Triumphrat

Whisperinsmith · 03-05-2008

For those who made the move from the 955 to the new 1050, what's the verdict? Pro's and con's.

TigerLilly · 03-05-2008

Difficult one. I loved my old 955i in a way that I just don't with the 1050. This could be because I got the 1050 at the start of winter and have yet to do any long trips on her. The old 955i had soul.

Sometimes I think of trading back, what stops me is the weight of the old bike. Just too heavy which is the reason I traded up in the first place.

The 1050 well she's brilliant at what she does. She's sleek, she's agile, bags of power. Teenage boy next door reckons shes a looker etc. Delivers all the time every time.

I did however like the way the 955i would lift and take off whenever you felt like going for it. I don't think the 1050 does because she's lighter and takes off all the time.

Mainly what holds me back on the 1050 is the luggage. It frustrates all the time. even minor real simple things like the string between pannier and lid have given out. Put the disc lock in the left hand pannier (side stand side), it slides out onto the ground before the lid shuts. Pannier capacity rubbish, pannier locking mechanism rubbish. No proper luggage rack. Hand rail dosn't accommodate bungee hooks to well. On and on. This bike is going to need a serious sorting out before it goes anywhere far. On a 1000cc bike there is just no excuse for it.

Anyway Whispering, how about you commit your thoughts to cyber space

Lil

Whisperinsmith · 03-05-2008

Hi Lil,
I didn't have the joy of having the 955 bike so my thoughts can't compare the two bikes with any validity. That said, I agree with your assessment of the new Tiger. I love this bike, but if it is to be used for that long ride into biker's nirvana, it needs some fixing. As you mentioned, that rear hand rail is pathetic for grabbing bungie cords. (What I've done is I make a loop with two bungie cords. I stick the loop under the grap rail and then slip the hooks over the top of the rail and through the loop and back over the pack and then down to the rail that holds the side bags. Works great. But if I have more than one bag, we'll see.)

If Triumph would offer one retrofit, I think it should be in the area of a rear luggage rack or rail that would fit in with the looks of the bike BUT BE PRACTICAL! They sell it saying it can go anywhere. Make it so.

All in all, as stated, I love this bike. I've taken her on several three and four day rides and it worked great. On a longer trip I have planned, I've rearranged my luggage situation a thousand times in my mind. I'll probably have a guy at work make an additional attachment to that rear hand rail for me to tie down my tent and extra camping stuff. That should do it, but Triumph should have offered such an addition.

I guess you can't be all things for all times. This is as close as it gets for me. I love the ability to get out of harms way with the flick of the throttle.

BTHUMPER · 03-05-2008

I have never ridden a 955 but I agree on the Luggage. I bought the tail bag and have an aftermarket top box on as well as a Bags Connection Tank bag. That should last me a couple of days you would think.

oldrider · 03-05-2008

I am going to get a test ride on one of these 1050's so that I can make true comparison for my self.

I like the front end of the 1050 but the back half leaves me cold.

For the riding we do, the 955i is perfect but I am conscious of the fact that if it gets whacked there is no longer a (new) replacement available!

If anything happens to our bike I think we will be changing brands again but "what" to?

I guess Triumph know why they changed direction with the Tiger but I am **** sure I don't. John.

Pickaxe · 03-06-2008

Triumph have handed the market to BMW and the GS variants.

IMO, all Triumph needed to do was, upgrade the engine to the 1050
and redesign the front fairing area.

As Triumph have abandoned this area of the market, BMW have increased
their range of adventure type motorcycles. Someones got it wrong?

graeme · 03-06-2008

I have'nt made the move, but I'd love to tell you what I think of the 1050. It's killing me not saying anything !!

But I think you already know my views on it, nuff said.

TigerLilly · 03-06-2008

I don't think it is as simple as Triumph moved the Tiger out of the off-road market so it must be bad.

On purchasing the 1050 I tried both the GS and the KTM Adventure and I still preferred the new Tiger.

GS - once more too heavy and many seem to agree that on the Long Way Down E&C suffered from having to heavy a bike for their purpose and their shocks crumpling.

The Adventure was a nice bike, had many points in its favour, good provenance but just didn't win it over. I wanted long journey capability which included a degree of comfort and a good seat - didn't have that. It was just slightly tall and I'm 5 10. I know it will last but all the plastic is a bit tacky and the finish just wasn't as nice as the Tiger or the GS.

I know my ideal bike lies somewhere between the old GS1150, the old 955i and the new 1050. Although I am now compromising, I was doing that with the heavy 955i as well. I do like the lightweight agility of the new 1050, she runs brilliantly and looks great. She just needs to carry luggage in the way that a long range tourer should, thats what is so frustrating. Otherwise she is a lovely lovely bike.

Lil

clive955 · 03-06-2008

Tigerlilly,

I was interested to hear what you had to say about your new 1050, Almost everything you said about it is the reason I don't have one plus the fact Triumph gave me a crap part ex price due to the milage and the fact I service it myself. It seems to have no soul like my 955 and so will keep her now for a couple more years before I put her into retirement and get a new steed.

I hope by then Triumph will have done something new, there are rumours of an all new total off road bike in the pipeline !!, However if not then Im really looking at the new 800 GS.

Not as heavy as the 1200, a lot less money 7 grand on the road and best of all chain drive.

atokadok · 03-07-2008

Reasons I chose the '06

Like the unique looks!
Liked the price of a slightly used (3k miles)
Which led to a great price and over 1 3/4 years of remaining warranty
Liked the larger front wheel, cover fork shocks and off road capability

Don't like the windshield (who does, right? will try MR Vario)
Will get TOR pipe and tune
Will get new seat
Can't comment on luggage as I have not been on multiple day trip, but plan to

Likes about '07 1050:
Motor was snappier, wheelied easier, but I'm too old to be wheeling!
Sounded better
Looks - especially the scorched yellow

Disliked:
Cost
Bags not included
Smaller front wheel
Designed seemed to be more for knee dragging - again too old
lost any uniqueness to it looks

Plan/hope to keep the '06 FOREVER - way cool bike.