Triumphrat

MarchHare · 10-17-2009, 05:29 PM

I suppose I should have left the credit card at home.

Test drove a couple of Tiger demonstators today and ended up buying one. Bikes are just such good value at this time of year. Dealers really want shot of 09 stock.

Got a very clean August registered bike with 800 miles on the clock for £2,500 off list (albeit with £1,500 of that in accessories). Anyway, first thoughts;

Wonderful rev happy engine but with decent and predictable torque. As a relatively inexperienced biker the ability to use torque in higher gears is a big safety factor, especially given that engine braking is quite sharp compared to what I have got used to over the last couple of months (a Jap 500).

Very comfortable riding position and height/weight not an issue. I'm 6'2" with 34 inch inseam and both feet were flat on the floor when comfortably seated. Tried both standard and touring screen and preferred touring. As others have commented the airflow off the standard screen hits the shoulders/neck. The touring screen appeared to do away with this but more miles in varied conditions needed I think before I'm sure its right for me.

Handling was very composed and predictable. I was a bit surprised how the Michelin Pilots tracked road surface changes and twitched over the rougher stuff. Might just be something I have to get used to but any thoughts appreciated. Certainly had no issues with suspension set up but early days yet.

Stock silencer is way too sensible. Spoke to the dealer about alternatives and they were fairly ambivalent about the Arrows. Best option, in their view, is the stock "off-road" can which does a lot for both power delivery and sound, if not for weight and looks. More work needed here. No shortage of alternatives out there though I think.

Anyway, left the bike with the dealer to fit a few more bits and will pick it up next weekend.

Can't wait!

tigg-ted · 10-17-2009, 06:07 PM

You were warned!
The Tiger bites got hold of you and a big chunk out of your Credit Card.
This will be a long week waiting for the bike.
But it will be worth it!

biketraveller · 10-18-2009, 12:20 PM

I am fairly certain that you will not regret that purchase. The 1050 Tiger is a great touring bike, in spite of the odd comment you may find on occasion from people who rather prefer the old girlies (which of course are great bikes, too).

I have nothing to add to your analysis of the engine - it is among the best money can buy.
The seat might seem a bit hard at the beginning, but I soon got used to it and find it more comfortable than some of the after-market ones available nowadays.

I had the exact same impression of the original Michelin tyres you had; they are just awfully nervous and twitchy if the road surface is anything but perfect. That will not go away until you replace them with different ones - I am on Avon Storms now and they iron out all of those bumps and cracks as if they weren't there.

Yours having 800 miles on the clock means that the rather clonky gearbox should operate much smoother than when brand new. Whatever clonkyness remains however is something you probably have to get used to.
I can't make a recommendation for a replacement silencer - I live opposite the local copper den - but I am sure you will find a suitable sound system...

Good luck next week and hopefully lots of nice biking weather.

Tiger-G · 10-18-2009, 03:31 PM

MH,

Good luck with the bike mate

Keep it safe 'till you get the hang of the extra speed and power.