Triumphrat

95bravo · 02-14-2006, 11:56 PM

I have an 04 Speedmaster and test drove an 05 Tiger today - I loved the bike. Completely different style of riding, but I was impressed with the comfort and power. I dont know much about them, but I'm seriously considering getting one. Can anyone tell me how they are on long rides?

Thanks

JRO · 02-15-2006, 02:39 AM

The longest trip I have taken (new '06 bike) was about 320 miles, solo. The seat was fine for me, but you might opt for the gel or an aftermarket. Depending upon your height and posture preferances, you may want some handlebar risers... I intend to chase some down, tomorrow. You may want hiway pegs; I want some, but I find I am quite comfortable without them - these will probably require crash bars. Tiger headlights are better than most bikes, but if you're going to be out after dark, I always suggest folks add extra lights (you can never get too many on a bike).

The main problem you'll have is the lack of wind protection. This doesn't bother some, but others are hot after a larger windscreen. If you like wind protection, then the stock Tiger is pretty bad off. Triumph offers a larger screen, but I ordered a CeeBailey's, which is the largest you can find (+6"wider+8"taller). It was surprisingly cheap. It's my major, must-have concession to comfort. It's made enough difference that I can now smoke behind the windscreen, and flip my face sheild up at speeds under 65 or so; by the way, I'm 6'1" tall.

The Tiger is no goldwing, but the riding position is excellent, and I find it comfortable enough I'll probably ride it 2,500 miles to Washington state to see my #2 kid off to foreign parts, again. If the chickensh... chicken... chicken-droppings politicians would grow some... uhh... Well, you know... and nuke 'em till they glow and be done with it, maybe my kids could stay at home.

djr · 02-15-2006, 06:12 AM

I have done 700km+ days and she is fine. The hard luggage helps as it is lockable and locks to the bike. comfort was fine. Wind noise got a pain towards the end but a change of screen could help.

Comfort was no big issue and fuel economy superb.

kyot · 02-15-2006, 06:36 PM

I did 2k miles around France (in about a week, but 4/5 days of actual riding) In fowl weather and good, all kinds of roads etc.
Triumph panniers & givi top box and never a leak.
Freezing fog over night - and started on the button.
Mine (04) came with gel seats, which is nice... after a few 100 miles of bum forming.

no problems.

KuzzinKenny · 02-15-2006, 07:22 PM

Hi 95bravo, its what the Tiger was built for. it also gets over 200ml to the tank so you dont have to make so many pit stops, its tall so you can see over the triffic but most of all, its a fun bike to ride !! :razz: :razz:

KK

TucsonBill · 02-16-2006, 12:51 PM

Last July I did Tucson-Indianapolis-Chicago-Great Falls- Vancouver, BC - Susanville - Salt Lake- Tucson in rain, wind, hail, and snow. Great 7600 mile (12,000K) trip on an amazing motorcycle. 50 mpg average, a little less above 80, a little more below. 690 mile day was the longest. The trip was done on a stock seat, I now have a sheepskin cover from SheepyHollow in Australia and I'm planning a summer adventure to the east coast. I do plan to stop a few places between Arizona and the Atlantic!

Foxee · 02-17-2006, 02:39 PM

I've done 750-800 mile days on my Tiger, with stock seat & screen (less trim). It copes fine - atlot better than I can imagine a Speedy doing.

DAGAD · 02-17-2006, 03:23 PM

Hi Bravo, last fall I rode from Whistler to San Francisco with Rocky Mountain motor cycle holidays. 2650 miles on an '05 Tiger.
When I got home to England, the Sprint ST was sold and last friday I took delivery of my new '06 WHITE TIGER.
Big stripey has posted some pics for me, see other thread. You won't be dissapointed in owning the fine BIG CAT. It's a brilliant all round mile muncher and equally at home on the twisties in and around Lake Sonoma..............Wow what a trip.

Roy

pigpen955 · 02-21-2006, 06:29 PM

Just to bump this thread and to add my two cents...

I routinely do 3,000 mile weeks on the Tiger (usually two a year) plus the regular 500 mile day around Maine just for the fun of it. Never gets old or uncomfortable. I use a Triumph gel seat (although the Corbin was a tad more comfortable but too high for my liking) and a sport screen (don't like the buffeting with any other screen I tried).

Oh yeah, one other farkle that is required (at least stateside)...XM radio.

Go for it!!

Fred

Anthouse · 02-22-2006, 11:22 PM

Did a MT/KS/OH/DC/NY/VT/CANADA/MI/MN/MT loop last summer on my 05 and quite enjoyed it. Two up on the way out and soloed home- my 12 year old could only take so many days in the saddle. No problem with ride, power and space. A problem with warrantied front disks since fixed...?

Changes I have made since: Corbin seat (because I couldn't move around enough with the stock); CB windscreen with Saeng edging (to cut out some of the buffeting); Touratech bar risers (to relax my position a little more); the race can (pure indulgence);and some dodads here and there for touring convenience.

Previously installed: heated grips (necessity here); Thunderbike crash bars (ding insurance); low highway pegs on the bars (el cheapo fold downs with own brackets); Airhawk seat cushion (for my butt bones); Givi tank bag (for all those loose things). There are more devices to add like an oiler, GPS, driving lights and such when the money tree grows a bit.

Other stuff that makes my day: heated vest, iRiver H320, Kilimanjaro jacket and overpants, mesh pants, Combat Touring boots, poly underwear, Nolan flip up, weatherproof bike cover, and a Tiger sized sh*t eating grin when I am zipping along. Headed for a west coast tour this summer...