Report back on Tiger vs. Sprint

[Whisperinsmith]

Hey guys,
Thought I'd drop back and report on my first week on the '07 Tiger after trading in the Sprint.

First impressions of the Tiger. NO heat. No noticable decrease in speed. (I'm not a real speed freak so I may not be the one to judge this.) Handles like a dream. So did the Sprint, but as expected, the Tiger handles differently. Incredible comfort. Almost too comfortable that I sometimes have to pinch myself that I'm riding a motorcycle.
Doesn't fall into the curve the way the Sprint does, but make no doubt, it loves the twisties - in a different way.
All in all, it's just a FUN ride!
The Sprint commands respect just looking at it. The Tiger isn't after respect, but fools the unsuspecting. It is the real deal.
I would never knock the Sprint. I loved mine. Fantastic bike. But for my riding style, I'm now at home with the right bike for me. I'm very glad I had the Sprint first. It taught me so much about how to ride that I can apply to the Tiger.
Oh, the Tiger comes with Michelin Pilot Roads as stock. Pretty nice.
The higher, more upright position offers great visibility to see and be seen. And by that, I don't mean to knock the Sprint. They are different bikes.
The Tiger doesn't command the "aw-oh, lookout for me" glance from other riders as the Sprint does, but once in action, it earns respect.
I'm very happy with it. So when you see a Tiger, let 'em tag along.
Ride safe guys.
PS 1000 miles on it in less than a week. It's fun.

[duckie]

Nice review - thanks Whisperinsmith. BTW how tall are you? I sat on a new Tiger and even at 6' 1" it felt high for me (although I have short legs for my height).

[Whisperinsmith]

duckie,

I'm a hair under 6'2" but I, too, have shorter legs. 32" inseam. My feet are just hitting flat on this Tiger. Seems to work fine but it was a little adjustment as I was used to plenty of bend in the knees as my feet hit easily on the Sprint. Now that I'm aware, it's okay.

Going into the curves the first few times was a learning experience too. Now it's just plain fun.

If you could have two bikes, this Tiger should be one of them.

[duckie]

Yep I have a 32" inseam as well. As you pointed out I guess it just takes time to get used to it. I went from my sv650s to a sprint and that felt too upright in comparison! If I could have more bikes, I'd probably have a Tiger and a 675 to compliment the sprint...

[iceman]

...... thanks for calling in whisperin'.

Your impresssions so far are pretty much what I thought they would be.I have never ridden a Tiger but spent a weekend at a RAT Raid riding with a few of them and was impressed with how capable they were on the road.They seem to be able to handle most roads at least as well as the Sprint and look to be more comfortable in the suspension department.

Enjoy :-D

Grant

[airrider03]

On 2007-06-12 12:33, Whisperinsmith wrote:
If you could have two bikes, this Tiger should be one of them.

I use mine like an SUV.

[Aske]

What did you think of the relative difference in tank width? I sat on a new Tiger last weekend, and it felt like I was at the gynecologist's office.

[steveno]

Yep the tiger is that bit higher than the Sprint, I rode both before getting the Sprint. For me 32inch inside leg the Tiger seemed to be too tall, maybe the seat needed adjusting, but I could only just touch my toes down. Both rode well, but I felt more comfortable on the Sprint and I just got an insurance quote for $450 for a year which solves my insurance woes.

And as for color, black is fastest, thats why the Norton Rotary race bikes were black.

Steve.

[steventhechef]

Thanks for the review. I have a mate that has an 06 Tiger.

Great bike and he loves it. Glad to hear that you are enjoying the changeover.

It's a Triumph,,, you can ALWAYS ride with us!! :-D

[DaveM]

Thanks mate.
Very interesting to read your thoughts on the Tiger.

Cheers,

DaveM