Triumphrat

tiger_ryding

Hello all,

I'm pleased to announce that I'm the proud new owner of an '05 Silver Tiger which I picked up last Thursday. I can barely contain my excitement! The test ride got me off the fence and I knew it was the bike for me. I have finally found the perfect combination of attributes I have been looking for.

Work and weather kept it idle after I got it home. Yesterday I finally got the chance to take it out for a longer, half day ride with the local Rat pack and got to know the bike much better. Wow! This thing just oozes power effortlessly and I was keeping the revs low as instructed per the break in period. I can't wait to see how smooth this motor gets over time, and how much power is on tap in the upper part of the rev range. The bike handles very well for being as tall as it is. It seems light and flickable, yet has a super compliant ride. I'm really starting to understand the brilliance of this whole adventure concept. At age 34, I wanted something practical that I could commute on over our pothole laden roads, that could be pressed into 2 up touring duty, and that had some measure of exclusivity without breaking the bank. I was coming from a cruiser and knew I also wanted something sportier, but not uncomfortable. I also didn't want another Japanese bike, not because it was a bad bike... it just didn't connect with it in any way. It seemed dull and common.

I wonder if any other Tiger riders arrived at their decision the same way I did. 2 years ago I rode a Sprint ST and loved it, but the seating was a little cramped on my knees (I'm about 6ft tall). Still, I fell in love with the triple and was leaning heavily that way until it underwent the makeover in '05 and the hard luggage was universally declared to be lousy, and I'd heard problems with heat from the undertail exhaust. With the Trophy discontinued, I wondered if I would have to look for a used ST. For some reason, I never considered the Tiger as a possibility. I'd only seen pictures of it in Orange and Green and thought it looked a bit odd. Then I saw one in Silver and thought, hmm... not bad. It interested me enough to check out the specs on it and the more I learned about it, the more I liked.

Hmm... hard luggage now standard... and it is the old cases that work well. Nice plus, I thought.

Hmm... a small fairing with optional taller screen... looks like it can be easily pressed into interstate duty, unlike a Speed Triple. Also, the gas tank holds more than 6 gallons, 2 more than my cruiser.

Hmm.... spacious ergonomics without the foot forward position of a cruiser. Sitting on it in the showroom, it felt like I was perched "on" the bike, instead of sitting "in" it. A nice change from my cruiser.

Hmm... a great combination of horsepower and torque from that lovely triple... more than enough for a bike that is about 475lbs dry. It weighs less than my old cruiser but with much more power.

Handgards... hmm. Won't that help keep my hands warmer in cold weather? Nice.


I could go on and on. It is just such a great blend of attributes. The test ride is what got me off the fence. At last, this is the bike I have been looking for, and it is a Triumph instead of another bland Japanese bike. Oh, and by the way, the BMW 1200GS was never an option because its costs puts it in a whole other price category that was well beyond what I could spend.

Seeing the friendly and knowledgeable help out here was also a big plus. I have just a few questions (sorry for the long)

Is the taller screen from Triumph tall enough to keep the windblast off my helmet? Is there another brand that is more highly regarded?

I've heard that the bike is difficult to get up on the centerstand by yourself. Is this true? I'm considering purchasing one as an add on.

I've been reading about the Touratech crash bars. A good idea, but in the event of a tip over, won't my bags still take the bulk of the damage?

Looking forward to your feedback. Thanks much!