I've been searching for an adventure type bike replacement for my 2016 Triumph Street Triple R for months now.
I've ridden the following and have done first ride vids on them:
Kawasaki Versys 650 (would have been a 2nd bike)
Honda NC700X (would have been a 2nd bike)
Ducati Multistrada 950
Ducati Multistrada 1200S
Yamaha FJ-09
Honda Africa Twin
BMW R1200RT
The one bike that stood out above ALL others, and WILL be my next bike in July/August, is the Tiger 800 XRT (2016 or 2017). There is nothing on that list that was as refined or as smooth as the Tiger. The features on the XRT are incredible, the handling so very flickable, and the engine and tranny butter smooth. The only issue I had with it is the windscreen is noisy but that's an easy fix.
While I do love the Street Triple R, it just isn't a good distance companion and is definitely more aggressive than I am. I want to be able to do much longer rides without knee pain, and it would be nice to have the ability to handle a dirt road if I find one. Looking forward to trading in and getting a Tiger of my very own!
My vids are on YouTube at www.motochooch.com, and the tiger vid I'm linking here for your consideration. Language warning.
I have a 2 month old 2016 tiger 800 XCa. I thought it would be easy to deal with the wind noise as well ive ridden a friends with the taller triumph tiger windscreen and have also tried the GiVi airflow windscreen. I was still having a lot of wind noise. It seems to be coming from the sides of the windscreen, around the faring, handlebars and mirrors.
I've done a lot of research and I'm 99% sure I'm picking up a Madstad. There is just a universal acceptance of this screen as the go to for eliminating noise and buffeting issues.
As long as I can see clearly over the screen I'm sold. I don't like looking through one. Probably getting the 20" (I'm 6').
Seeing over the screen shouldn't be an issue. In setting it up they want the top of the screen to be no higher than about your chin for the max benefit in the direction of the airflow. I'm 5'7" and I don't have any problems seeing over the top of the screen so I doubt you will either. I have the 20" adv screen as well.
I installed a 20" Madstad (I'm 6'2") a week ago. Night and day. Never experienced a windshield like it. I'll be riding for 20 minutes before I realize that I haven't pulled my visor down. (And that I don't need to.)
Excellent timing on finding this video and all the others. Like the OP I have an '09 Street Triple R. Fantastic bike, but my knees are starting to complain and I want something more comfortable for longer rides and better luggage capability. I don't need nor want much more power than the Street Triple. But I still want a bike that has a sporting feel when the road gets twisty.
Some bikes I'm considering include a KTM SM-T, Yamaha FJ-09 and Ducati Hyperstrada. I did not have the 800 Tiger on my list, but the Street Triple has been so dependable and I love the triple motor I may have to take a Tiger on a demo ride and see what happens. I'll be checking out the videos later tonight.
Definitely go ride them all, then ride the Tiger. I say do the Tiger last, because if you're ready to buy you'll most likely do it on the spot.
There is just a refinement to the triple engine that Triumph makes that isn't found on any other bike that I've ridden. It handles, it goes, and it does it all without making you feel like it's going to vibrate you to pieces. Some people prefer the rawness of certain bikes. I just got completely spoiled by refinement my 16 STripleR, that nothing else will do.
I do like it, it is better than the OEM for reducing noise but it seems to me that most of the noise is coming from the side of the headlights. I'm considering trying the MadStad as it has the side wind deflectors and may be more effective and cutting noise down. Overall the GIVI is pretty decent and adjustable. Not quite as adjustable as the MadStad looks to be though. I can have my visor up even at highway speeds.
realistically most of my complaints are at highway speeds, even then I can usually hear the engine as much or more so than the wind noise.
There probably isn't a perfect windshield when you do and 70+ miles per hour down the highway .? (Unless maybe a Goldwing!)
After quite a bit of research, the clear winner in any of the categories that windscreens are judged on is the madstad. I'll be sure to do a review vid once I get one and it's mounted.
The end of July can't come fast enough! I want my Tiger!
You have to wait till the end of July to get your Tiger? Did you order anything special where is the dealer simply out of bites? Are you getting a 2017? And lastly which model 800 are you getting?
It's for financial reasons. I have a car lease I need to end so I can get a much cheaper car to afford the Tiger. If there is a 2016 available in white I'll take it, if not the 2017 is fine. Picking up a XRT when the time comes
Just came across the video (sorry, haven't been here for a bit). Bought my orange XRt from Jon last year…..great guy to talk with and work with. He's a Triumph guy all the way. Thumbs up to the overall dealership as well (parts folks are great!), good service dept (I trust them…..and that's saying a lot!).
In exploring the Tiger as a replacement option for my Street Triple I see a lot of mods and updates to make the Tiger even more of an Adventure Tour bike. What recommendations would you have to go in the opposite direction? More sport oriented with a focus on handling and performance.
What I'll be doing is a major upgrade to the forks, rear shock and front brakes. While I might prefer going Ohlins TTX stuff, it's probably going to be lower budget than what that costs. I'm running Michelin Pilot Road 4 tires now and they stick nearly as good as supersport tires in the dry, better in the wet.
PixMan- The motor is so much more relaxed at highway speeds it is incredibly comfortable. And the suspension is super plush. The STR always wants to go faster and be pushed, the Tiger is fine just sitting back. Roads I avoided on the STR because of its sport suspension I had no problem with on the Tiger.
I do notice the extra weight of the Tiger. On the STR 2 fingers would stop me on a dime. On the Tiger I quickly learned I need to start braking sooner and with more lever pressure to get it slowed.
I have not found the seat to be that bad, nor the windscreen to cause any excessive buffeting or noise. One thing I was surprised about, even after reading forum posts, was the heat off the engine. I really never had an issue with the STR unless it was very warm and I was in stop and go city traffic. That was the only time it was noticeable. On the Tiger, even with air temps touching 70 the heat from the motor is very noticeable when not moving above 35.
Overall, I am very happy with the purchase. I wish I could keep both bikes, but that is not in the cards for a variety of reasons and a bike that is better at freeway speeds and with more comfort and the ability to carry stuff is what I am after right now.
I'm still waiting for my opportunity. In the process of selling my house and getting a divorce, so as soon as the house is sold and I get that cash I'll be ready to get my own kitty
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