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Questions On Tiger Models

1K views 9 replies 5 participants last post by  etdown 
#1 ·
Have not posted in this forum before, but I would like to get some advice from people who know.

Currently own a '05 955i Tiger. I love it. Been very reliable and the wife and I do a lot of 2-Up riding out in AZ where we winter, getting out of the Michigan winters. The bike is tall, but not an issue. However, it is heavy. I tipped it over up in the mountains last year and it was very difficult to get it back up on it's wheels. So I have been thinking of upgrading to an 800 tiger, which is about 55lb or so lighter than my 955i. Love the power of the 955, which I hate to lose. I am primarily a road rider, 80/20. I do quite a bit of dirt roads and some two tracks, but I do not really get out in the rough.

My question is which Tiger, XCA or XRT. XCX or XRX? I see the following pros and cons.


  • XCA - Better and longer suspension - this seems to be a major advantage over the XRT
  • XRT - Cast wheels with 17" front - to me a big advantage with more precise steering and no spokes to clean
  • XCA - taller - I think this is an advantage since the 955i fits me really well
  • XCA - Bash Plate is more substantial - I really don't go off road - so just added weight
  • XCA - Engine guards - a plus for any terrain
  • Cosmetics - I really don't like the beak

I believe the seats are the same on both models, correct? The wife likes a comfy seat. Any difference in the comfort of the standard seat and the heated seat? The mountains are cold in February and March and she is small and gets cold easily.

Any other major differences?

Coming from my 955i, which model is more like it, XR or XC? Since I will most likely buy a used bike, 2016 or later, are there any changes in these years that have an advantage? A feature that became standard rather than an option?

The picture is typical of what I like to ride. We were up about 9000' on AZ-191 which is just a great road.

Thanks for any advice.

Gene
 

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#2 ·
Watch out with the pillion seat. A few pillions I've had have commented that is not as comfy as the 955 seat. Best to test it if at all possible. As for the bike, the xr is probably most similar to yours, but I haven't tried one personally.

Sent from my SM-G9350 using Tapatalk
 
#4 ·
I do have the same fear. I really like the '05 955i. Just worried that it is getting heavier as I get older. Hate to admit it. Not sure 55 lb is that much weight to lose at the cost of the upgrade.

Why did you regret the upgrade.

Gene
 
#5 ·
my only problem with the steamer was that, i too, was getting older and weaker and couldn't help going places i shouldn't. but the bike is cool.
on the 800, with all the accessories, the 800 weighed >525 pounds. i was never happy with the suspension, and triumph engineers did a great job making every maintenance task a real pain to get to. also, the bike is ugly:wink2:
i soon found that the only way the 800 excelled was to ride it harder than i wanted to, and that ship has sailed.
i sold it after 6 months.
if i could find a steamer or early girlie locally, i'd jump on it
 
#6 · (Edited)
There are so many things to love about the Girlie.
Plenty of power, LH pannier big enough for full face helmet, and don't need a key just to open it (ala Tiger 1050)
I like the analog gauges. LCD gauges are hard to see with polarized sunglasses.
Coolant check & adding is a snap. So many others require tank removal.
Big gas tank.... ok it's not pretty, but I do love that 300 mile range...
I just turned 45,000 miles the other week, and she still lights my fire!

Well, it is top heavy, especially with a full tank, so don't have a full tank when off-road riding.
 
#7 ·
Thanks for the input. I have decided to go with a used 2018 XRt. Found a used one in Ohio with only 980 miles. I was going to sell my '05, but now I am thinking I may sell the '03 Bonnie and keep both Tigers. Use the 800 for my off road riding.

Picking it up tomorrow.
 
#8 ·
I too am a small female that gets cold easily. I've never had a heated seat, but I have used a heated vest. It had heating coils that warm up your back and kidneys, and a rechargeable battery, so she doesn't have to be plugged into the bike. Maybe something to consider for wifey for Christmas!
 
#9 ·
I bought her a Tourmaster heated vest two years ago. She loves it. I got one myself and I also love it. We winter in AZ and it gets real cold real quick up in the mountains. I tried the heated seats today for the first time, just to see how well they worked. I was quite impressed how quickly they warmed up.
 
#10 ·
Took my new 800 out for the first time today. Quite different from my '05 Girlie. Motor sounds basically the same, but it definitely does not have the same power or torque. The ride is more harsh, I think mostly due to the reduced weight. Love the seating position, very nice. Still trying to get used to the TFT display and all of the rider modes and display options. Overall I think it will be really nice in the twisties and on dirt roads and two tracks. Maybe not as nice on the highway as my 955i. I may end up keeping the 955i and selling my '03 Bonnie. But I will be taking the 800 out to AZ this winter.

Here is a pic of my new 800.
 

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