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Finally saying hello

2K views 14 replies 7 participants last post by  Rock2D2 
#1 ·
I'm cheating on my air cooled twin with a water cooled triple. Recently bought myself a 2013 Tiger Explorer to stable up with my 2012 Bonneville.

Originally I was casting about. Looking at a BMW and a Wee-Strom. Took the 800 and 1200 for test rides.....no comparison. Power, style comfort, reliability. Done.

Comparing the 800 to the 1200 was a bit more difficult, but I wanted something capable of long highway jaunts and two up riding with comfort. The TEx offered a larger, more comfortable saddle and all the power available wherever you are in the Revs was great. It came down to a back to back test drive. The 1200 edged ahead (and was a better deal because it was used.)

Had it for a few weeks now, but have spent much of it at work. Hasn't stopped me from farkling though. Barkbusters, Triumph lower guards, SW Motech upper guards, folding shift lever, SW Motech Trax top box and side bags, Rox risers. I think it is finally ready to ride! (hint: it already was)

Anyway, no intro thread is complete without photos:

Made for adventure. #triumph #tiger #explorer #birlv #hobbes by Rock D, on Flickr

#explorer #birlv #hobbes #adventureisoutthere by Rock D, on Flickr

Rora and Graham love washing #hobbes #shinyADVisonlyalittlewrong #futureproof #birlv #explorer #triumph by Rock D, on Flickr

The Tiger is a hit with Graham. #triumph #explorer #birlv #grahamtheman #hobbes by Rock D, on Flickr
 
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#2 ·
Welcome and a great looking Explorer (it looks good in blue) and I know you will love it. I recently purchased the 2013 Tiger 800 and I am currently selling my 2013 Scrambler and my 2012 Honda NC700x. I will miss the Scrambler and the NCx but for me the Tiger 800 is a much better all around bike that fulfills both places for these other two bikes.

 
#4 ·
Hi, & welcome Rock from another cheater! I had to trade my Bonneville to get the Tex, but I don't regret it (I do miss it though). Like you, love the power, 2-up comfort, & the ability to eat up miles. Blue is also the best color :grin2:. Did you buy it at a Triumph dealer? Make sure that the ECU and sidestand bolt recalls were done, and check if the cylinder head has been replaced under Triumphs' service bulletin too.
Cheers & ride safe,
 
#5 ·
Long story short the engine is brand new, so I'm pretty certain it won't suffer from the cylinder problems. I didn't make sure the bolt and ECU were done, but I happen to have contact with the previous owner so I can ask him.

I kept my Bonneville. First bike I bought brand new and it's got bits and bobs just for me on it. Its worth more as nostalgia than a sale or trade.
 
#6 ·
Nice ride, I have just clocked 100miles on my new 800 xrt :)

Previous bikes daytona 955, sprint ST and GT, the tigier is the bike I always wanted but found it was always too tall, the 800 going down to 32.9 inches allows me to almost flat foot.

So far its been commuting only, but thats the mission I brought it for.
 

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