives in showrooms in June.

“We are so pleased to have these new models in our 2012 line-up,” Heichelbech noted, “Consumer interest in these new models, in the form of deposits, has been tremendous, and we believe they will exceed expectations once they arrive.”