After arriving weeks ago, today I got to ride my "new" 06 for the first time. Since it arrived from NC to IL via truck it's been holed up at a friends nice warm body shop while we've had an unusually cold and snowy Feb and March. Today with the roads clear and the forecast for a balmy 40 degrees I brought it home.
The weather man was a few degrees optomistic about the temperature and I wasn't dressed appropriatly for a long ride. After letting the bike warm up, I tooled around town for awhile getting aquainted with it. I stopped by a friends to show it off a bit and then it was time to head home.
On the way out of town I couldn't help but "gas it" to hear how it sounded. I liked it! So must the deputy in the parking lot at the end of the block, he just smiled and waved as I pulled up to the stop sign.
Then about 3 miles of asphalt and gravel and we're home. It's cold and the snowflakes are falling... SNOWFLAKES??? I should be a weather man! Anyway I'm freezing but I've got this huge grin on my face, I can already tell this is a keeper!
Now the day after tomorrow, IF the weather man is right it's supposed to be in the mid 50's and I plan to take it to work, 50 miles each way (and maybe a little more), what a way to get me enthused about going to work!
My daughter assures me she can teach me how to post pictures so I'll be doing that soon.
I rode a Tiger for the 1st time last week at the Daytona demo. I love my '06 Bonnie, but I lovvvve the new 1050 Tiger I rode! Man what a motor and it handles great! I just have to figure out how I can afford one and retirement this year also.
Hell, retirement can wait, I've got to have one!
Dave-Good luck with your Tiger. I know you will enjoy it!
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The older I get, the better I was!
Hey Dave,
Glad you finally got to take her for a run! In Illinois, heated grips and jacket liner are a must. It extends the riding season by a good month or two! Drop me a line once the weather warms, and I'll show you some great roads to run the beast!
Yesterday I had the Tiger out again on some short errands, about 40 miles in all. I can't wait to spend a day on this bike and to find some curves!
I do have a question for you experienced Tiger owners. How much travel or free play should the rear brake pedal have. Mine seems to move maybe an inch or more before I feel the brake start to apply. The brake doesn't feel spongey, it's powerful and easy to control. If it was a shoe brake I'd say it needed a linkage adjustment. This weekend I plan on checking fluid level and pad wear.
The front brakes and everything else seems fine and the bike fits me like it was made for me. I like the heated grips, this is the first bike I've had with them. The seat (it's a Triumph gel seat) seems good but my longest ride so far is only around 30 minutes. The fairing provides better coverage than I expected. It has an MVA Vario windshied with a "wing" on it, it also came with a Cee Bailey extra wide and tall that might be better in this colder weather. It has bar backs and mirror extensions so it's very comfortable for me and I didn't have much wind buffeting until a little over 100. It seems to like 70-80 best. I've been on gravel roads and through some mud and ruts and it doesn't faze it.
The only "problem" I have is scuffing the top of the saddle bags with my boot occasionally when getting on and off. (The problem is I'm a middle aged fat guy) Has anyone tried rock chip prevention film over those areas?
Today was in the 60's and I was working all day and wishing I was riding!
This weekend forecast is for 40's with rain and possible snow. Ah spring in Illinois!
I Really understand the daughter bit, All too well! Just wax the top, be sure to keep it! parts for the girlies are hard to come by. I'm just east of you, near Indy. Rear brake is used to help slow the beast. Brake, Brake, Clutch...
Welcome to the forum too!
I do have a question for you experienced Tiger owners. How much travel or free play should the rear brake pedal have. Mine seems to move maybe an inch or more before I feel the brake start to apply.
If you look behind the footrest plate you'll see that the lever works the master cylinder via a clevis which has a threaded section with a locknut. You can adjust the position and hence the biting point of the brake with this, although it's a bit of a faff to get at.
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Ian
2004 Tiger 955i
1955 Velocette Viper.
Tiger Ride
I Really understand the daughter bit, All too well! Just wax the top, be sure to keep it! parts for the girlies are hard to come by. I'm just east of you, near Indy. Rear brake is used to help slow the beast. Brake, Brake, Clutch...
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