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Thinking about a Tiger, opinions?

43K views 358 replies 34 participants last post by  thePUNISHER 
#1 ·
I'll apologize for the long winded post in advance. Figure I should give you as much back history as I can here...

So I currently have a 2014 Street Triple R ABS, I love it. However, it just isn't working out for me thanks to a chronic back problem that isn't going to get any better. Knowing my situation the salesman from the dealer where I bought the bike sent me an email a month or 2 ago saying that Triumph was going to be releasing a low seat height Tiger the beginning of 2016. Me having a 29" inseam always made the standard Tiger just too tall for me to consider, as it was with most of the "ADV" bikes in the same class or I would have thought about getting one before. Well last week he let me know that he had gotten 2 of the bikes in stock, an xcx and a xrx. BY the time I went in to look at them the xcx was gone, no biggie to me I'm interested in the xrx. As soon as I sat on it I was in love. The placement of the bars, the ability to have my feet nearly flat and not up on my tip toes? Well it just fit me. The placement of the pegs also just confirmed that this thing would be MUCH easier on my back than the STR is.

Before I go buying anything new I'll have to sell my STR. Not looking forward to that since I spent so much on it customizing it to get it how I wanted. When I bought it I had every intention of keeping it forever so resale wasn't an issue. So I plan on posting it for sale soon and just trying to get as much as I can for it. Once it sells I'll be stuck with another dilemma..... Do I buy the new low seat Tiger? Comes with all the options I want low seat height, cruise, TC, ABS, skid plate, bark busters, crash bars, 2 year warranty with option for extended warranty ect. but comes with a cost close to 15k. I think I might be able to get them down to 14k but that is probably it.

Second option, to try and save a few bux... Buy used and mod it to fit me. There is a dealer not too far away with a 2013 Tiger with around 7000 miles on it for around $8K and comes with a top case, skid plate, abs but I don't know if it comes with anything else since I haven't seen it in person. I called the dealer to see if they still have it and asked a few other questions about the warranty but that's it. It has 2 months left on the factory warranty and I could get another 4 years extended warranty for around 1k. So after tax, fees, warranty, having it lowered, getting the low seat and crash bars I'll be in it for around $11K. However I'll have a used bike and won't really know how it was treated/abused during that first 7k miles of it's life but I'll have a warranty should anything major go wrong.

So the question is, spring for the new bike and pay 4k more or go for the used bike and take a chance buying someone elses problems? I'm really stuck in a dilemma.

What do you guys like and dislike about your Tigers? I've heard a lot of good things about them, specially the motor but not much bad stuff. I really like the looks and the feel of the bike but would like to hear some real world opinions of them.

If you managed to make it all the way to the end of this post, THANKS for reading! I'm looking forward to the replies.

The white one is the new one, the blue is used...
 

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#3 ·
I love the tiger. On both my tigers I put a little over 45,000 miles in three years. Been to hell and back on them. That bike is the best thing ever happened to me. Power when you need, nimble (for me), maneuverable, rain, snow, hail, thunder storm, blizzard, desert heat - you name it. 750+ miles in one day. Not a single problem with the bike. That 750 mile day I rode 11 hours, the last 7 hours were on a busted right fork leaking oil everywhere - and it was raining like hell and the left fork, brake, disk held out fine - perfect. I trust my life to that bike so much so that I sold the old one (2013) and bought the (2014) one (because it was a great deal)

Let me know if you have any specific questions - I answer via pictures, videos, ride reports
 
#4 ·
From a price standpoint, I would buy the new bike. If the used bike was already set up for your requirements and had a few more options, then yes at closer to $8k.
With the improvements made between those years, the options your looking for and being ergonomically set up for you, the new bike is the way to go. If you plan on keeping it awhile, it`ll pay off.
 
#5 ·
Thanks for the replies guys. I really was surprised by the electronics on the new one, I wasn't expecting that at all. I am leaning towards the new one, all that money though! LOL. I'm hoping to get at least 9500 for my STR so I'll either need to fork out about 5K cash or finance it and I really don't want to finance anything. I guess we'll see what happens in the next few weeks with the sale of my STR and go from there.

If I think of any specific questions I'll definitely post them up here.
 
#6 ·
I own a 2011 Roadie ABS, and in a multi- bike stable, it is the bike I choose to ride most. Just a fantastic all- around bike. And at 30" inseam, with the low seat, no problem with balance or reach. You will miss the STR, but likely find the Tiger 800 a far more versatile machine. As for old vs new, strictly on an economic basis, buying lo- mileage used with accessories included can be a real smart thing to do. Depreciation is pretty steep, and there are real bargain opportunities out there if you pay attention. The new versions with electronics and engine updates are sweet, though. Good luck, you'll love the Tiger 800.
 
#7 ·
Well my Street Triple is officially for sale. Still don't know whether I'll buy a new or used Tiger yet but the wheels are now in motion. Hopefully the Street sells quickly, then I'll be forced to make a decision lol. Still leaning towards new but when the time comes it'll have to be a joint decision between me and the misses. I want the new one but don't want to lose the wife over it lmao!
 
#10 · (Edited)
If a new bike isn't in the budget, don't push it. Everyone wishes they could always buy a new bike, with the latest and greatest. Get the used bike and set it up. The used bike looks good, just inspect the hell out of it. 7k miles is good for a sport touring bike a couple of years old. I bought my 12 Tiger with 5k mi and it's been flawless. It's no fun riding if you're in physical pain. Get it done, you gotta ride.
 
#8 ·
Just a suggestion. Buy a standard new model and option it out when cash is available.

After market crash bars, screens, panniers, running lights, gas cannisters for my Texas saved me approximately $450 from Triumph pricing.

I also strip extras from a bike and sell it stock. Sell the options on ebay or local cregslist. A couple hundred more in the pocket than selling my custom toy to some one who wants their own custom toy. Good luck.
 
#9 ·
I hear what you're saying about selling the STR in stock form but that's really not an option. Figuring I was never going to sell the bike I sold off the stock bits as they were replaced with aftermarket bits. At the time it seemed like a good idea, now not so much. Oh well.

As for optioning out a Tiger, well I don't plan on doing too much. Mainly just a top case and crash bars. Everything else I want comes as standard equipment so I'll be set.
 
#12 ·
That new Tiger is going to be so comfortable that you'll be touring more and really wishing you had cruise. Ask me how I know. I went from a Daytona to my 11 Tiger and before long I was wishing for cruise on those 500 mile days.
 
#13 ·
Hey the Punisher, I just ordered a new 2016 Tiger 800 XRX from my local shop in Oz. Wanted to get the latest plate after just selling my overweight Explorer 1200. The difference in the weight between these two bike is amazing.

Can't wait to get the new bike. There are not too many second hand bikes in the new model yet and didn't want to have any issues with an older model either. If I waere you I'd think strongly about the latest model.

Cheers
Xplor13 (need to change handles)
 
#14 ·
That's true, there aren't a lot of used '15/'16 models out there. I have found a used '15 with around 2000 miles on it but I would rather get a new one that is already setup with the low seat height. Not sure which way I will go yet though, still gotta sell my current Street Triple first and then see what's on the market then.

Been watching youtube videos and reviews on the new Tiger, driving myself crazy! LOL The anticipation is KILLING me!
 
#16 ·
Did a test ride on the XCX and the WP-Suspension was a dream. Top notch like the one I have on my Trophy SE.
The biggest dissapponitment was the engine. Pure boredom, just a wasted oppourtinity compared to other 800 ccm's on the market.
 
#17 ·
The biggest dissapponitment was the engine. Pure boredom, just a wasted oppourtinity compared to other 800 ccm's on the market.
Not sure what 800 cc competitors the baby Tiger has.
BMW parallel twin? Bland

MV dual Sport? Great looks, poor mapping on several models, cost more than an arm or leg.

Ducati scrambler? Where do you put the hard bags?

Very few Japanese bikes competing with Triumph 800 Tiger. Triumph 800 Tiger is a multi use bike, lots of after market, can tour, off road, commute or simply dwaddle along.

If you are buying for sound, soul, power get a turbo for the new Polaris 800, open the pipes and find a straight road.

Just joshing here. Buy and ride what you like but compare apples to apples, not avacodos when comparing. IMHO
 
#18 ·
Hey, you commented on my thread where I said how much I miss my Street so I'm doing the same.

So this is me coming from a Street to a Tiger 800 and now hoping to go back to a Street.

My experience with the Tiger...
I love that bike. To me she is comfortable, fun, good looking and very reliable. I love the extra space, being able to stand up on long rides and still having a slightly more grown up but subdued Street Triple. Doing distance on her was a pleasure and the ability to have a top box which adds to the looks was a practicality I've never been able to enjoy on my other bikes (without them looking turdesque)

Now this is where it got bad. It seems like I am sensitive to heat and the Tigers love to throw up heat. I found it tough to enjoy my rides in the city when the weather was over 65. The engine just created too much heat for my liking. I realise I am terribly over analytical about most things so some of this could be in my head but for me, its a deal breaker. You should have seen when I got my new car...the dealer must have hated me ;)

The second issue I had...I almost felt disengaged from the bike because of the upright position. More like I was along for the ride. Coming from an exclusively naked background and slight forward lean, getting onto the Tiger was initially fun but I soon found myself wishing I was closer to the front wheel. Windshields were also new to me and I cant get used to them. Even though mine has a Madstad, there was still buffeting which is very different to the type of clean air you get on a naked. Some days the Madstad worked great when winds were calm but on heavy wind days...well, I guess nothing works. I tied taking off the brackets and windshield but the upright position made it really difficult. My old Street with fly screen was pretty good at managing wind up to about 85 - 90mph.

I recently did a back to back test ride of a 15 XRx and my 2013 Tiger. First thing I noticed...Pirelli Scorpions are the pits. I dont do off road and went with a Pilot Road 4s. Night and day. The second thing was that the XRx with no arrow can made me sad, but most importantly I felt one major thing. The heat being thrown up was a lot less. It was still there but nothing like the 2013. Even the dealer had a go and mentioned he has seen a number of older Tigers that are just hot.

The 2013 already has the trip computer, average speed, average consumption etc whereas the base 2015 Tiger pretty much has nothing.

My personal opinion - take the 2013 for long test ride. Do circles in the parking lot and just let the engine run and make sure you are OK with the heat. If the heat doesnt bother you, snap it up. Its the next best thing after a Street for those of us ageing and wanting a little more comfort.

When I get my Street, the one thing I will miss is the wind protection for the longer trips and the lack of leg room. My left knee has seen better days and starts to ache after about 40 minutes but a quick stop and walk and I am fine. I'll still have to consider this though and ask the dealer for a long enough ride (me thinking out loudly)

Best of luck - you cant really go wrong with the Tiger. She blows the majority of bikes I have ridden out of the water.

Oh, just as an FYI - the Hyperstrada is a fantastic motorcycle. So much fun, comfy and still practical.
 
#19 ·
Hey Random, thanks for the reply.

As far as the heat goes, well, I live in central California and have ridden year round for as long as I've been riding. It gets up over 100+ degrees every summer and the heat doesn't get to me much. My last 2 bikes, an air cooled Ducati Monster and a CBR600F4i, both threw off A LOT of heat. I got used to it and it didn't bother me.

The upright riding position definitely takes getting used to but having ridden a few similar bikes I know it's exactly what I want/need. Given my height I know that the buffeting with the stock windscreen should be non-existent and if I have any issues going with a bit tall/larger screen will cure that. The 2016 XRX Low that I checked out had all the same trip computer stuff that my Street Triple has plus the new stuff like cruise, throttle by wire ect... and I thought the '15 was the same without the low seat height? I guess I'll have to look into that if I decide to go used, specially since I did find a used '15 with around 2000 miles that I thought about getting and having lowered for me. I'm not sure what tires I'll end up going with for the long term. About 90% on road riding with about 10% maintained dirt/fire roads so I'll want a most road tire. Haven't really looked into tire options yet but it's something I'll do for sure.

The Hyper is a sweet bike! I've lusted ofter one ever since I saw one in person but the bike just doesn't fit me. They really are the ultimate hooligan machine, I just need something more along the lines of fun "old man" machine lol.
 
#21 ·
Merced is a great place for motorcycling! Places like Kings, Sequoia & Yosemite within close proximity. These places are only dreams to riders the world over. Sure it gets hot in Summertime. Maybe a little chilly in Wintertime. But, the Spring and Fall are awesome! Get out there and show us what we're missing with pics!
 
#22 ·
This is true. Being in Merced puts me right in the middle of Cali and therefore right in the middle of thousands of miles of PRIME riding country. I've always ridden year round, rain or shine. No matter what season it is there is always somewhere to ride. Hoping to sell my Street Triple this weekend and pick up my new Tiger next week! Wish me luck.
 
#26 ·
That's the sign of a well kept properly priced bike. Good deal.

Now just don't go into the Tiger deal thinking you're going to be pulling wheelies and burning rubber like most do coming off a sporty bike and you'll love it.
 
#27 ·
Yeah I hear ya. Although I never really had that mentality even when I was riding a full on supersport. Don't get me wrong, I like to open her up once in a while but I was never really the knee draggin ricky racer type. Just the occasional wheelie for safety, lol. The test ride for me is all about how the bike fits me when I'm riding. I'm looking forward to the style of riding and the ability to go off road once in a while.
 
#31 ·
Well I had planned to go check out the Tiger yesterday but decided I would rather wait for the rain to stop before I went for a test ride. Today I have too much going on with school and stuff so it looks like I'll be headed to the dealer tomorrow late morning/early afternoon. Starting to get antsy not having a working motorcycle in the garage lol.
 
#32 ·
Test rode the Tiger today. It's such a nice ride! Really comfortable. Smooth power delivery. Ergonomics really fit me. SO I left a deposit and ordered up a few accessories. They are going to mount my Givi case and hook up the brake light kit. They are also installing crash bars and a Gerbing heated gear setup to go with the heated jacket liner and gloves I bought. Should be ready for me some time next week. The huge foot pegs and position of the rear brake pedal/gear switch pedal are both going to take some getting used to but shouldn't be an issue. The clutch and brake levers were a little far away from the bar for me. I didn't think to adjust them before the test ride but did when I got back and liked the position once adjusted. All in all it feels like it's going to be a great fit for me.
 
#33 ·
Something I forgot to mention about the test ride was the wind buffeting at higher speeds. I found with the stock screen the wind came right over the top of it and hit me right in the faceshield, not very fun. Kind of felt like a bobblehead lol. So I'm looking at getting a windscreen. I've seen a lot of options and read some reviews/threads online but I'm not 100% sure what I should get. I guess the obvious choice would be the Madstad. It tends to get great reviews but the price is really high. I've also heard some people get the MRA X-creen which I guess is a little add-on screen you attach to the top of the stock screen. It has some good reviews as well. There isn't as much info on the Givi and Puig screens that I can find. Both are less expensive options compared to the Madstad but I don't want to spend $100-$200 just to find out it doesn't work and then spend another $300+ to buy the Madstad. So I guess I'll just be picking up a Madstad...Only issue I see now is which one do I buy? There look to be 2 versions available, adventure and explorer, in 16", 18", 20" and 22" heights. I sent off an email to them to try and figure out what will work best for me.
 
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