Triumphrat

chrisn · 02-14-2008

After 3 consecutive 955i Tigers I've placed my order for a new white 1050 for a 1st March delivery.

I'm looking forward to discovering a whole new bike, but also a little sad to part with my last 955. They've been great bikes and have given me many trouble-free miles.

I've bought a new Garmin Zumo already, and I'm busy shopping for the "essential" accessories which in the past I simply transferred from bike to bike.

Some of my 955i accessories are for sale in the Classified section - click the link on the left.

Pickaxe · 02-15-2008

Chrisn
Congratulations on your impending purchase.

Just a tip on the Zumo.

Get some electrical contact lubricant/cleaner and squirt some on the multi pin contacts in the mount.

If you don't, they quickly become encrusted with green powder, which I assume is copper sulphate.

I've been using a Zumo for just over a year and it's a great bit of kit.

Dave

Whisperinsmith · 02-15-2008

Hey Chris,
I've been following your posts and visited your Tiger site many times. You are an inspiration to me to get out there and ride! First, let me say how much I love my new 1050 Tiger. With that said, I'm a little anxious for you changing from the bikes you love. I hope you find that the new Tiger fits your needs. I remember Tigerlilly expressing some concerns about the size of the hard bags for long distance travels. I'll be curious what you guys come up with. I rmember seeing a picture of aluminum hard bags for our bike somewhere. When I find it, I'll post it here.

I'll be holding my breath until I read your first trip report! I'm assuming you took the new Tiger for a test ride and felt the differences. From viewing your past trip pictures it looks as if the roads you take will be okay for this new machine. If so, I think you'll love the new feel when you twist the throttle.

It's just that I associate you so much with the other style from reading and viewing all your reports, it'll take a little getting used to you with a different look.

Best of luck! And keep those notes and pictures coming!!!

PS I'm hoping to do a USA cross country (and back) ride this June and I've got the side hardbags and I'll attempt to use my two Wolfman waterproof bags for my gear. No top bag. I hope this works out. I can't wait to see your pictures.

Whisperinsmith · 02-15-2008

Not to embarass Chris, but I've just revisited his site and felt it should be posted here on the Tiger forum.

http://www.chrisneary.co.uk/index.html

My compliments on a resourceful and entertaining site. I can see many hours went into all you've given to us on those web pages. Many thanks.

And for those who haven't visited his website, you're in for a Tiger treat.

triple3john · 02-16-2008

Well Chris it will be interesting to see how you get on. I'm taking my 955 Tiger to the Pyrenees in May (2 up) and then I need to make a big decision,whether to trade in the Tiger and Speed Triple for a 1050 Tiger. I really don't want to keep running 2 bikes (actually 3 'cos I have a Tbird also) but I'm not sure about the 1050 for 2 up touring. In particular the luggage. Are you going with the Triumph luggage or alternatives ? I've looked at Metal Mule which is very rugged but not sure it will integrate with the style of the bike. I really like the look of the orange 1050. Just spent a lot on servicing and new tyres for both bikes so I will use them until summer before deciding. Which dealer did you use,now that MCO has lost the Triumph franchise. I'm keeping with Woods as they have always looked after me.

chrisn · 02-16-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Whisperinsmith

Not to embarass Chris,
My compliments on a resourceful and entertaining site. I can see many hours went into all you've given to us on those web pages. Many thanks. And for those who haven't visited his website, you're in for a Tiger treat.

Whisperinsmith,
Thanks for the big compliments on my website, it's much appreciated and I'm glad others, like yourself, find it entertaining. It's due for a major overall soon to compliment my new Tiger, but its a busy time for me at the moment. Alot of the content will be updated re-used and I'll PM you when its done. Thanks again.

chrisn · 02-16-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Whisperinsmith

Hey Chris,
I'm assuming you took the new Tiger for a test ride and felt the differences.

errr....No I didn't !
I've turned down lots of invites to test ride the new 1050 since it's launch simply because I knew it would result in me trading-in before I wanted to. I have shopped around and seriously considered other bikes but found myself coming back to Triumph for lots of reasons. I'm reasonably confident I'll love the new Tiger and I know it'll feel like a whole new bike to me coming from the 955. Again that's part of the reason for my choice. The fact is, I need to own one to really find out and and know for sure if it's the bike for me. In my opinion test-riding is purely a sales excercise that lulls you into buying with your infatuated heart and not your sensible head. If it doesn't fulfil my needs it will be sold and I'll know it's been properly eliminated as a bike for me. Somehow I think this is unlikely.

chrisn · 02-16-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by triple3john

Well Chris it will be interesting to see how you get on.

I'm not sure about the 1050 for 2 up touring. In particular the luggage.
Are you going with the Triumph luggage or alternatives ?

I really like the look of the orange 1050.

Which dealer did you use now that MCO has lost the Triumph franchise. I'm keeping with Woods as they have always looked after me.

Hi John,
I currently see the 1050 Tiger as mainly a solo bike for me. My daughter is my pillion but she's now 15 and finding other interests rather than riding out with her old dad.

Luggage: I mulled this one over long and hard and nearly went with SW Motech with Givi boxes. Luggage is a compromise with this bike after the cavernous 955 3-box set. In the end I felt the Triumph Panniers suit the bike best and as I tour solo the compact size isn't too much of a problem for me. I do not like the new Triumph TopBox and have therefore ordered a Triumph tail pack and panniers to meet my needs in the short term. I may add the SW Motech rear rack and perhaps a small Givi box as I like to be able to lock away my helmet on weekend rides.

The orange does look tasty but it's white for me this time. I think the bike looks pretty good in any colour which confirms Triumph have got the styling right, maybe less practical but nice looking none the less.

I visited several dealerships including Smiths, Woods, Youles, A1moto(York), but chose to deal with Robinsons at Rochdale. Not only did they offer the best trade-in on my 2 year old Tiger 955 with 24,000 miles on the clock, but they've been really helpful and competitive on accessories too. They've also got a very active RAT pack and are a friendly bunch. You'll get good and bad stories about every dealership but I felt happy giving them my business.

greenman · 02-18-2008

I'm another 955 owner interested to hear how you get on. Last year I started to feel that as well as being ugly the Tiger was just a bit dull, so I killed 2 birds with one stone and bought a Ducati 749 for sunny days.

Unfortunately I'm finding that running 2 bikes is a bit more hassle than I like so am re-thinking the strategy. Multistrada or 1050?? that is the question. The extra power of the 1050 plus Triumph reliability and ruggedness are edging it right now, if only they did it in red!

Luxamor · 03-05-2008

Just wondering if you picked up the bike Chris and what are your initial impressions (?)