Triumphrat

Pickaxe · 05-02-2007

Collected my new 06 Tiger on Tuesday and started the running in procedure. Quite prescriptive to say the least.

Having previously owned a BMW 1200GS, I would say that unsurprisingly, the two bikes feel quite similar to ride. The handling is stable and sure, but feels a little vague at times. The bike responds well to steering input, albeit that 19 inch front wheel can feel a little reluctant to move at first. Lean angle is very good and would put a few sports tourers to shame.

Staying mainly to twisty, undulating back roads, the engine performs well, even at the few revs allowed by the running in regime. The gearbox has got smoother and easier to select gears, even during the 300 miles to date. The clutch, however is a little juddery and grabby. Don't know whether this is normal and will get better or not?

I find the ergonomics of the bike, spot on and far more comfortable than the GS. My backside gets a bit sore after 70 or 80 miles, but I think this is mainly due to the very upright sitting position, which puts all the weight onto the cheeks of your backside. I ride a 1300 pan euro all day and that seat is far more tolerable.

My one gripe is the dealers so called PDI. Front tyre pressure 20psi and rear 24psi. Lights adjusted far to low. Steering head a bit on the tight side, that will indent the bearings quickly. Dealer servicing worries me to death.

Anyway all this riding is tiring me out. Will update later in the
running in process.

Regards
Dave

blacktiger · 05-03-2007

Enjoy the bike.

I'd go in and moan like hell at that sort of PDI. Tell them in no uncertain terms that you'll take it elsewhere unless they buck their ideas up. Those tyre pressures could be dangerous.

The headlamps, by the way, are set at the factory so that they don't annoy anyone. If you reach up under the fairing beneath the headlamps you'll find a little wheel for each lamp which will wind the aim up and down. A bit awkward to get at but you'll only have to do it once.

Advwannabe · 05-03-2007

Quote:

On 2007-05-02 16:09, Pickaxe wrote:

I find the ergonomics of the bike, spot on and far more comfortable than the GS. My backside gets a bit sore after 70 or 80 miles, but I think this is mainly due to the very upright sitting position, which puts all the weight onto the cheeks of your backside. I ride a 1300 pan euro all day and that seat is far more tolerable.

Regards
Dave

Congrats on your purchase Dave. I have to say you are quicker on the uptake than me ( not sure if that's much of a compliment ). I've been riding my Tiger for a year and have only just figured this out. Even now only because a friend got bigger risers for his FJR and commented on the difference in pressure points it caused.

His solution is an Airhawk seat and after trying it out I'll get one as well.

Cheers

Pickaxe · 05-06-2007

The mileage has now crept up to 600 miles. Before anybody remarks, I know I'm over the 500 miles service point, but the dealer said 700 miles is better than 400 miles. I just can't keep off the thing. Service is scheduled for Wednesday and I'll probably have about 650 miles on the odometer.

The clutch judder seems to be getting better, especially as she warms up and the engine is running better and better.

I noticed that the handbook is less prescriptive about running in than the sticker on the tank. I've generally kept to the miles/rev limits, but tried to use the engine and gearbox as much as possible, within those constraints. Anyway, 6000 revs in top is a fair speed and much more, could get you into trouble.

As speeds have increased, I've noticed the screen is less effective, although no bike I've owned, including a 1200RT BMW is perfect. The turbulence/ noise however does get better with the wife on the back, due to the change in attitude of the bike. I think I'd rather put up with the wind noise however.

I've got to get round to adjusting those lights and I don't want to leave it to the dealer. The handbook says remove the cockpit, but then doesn't describe which fasteners to unscrew???

Regards
Dave

iansoady · 05-06-2007

Take the screen off (4 plastic screws)
Take the indicator pods off (3 Torx screws each)
Take the 4 big Torx screws off the fairing and gently pull off to the front.

Sparky · 05-06-2007

Hello pickaxe
I have got my mileage upto 1600miles now and like you followed the triumph running in process, but slightly on the top side of the rpm, my dealer said just don't over stress the engine, like you regular gear changing is what the engine needs.
My bike is running well , cant say i had any clutch judder but have ordered a better screen bufferting is the only thing which needs sorting, thinking about a race can tune next.

Great Bike

Sparky.

Pickaxe · 05-06-2007

Ian

Thanks for that. I didn't want to force anything till I knew where all the screws were.

Dave

Pickaxe · 05-06-2007

Quote:

On 2007-05-06 11:53, Sparky wrote:
have ordered a better screen bufferting is the only thing which needs sorting, thinking about a race can tune next.

Great Bike

Sparky.

Sparky,
Which screen have you ordered?
The one thats taken my eye is the MRA Vario touring screen. All the after market screens I've bought for other bikes have always been disappointing.

Dave

Sparky · 05-07-2007

Ordered the MRA Vario touring screen will let the forum know what i think, it's due end of the week

Sparky

Trotts · 05-07-2007

same as Black Tiger says re that PDi. Moan like hell when you take it in for your first service and who knows, might even give you that first service for free !! (only pay for oil and filter)

Ref the MRA screen. Do a search here and you will find loads of threads re this item, most prefer it way better than stock, but you will find one chap who hated it ! I would not swop it for anything else and perhaps the best bit of 'bling' I have put on Tiger