I am wondering why I see two different tank/fairing designs on the Tigers. Is the newest Tiger the one with the oddball looking extended tank and the older ones has the fairing runnning into the tank? I am thinking of going to an Adventure Cruiser next spring. I currently ride a CBR600F4 sport bike and a KTM 640 dualsport. The CBR may go south next year and be replaced by the newer Adventure bikes. I like the Triumph and the KTM. I'm wondering about the reliablitiy of the Triumph? Does any one have a Tiger with after market pipe? The stock one looks quite heavy. I see these things weigh about 450. Any one come from a dualsport 650 onto a Tiger? Are there accessory manufacturers making skid plates? One more question is about the tires. What do you use for tires if you want a more dirt orriented ride? I would think the average dualsport tire would not be suitable since the top speed would be well over an hundred.
THe new one has the COOL 8) stripes on the tank. The older ones are notable by the steam emiting from their exhaust :D
Hope this helps :? :lol: :shock:
Actually one reason I would go somewhere else is the childish stripes on the tank, but I think I could take them off.
Why not consider a BMW GS. No stripes ther :roll:
Then you would own a heaver, slower, more expensive bike that used oil, breaks spokes, costs and arm and leg to get worked on but no stripes :shock:
Just a thought
I have the Triumph "off-road" pipe and it weighs the same as the stock OEM.
As far as skid plates, Thunderbike makes a "sump guard."
http://www.thunderbike.co.nz/sales/Sump ... sumpgd.htm (http://www.thunderbike.co.nz/sales/Sumpguard/t7sumpgd.htm)
The stock Metzler Tourances on the new bikes are great tarmac tires. IMO they really do suck in the dirt. I may go to Pirelli Scorpian's MT90 or even more aggressive on my 2nd set of rubber.
If you are seriously going to pursue dirt, you may want to look at the KTM as its certainly more of a dirt bike than the Tiger.
Reliability? I think these bikes have a pretty good track record. I have been reading the Yahoo list for months and the amount of problems you read about are way over-shadowed by the problems the guys have in the GSpot over on Advrider. Besides, I know first hand how Triumph can step up to the plate when there are serious issues. I've only read the opposite about BMW lately.
Oh, and I like all the stripes. :evil:
STRIPE-LIKER
If you are seriously going to pursue dirt, you may want to look at the KTM as its certainly more of a dirt bike than the Tiger
I have a KTM dualsport 640 for serious offroading, but I want a bike that I can be a thousand miles from home on and turn up the dirt raod with the sign that says "Rock Lake 18 miles". I don't need to do single tracking with it though. I have been researching the KTM as well but a few things are turning me away. I am going to Boise (125 miles from here) this weekend to sit on some bikes. The KTM is a very long wheel base, which turns me away from it. I researched the GS for a while, but I decided against it because of the front end design. There is no way this thing could handle in dirt situations if the forks don't dive on braking and hard turning. A moto cross bike steers fast because the fork angle changes in relation to the rest of the bike when your hard into a corner and the forks are compressing. What ever I end up with I will set the suspension up with after market springs and dampening to increase the handling. Therefore I want something to start with that is equiped for this. ThH KTM is of course already set up, but Ill have to set on it first. I was also looking at the V Strom, but the Tiger is actually the right wheelbase and riding postion for this kind of setup.
Quote from: "ram600"STRIPE-LIKER
:lol: :lol:
Well saturday I was in Boise and test rode an FZ1 Yamaha. Nice bike but it didn't handle as wel as I thought it would. Next I test rode a Suzuki GSXR 1000. It handled like I expected and was very nice. Next I stopped at Big Twin and sat on a BMW GS. I always thought you GS riders were wimps always falling on jeep trails and such. Now I wonder how you can keep the bike upright in the garage. I was sorely dissapointed with the way it felt. Not just top heavy, but having riden Japanese super bikes that have every nut in the exact right place, this felt like a carpenter designed it as a tow truck. No way! I thought well maybe the street version BMW will be better, but I guess I am not a BMW person. It felt the same as the GS. Next I found a used green Tiger. The tank had a tumor growing out of each side toward the front. I have actually read that some people think the V Strom is an ugly bike. I decided to over look the tank and sit on the bike. I never realized how much weight could effect a first impression. This bike weighs a lot and like the GS it felt way top heavy. I wanted to sit on a KTM 950 but the dealer said he is not allowed to sell them until he goes to school first. I think he meant KTM school. I have already sat on a V Strom and thought it felt better than it looked as it looks very big. Well I'm am just not going to enjoy an adventure cruiser this year. My choice would be the V Strom if I was going to get one, but since I have a KTM dualsport it will have to do for that part of my riding. I am very seriously considering the GSXR though. These super sport bikes seem to sense what the next command is going to be and respond with less effort that is actually needed. Plus they are fast.
" I have actually read that some people think the V Strom is an ugly bike. "
If you know how to manipulate a V-Strom correctly, it turns into a robot! :)
Quote from: "bmsbike"If you know how to manipulate a V-Strom correctly, it turns into a robot! :)
I heard it turned into a motorcycle :D
But I could be wrong :P
Right, a motorcycle that lools like a robot. That was the point see... #-o
Quote from: "bmsbike"Right, a motorcycle that lools like a robot. That was the point see... #-o
I thought a robot that only look like a motorcycle :shock:
I thought the KTM Adventure looks more like a robot than the V-Strom like the darlek from DR WHO :twisted:
IMHO the V-Strom IS ugly. It looks like none of the bits were designed to go with the one next to it.
It weighs about the same as the Tiger. Has about the same power. Is less economical.
I have used my Tiger on "green roads" in France. It handles them very well. The smooth low down torque is good for trickling along tricky bits. The suspension soaks up the bumps well at higher speeds.
I wonder if the Suzuki has such a big following and owners clubs and web sites as the Tiger.
Go on. Buy a Tiger. You know it makes sense.
Quote from: "Blacktiger"IMHO the V-Strom IS ugly. It looks like none of the bits were designed to go with the one next to it.
It weighs about the same as the Tiger. Has about the same power.
I am not sure what bhp rating the Strom has, but in the real world the engine doesn't come close to the 955. In fact in comparison I felt it was underpowered and sluggish. I only spent 20 minutes on a Strom last Summer at about 9000' and I thought it was a nice bike, but it doesn't have an engine like the Tiger.
I know that there are several of us in this forum that have done 1000-1500 miles in under 24 hrs on our Tigers. Many of us have used the bike for extended two-up touring. I also know that many have taken their Tigers off-road to places that would make mere mortals blanch. That's the beauty of this bike... it's the Swiss army knife of motorcycles. It's smooth, fast , fuel efficient (47.7 - 57.5 MPG w/ a 51.9 avg.), and different enough so that I don't see a replica every couple of miles. I tried several bikes for extended periods of time (GS and Strom, not the KTM) before deciding on the Triumph. I don't have a love affair with my dealer because I haven't needed him; the bike has purred like kitten from day on to today. I suppose the "bottom line" is that haven't regretted the purchase or otherwise wished that I'd purchased something else. Let's ride!
Quote from: "RobZ"Quote from: "bmsbike"Right, a motorcycle that lools like a robot. That was the point see... #-o
I thought a robot that only look like a motorcycle :shock:
how bout a piece of shit that looks motorbike!!!aaaahhhaahaahaa aEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!! grow up punk and get a TIGER!
Hello Tiger riders! I just registered, and I thought I'd post on this thread rather than start another one of those newbie threads.
I dont actually own a tiger, but I am fond of Triumph bikes and am in the market for a new bike and the Tiger is one that I am considering.
I havent had a chance to test ride one yet, but I have read alot about them and have ridden a few Triumphs (Daytona, ST, Speedmaster).
I've had my current bike for 4 months, a Moto Guzzi V11 Scura and at the time I narowed it down to either the Guzzi or a Sprint ST. I decided i'd go Guzzi as it was a limited edition version, and I could always change later and get a Sprint without any problems. If I did it the other way around and got the Sprint but then didnt like it, I'd miss out on the Scura cos' it was one of the last 2 available in Australia.
So anyways, now that I've been riding again day-in day-out (hadnt ben on two wheels for around 2 years) my criteria for my ideal bike has changed somewhat.
As far as rider comfort goes, I'm looking for an upright riding position that won't kill my back/wrists.
And as far as the bikes capabilities go, i dont need a pure speed machine and i cant afford to lose my licence anyway. As long as the bike can take most cars from the traffic lights im happy.
In Australia, 10% of the roads I ride on are great, 40% average, 40% shit-house and the other 10% would be unsealed (dirt) roads that I can't go on at present but would like to be able to.
While I understand the Tiger isnt a bike for serious dirt riding, i just need a bike that doesnt have to cut short the journey because of an unsealed road.
Obviously the proof will be in pudding (test ride) but just thought I'd see if you guys had any advice for me on what to expect/look out for from the Tiger whether it be good or bad.
If I do go for the Tiger I'd be going for a brand newie.
Hi Dave - Greetings from Alaska... where 20% of our roads are great, 50% average, 20% poor and the other 10% would be unsealed (dirt) roads that I can and do go on because I can. It's not a Goldwing, though it's taken me and my daughter across many of the Western states and Canadian provinces; it's not a GSX1000, though it handles well enough and is fast enough to get me thrown in jail 'most anywhere in this or any other country; it's no YZ250, though it's taken me on some single-tract "roads" that I probably shouldn't have been on. If you're looking for a bike that can do most everything competently, that's a Tiger. And you won't see another one on every street corner. I bought mine based on what I thought I'd use it for, but I'll be keeping it for many, many more years just 'cause it works so well in so many different ways that I hadn't considered.
Thanks AK, i appreciate your comments. That's pretty much what appeals to me about the Tiger,a go-anywhere do-anything type bike.
I was actually keen on the Tiger before I went and got my current bike, but I read a review of it that put me off a bit. It was an Aussie bike mag that compared the Tiger against the GS, V-Strom and Caponord. They all RAVED about the Tiger, except its rear suspension. This is what they had to say about it;
"On the road the Tiger has plenty of clearance. Nothing touches. On the dirt however the plush suspension got the sump touching once and exacerbated an already sore back. The front suspension was extremely soft and hugely raked out. Handling was improved under brakes when the suspension was compressed with the bike turning a lot quicker on the steeper steering angle. The rear suspension struggled with the raked out front but improved once the stanchions went up through the yokes allowing a little more noticeable change from the rear adjustment.
That was on the road. On the dirt the pogo effect, at times, was terrifying. The rear would squat on acceleration and, if it did break loose, would try and fling you sky high. Rebound adjustment went all the way to the stop and there was no effect gained from the change. Adjustment of the preload helped things slightly, but the rear shock is useless off-road. Great for the road where there is minimal difference in the road surface, but out of its league when it came to serious off-road riding."
They do acknowledge that the Tiger is aimed more at sealed roads than off, and they were taking the bikes on some serious off-road riding, so maybe they took the Tiger too far out of its range?
The model they tested was 2002 Tiger. They weren't out to get the Tiger, as I mentioned they loved everything else about the bike, and they said if it had of had a good rear shock it would have been the best of the bunch, but they felt so strongly about how poor it was.
What do you guys think about these comments? What are your own experiences with the suspension on the Tiger?
Quote from: "Iron Dave"".
That was on the road. On the dirt the pogo effect, at times, was terrifying. The rear would squat on acceleration and, if it did break loose, would try and fling you sky high. Rebound adjustment went all the way to the stop and there was no effect gained from the change.
From reading that I'd say the shock was knackered. I can notice a difference when I adjust the rebound damping.
I've ridden mine on some fairly fast (50mph) dirt roads with some bad pot holes at times and the Tiger took it all with complete composure. I think the forks are excellent and absorb the bumps far better than my R100GS. All in all I reckon the Tiger suspension is pretty spot on.
For me it 's the weight of the thing that puts me off going too far into the unknown.
Quote from: BlacktigerFrom reading that I'd say the shock was knackered./QuoteGood point Blacktiger. I was thinking it may have been that their test bike had a faulty shock. I guess we'll never know for sure, but their account seems very different from your experience.
Thanks for your feedback!
Hey Dave - If the testers couldn't tell any difference after adjusting the dampning, then something was definitely amiss. Just a bit of adjustment on my '01 makes a whale of a difference. As Blacktiger stated, "...it's the weight of the thing that puts me off going too far into the unknown." It's not the suspension.
Thanks guys, I'll eandeavour to test ride a Tiger sometime in the new year and I'll let you know what I think.
About the shock on that test bike (3 posts ago) was out of nitrogen or had air in the oil. both would turn a rear suspension into a spring ride! my bike also responds well to adjustments. i`ve owned at least 53 motorcycles and raced off road for 20 years including winning numerous state mx and harescramble championships at "A" level, also including winning Amature Day Supercross in Daytona in 1987. so my point is, the rear shock on my Tiger works really well for such a big pig that it is and the "test bike" had a bum rear end. rest assured!
p.s. Iron Dave, Shane Watts lives here in Fl. during his race season, The GNCC National Championship Series. I ride with him all the time even though he rides a new KTM 950 ADV. Shane is a factory KTM rider and 2000 GNCC national champion. born in Aus. just like you. Mate!!
Quote from: "tenpaq"About the shock on that test bike (3 posts ago) was out of nitrogen or had air in the oil. both would turn a rear suspension into a spring ride! my bike also responds well to adjustments. i`ve owned at least 53 motorcycles and raced off road for 20 years including winning numerous state mx and harescramble championships at "A" level, also including winning Amature Day Supercross in Daytona in 1987. so my point is, the rear shock on my Tiger works really well for such a big pig that it is and the "test bike" had a bum rear end. rest assured!
p.s. Iron Dave, Shane Watts lives here in Fl. during his race season, The GNCC National Championship Series. I ride with him all the time even though he rides a new KTM 950 ADV. Shane is a factory KTM rider and 2000 GNCC national champion. born in Aus. just like you. Mate!!
Sweet! Thanks mate. 8)
Noticed a few posts about the V-Stroms. Thought I'd post me 2 cents on them. My buddy bought one last year, guess it's an 02 maybe 03. Anyways, I tried her out for about 1/2 an hour on our Sea to Sky Highway from Vancouver to Whistler. The first thing I noticed was how light it felt compared to my '97 Tiger. The seat height was lower and the riding feeling was not as upright and relaxed. The motor has nice torque, but I didn't like the sound. The air intake was very noticeable. I had go-carts and minibikes that sounded similar, lol. Overall it felt like the mere $10000 CDN pricetag it boasts. The levers, gauges, and attention to detail just doesnÌt compare. It's a cheap ÎadventureÌ bike with decent power and an overdrive. The bike likes to cruise at low RPMs. You had to work her in the corners and didn't handle anywhere near how the Tigger trax. I believe this to be the leading axle forks on the Tiger that makes her track like a train on rails and handle the way she does. With the Tiger, the turns are effortless; you can ride her like a motocross bike off-road in the vertical position around corners with ease. She loves to slide, but no sweat with the hammer down. My beef is the T66Ìs are no longer available. They worked great off-road and I donÌt care what anybody says, they can KMA, they rocked on the gravel and dry pavement (which is where I spend most of my riding time). Oh well, time to try the Anakees, they look somewhat horny. Anyways, back to the V-Strom÷ I wouldnÌt buy one. I made a bad impression on my off-road pals, they think IÌm nuts, so test riding their bikes on the rough might take some gentle persuasion. Next season, IÌll cut that V-Strom loose on the dirty, bumpy stuff, see if I like it any better. IÌd be interested in the Honda Varadero if they brought one into my Country and gave her a couple more inches of travel.
Quote from: "Cache"My beef is the T66Ìs are no longer available. .
Pirelli do an "MT90 A/T". these are an all terrain version of the tyre that is a recommended fitment on the 955i Tiger. Should be just what you're looking for.
Quote from: "Blacktiger"Quote from: "Cache"My beef is the T66Ìs are no longer available. .
Pirelli do an "MT90 A/T". these are an all terrain version of the tyre that is a recommended fitment on the 955i Tiger. Should be just what you're looking for.
I've looked into these, and they did tweak my curiosity. However, what's the speed rating? I ride fast and hard on the road - The Michelin man on my T66 is barely visible. Mind you, I change tires at most 6000 miles, regardless of life left. I don't think those'd cut the mustard for the road. I'm gonna first try the Anakee's because I'm a Michelin man lol - French or not, it's me life I'm concerned about. Have you tried the Anakees Blacktiger? The Pirelli ATs?? Whats your opinion? My friend just fit a nice new set on his '94. They look nice, maybe not as aggressive as I'd like. They've finally reversed the tread pattern on the front tire to aid in the braking and hopefully cut down on the scalping. If I don't like 'em, I 'may' try the Tourances, failing that, the Pirellis.
Thanks, Cache
BTW, you sound like my kinda rider. Some stiff competition...
Quote from: "Blacktiger"See you in the pub!
I'll get the beers in while I wait for you to catch up. Te he!
Quote from: "BigDave"Quote from: "Blacktiger"IMHO the V-Strom IS ugly. It looks like none of the bits were designed to go with the one next to it.
It weighs about the same as the Tiger. Has about the same power.
I am not sure what bhp rating the Strom has, but in the real world the engine doesn't come close to the 955. In fact in comparison I felt it was underpowered and sluggish. I only spent 20 minutes on a Strom last Summer at about 9000' and I thought it was a nice bike, but it doesn't have an engine like the Tiger.
I have ridden the VStrom, a 2003 Tiger, and own a '96 Tiger. The VStrom is butt ugly, or I would probably have bought it. The bike handles very well, with a light front end, and great seating position. I really liked the instrumentation, including the 6th gear overdrive indicator light. I would want a taller windscreen, but the buffeting wasn't that bad. I thought the engine was very responsive, and felt little difference in power from the 2003 Tiger. I don't think it is built nearly as rugged as the Tigers, and it doesn't have that great triple sound. It is about $1000 cheaper than a new Tiger, and in my case, is supported by a much better dealer.
I think your choice of bike has to be a combination of economics, dealer strength, intended use, and of course, personal taste. It is a buyers market .... Have fun!
Ride safe ...
8)
Quote from: "Cache"BTW, you sound like my kinda rider. Some stiff competition...
Quote from: "Blacktiger"See you in the pub!
I'll get the beers in while I wait for you to catch up. Te he!
Thats it you two!!! Don`t make me bring my 04 and Metzlers to y`all`s neighborhood!!! mainly cause I don`t know what state y`all live in...
Quote from: "tenpaq"Quote from: "Cache"BTW, you sound like my kinda rider. Some stiff competition...
Quote from: "Blacktiger"See you in the pub!
I'll get the beers in while I wait for you to catch up. Te he!
Thats it you two!!! Don`t make me bring my 04 and Metzlers to y`all`s neighborhood!!! mainly cause I don`t know what state y`all live in...
Git yer asses up here to iglooland... British Columbia for next years repeat of this ride... RedMenace, I expect to see you and your sidekick, I mean sidecar too!
http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthre ... ght=loaded (http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?s=78b71fd2ece9999b99dcb7fd52a272e0&threadid=25173&highlight=loaded)
Quote from: "Cache"[ Have you tried the Anakees Blacktiger? The Pirelli ATs?? Whats your opinion?
Thanks, Cache
For the 20K miles I've done since new, I've stuck with the Metzeller Tourances that were original fitment on my bike. I really cannot fault them. They allow peg scraping lean angles without complaint and I get 8000 miles from a rear, 12000 from a front. The good mileages may be because my tyres don't square off. I'm always right over on the edge scraping those pegs. :twisted:
I do know some BMW GS riders who've tried the Anakees. They say that they are "almost" as good as the Metzellers.
Quote from: "Cache"Quote from: "tenpaq"Quote from: "Cache"BTW, you sound like my kinda rider. Some stiff competition...
Quote from: "Blacktiger"See you in the pub!
I'll get the beers in while I wait for you to catch up. Te he!
Thats it you two!!! Don`t make me bring my 04 and Metzlers to y`all`s neighborhood!!! mainly cause I don`t know what state y`all live in...
Git yer asses up here to iglooland... British Columbia for next years repeat of this ride... RedMenace, I expect to see you and your sidekick, I mean sidecar too!
http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthre ... ght=loaded (http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?s=78b71fd2ece9999b99dcb7fd52a272e0&threadid=25173&highlight=loaded)
All i can say is (i reviewed the whole trip u guys took) that trip looked totaly AWsome, words fail on this one!! i`m in this flat ass florida shiot and gatta make a trip like that someday!! Oh yeah, now i relize i have one of the new "Girly Tigers" after seein all the roadwarriors on that trip!! i`ll probably crash it on purpose a couple of times before i come up there, because you fuders ain`t "Raggin "on me the whole time!! Again , OUTstanding Story and Pictures.
lol Tenpaq, glad you took the time to sift thru all that and enjoyed it. It truly was an awesome trip. A day short IMO. However, considering my Tiger let me down, I wouldn't have enjoyed another day. Next year will be a different story. I've re-enforced that subframe and am in the process of giving it all the preventive maintenance and TLC she needs. I'm lookin' forward to Loadedpalooza 2. I imagine there'll be a few more bikes next year. Great bunch of guys, good sense of humor and the older folks were surprisingly great and fast riders. Trailer your bike up to Oregon, meet up with RedMenace and pick up the doods in Warshington on the way ;-) TIGERS BABY!!! All things considered, they kick ass.