Triumphrat

Davyc · 09-26-2005, 04:42 PM

Hi all.
I currently ride a t100 799cc 2003 and have been offered 3400 in part ex against 2006 tiger.
I really like the look of the bike but is the engine really as good as you lot make out?
Is it as good two up?
Any reviews on the bike by rides in real world conditions would be great.
love me bonnie but it is getting redlined too often now.
thanks.

BigStripey · 09-26-2005, 05:02 PM

Hi there,

For what it's worth, i wrote a review some time back on my Tiger. It is of course, my opinion and is on the back of riding an 885 injected Tiger then jumping on to my then new 955i.

Tiger review

The motor is outstanding! power everywhere, especially fourth gear which is so tall it goes on and on and on :razz: . It is a brilliant tourer which you can load up like a pack mule and it does not bat an eyelid at it. Two up it is stable and comfortable and really does handle just about everything you can throw at it!

Anyway, have a read and see what you think. The Tiger seems mean different things to different folk. But i think you will find the general concensus is that it is a very good bike indeed.

Good luck with your search

Jim

Arrybash · 09-26-2005, 05:19 PM

I have been running a Kawasaki ZX10 since I bought it new in 1998. This year I fancied a new bike for the summer and went for a tiger.

It's the combination of riding style, decent capacity engine and sensible price that sold it for me. I am also getting 50mpg to add to the smile.

I can't claim to have ridden a bonnie, but I would judge that you'd struggle to use all the performance of a tiger even two up.

There's plenty of torque right through the rev range, I rarely see more than 6,000, but that's solo. The engine seems to be generally very reliable from the reports I have read.

Go for a test ride, most dealers will have a tiger available. I did and was not disappointed.

I have hardly used the ZX10 this summer since I got the Tiger, I may even sell it next year as it's such a pleasure using the tiger.

Chris

Foxee · 09-26-2005, 06:22 PM

Before my Tiger I had a 790 Bonnie. Compared to that bike it is completely night and day. The Tiger (even my 900) has a far superior engine and pisses all over the Bonnie for two up work by being more powerful, a better spread of power, more comfort for both of you and alot more space for you to fit on the bike. It is also a much easier bike to load up with luggage. Much as I liked my Bonnie the Tiger is a far superior machine.

Diego · 09-26-2005, 06:27 PM

> I really like the look of the bike but is the engine really as good as you lot make out?

That's our story and we're sticking with it! :-D

pigpen955 · 09-26-2005, 09:36 PM

Quote:

On 2005-09-26 16:27, Diego wrote:
> I really like the look of the bike but is the engine really as good as you lot make out?

That's our story and we're sticking with it! :-D

Couldn't have said it better myslef. Try it, you'll like it.

Fred

Davyc · 09-27-2005, 02:03 PM

thanks for the input guys.test ride on saturday.....
money,hu!who needs it.........
will keep ya posted.

OldSwede · 09-28-2005, 04:30 PM

Davyc,

Take a long test ride. Try it on different types of roads. I’m thinking of changing bike to something less sporty as I have an idea that if I take it easier I will live longer.
So I tested the Thruxton and the Tiger in the same day. Both have some beauty flaws and if we are talking Tiger it is of course the famous height. I have 32” inseam and had to stand on my toes to hold the bike. If I stopped at a red light on an uneven surface I had fall to one side before I reached the ground, not a pleasant feeling. The seat was in it´s "low" position.
You should also try it in some longer curves or roundabouts and at as much speed as you dear. Under these conditions I felt some waving or oscillating through the chassis in a way that I haven’t felt since I had bikes from the 1970´s. Maybe it could be fixed with some adjustments, I don’t know.
Anyway it would be a totally different experience compared to your Bonneville.

Good luck to you

djr · 09-29-2005, 07:10 AM

coming from the RS you are going to notice the suspensiuon set up is substantially different. However once you get used to how she behaves you realise this is not an issue as such.

I came to the Tiger from the TT600 and yes initially felt that the suspension was "different" but given I can touch down the hero blobs and I have no chicken strips (ok 2mm or so) on my Pilot Roads I guess she handles well enough :wink:

Topcat · 09-29-2005, 10:58 AM

Just bought a 06 Tiger in blue.
I'm impressed with the ride for such a tall bike (feels like your sat on a warbode at first) and yes, the engine really is that good!
Had the forks raised through the yokes by about 25mm at first service. Not much difference in the way it handles (nor any problems with the side stand, some say that lowering the bike make the stand to high) but it does steer quicker, which is no bad thing with a 19'' front wheel. And of course you can get more foot on the ground.
It's great two up, no real effect on the thing. Haven't tried with panniers and top box loaded yet. The top box is very good for a back rest and makes for a relaxed pillion, not one hanging on for grim death when you try out the motor!!
One thing about lowering it, it's bloody hard to get on the center stand. A good tip from someone on this forum was to run the front wheel onto a plank of wood the same thickness as you have lowered it, then no prob.
The big question is do you like it, there are some bikes out there that I would never own but others love em, it's a very personnel thing. Let us know how the test ride goes.