New Tiger 1050 :)
Discussion
gethyn said:
It looks a belter - well done that man! Now how about a bit more about what it's like - I'd love to know what you think of it.
Well, from limited riding so far, I'd give it these first impressions. Bear in mind my last bike was a '01 R1.
Firstly, physically it's a tall bike so shortar$es will struggle to get their feet to the ground
However, it's also very narrow - helped by the the triple engine. For a big bike, it hides its mass exceptionally well. Despite having a higher CofG than I'm used to (that said I've had several trailie style bikes in the past), the handling is a revelation! Seriously, the way it turns is just astonishing. I'd go as far as to say that it makes my old R1 feel like an oil tanker (not helped by the squared off tyres . Very reassuring in the twisties - but need more seat time to fully assess it. Styling is spot on to my eye at least. I like the angularity of it with good design lines. The bike looks far more svelte than it probably is - well, black hides the weight so they say
I like the kicked up rear end too, but the dustbin sized exhaust is a tad on the huge size! Suspension - very compliant. You notice a bit of see sawing at the front end under hard acceleration (as I found on the test ride on the dealer demo which was fully run in), but this can be dialled out. Mine feels firmer at the moment. Soaks up poor surfaces with aplomb, with supple, well modulated suspension. Rear end uses the T675 swing arm to good effect - looks lovely too
Engine, as mine is being run-in, I can say this from my demo-bike ride. It's brilliant! Pulls like a train, fuel injection is spot on with no noticable holes in the power curve. Unique sound of the triple is addictive. I had a T595 which was on carbs, but this is light years away. Great reserves of power and smooth torquey delivery means you can hoon about with the best of them. Combined with the suspension/chassis, it's a package that's hard to beat for road riding. A competent rider would have no trouble keeping up with the latest superbikes on a hard ridden 1050.
Brakes are also superb. Great level feel, with nice progressive action. The radial Nissin's pull you up in no time. ABS is an option, but I didn't go for it - I think it's pointless on a bike.
Tacho display shows a wealth of information from stopwatch, clock, through several fuel monitoring options - mpg, range, tank level etc. No excuse for running dry on a Tiger! Reserve light came on at 58 miles - which is pretty generous, but is testament to the bike's touring potential.
Need to run a full tank through to check the total range, but I'm guessing a comfortable 200+ miles to a tank. Seat comfortable, but a touch firm for my backside - there's a gelseat option, but will run the foam in for a while before deciding whether it's worth changing.
Have ridden all manner of roads so far (my 100 mile commute helps!), from A's and B's, through Motorway and city filtering - it performs like a champ over all of them. Mirror height perfect for filtering too missing van mirrors comfortably (can be a problem on a tall trailie whereas car mirrors can be a hassle for hypersports).
So all in all, I'd say 9.9/10
geofflowe said:
Got a yellow one and love it to bits - had a Sprint ST before but this is better!
Hi Geoff - my only gripe is with wind noise. I'm 6' tall and seem to be in just the right 'zone' to get quite a bit of wind roar. Have read on other forums that people are cutting the screen down to aleviate the problem. How are you finding it?
Leadfoot said:
Nice one 
.
I pick up mine next Tues - white abs model.
Whilst we don't agree on the abs, we do on the ugly dustbin can, so in a mo' I think I'll order a high level Zard for it.
. I pick up mine next Tues - white abs model.
Whilst we don't agree on the abs, we do on the ugly dustbin can, so in a mo' I think I'll order a high level Zard for it.
My perspective (not that it matter I s'pose
) regarding abs, is that it was primarily developed to allow steering control of a vehicle whilst braking in an emergency. IMHO this isn't applicable on a bike. But that's just me
Davel said:
I had ABS on my R1200GS and there were just the odd times when it was useful in the poorer weather.
I do like the look of the new Tiger.
How do you find the gearbox, as that's the only issue that I've heard people moan about.
I do like the look of the new Tiger.
How do you find the gearbox, as that's the only issue that I've heard people moan about.
Well, I would say that it's not perfect, but it's not far off. I've had no problems (on the demo bike or mine) with the shift being stiff, but I did hit a false neutral between 4th and 5th on the demo ride a couple of times and have done so once on my bike. I think I just need to be a bit firmer with it.
It doesn't do it on clutchless upshifts - but I'm being sensitive to it whilst running in
Thanks for the report - it is good to hear what owners have to say about their bikes rather than relying on the press for their comments (although I love reading the mags too!). The Tiger looks great and I'm glad you're enjoying it - well done Triumph for pulling off a . . . errr . . . triumph!!
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