Triumphrat

Cos · 03-09-2006

Hello all,
As i've mentioned before, i'm seriously thinking about (and lusting after) a Tiger. I think the big cat would be perfect for my needs (everyday commuting and having some fun exploring Northern Nevada,Cal...the world).
The way i see it, this is what i'll get with the Tiger: an immensely versatile,practical,fun,for all intents and purposes immortal engine,great fuel economy,the perfect escape from reality...and i could go on forever and ever and ever.I love that puddy tat. Also,i have a great dealer here in Reno.Really good people.
The only negative issue that has come up on this forum so far is wind buffeting.I'm 5'11.I've sat on the bike,can't flat foot it (of course) but feel pretty good about it.Plus,the guys at FreedomCycle are full of ideas and solutions.Anyhow, here's my one question. How and to what extent would the wind buffeting with the stock windshield affect someone of my height? Input would be very much appreciated.
Respect to all,
Cos

blacktiger · 03-09-2006

Honestly? It'll spoil the ride.
I'm 5'11" as well and my first long ride was 400 mile each way trip to the far side of Belgium (from the UK) and it was a real turn off and I vowed to find a solution.
That was in August 2002 and I'm still trying to find that solution.
The best so far is a screen as high as the "sports" screen. You can either buy the "sports" screen or cut the original down to that height. The only down side to that, is that you get more wind on you. But it's smooth non-buffeting wind. Could be tiring on a long trip.
A taller screen like the ones CeeBaileys make improve things no end but it's still noisey.
I believe that the problem is wind coming up from the fairing where it's at its narrowest just below where the screen mounts. And, if you look at the ceebailey #2 screen, they've filled this area with a wider screen. Haven't tried that screen but looks like it could be a good solution.

Anyone out there that can give some feed back on the Ceebailey #2?

I have to say though. That is only bad bit of a Tiger. The rest of the bike is FANBLOODYTASTIC!

TiggerTwo · 03-09-2006

Cos -

As you probably know, inseam length determines the reach to the ground.

It also depends on your upper torso height from the seat to the slip-stream generated off the top of the windshield. Arm length will also determine angle of lean to the bars - again moving your torso relative to the slip-stream.

For example, I'm 5'10 with a 32.5" inseam. The wind flows smoothly over the top contour of my HJC-CL12. Also, I get about 2/3's of the ball of my feet down on the ground, flat pavement, wise. Still, needed to consider uneven terrain, as I take the back roads along river's to fish, so I bought thick soled boot's. I did consider lowering the bike but I've come to appreciate the Tiger design as it incorporates the height for clearance under more adverse terrain condition's and is also advantageous in traffic to see above vehicles in town.

For what it's worth, I may try a VARIO adjustable screen. As for the noise - it's never been a big issue to me. I like the open 'cockpit" feeling of a motorcycle and all that stuff... kinda reminds me of the "barn-stormer's" in their biplane environ!

Walt

:-D :-D

[ This message was edited by: TiggerTwo on 2006-03-09 11:47 ]

JRO · 03-09-2006

Quote:

On 2006-03-09 11:22, blacktiger wrote:
Anyone out there that can give some feed back on the Ceebailey #2?

I'm 6'1", and I have a #2, six inches wider, and eight inches taller, ordered when I bought the bike (anticipation of problem). I was miserable before it arrived. The Tiger is still noisy, compared to a Goldwing, but I can now smoke while riding down the hiway; that's how much it's helped. As you know, it's impossible to ride a bike without smoking, so my #2 turned a piece of junk into a functional motorcycle. Wow, what a change.

Cos · 03-09-2006

Quote:

On 2006-03-09 15:42, JRO wrote:

Quote:

On 2006-03-09 11:22, blacktiger wrote:
Anyone out there that can give some feed back on the Ceebailey #2?

I'm 6'1", and I have a #2, six inches wider, and eight inches taller, ordered when I bought the bike (anticipation of problem). I was miserable before it arrived. The Tiger is still noisy, compared to a Goldwing, but I can now smoke while riding down the hiway; that's how much it's helped. As you know, it's impossible to ride a bike without smoking, so my #2 turned a piece of junk into a functional motorcycle. Wow, what a change.

I think "piece of junk" might be a wee bit excessive.I did check your screen out though and i can get the #2 6' wider 6' taller (i'm 2' shorter than you so that should work) for 145. Not bad at all.
Anybody else have a Cee on their Tiger/
Anybody who's happy with the stock screen?

KuzzinKenny · 03-09-2006

Hey Cos, the Tigers got her claws in ya, eh !! just a thought, when i got my Tiger from the dealer the rear shock was set at 5 which is for 2 up fully loaded so the bike was sitting very high, go back to your dealer and check the seat is on the lowest position and the shock is set to 3 and you should be fine. i got a MRA screen and am very happy with it but it doesn`t suit everyone as its a personal choice kind of thing, its adjustable to.

KK

wills · 03-09-2006

You tell Mark to give you a good deal or I will bug him! See you at PJ's when the weather warms up.

Anthouse · 03-09-2006

At 5'11" I put the taller Triumph shield on when I got my 05. After riding X country I got tired of the buffetting so I recently installed a CB #2 which helped. It rises to about nose height which means I can see over it and still catch bugs in the eye. Being wider seems to help too. I also installed Saeng edging to help with the airflow- they claim it is like having another couple of inches of screen. One thing about the Tiger- you sit up tall so wind, front and side, is always going to be a factor but who wants to ride looking at the road through plastic? Get a good helmet and wear earplugs and it should be fine. Check out past threads for more advice.

stanegoli · 03-09-2006

Much too much fuss about the screen.

I'm 5'11" with long legs (so relatively short torso). I found the original screen a little too noisy/buffeting. I replaced it with the Tiger "Large" screen, about 2" higher and about 1-2" inches wider. This helped a lot, but by no means is it like a cage.
Other Tiger riders hereabouts have the Laminar Lip, CeeBailey (??) and others. I might eventually try the Laminar Lip.

But you know, at the end of the day it really is no big deal. I got my bike in fall so have not had opportunity to put in really long rides, but on my regular 150 mile to 200 mile rides it is no big deal. I mean this is a bike, not a cage or a Goldwing. Part of the fun is being part of the elements....right?

This bike is just such a kick in the ass that I would put this low on my list of concerns.
:wink:

Cos · 03-09-2006

Yep,she's got her claws into me alright. I also considered the ST for a while because the 05/06 reaaally looks good. But i am of European stock and i don't believe you should be in your forties (i'm 28) to get a big trailie (that's more of a Beemer thing).Not to mention that i spent quite some time with the most esteemed and venerable Africa Twin back in Cyprus,which i loved. The Europeans should know exactly what i'm talking about. No such little monster in the US...sadly.
As for the Triumph dealership in Reno,they are wonderful.I've been going there once a month for the past 4 months and i've made it clear that i can't buy a bike till summer(#@$@$@%@^%@) :brk: .They're good friendly people and they just like to discuss bikes and riding. Extra incentive for buying a Triumph. Got a reaaaally good dealer 10 minutes from my house. Anyway,i'm just doing my research early,and i appreciate the time and input that everyone's been giving me. There will probably be a lot more questions coming,and then...the new owner post. Here's to that :chug: and make mine a Carlsberg.
Respect to all,
Cos