Triumphrat

09-16-2005, 01:32 AM

Last night I picked up my new (2005) BR Green Tiger & I really love it! It is a very responsive, nimble, and easy motorcycle to ride. It seems to have a very smooth engine with a wide power band while still spooling up quite quickly.

I have been looking for either a GS or Tiger for a while now and researching on quite a lot of sites. Last Saturday I went in to the dealership here in Dallas Texas (they sell both BMW and Triumph) with the idea of buying a GS (as I had yet to even see a Tiger in person). Once I arrived and started talking to the staff they were really impressed with the Tigers (and the rest of the Triumph line). While the new 1200 GS is quite a bike I found I was quickly taken by what the Tiger had to offer. The dealer could have sold me either one but the Tiger won the day!

I have owned a large number of bikes of differing types and brands over the years and I will tell you this is certainly one of the best I have ever ridden thus far. I now have a whopping 85 miles on the clock and have had a really tough time with keeping it under 3500 RPM with freeway speeds! I’m also really looking forward to the new windshield getting here (MRA Vario Tour) as I get a lot of wind blast being 6’3”.

The day I cross the break in period I am ready to start really running this bike and seeing what the ‘Panthera tigris’ can do on and off the pavement.

I have tons of options and add-ons in route so it will be in a state of flux for a while as I get stuff bolted on.

BTW, Great site you have here with lots of info for new buyers!

Fatbob · 09-16-2005, 02:24 AM

Welcome Helam!

Excellent choice! I too was looking at the 1200GS and the Tiger at the same time, the extra $7,000.00 left in my bank account was real nice when I left with the Tiger. I have never looked back, my Tiger is the most fun bike I have ever had, and as you can see below, I still have a few! Being a old time BMW rider, I thought I should get the GS, but buying my Tiger instead has proven to be the best move I could have made. You will find that the Tiger just gets better and better! BTW: I recommend Touratech crash bars, MRA screen, Russell seat, etc.

Enjoy the new bike safely!

Bob

:-D

djr · 09-16-2005, 03:22 AM

congrats and welcome.

What made you opt for the Tiger in the end?

rwoodhead · 09-16-2005, 06:48 PM

Hey, me too, Helam! I picked up my BRG '05 Tiger last night. We're keeping my classic '02 Tbird (w/ 32K miles), but I really like this Tiger! You know, British Racing Green must be the fastest color for a Tiger. Green means GO.
WOODY
PS. Sorry, didn't really want to start any color arguments.

BigStripey · 09-16-2005, 07:27 PM

Helam,

Welcome along, glad to see you here on the forum. Excellent choice of bike it has to be said.

As you have probably found out, there is a wealth of information here in the three Tiger forums. Try using the advanced search facility, it is pretty good nowadays. Also don't forget the Forum album at the top of this page. Some nice photos of just about everything Tiger in there

Keep us posted about what mods you make etc, we are always keen to see how the folks trick up their Tigers ! :razz:

09-19-2005, 02:04 AM

Now over 87 miles on the Tiger and still loving it! Just returned from a dinner run with my wife (who rode her Honda 750 Shadow Ace) into town; hardly a world wide trek but fun none the less!

I adjusted the seat into the highest position and found it a lot more comfortable. I was getting the feeling the pegs were too close to the seat so I felt like I was "squatting" in the saddle. Now it is much better. Fortunately at 6'3" I'm not having any issues reaching the ground even with the increased seat height.

Below is the current list of the modifications and add-on's that are pending arrival and install on the tiger. These were the list of "best in class" stuff gleaned from the boards that seemed like good ideas. Please let me know if you recommend any additions or deletions. Donations to the cause of tricking out my tiger will also be cheerfully accepted :-D !

THE “BOUGHT & SOON TO BE INSTALLED” STUFF LIST:

From www.ThunderBike.co.nz
CRASHBARS (in Black) Best looking I have seen!
HEADLAMP PROTECTOR (in Black) You gotta see these! :hihi:
HIGHWAY PEGS
RADIATOR GUARDS (in Black)
OILCOOLER GUARDS (in Black)
COMPAC DRIVING LAMP KIT (mounts on crash bar)
SUMP GUARD & BASH PLATE

From Triumph Factory
Top Case (BR Green color matched)
Silencer (off road type)
Heated Grips (yes we actually do use these in Texas, but just to heat up lunch items)
Factory Tank Bag (looked darn cool, great place to store lunch items to be heated by grips)

From twistedthrottle.com
SW-MOTECH handlebar riser (increases height by 1.2 inches)
MRA Vario Touring Screen Windshield (because the stock Tiger shield really sucks for me!)

From Corbin Seats
Canyon Dual Sport saddle (in all black)

ITEMS UNDER HEAVY CONSIDERATION LIST: :???:
(YOUR SUGGESTIONS NEEDED!)
Tourtech GPS Mount for Street Pilot or other GPS
Triumph Factory (or otherwise) Center Stand
Jesse Heavy Duty Aluminum Odyssey Bags/Top Box in Black
Brighter Head Lamps (brand?)
Other Stuff??

lonewolf · 09-19-2005, 07:18 AM

Need the centerstand for chain maintenance. good luck Everett

chrisn · 09-19-2005, 08:58 AM

Congrats!!, right bike, right colour, right choice!

Don't forget to fit a chain oiler - I can recommend Scottoiler

Good luck with new bike.

(ps. I also emailed you some info)