Girly or steamer

[mantramoto]

To get a fair response I will post this on the steamer section as well.

I am looking to trade my DR650 in for a Tiger but I am trying to decide between a Steamer or a Girly. I do a bit of off road - maybe 30 percent and some commutes of 100 miles round trip. I love the looks of the Steamers but I am looking for off reliability, off roadability and comfort. The DR has too much vibe on the freeway for me and a little too light.

Any thoughts?

[EvilBetty]

How important is fuel injection to you?

How rough of off-roading do you do?

[macgart]

I went from a KLR 650 to my 99 Girly.  I find that the Girly is much more comfortable for the highway and is still capable of doing fire roads and reasonable off-road tracks.  The weight and top heavy nature of the bike take a bit of getting used to but it comes quickly.  

I find that the FI 885 has good smooth power for off road riding and is easily modulated.  The 955 has more power overall.  

I can't speak to the Steamer as I've never had the pleasure of riding one.

[TigerTrax]

Rule #1: Steamer & Girly are TOP HEAVY. So anything on less than
'terra-firma' is risky business. You'll need good arm strength.

Rule #2: Repeat Rule #1 until you are engrained with that concept.

Now . . . plenty of Tiger riders have done all sorts of off road stuff with Steamers and Girlies. . . . but you had better know what you are doing.

I've had both. For overall comfort and dependability. . .  get an '02 - '06
Tiger. The Steamers have a couple of VERY EXPENSIVE issues that can leave you stranded in a heartbeat. Unless you are familiar with how to recognize symptoms and correct the problem.... you'll give up.

PS: Both will run 'packed' off road trails no prob.

[mantramoto]

Thanks for the replies - my off roading can be controlled to fire trails - I do single track with the DR but would not expect that of the Tiger.  I am not sure what sort of advantage there is to fuel injection since I have only ever had carbed bikes (DR650 and KX250). I have ridden a few GS bikes and like them quite a bit but can't afford one.

Why 2002 to 2006 Girly and not a 99 to 2001??? Is it because of the "sand cast" engine with the tip over issue?

[Bixxer Bob]

For my two penn'th, and this is really only one of the many aspects to consider:

If you go for carbs: neagtive,  you need to consider re-jetting if you do significant elevation changes; positive, fuelling issues are easily sorted without any specialist (read pricey) equipment.

If you go for FI: negative, fuelling issues, although relatively rare, are hard and costly to put right properly; positive: once it's running right, you never need touch it again.

[Mustang]

If you go for carbs: neagtive,  you need to consider re-jetting if you do significant elevation changes; positive, fuelling issues are easily sorted without any specialist (read pricey) equipment.

adding my two cents here with lot's a miles at many different elevations .......the steamer has never not once had a hiccup from elevation changes  .
I run the same jetting year round all the time no matter where I go from sea level to over 13,000 feet in the rockies and you can not tell the difference no matter what elevation , the kitty purrs .

The beast is just not that critical of elevation changes
my honda 450 dirt bike  on the other hand well ............it's a whole nuther animal .

[TigerTrax]

I'll agree with Mustang...

But on the issue of carbs:
95-97: Mikuni carbs; Much more adjustable

98 - 99: Kehine : very  little adjustment.
             Once you get them adjusted... leave them alone and ride.
             If it's running good;

Both:
Get used to pulling the tank!
Best to put an visual in-line filter just below fuel valve.
Pull existing inline filters above fuel valve and on fuel rail to carbs.

[mantramoto]

Great info guys - I real;y appreciate it. Next on the list is to ride these things only problem is there are not many around (more girlies than steamers though). Thanks!