Triumphrat

winger · 10-08-2005, 02:57 PM

Just had the mag drop through the letter box,Tiger/KTM/BMW/Honda test, will be interested to see what people make of it.

BigStripey · 10-08-2005, 04:19 PM

I have just finished reading it.... I don't think there is any doubt that the KTM is a very good bike indeed and seems to cope with just about everything thrown at it?? The BMW coming second does not surprise me either, Tiger third and the Honda varadero monster coming last is also what i expected.

The testers rode them all for maybe a day or two, and did not have to live with them on a longer term basis. All the reports i have read from journo's that have had a Tiger long term have really rated it?.

They are all different bikes to different people, a very hard niche market to really pin down. Is it an Adventure/Sports or Adventure/Tourer or Full on Adventure ? It is some or all to many ?

I think the Tiger DOES need modernising faced with todays competition. I also think that when and if the new Tiger makes it to production, it will be one helluva bike. The current Tiger has been the european mainstay of 955 sales for years now, and i think that Triumph will not want to shoot itself in the foot with the new one.

If we can dream that the new Tiger is as impactive on the market, as the Sprint ST, the Speed Triple and the Daytona 675 have been then it all bodes well?

Just my thoughts

Jim

MurphinUSA · 10-08-2005, 05:17 PM

Jim - I love my bike, but do agree that the model needs updating. Has there been any credible news out there as of late which would indicate a 2007 updated bike?

winger · 10-08-2005, 05:29 PM

Hi Jim

What made me smile after reading it,the KTM is one of the worsed sellers in the UK.

I can understand it's attraction to the testers,it's hard core and focused,the very reason why i've changed suspension,brakes and wheels on my Tiger,because i found my Tiger to be e'rrrr shall we say wishy washy!!!,but the market is all about selling units and it's the middle ground the companys are after.

I don't think you'll find the new Tiger is anymore offroad than the present one.

Chris

[ This message was edited by: winger on 2005-10-08 15:31 ]

peakbonnie · 10-09-2005, 06:27 AM

Nobody gives a sh*t what sports-bike obsessed journalists think.
They never have; look at the 250 Superdream, universally despised by journos, yet consistently the best seller year in year out. Not exciting or fast, it did what real people needed it to do.
There are many more examples showing that the buying public are more intelligent than they are given credit for.
I can't see a huge rush to buy KTM's just yet.

psionmark · 10-09-2005, 07:40 AM

250 SuperDream! That takes me back somewhat

Passed my test on that :razz:

Mark

peakbonnie · 10-09-2005, 08:24 AM

I had several when I was despatching in London. great bikes for that job.
You still see a few around now, taking blokes to work, earning their keep.
My CB350S does the same in the Winter. Bit like a Superdream with a bit more balls.

Sofalofa · 10-09-2005, 12:13 PM

I always fancied a CB350 back in the late 80's. It looked pretty snazzy compared to the old Superdream but I couldn't afford it. I ended up getting a used 400 Superdream, which was great until someone dozy cow knocked me off it! After that it was a 350 YPVS Yam, brand new... lasted 26 days before it go nicked...

BigStripey · 10-09-2005, 01:40 PM

While we are swinging the lamp ...... :razz:

My first 250 was a CB250 G5, possibly the very worst 250 ever made ? :-D complete with self destructing camshafts and cam chains. 85 mph downhill with the wind behind you....such speed....that was until i got my RD250, now that was a complete nutter bast**d machine in its day :-D Frame twisting and flexing like good'un but what a larf............ Until it went bang

BigStripey · 10-09-2005, 01:43 PM

Back on topic now :razz:

I wonder what the other three in the test would look like in three years time?. I have just given mine a spruce up today and it looks pretty darn good. And i ride all year round in all weathers. I'll bet the KTM would look particularly grim after a full 12 months riding.

It may have it's flaws, but my Big Stripey beast is as good if not better than many and i still dont ever get bored riding it :razz:

Sorry mr Bike Journo, but not for me thanks...........