Back in the saddle
Discussion
After a 12 year break away from bikes I took delivery of a Triumph Tiger 1200 a couple of weeks ago. The bike was 3 months old with 350 miles on it, I bought over the telephone having not even seen one before, I had a BMW GS in mind but couldn't justify the cost.
I am a big road racing fan so the idea behind buying an adventure bike was to use to get to the Irish road racing events, I have previously flown and picked up hire cars but it isn't really in the spirit of things. With no TT or NW this year I hope to get to at least one of the other smaller events Covid allowing.
I rode mainly sports bikes from the age of 18 through to 35 so this is quite a departure, I've never even used a centre stand.
The amount of tech has amazed me, as has the cost of buying new kit (couldn't ride the Tiger in one piece leathers).
Anyway, really looking forward to some better weather and some easing of restrictions to get out and enjoy it.
Gratuitous pic
I am a big road racing fan so the idea behind buying an adventure bike was to use to get to the Irish road racing events, I have previously flown and picked up hire cars but it isn't really in the spirit of things. With no TT or NW this year I hope to get to at least one of the other smaller events Covid allowing.
I rode mainly sports bikes from the age of 18 through to 35 so this is quite a departure, I've never even used a centre stand.
The amount of tech has amazed me, as has the cost of buying new kit (couldn't ride the Tiger in one piece leathers).
Anyway, really looking forward to some better weather and some easing of restrictions to get out and enjoy it.
Gratuitous pic
I test rode one a while back, loved it but it is BIG and tall. I have a 32" IL and wouldn't want my legs any shorter on one of these.
You're going to enjoy it I'm sure. What you plan to do with it is exactly what it's for, great bike. The suspension was the standout for me, gorgeous ride quality.
You're going to enjoy it I'm sure. What you plan to do with it is exactly what it's for, great bike. The suspension was the standout for me, gorgeous ride quality.
ash reynolds said:
I test rode one a while back, loved it but it is BIG and tall. I have a 32" IL and wouldn't want my legs any shorter on one of these.
You're going to enjoy it I'm sure. What you plan to do with it is exactly what it's for, great bike. The suspension was the standout for me, gorgeous ride quality.
You aren't kidding about it being big, I had a bit of a shock when it was delivered, fortunately I am a powerfully built .........You're going to enjoy it I'm sure. What you plan to do with it is exactly what it's for, great bike. The suspension was the standout for me, gorgeous ride quality.
The size is why it was for sale, the guy that bought it was in his 70s and waiting for a hip replacement, understandably it was too much to manage.
Hopefully it will eat up some miles in relative comfort.
MrGman said:
How do they ride compared to a GS?
I’ve always been a big triumph fan, I keep thinking about selling the sports bikes and getting a adventure bike to do more touring on.
I can't remember the model year of the Triumph I tested out, but I had a 2016 GS. The triumph sounded better, had better throttle response, adn had a heated seat. Its a big heavy bike with a lot of weight high up, it's great when you are on the move, too tall for me though. I’ve always been a big triumph fan, I keep thinking about selling the sports bikes and getting a adventure bike to do more touring on.
The GS is extremely good. Not exciting though.
Motoring Nomad said:
Looks good. I think the Classic TT and Manx GP are still on (for now anyway).
Let's hope so, the end of August is still some way off. There was some talk about running the senior TT event at the classic at the end of practice week, not sure if that is still the case.There is still good availability for ferries and accommodation for race week so tempted to book.
FlopperV60 said:
Let's hope so, the end of August is still some way off. There was some talk about running the senior TT event at the classic at the end of practice week, not sure if that is still the case.
There is still good availability for ferries and accommodation for race week so tempted to book.
Me too. I had a ferry crossing booked for the TT itself in 2020, which I deferred to 2021 when it was cancelled, only to have this year's cancelled too. I have a friend on the island, and the COVID situation there is good... but that doesn't mean they want to let thousands of tourists in yet. Time will tell!There is still good availability for ferries and accommodation for race week so tempted to book.
Of the adventure bikes I think the Triumphs are the best looking. I hope you have many happy miles together.Motoring Nomad said:
FlopperV60 said:
Let's hope so, the end of August is still some way off. There was some talk about running the senior TT event at the classic at the end of practice week, not sure if that is still the case.
There is still good availability for ferries and accommodation for race week so tempted to book.
Me too. I had a ferry crossing booked for the TT itself in 2020, which I deferred to 2021 when it was cancelled, only to have this year's cancelled too. I have a friend on the island, and the COVID situation there is good... but that doesn't mean they want to let thousands of tourists in yet. Time will tell!There is still good availability for ferries and accommodation for race week so tempted to book.
FlopperV60 said:
Gutted for you, many years ago (think it was 93) I had everything booked and paid for and had an accident two weeks before resulting in a couple of broken wrists and an arm. I can remember being in the hospital being absolutely devastated that I wasn't going to be able to go to the TT, I really didn't care about the injuries
Ah, that's a nightmare! Fortunately I've been four times before. If 2019 was to be my first I'd be totally gutted!I'm on my second Tiger 1200 and clearly rate them. Having bought new they are much better value than the GS, have plenty tech and tend to come with decent luggage and extras. I've done over 500 miles in a day on twisty roads in Scotland without issue. Yep, they are heavy at standstill but once moving they are great.
BTW Not sure if yours has it but heated seat is worth getting for those colder days! They come up on ebay from time to time with dealers shifting stock.
Enjoy!
BTW Not sure if yours has it but heated seat is worth getting for those colder days! They come up on ebay from time to time with dealers shifting stock.
Enjoy!
ChrisG C2S said:
I'm on my second Tiger 1200 and clearly rate them. Having bought new they are much better value than the GS, have plenty tech and tend to come with decent luggage and extras. I've done over 500 miles in a day on twisty roads in Scotland without issue. Yep, they are heavy at standstill but once moving they are great.
BTW Not sure if yours has it but heated seat is worth getting for those colder days! They come up on ebay from time to time with dealers shifting stock.
Enjoy!
Thanks Chris, good to hear from other people who rate the bike. From those that ride them the only real criticism seems to be the weight and physical size, I'm a big chap so not really worried about that.BTW Not sure if yours has it but heated seat is worth getting for those colder days! They come up on ebay from time to time with dealers shifting stock.
Enjoy!
I though the bike had a heated seat but when I removed the riders seat to raise it discovered it hasn't, I will definitely upgrade this.
Looking forward to some decent weather and some long trips.
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