Triumphrat

crazyman · 11-26-2012, 07:28 AM

Congrats on the new XC !

And to add, I read a post further back that mentioned adventure bikes being equivalent of the standards of old. That's a great point. I needed something that fit me properly.

breezebike · 11-26-2012, 11:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mountain Man

I'd say modern adventure bikes are the equivalent to standards of old, they just plain work everywhere. Comfortable, it can be a tourer, sporty enough for twisties and no need to be scared of a little dirt. Kind of like a UJM from years ago!

Right. They will do all the same things as the old standards but do it so much better. When riding my 800 in the dirt I can't help but wonder what Steve McQueen could have done with it. He would have stripped all the street stuff off, mounted full knobbies and gone desert racing. After winning the race he could ride it home.

rjackb · 12-13-2012, 08:50 PM

I certainly had no plans to buy this type of bike but there was one sitting in the local Triumph dealer's parking lot so I thought I'd try it out. The handling was so much better than my other bikes, i.e., much more nimble, that I loved it and soon bought one. I also think it is very comfortable to ride. BTW, I have no interest in off road riding whatsoever and purchased the roadie version.

NORTY FLATZ · 12-16-2012, 08:22 PM

I bought a Tiger XC because....

Well, I don't know why. I'm glad I did as I enjoy it's capabilities. Haven't taken it offroad yet as it's too pretty. Got some fire access roads in mind though...

pjamesb80 · 12-17-2012, 08:53 PM

I was using my Scrambler for dirt and gravel roads and it did a fine job. Never had a problem (even on some steep switchbacks and shallow stream crossings). However, I found it lacking on the interstates.

Soo.......I sold the Scrambler and bought an XC. The XC is a much better interstate stallion, and also does a better job in the rough stuff. However, it lacks in the "cool" department. That Scrambler is a real looker, and I miss her greatly. But in the end, the Tiger is just better at every type of riding.

BlackPearl · 12-23-2012, 03:19 PM

I've gone back-and-forth between sport-touring and adv bikes for the past 5 years. I much prefer the 19" front wheel and longer travel suspension for the crappy back roads we have all over my area. Plus I can go down the highway with just as good wind protection and haul the same amount of gear, maybe more, on the adv bike. Also, the more we ride, the more we like exploring forest service roads and the occasional dirt or gravel road. Gets us away from traffic and cops and gets the speeds down....

... I go just as fast as i dare go in the twisties on my Tiger.

Chabsy · 12-24-2012, 12:00 PM

Like most I went for the size of the bike. I used to lust after a Suzuki RGV 250 but it lokked like a minimoto on me

soldierguy · 12-24-2012, 04:03 PM

I have a definite purpose in mind for getting an adventure bike, and specifically the 800XC.

I'm retiring from the Army in a couple months. I've got the opportunity of a lifetime to live for darn near free in a great place in northern California while I search for my next job/career...could be there a few months, or much longer. Not sure yet about that. But it's on a dirt road (or mud, slush, or dust, depending on the season), and there are a bazillion other dirt roads and trails in the immediate area that will be calling me to explore them. The wheels are churning upstairs for a longer ride (or two, or three, or...). I am definitely riding the west coast, with some trips inland. I want to go to Idaho to see an old friend who I served with in Afghanistan. I want to go to Oregon to see an Army buddy of mine. I want to go to Alaska...well...just because it's there.

To do all that requires a bike that will allow me to deal with low-speed, low-traction situations in which light weight, ground clearance, maneuverability, and aggressive tires are paramount. I also need a bike with enough comfort to handle long pavement runs. I need something with enough power to haul my butt and all the things I've packed up and over the mountains. I need something that gets reasonably good fuel economy so I'm not bleeding my wallet dry riding it every day. And with all that, the bike must be fun...able to carve up a twisty road with precision, and have a playful attitude while doing all of the above.

No bike is all things to all people. Adventure-type bikes seem to answer the mail on what I'm looking for with reasonable competence in everything, but not excelling at any single purpose at the expense of the others.

breezebike · 12-25-2012, 12:59 AM

With all the ADV bikes on the market there are only two that I can think of that really fit all your requirements, Soldier Guy. I think you have picked the best one.

blacktiger · 12-30-2012, 10:51 AM

I bought my XC because it'll allow the ride to continue when the tarmac stops. It opens up so many riding opportunities. I can get to the top of the mountain to see the view.
I also like the upright comfortable riding position.