[TriDucBMWnut]

As of today, I've not test driven either one but that should happen before week's end.

What am I looking for?

Something to haul arse across Kansas from Kansas City to Denver three or four times a year. I'm guessing my off road activity will be almost zero except for an occasional temptation or two while in CO. Otherwise, just something to get me from point A to point B.

I've owned the BMW GS earlier in the year but sold it. Fantastic bike. No complaints other than I never got use to sitting up in the clouds. Especially after crawling off my Ducati Cafe Racer.

Regarding the new 07 Tiger, it definitely looks good. The reviews have caught my attention. But, I'm thinking it may be just a little more "sport" ride than I want when traveling 560 miles to Denver.

Regarding the 06 Tiger, there's a brand new blue one in the local Triumph shop with hard bags that is $10K out the door.

Any info, advice, thoughts appreciated.... pros & cons of each machine..... :???:

[ This message was edited by: TriDucBMWnut on 2007-01-02 13:11 ]

 

[Bushwhacker]

The 2007 is not that much more sport oriented than the 2006.


2007 rake/trail

23.2/87.7


2006 rake/trail

25.8/87.9

The main differences are Suspension a little stiffer, inverted forks and 17 inch tires and wheels.

This just makes it a much more tractable road bike and for what you say your primary use will be an easy decision.

-

 

[TriDucBMWnut]

On 2007-01-02 13:18, Bushwhacker wrote:

The main differences are Suspension a little stiffer, inverted forks and 17 inch tires and wheels.

This just makes it a much more tractable road bike and for what you say your primary use will be an easy decision.

Thanks for that response. Guess I'm just trying to decide if that 06 Tiger will satisfy me for what I need to do.

I haven't really researched the 06 Tigers - pros/cons, likes/dislikes.... that type of thing.

Wondering if I really need? want? to spend the extra $$$ the 07 will require for 3/4 RT trips to Colorado a year....

 

[Bushwhacker]

On 2007-01-02 14:18, TriDucBMWnut wrote:

Thanks for that response. Guess I'm just trying to decide if that 06 Tiger will satisfy me for what I need to do.

I haven't really researched the 06 Tigers - pros/cons, likes/dislikes.... that type of thing.

Wondering if I really need? want? to spend the extra $$$ the 07 will require for 3/4 RT trips to Colorado a year....

The 2006 Tiger is an excellent motorcycle. I had a 2005 that I put 15000 miles on in about 2 years and never had a problem with it.

It handles well and rides great.

I did add an aftermarket seat, engine guards, etc (the usual farkle) but that had nothing to do with the quality and abilities of the bike.

I am buying a 2007 just because I want one (to replace my wrecked Multistrada).

However, you can get it here for under 9k not including tax and registration -

Southern Power Sports

-

 

[TriDucBMWnut]

Thanks again.

I've been calling around this afternoon asking about pricing.... my local dealership quoted $10,000 (hmmm, not much respect after four BMW purchases) but I quickly found 06s selling in the very low $9k range.

That "less than $9k" sounds very, very tempting.... especially in light of the 06 research I've been doing. The bike just sounds bullet proof and fun to ride.

I don't think it will have me yearning for my GS I sold earlier in the year at all...

 

[pineygroveshop]

Dealers will deal on an 06 with the 07 at their door. With the luggage at that price you can't go wrong.

 

[Advwannabe]

Hi Triducbmw nut,

Blacktiger makes a good point about the geometry and the other guys make sensible comments about the value of the 06. Just a couple of extra points bearing in mind I haven't actually ridden an 07 yet.....

Firstly, your one gripe with the GS appears to have been the ride height. Does the 07 ride significantly lower than the 06 and is that a factor for you?

Secondly, the journos and indeed some of the guys who have ridden the 07 like the aerodynamics and lack of buffeting compared to the 06. Even once you've added the mirror extenders and aftermarket screen to an 06 they are still pretty noisey in the cockpit. I'd want to find out if the new improved quietness of the 07 is journo speak and over enthusiastic testriders or if it really is a lot better. Seeing you want the bike for rides of a reasonable length how important is quietness to you?

Good hunting, either way you'll have a great bike.

 

[pigpen955]

I am going to echo advwannabe and then go off on a tangent-

If ride height was the problem on the GS was the problem, I am not sure either Tiger will solve that.

Since you already like the BMW oil head, how about an '07 R1200R (before anyone starts to trash me, it is the first BMW at my dealership I have ever even sat on as none of the others were of any interest). I think the bike looks terrific and has a standard riding position but lower than either the Tiger or GS. That is not to say I am rushing out to buy one just that I think it is a really nice bike.

In any case, either Tiger is a great bike and the '06 at <$9.000 is a great-bang-for-the-buck.

Cheers,
Fred

 

[TriDucBMWnut]

On 2007-01-03 13:33, pigpen955 wrote:
I am going to echo advwannabe and then go off on a tangent-

If ride height was the problem on the GS was the problem, I am not sure either Tiger will solve that.

Since you already like the BMW oil head, how about an '07 R1200R (before anyone starts to trash me, it is the first BMW at my dealership I have ever even sat on as none of the others were of any interest). I think the bike looks terrific and has a standard riding position but lower than either the Tiger or GS. That is not to say I am rushing out to buy one just that I think it is a really nice bike.

In any case, either Tiger is a great bike and the '06 at <$9.000 is a great-bang-for-the-buck.

Cheers,
Fred

Fred,
Thanks for the brainstorming - appreciate your thoughts.

Regarding the GS height "problem" - it was not so much problematic as it was just me never really getting comfortable with the feel of it. I've not done anything but sit on the 06 Tiger at this point (possible test drive tomorrow), but the feel is much, much more comfortable. Both feet are firmly on the ground in the sitting position. Maybe I've grown an inch these last ten months?

Regarding the R1200R, there is a black one with pin stripes here locally; it does have a very comfortable riding position. I owned an 02 1150R for a couple of years so quite familiar with the bike. It is a naked BMW that seems to be quite close to my S4R Monster in feel (I'm still debating whether I'll be keeping my Monster - leaning toward "yes, if budget allows" which makes the 06 Tiger even more attractive at the quoted prices).

However, the R1200R as it sits in the showroom is priced at over $15k (with ABS, etc) - as good as it looks and feels, I'm not feeling $6k of extra enthusiasm for it.

Which brings me back to the Tiger. For whatever reason, the 07 (again, not having test driven it as yet) just isn't "speaking to me" as it relates to it's look. The 06 is just funky enough looking (like my GS was) that I'm beginning to lean that direction for now - especially for close to $9k.

I'll know more tomorrow after a test drive....
Again, thanks for the chat - it does help me think through the process when bouncing it off people.



[ This message was edited by: TriDucBMWnut on 2007-01-03 16:29 ]

 

[TriDucBMWnut]

On 2007-01-03 13:33, pigpen955 wrote:
I am going to echo advwannabe and then go off on a tangent-

In any case, either Tiger is a great bike and the '06 at <$9.000 is a great-bang-for-the-buck.

Cheers,
Fred

Fred and others...
As you may have noted in another thread I started....
I did purchase an 06 Tiger (1500 miles pre-owned) for $7500....
Thanks to Tigertrax who tipped me off on this fine machine that was traded in at a Harley dealer 200 miles north of me in Omaha, NE. I pick it up in a couple of weeks.
The test drive I did in KC convinced me.. the 06 was plenty of bike for me and and bang for the buck couldn't be beat!
Thanks again for all your input! You guys/gals have made me feel right at home. :-D :-D :-D