Triumphrat

Markhp · 10-09-2009, 10:03 AM

My Bonnie's going in this weekend for her 12K service & my Dealer has agreed to let me take a Tiger 1050 home as a weekend loaner. My wife & I've decided the Bonniegirl is too small for riding 2 up any distance, so we've started looking @ something with more room/comfort. Our short list is:
* Tiger 1050
* R1200RT
* FJR

I know these are all apples to oranges bikes, but they all seem like they would be fun, easy to live with & practical. My big concern with the Tiger is the height, especially with a pillion. On the other hand, it also seems like the best choice for us. I really like the new Tigers & am excited about running around on one for a couple of days.
I'll post back afterwards with my observations.

wabill · 10-09-2009, 12:35 PM

To keep that list short don't let your wife even just sit on an HD Electraglide. And you need to keep your bottom away from that comfy seat, also.

Medic09 · 10-09-2009, 08:02 PM

Have you considered a Sprint ST 955i? My wife and I both like the 955i over the 1050, though many couples are riding the 1050. The Sprint is relatively light, fast, and very flexible. Mine was an every day ride - grocery hauler, commuter, long distance tourer, Sunday backroads rider. All you need is good, removeable luggage and a good seat. We had our stock seat replaced by a local auto upholstery guy, and then my wife was a happy passenger. The posture of the Tiger is more upright, and it is also an all around bike; but the fairing can make a big difference it seems to me. We also preferred the Tiger 955i over the 1050. For now, we still own one of each.

ruscook · 10-09-2009, 09:46 PM

I'm 5' 10" and can just flat foot the Tiger when stopped. It's Triumph's best allrounder, the 1050 motor is a gem. Put the TOR exhaust on and you have a bike with the same power, 12kg lighter, lower gearing in 1-5 and a more comfy seating position than the Sprint. Well worth it as a sports tourer.

Suspension needs sorting. Front is vague at stock settings and needs lots of pre-load. Rear needs stiffening up for anyone over 70kg (i.e at least 2 up setting). More than that ideally needs a new shock.

Single low beam headlight is not the best, (I put a HID on and it's made all the difference).

Wind noise or buffeting are the worst problems. I've heard the Givi and CalSci screens that are wider at the base, are the best fix, as the screen isn't the problem per se', it's really how the fairing extends past the screen as part of the headlight housing. It seems to cause turbulence from there to the mirrors, which hits your shoulders/helmet depending on your height.

Personally I think the seat is one of the best OEM seats on the market. Good power delivery - linear like all the 1050's and good fuel economy when touring/gentle on the throttle.

What more can you want?

Enjoy your weekend.

Russ

Anchorbend · 10-09-2009, 10:39 PM

Ok, I just went through this process a week ago. I have 24K on my Bonneville and really like the bike. Was waiting for a New T Bird and after test driving it and a 1050 Tiger, I left dazed and confused. Pretty much the same price for a Tiger SE and an ABS T-Bird. Both type of bikes were alien to me. The SE had pretty much what I needed farkel wise but the T Bird was only just beginning. Then my dealer tells me he has an 07 Scorched Yellow for sale. I bit and, although only have 150 mi on it due to weather and prior commitments, it has been a real treat to ride. Totally different beast but it is one smooth running bike. I had lowering plates put on it and can flat foot it (5'9") and once under way, the handling is very reassuring. It is cheaper than a BMW and the FJR, while nice, just doesn't sit as well IMO. Can't address a pillion but I am happy with my decision. Oh yeah, still have my Bonnie as a security blanket

. Can't quite let loose of it.

Markhp · 10-10-2009, 09:29 AM

Hey guys,
These posts mirror my thinking exactly.
I'm concerned about the ergos on the Sprint, that's why it's not on my list. I like a bike with a "kitchen chair" riding position.
And Anchorbend - my wife already confiscated the checkbook, since I've made it clear the Bonniegirl is not going anywhere

I do love that bike.
Anyway, I'm out the door shortly.Good weather predicted for the next 3 days...

maddog1050 · 10-12-2009, 11:20 AM

MARKHP, I have a Bonnie and a 08 Tiger. Thats the true apple and oranges comparison. I have ridden up to 700 miles in one day on the Tiger and it is still my favorite!!! It is such a great ride that i traded in my Goldwing for it!!!.. More comfort, more power and alot you can do to it to make it better. I installed a Quill Evo2 carbon fiber pipe, A new K and N filter and had it retuned by our man at Daytona Triumph. All i can say is it went from the favorite twisty carver, long distance runner, to the favorite twisty carver rocketship!!!. With a good Corbin saddle, you and your wife will not want to get off it. " not that there is anything wrong with the oem seat" but mine is starting to get a little flat. A new seat is up next for a change out. I guess i am bias but i have owned alot of other manufactures products in all sizes in the over 35 years i have been riding. The Tiger is the one that does it for me! In closing, My buddy just traded in his Wing for a Tiger also. He was tired of looking like all the other lemings and being left behind in the mountians. I think that says something!

Keep the shiny side up!! And make the right chose!

tigg-ted · 10-12-2009, 03:01 PM

I traded my T100 after 2 years for a 1050 Tiger. I would of prefered to keep both but I'm happy with the change. Much more relaxed sitting position, well that's what I found. If you don't want a Tiger make sure you've not got cash cheque or credit cards with you at the dealer. I made the decision and paid within ten minutes of my return from test run. But I've no regret's.!

Markhp · 10-12-2009, 09:48 PM

Well, 2 sunny days riding the Tiger & here's my "report out". Fortunately, my dealer had just installed a new set of Michelin Pilots & Triumph's off road exhaust can on her, so those were big pluses.
Boy, this cat can move! That triple motor is everything I hoped it would be. I really liked not having to row through the gears or worry too much about gear selection to keep it in the power band. It just pulled from anywhere, anytime. And the clutch lever has the exact same light, easy pull that my Bonnie has, which is very important to me.

The handling reminded me of a high performance slalom ski. The bike really carves. Yeehaa! I didn't expect that & it was a really pleasant surprise. I'm sure the new rubber helped a lot.
Unfortunately, I never got the chance to take the wife on the back. She had to go out of town so that important issue never was resolved. Oh well, next time.

My nit piks are few, but important ones to me:
1)The seat was a big disappointment. I was squirming in an hour, which I didn't expect at all. My Bonnie's seat seems much better - & that's not saying much, is it? I didn't care for that weird material for the cover. Reminded me of a rubber playground ball from grade school.
2)Also, the locations of the foot brake & shifter were really awkward for me. Perhaps they're adjustable but on this bike I had to twist my foot to get it under the shift lever & point my toes straight down towards the tarmac to reach/activate the brake pedal. That really messed my smoothometer up.

All in all, a really nice ride. It's funny how two completely different bikes can both be so much fun.
I enjoyed my time with the Tiger, and it's one impressive beast. But let me tell you, on the ride home today those fresh new plugs in the Bonniegirl sure made her feel faster...

Breezer · 10-14-2009, 03:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tigg-ted

I traded my T100 after 2 years for a 1050 Tiger. I would of prefered to keep both but I'm happy with the change. Much more relaxed sitting position, well that's what I found. If you don't want a Tiger make sure you've not got cash cheque or credit cards with you at the dealer. I made the decision and paid within ten minutes of my return from test run. But I've no regret's.!

Wow, glad to hear that. I did the same thing, with no regrets either.