Street Triple or Tiger?

[nigelj]

Hi all,

I'm still confused between Striple and Tiger...both great in their own way, I think overall thought the Striple is easier and more fun to ride.

BUT...when I test rode the bike I found the wide buffeting over 70mph uncomfortable, and I will use the bike for commuting so need to be able to carry a laptop, papers and work clothes...and I don't really want to use a rucksack.

Can I ask/comment...

- I just read a flyscreen/visor thread, and it seems there's no definitive yes they help/no they don't. I'm 5'9" and 12st 5lb...and don't want the wind blast on my head otherwise a sore neck will be the result! Some people my height seem to find them good, others no difference...confused!
- What do people use to carry gear on the Striple other than a rucksack?

Help please...I need to decide so I can buy a bike!!!

Nige

[weemull]

I am 5'10" and 12st 5lb also. I have an orange street triple R with both the Fly Screen Kit and Fly Screen Visor Kit. I have ridden different bikes without the fly screen (i.e. Ducati monster 696) and reckon that it defiantly makes a difference. I recently worked out that if you duck under the fly screen you can get an extra 3-6 mph by reducing the wind resistance.

I also use my bike for commuting however I use a rucksack to carry my clothes and shoes (don’t forget your shoes incidentally!) and don’t have any problems with the added weight on my back.

I don't notice any buffeting at 70 mph (only when it's real windy or overtaking large trucks). There is allot of wind at 70 mph which can be a bit loud in the "skid lid" and tiresome to travel long distances in, but generally it’s a numb butt as opposed to a sore neck that most people notice when on the triple for any sustained period. I have never suffered from a sore neck, and I have ridden my bike for 5 hours at a time on occasions, stopping for the odd for refuel.

There are tank bags and other storage options available, but I have no experience of these, sorry!

It is a whole load of fun to drive and will leave you grinning from ear to ear, so good luck with your decision, either way!

[Pokeyjoe]

Originally Posted by nigelj

I think overall thought the Striple is easier and more fun to ride.

I rode both for the first time at a factory demo event. I rode the Tiger first. Very nice, very comfortable, very easy to ride (albeit a little top heavy at slow speeds). Then I rode a ST-R. Way more fun. Way. I bought one and have discovered that it is a very versatile machine as well. I'm thinking I could do almost anything on this bike with a few mods. The Tiger is a nice bike, but I'm not that old. I don't mean that in a negative way. I just mean I don't need a nice and easy bike. Hell, I'm 56. I still want to have some fun.

[Ronin324]

I have a Street Triple R with a flyscreen. Went for a 340 mile ride yesterday. I will admit that this was the first time my neck got sore but since I finished my break in I also wanted to push the bike a little. I didn't feel any strain on my neck and 70MPH but getting past that and you might. I have heard that helmets might also have something do do with this as well.

I just want to add one thing. I know you might not want to hear it but I don't think I would want to carry my laptop around on the bike it self. The vibration and shifting motion that it would get subjected to might not be to kind on the delicate mechanical elements of the hard drive.

[nigelj]

Originally Posted by Ronin324

The vibration and shifting motion that it would get subjected to might not be to kind on the delicate mechanical elements of the hard drive.

Yeah, thanks...that's a very good point, but a lot of people carry laptops in panniers...surely they're subject to much the same motion and vibration?

Maybe I need a tailpack for the work clothes/other gear and a small rucksack just for the lappy!

Nige

[epynt1050]

I am fortunate enough to have both. The striple is a fantastic fun machine and great for a 100/150 mile blast on a Sunday. But I have to say the Tiger is more practical, far more comfortable and much better with luggage/touring etc. Have done 600 miles in a day on the Tiger but could not do half that on Striple - gel seat or no gel seat.
If I had to choose just one, it would be neither. I would go for for Sprint ST 1050.(I have also had one of these). Not as good as either in its field but a good compromise between the two.

[nigelj]

That's more confusing for me. As I haven't ridden for many years I found the Tiger a little intimidating in size and weight, but still great to ride, whereas the Striple was instantly brilliant...I think the Tiger will be chuckable with familiarity, but I don't suspect ever in the same way as the ST.

I also considered a Sprint, but reports about excessive heat on your legs and bum put me off.

I'm 48 and am buying the bike for FUN...and some commuting...I reckon the Kreiga US20+10 will be fine for work gear. That's why I swayed towards the ST or R with screen/visor for the grin factor, although higher speed riding is very windy, but still think the Tiger would be better all round?

Confused of Cheddington

[epynt1050]

I understand the problem with heat on the legs on sprint has been solved from 08. It was only a problem on hot days whilst stationary. Never a problem on the move or on cooler days. Heat on the bum a complete myth. Mine was an 05

Tiger can be ridden very quickly once you get used to height and "bouncy" front end. But that is the compromise you pay for the comfort.

Have the factory screen on the striple, basically makes no difference.

If you want fun over practicality, the striple is a hoot and I love it.
Worth having a test ride on Sprint before you decide. You might find the compromise just suits.

[nigelj]

...I want both!!!

I'm having more test rides today...I think I'll try the Sprint also.

Thanks...Nige

[nigelj]

I've decided...I just ordered the demo Tiger ABS I've been testing...2 months old, 700 miles on the clock...£7100.

Now I've got to wait a week to pick it up...what on earth am I supposed to do until then!?