I think it may be time....

[iansoady]

 

After 8 years with the Girly I've had a couple of shortish rides this year and am realising that the replacement knee I had last year plus the onward march of anno domini are conspiring to make the big Tiger less fun than it was. The weight and height are starting to feel a bit too much. It's still fine when on the move but getting it in / out of the garage plus any manhandling at petrol stations etc are (perhaps more in my mind than actually) something of a struggle.

So I'm considering a move - maybe to an 800 Tiger? Any comments / suggestions?

BTW the Tiger will probably be on the market shortly - if anyone is interested let me know.

[Chris Canning]

I'd certainly take your time,blimey I could write a book about the last 4 days of jumping from Multistrada to my 955 and back,ending with doing a 250 mile run through Wales today,but my number one bike by some margin is my XT660X,if your not going to be doing Euro trips,I'd certainly look at an XT,their light easy to move,weigh nothing cruise at 90,down side ride e'm hard they eat tyres,oh and the XT is cheap to buy,so tucked away in the garage it's loosing loads.

[Sin_Tiger]

The 800 is a lot easier to handle, especially if you go for the roadie version. Go down to your dealer and get a ready ride.

[Stitch]

The 800 weighs about as much as the 955. I would consider other types such as Chris suggested. Kawasaki KLR650 are decent on this side of the pond which a 100lbs lighter and have shorter saddle height than the Tiger. If I were walking in your shoes, I would also consider some 3 wheel variations such as the Can-am Spyder, a sidecar, or trike conversion kit.

[Chris Canning]

Ian

You still have an IOU on me for the bits you let me have,I'd be more than happy to bring my XT round for you to have a ride on,it's about as subtle as my 955 but very effective for Uk riding.

[iansoady]

Hi Chris,

That's a very generous offer - however, I feel the Yam may be a bit too full-on for my riding style which might be (kindly) described as relaxed these days! One thing I've always appreciated from the Tiger is its fairly slow steering and ability to pull a high gear without being fussed.

I suspect even the 800 may be a bit frenetic for me but I intend to try one and see. Otherwise I may even end up looking at something like a dullville........

In the meantime I have my Matchless to bimble around the lanes on.

[iansoady]

If I were walking in your shoes, I would also consider some 3 wheel variations such as the Can-am Spyder, a sidecar, or trike conversion kit.

No!!!!

Although I do appreciate the merits of outfits (I had a Norton single hooked up to a Watsonian Avon chair many years ago) they're not really very practical in our crowded island having the disadvantages of both cars (overtaking, manoeuvrability) and bikes (weather protection). Although there's little that gives more fun on a snowy back road.

But thanks for the thought and I will certainly look at some of the other offerings. I had a Honda Dominator as a commuter for a couple of years and really liked it but it was a bit agricultural for anything over 50 miles or so.

I have sat on an 800 and although you're probably right that the weight is similar, it does seem to be carried a bit lower. I'll give one a try in the near future anyway.

[iansoady]

If I moved away from Triumph, what do people think about a 650 V-strom? Only asking......

[NKL]

My mates got a 650 Versys which is a pretty good bike (quite low seat reasonable performance and good mpg) If you can put up with the looks of course.

[Mustang]

If I moved away from Triumph, what do people think about a 650 V-strom? Only asking......

ok but no soul/character like a tiger

[Chris Canning]

Hi Chris,

That's a very generous offer - however, I feel the Yam may be a bit too full-on for my riding style which might be (kindly) described as relaxed these days!

Look at an XT660R with a 19" front wheel then.

[Chris Canning]

If I moved away from Triumph, what do people think about a 650 V-strom? Only asking......

ok but no soul/character like a tiger

In other words it'll run like a Swiss watch and never miss a beat.

I'd also look at Kawasaki Versy

[NeilD]

I have sat on an 800 and although you're probably right that the weight is similar, it does seem to be carried a bit lower. I'll give one a try in the near future anyway.

the 800 is about 50 lbs lighter, but as you alluded to it does carry its weight lower and is so much easier to push into the shed - thats what sold it to me when i had an 800 as a loan bike whilst the 955 was having some work done..  the engine is very flexible, can be ridden through 30mph limits in top and will pull away cleanly... or if you want to bring out the inner hooligan then there is fun to be had sticking to 3rd and 4th gears   :icon_wink:  the fuel injection seems really sorted on the modern triumphs... Michellin PR3 road tyres transformed the handling for me..

[coachgeo]

There are two new Honda players in the Market now too.  the 00x's (CB500x , NC700x)

[Sin_Tiger]

What Neil said 

Has the same flexible character as the Striple that the engine is derived from, you can ride it around town like your system or like you stole it,  it really is that used friendly.  You will only know when you try it for yourself.