I just bought a T120 after riding it and a Tiger. My wife was with me at the shop when we were checking them both and she fell in love with the T120 and I liked it too. My heart, however, was with the Tiger. I think it fits my lifestyle better.
I'm a newer rider so I took the Tiger 800 out for a spin and STRUGGLED to keep a steady speed. Just the smallest twitch on the throttle and the bike takes off, and letting off caused me to engine brake. I realized I was more focused on the throttle than the road and that ended up making me choose the T120. My wife is getting into motorcycling herself, so the T120 is essentially hers.
So this brings about my question: is this a common experience for the Tiger? I'm positive it came down to lack of rider skill (I suck), but maaaan it was rough. A coworker told me it might've been fueling on the bike. It was a sweet 2014 Tiger 800. I'm just curious if this is something inherent to the triple engine. I'll get a second bike as soon as I can, and I'd like it to be a Tiger, but I wanted to know if I need to build up a lot more skill before I get into the triple engine.
Positive Note: I didn't crash on the test ride, so I'm at least capable of riding the Tiger from point A to B.
I'm no expert, but I believe you experienced what I did after buying my '15 XRX. The throttle is fly-by-wire so when you engage/turn the throttle you are not doing anything, but engaging electromechanical
actuators. I came off a 1984 BMW ST80. When you engaged the throttle you were turning a handle connected to a throttle cable which of course connects directly to the twin carbs. Is your T120 the same system?
Combine the fly-by-wire system and the fact that many other folks have complained about the entire throttle system being very TOUCHY; and you get what you experienced IMHO.
I'm still getting used to mine, just takes time.
Get that TIGER. You'll love it.
Well, all that and as GearHd6 said the '14 is cable.
I'm no expert, but I believe you experienced what I did after buying my '15 XRX. The throttle is fly-by-wire so when you engage/turn the throttle you are not doing anything, but engaging electromechanical
actuators. I came off a 1984 BMW ST80. When you engaged the throttle you were turning a handle connected to a throttle cable which of course connects directly to the twin carbs. Is your T120 the same system?
Combine the fly-by-wire system and the fact that many other folks have complained about the entire throttle system being very TOUCHY; and you get what you experienced IMHO.
The dealer told me the tiger and the t120 were both throttle by wire. So they both had that electronic throttle. Your reply makes a ton of sense to me based on what I experienced and keeps my hopes alive for a Tiger.
It does make me wonder if I should pay extra for a XRx to get the cruise control, but I hear there are some more crude options that mimic cruise control and might allow me to just buy an XR and save that cash. We'll see.
I am riding a tiger 800 XRT, had a couple of sprints and a Daytona 955 before this I really like mine. I have not noticed anything strange or twitchy. I think you would adjust maybe get a longer test drive if this will be a second purchase from the dealer.
I saw a 2016 tiger 1200 explorer this weekend, was nice, but all that extra weight might not suit my commute as I like to throw the 800 around in traffic.
Yeah my current plan is to try a 15 or 16 tiger and see if the throttle by wire makes it more tolerable, but we'll see. I do think I'd get used to it so I'm more willing to give it a shot.
I have a '12 Tiger 800, and the throttle has always been snatchy. After a while, I just learned to live with it. Also, tightening up the throttle cable slack seemed to help (me) a little. Now, it's no longer twist
and be surprised when the power comes on. I haven't gotten the chance to really ride a '15 yet, so I can't say for certain how much better it is.
Something to keep in mind when test riding a bike. If you're a newer rider and trying a Tiger 800 2015+ make sure its set to road mode and not Sport mode. It's much quicker and more responsive in Sport mode and that could "throw you off" with the throttle sensitivity. The 800 is an awesome engine. With any bike you're finding "twitchy" try just squeezing the throttle instead of twisting it. It's subtle but works great.
This. This is a fantastic response. Thanks so much!
One last question. Is the XC much better than the XR? Or are they about the same? I'd be doing about 98% road riding, but doing occasional trail riding with family and some moto camping maybe. I'm 6 feet tall so the height isn't a big deal.
I don't find it a disadvantage what so ever. The 21" front wheel and WP suspension just eats up the bumpy roads out here. If you're a canyon carver then neither bike is going to make you extremely happy. I will say that I could ground out hard parts on the Roadie but I haven't done that on the XCx. To me, that's a huge advantage.
I have found the XRx to be a fairly good canyon carver. The suspension doesn't compare to the WP on the XCx but the 19" wheel is a bit better suited for the road. If you're only doing light dirt,eg.fire roads, then the Roadie is fine. It really depends on finances and the type of riding you see yourself doing. The XCx is definitely better suited for off roads and is good on the tarmac. It's also taller so your height makes a difference as well.
The thing I noticed most about the Roadie compared to the XCx is just how harsh the front forks are. I never really noticed it until I made the switch, the XCx just soaks that stuff up and the suspension adjustability is so nice to fine tune.
And either bike can carve canyons but if you're coming off a true sport bike the Tiger just isn't going to compare.
I'm in total agreement regarding the suspension comparison. I usually upgrade my previous bikes suspension but I'm ok with the Roadie at this point. We ride similar road conditions and I'm sure the WP is way better. I'm glad I didn't ride one for comparison. I bought a pre owned XRx at a great rice so the XCx wasn't in the conversation. I could put in a custom suspension and still be ahead of the game. I just did over 900 miles in 3 days up to and throughout NH. Did the Mt Washington Auto Road in rain and fog. The XRx performed flawlessly and that was over some pretty challenging terrain. I'm happy with the XRx but wouldn't mind checking out the XCx just to make me jealous.:grin2:
I think it's worth noting that I'd get the XC or the XR, not the XCx or XRx. Just a bit too expensive. The XC has the WP suspension, and the only missing items are the programmable rider mode and cruise control. The rest of the stuff I can add.
I'd be coming off a cruiser bike so the canyon carving thing isn't an issue. I had always looked past the XC and assumed it was dirt oriented, meaning it's perform poorly on the road. So thanks to you guys for setting me straight.
Interestingly, insurance on a 2014 Tiger 800 is $40 a month for full coverage. The same level of insurance on a 2016 XC is $75!! Nearly double. No clue why. Progressive is the one giving me the quote. I've never seen such a jump.
I did notice the premium dropped way off after the first year. Maybe it'll do the same for you. I have an auto policy through them as well so I get a good discount on both policies doing that.
Yup. Just called them and they said it's only because the bike is so new and hasn't depreciated yet (at least not to them). So I can expect a drop the following year.
I have a 2012 800 (non ABS) and the fuelling on the bike is brilliant. It is by far the best of all the bikes I have owned. The suspension, while basic is very well sorted for most of the roads I ride and you only really notice it on very rough roads.
I have clocked up 45,000km in just over 2-1/2 years and just replacing the chain & sprockets this week.
I would like a bit more power but everytime I take it out, it puts a smile on my face. Love riding the twisties in the 7-8k rev range. Plenty of engine braking & love the popping from the standard exhaust.
It's kind of interesting how I think back on my test ride of the 2014 tiger 800 ABS and think of it fondly. At the time I disliked it, but now I find myself actually warming to how it behaved.
Anyway, does anyone know if the 2016 Tiger XC is a tubed or tubeless tire? I can't find the info anywhere. It's spokes wheels so I think that means tubed but I can't be sure.
Well I decided to go with what I felt was smartest for my wallet and drove to my local Triumph dealer to try the 2014 Tiger 800 ABS again. I was confident that everything was in my head and I'd be good with it this time. Plus it was a 2014, and I felt positive I could get a heck of a bargain.
Well. The guy who walked in the door minutes before me bought it. With me standing on the showroom floor looking at it. So I had to watch him drive off with the great deal on that Tiger. Crap.
Until the next deal presents itself I suppose. Thanks for all the advice here from each of you. You helped me settle my mind, and I'll be armed with that info in the future.
Re: riding it - One other thing I didn't see mentioned is to just shift sooner. Lots of torque in that 800 motor, and if you're a gear higher your throttle response will be smoother.
Re: riding it - One other thing I didn't see mentioned is to just shift sooner. Lots of torque in that 800 motor, and if you're a gear higher your throttle response will be smoother.
Yeah I'll have to update my profile to reflect that I'm in Ohio.
But yeah the earlier shifting would be smart. I was going to use the suggestion of squeezing the throttle rather than small twists. My brother rides a street triple, so I rode his to gain a bit more familiarity with the engine. Thanks for the advice.
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