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Talk => Speaking Of Bikes... => Topic started by: iansoady on June 03, 2013, 05:06:10 PM

Title: I think it may be time....
Post by: iansoady on June 03, 2013, 05:06:10 PM
 :icon_cry:

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.
Title: Re: I think it may be time....
Post by: Chris Canning on June 03, 2013, 06:48:37 PM
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.
Title: Re: I think it may be time....
Post by: Sin_Tiger on June 04, 2013, 03:20:07 AM
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.
Title: Re: I think it may be time....
Post by: Stitch on June 04, 2013, 02:59:29 PM
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.

Title: Re: I think it may be time....
Post by: Chris Canning on June 04, 2013, 03:59:04 PM
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.
Title: Re: I think it may be time....
Post by: iansoady on June 04, 2013, 05:19:06 PM
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.
Title: Re: I think it may be time....
Post by: iansoady on June 04, 2013, 05:24:33 PM
Quote from: Stitch on June 04, 2013, 02:59:29 PM
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.
Title: Re: I think it may be time....
Post by: iansoady on June 04, 2013, 06:36:38 PM
If I moved away from Triumph, what do people think about a 650 V-strom? Only asking......
Title: Re: I think it may be time....
Post by: NKL on June 04, 2013, 06:52:27 PM
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.
Title: Re: I think it may be time....
Post by: Mustang on June 04, 2013, 07:14:02 PM
Quote from: iansoady on June 04, 2013, 06:36:38 PM
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
Title: Re: I think it may be time....
Post by: Chris Canning on June 04, 2013, 07:30:35 PM
Quote from: iansoady on June 04, 2013, 05:19:06 PM
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.
Title: Re: I think it may be time....
Post by: Chris Canning on June 04, 2013, 07:33:07 PM
Quote from: Mustang on June 04, 2013, 07:14:02 PM
Quote from: iansoady on June 04, 2013, 06:36:38 PM
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
Title: Re: I think it may be time....
Post by: NeilD on June 04, 2013, 07:44:43 PM
Quote from: iansoady on June 04, 2013, 05:24:33 PM

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..
Title: Re: I think it may be time....
Post by: coachgeo on June 05, 2013, 04:05:12 AM
There are two new Honda players in the Market now too.  the 00x's (CB500x , NC700x)
Title: Re: I think it may be time....
Post by: Sin_Tiger on June 05, 2013, 05:15:56 AM
What Neil said  :thumbsup

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.
Title: Re: I think it may be time....
Post by: Chris Canning on June 05, 2013, 03:37:44 PM
Quote from: coachgeo on June 05, 2013, 04:05:12 AM
There are two new Honda players in the Market now too.  the 00x's (CB500x , NC700x)

Good suggestion forgot about the NC700x,a guy who lives a few doors away has one.
Title: Re: I think it may be time....
Post by: NKL on June 05, 2013, 05:14:18 PM
Quote from: Chris Canning on June 05, 2013, 03:37:44 PM
Quote from: coachgeo on June 05, 2013, 04:05:12 AM
There are two new Honda players in the Market now too.  the 00x's (CB500x , NC700x)

Good suggestion forgot about the NC700x,a guy who lives a few doors away has one.

Yes a good choice if you don't actually like motorcycling.
Title: Re: I think it may be time....
Post by: Chris Canning on June 05, 2013, 07:08:53 PM
Spoken by a man who hasn't had a knee replacement!!
Title: Re: I think it may be time....
Post by: Advwannabe on June 06, 2013, 02:37:19 AM
The 'soul' argument is such a subjective thing. Ian I have a number of friends with Weestroms, one of whom has the new model. They are easy to handle, ride beautifully, do evetything you aks of them without fuss and economically. They don't light my fire, but maybe they will yours. Worth a try.

For the 800 Tiger my comments are the same as Neil Ds, great bikes. I found the 21" front onf the XC no disadvantage on the road so I'd go that way if it were me. IMHO both 800s are better alrounders than Dora, which is a great touring bike with adventure bike styling. Certainly the 800 is happy to bimble around and is a lot easier to man handle in the shed.

Tigerbill who sometimes posts here, uses his Steamer mainly for road riding. Recently he has purchased a Versys and you can't prise him off the thing! Very light, easy to handle and judging by the ammount of touring bling he is buying for it and how much he is riding it, floats his boat as well.
Title: Re: I think it may be time....
Post by: Sin_Tiger on June 06, 2013, 03:38:32 AM
I know three guys locally who got the 700X. Great fuel consumption but all three said the same,  boring and gutless, regretted it.  They were looking for more in the way of touring capability but said it was only really good as a commuter.  I know these guys and they hate admitting making a poor decision.
Title: Re: I think it may be time....
Post by: iansoady on June 11, 2013, 05:35:23 PM
I've now had the chance to try a V-Strom 650 (just a short test ride from a dealer) and must admit I was quite impressed. Exactly what I was looking for in terms of size / weight and nippy enough, although I know I'll miss that 955 triple (not to mention hours of fun playing with Tuneboy). It is very much like a mini-Tiger.

It's a shame Triumph didn't do something similar with a detuned version of the 675. I'm afraid the 800 Tiger is just too ugly for me. It reminds me of the Pompidou building with all the guts on the outside.

When I told my wife I was thinking of deserting Triumph she was horrified till I showed her a pic of the 800.....
Title: Re: I think it may be time....
Post by: Chris Canning on June 11, 2013, 06:54:27 PM
Ian

This loyalty thing with motorcycles has always been lost on me it's what ever floats your boat,and if it gets you out and about that's all that matters,you'll have to meet us at Crossgates café one of these midweeks,I'd say come with us but the nut case who comes me causes some wry smiles when he pulls he helmet off,he's 76!! and only got back from riding to Mugello last Wednesday.
Title: Re: I think it may be time....
Post by: Sin_Tiger on June 12, 2013, 03:18:47 AM
I here what you're saying about the 800, after a great ride I changed my mind and it's grown on me.  I have been harboring weird thoughts about building a 675 Steamer for a couple of years now but that just might be a project too far  :icon_rolleyes:
Title: Re: I think it may be time....
Post by: Advwannabe on June 12, 2013, 04:36:13 AM
Amen Chris. I like the cut of Triumph's jib, but if another brand makes the bike you want, that's what you get.

The guy who sold my my Blackbird has gone on to a Weestrom and loves it. All the best Ian!
Title: Re: I think it may be time....
Post by: iansoady on June 12, 2013, 11:28:45 AM
Quote from: Chris Canning on June 11, 2013, 06:54:27 PM
Ian

This loyalty thing with motorcycles has always been lost on me it's what ever floats your boat,and if it gets you out and about that's all that matters,you'll have to meet us at Crossgates café one of these midweeks,I'd say come with us but the nut case who comes me causes some wry smiles when he pulls he helmet off,he's 76!! and only got back from riding to Mugello last Wednesday.

I agree but all other things being equal I'd rather have a bike built down the road (may have taken that to extremes with the Velo) than one thousands of miles away. But I accept that has little real value these days.
Title: Re: I think it may be time....
Post by: threepot on June 12, 2013, 06:43:38 PM
I've ridden my mates Strom,its ok..does what it says on the tin etc,but it felt like a big scoot to me. Not in the same ball park as my Steamer! He's always defending its looks too :pottytrain2  He was going to buy a Steamer,but I think the problem I had with the blocked inlet filter put him off. It is 17yrs old tho,and just took me over and back from France :thumbsup
Title: Re: I think it may be time....
Post by: Sin_Tiger on June 13, 2013, 06:24:18 AM
Rode a mate's 1000, a bit lacking in the torque department,  horrible balance at walking pace,  I dropped it, and remember I ride a Steamer  :bug_eye  ground clearance was not good either, he was always complaining about hitting the sump going over a kerb. DL is supposed to be the better machine if a bit short on capacity both engine and carrying.
Title: Re: I think it may be time....
Post by: ssevy on June 15, 2013, 02:56:37 AM
I currently have a 99 Legend, and am in the process of procuring a 97 Steamer. The Legend has the same great motor, feet are flat on the ground at stops, and I modified bar height, pegs, etc., so that I am comfortable. Here in the northeast US, these sell with low miles and in good condition around $3500. My friend has the Weestrom 650, and while it is nice, the engine pales compared to our triples.

I would recommend this bike as an inexpensive,, very well built, daily rider which can be set up as you like, and for far less than a new roadie. Maybe the lineage isn't a straight line, but I think of the new roadies as the new replacements for the Legend/Thunderbirds of the late 90's, early 2000's. I admit that I have not ridden one, but are they really worth the extra money as compared to a triple classic?
Title: Re: I think it may be time....
Post by: iansoady on June 15, 2013, 11:32:46 AM
I've always quite fancied a Thunderbird Sport but that's still a big heavy bike and not really what I'm looking for at the moment.

Still haven't sold the Tiger......
Title: Re: I think it may be time....
Post by: Sin_Tiger on June 15, 2013, 11:54:48 AM
That's certainly out of the box thinking  :thumbsup

Another one that occurred to me this afternoon is the Versys, well thought of and certainly popular out here.
Title: Re: I think it may be time....
Post by: NKL on June 15, 2013, 09:06:19 PM
I mentioned the Versys in post 8
Title: Re: I think it may be time....
Post by: Sin_Tiger on June 16, 2013, 03:11:16 AM
 :icon_redface: you did,  did I mention my memory is not so good   :icon_rolleyes:

Considered a Bonnie since Ssvey opened up the field,  although heavy it's low, will go all day loaded up and it's just so much fun you can't help giggling like a school girl on every ride.
Title: Re: I think it may be time....
Post by: Marc on June 17, 2013, 08:58:07 AM
Quote from: Sin_Tiger on June 16, 2013, 03:11:16 AM

Considered a Bonnie since Ssvey opened up the field,  although heavy it's low, will go all day loaded up and it's just so much fun you can't help giggling like a school girl on every ride.

:iagree
my missus rides the Bonnie SE.  She weights 114lbs and handles the Bonnie like a bicycle! With the low gravity (and 17'' wheels) very easy to put in the garage  :thumbsup
Title: Re: I think it may be time....
Post by: iansoady on June 17, 2013, 11:29:58 AM
Maybe in a few years when I get even more decrepit and the choice is between that and an Enfield!
Title: Re: I think it may be time....
Post by: Sin_Tiger on June 17, 2013, 12:11:48 PM
I'm not decrepit yet either  :icon_razz: the new Bonnies have a fair bit of poke you know,  Enfeild  :icon_scratch: well fun in it's own way.
Title: Re: I think it may be time....
Post by: iansoady on June 19, 2013, 04:16:29 PM
Do you think I could pretend this is a Tiger if I paint stripes on the tank?
Title: I think it may be time....
Post by: Montydog on June 19, 2013, 04:42:30 PM
Looks well as it is IMHO
Title: Re: I think it may be time....
Post by: Advwannabe on June 20, 2013, 11:01:24 PM
Has anyone mentioned a Transalp? Pretty capable machine and even lighter that the Weestrom ( I think).

If the 'Strom works for you it won't matter if it has stripes. Taken one for a decent spin yet?
Title: I think it may be time....
Post by: Montydog on June 21, 2013, 12:04:59 AM
Have you thought about the Kawasaki Versys there's a cracking 2007 model with 6500 miles on the clock for I think £2700 on UKGser, looks well looked after and they have a fab write up??
Title: Re: I think it may be time....
Post by: Sin_Tiger on June 21, 2013, 01:30:19 AM
Quote from: Montydog on June 21, 2013, 12:04:59 AM
Have you thought about the Kawasaki Versys there's a cracking 2007 model with 6500 miles on the clock for I think £2700 on UKGser, looks well looked after and they have a fab write up??

Hello NKL it's not just me :icon_rolleyes:
Title: Re: I think it may be time....
Post by: Marc on June 21, 2013, 09:07:40 AM
Quote from: Sin_Tiger on June 21, 2013, 01:30:19 AM
Hello NKL it's not just me :icon_rolleyes:

:mut
Title: Re: I think it may be time....
Post by: iansoady on June 21, 2013, 11:31:13 AM
Quote from: Advwannabe on June 20, 2013, 11:01:24 PM
Has anyone mentioned a Transalp? Pretty capable machine and even lighter that the Weestrom ( I think).

If the 'Strom works for you it won't matter if it has stripes. Taken one for a decent spin yet?

Having taken the black one in the pic for a shortish run (10 miles or so) I liked it and have gone for it. It is like a smaller Tiger in many ways so think it is the right buy - especially at just under £2,200 with a new front tyre thrown in, and coming with full Givi luggage (if a bit tired looking).

Good points: lower, lighter, nice planted handling, nice sound.

Less good: slightly cramped knee position (to be rectified with DL1000 seat and probably Buell pegs), a bit snatchy just off idle (oh for a Tuneboy equivalent) and - of course - not a Triumph triple.......
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