Tiger 800 test ride...

rat_race

Just test drove a Tiger 800 today for over an hour...yum! Very very smooth. Shifting was very smooth and concise, much better than any other bike I've ridden (which isn't that many, maybe 4). Was expecting it to be heavier too, but didn't feel much heavier than my Ninja 250.

Wasn't too confident cornering and brakes weren't as powerful as I was expecting; I'm comparing to my Ninja here. Both issues are probably just a matter of getting used to it.

Just an FYI for others looking: I'm about 5 foot 7, and had the lower seat option on the non-XC, and it was just right. I would have liked another CM or two lower. Any higher would be too high, I imagine.

Very hard going back to my 250 now ...

Nice bikes alright, I had a test ride when the Cork shop was still open. If I'd had the cash at the time I probably would have bought it. Had a go off the rocket 3 roadster too, mad yoke.

Idleater

Who is the (?) triumph dealership now? I had a go on the older model a few years ago in celtic motorcycles.

Stainless_Steel

Was it an explorer model? Love them...

rat_race

Idleater wrote: »

Who is the (?) triumph dealership now? I had a go on the older model a few years ago in celtic motorcycles.

Dublin Triumph, place in Ballymount. Right beside the Harley shop...think it's ran by the same people.

Stainless_Steel wrote: »

Was it an explorer model? Love them...

Nope, was the "800" model. Basically the same except smaller...Explorer is 1200CC, I think.

Wonda-Boy

Are you actually buying of just fancied a spin on the bike....lol.

I absolutely love the Triumph Sprint 1050GT would love an "HOUR" to get loved up with it.

rat_race

Wonda-Boy wrote: »

Are you actually buying of just fancied a spin on the bike....lol.

I absolutely love the Triumph Sprint 1050GT would love an "HOUR" to get loved up with it.

I've been looking at them for a while...strongly considering buying.

Two main reasons I haven't yet:
1. I might be away for a month or 3 soon enough
2. Have full license, but would legally need to be restricted for another 1.8 years...

Wossack

the old triples are pretty good restricted imo

ran a street triple for 6-8 months with a throttle stop nay bother. And then you get the new bike feel again as a result of 20-30 mins with a few spanners removing it


I'd say the difference in brakes between the tiger and the ninja are due to the extra weight, and possibly a fair bit of fork dive on the tiger? The tiger is about 50% heavier then your ninja I believe (some 80kg from a cursory google), so its a good testament to the Hinkley designers that theyve disguised it so well

Del2005

rat_race wrote: »

Dublin Triumph, place in Ballymount. Right beside the Harley shop...think it's ran by the same people.

Same people all right. I was out there ages ago and the Triumph place was closed went into Harley place to see when it would open and was walked through.

wicklowbiker

Great to see Triumph making such a good comeback.

Zascar

Good to know OP, I'm currently thinking about my next bike (next year) and was considering this. I'm also pretty short at 5'6 and it sucks as many bikes are just too big, I'd have GS tomorrow but I can barely reach the ground! What else did/are you considering?

rat_race

Zascar wrote: »

Good to know OP, I'm currently thinking about my next bike (next year) and was considering this. I'm also pretty short at 5'6 and it sucks as many bikes are just too big, I'd have GS tomorrow but I can barely reach the ground! What else did/are you considering?

Well, considering 800 GS, Honda Transalp...that kinda thing. Maybe a V-Strom although I haven't really viewed one. Anything that can carry luggage and passenger and isn't too ugly.

TBH, I've stopped looking...kinda decided on a Tiger. One day ...

Zascar

rat_race wrote: »

Anything that can carry luggage and passenger and isn't too ugly.

Yeah, so many of these types of bikes really are not that attractive, I just could not ride an ugly bike

I want something comfy and good for touring, but something I can commute and whizz around on backroads on too. Low seat height is essential also

galwaytt

Zascar wrote: »

Yeah, so many of these types of bikes really are not that attractive, I just could not ride an ugly bike

I want something comfy and good for touring, but something I can commute and whizz around on backroads on too. Low seat height is essential also

....you can lower any bike - GS's, and all the rest.

I just bought a used SV for my SO, and lowered it with an adjustable suspension kit - cost me US$89 on th'internet perfect.

I'd buy the best bike you like, do a small bit of research, and then spend a few €€ getting it to your preference. Even if you have to buy a special shock, you can resell it later, come resale time.

JonathonS

I know a lad with an XC800, he loves it but it drinks the juice.

rat_race

JonathonS wrote: »

I know a lad with an XC800, he loves it but it drinks the juice.

Damn...compared to a 800GS? They're meant to be extremely economical. But then again, they're only 2-cylinder...I haven't had the pleasure of riding a GS, but people seem to prefer the triple on the Tigers.

galwaytt

....the BeeEmms have always been known for economy, so I'd be expecting 55mpg+ - 70mpg out of them all day long. Our old F650 and F650ST regularly pulled high 60's mpg - and they were a '94 an '97 bike.

... a quick google shows many people not happy with the Triumph's fuel economy, and whilst I've only driven an F800R, I found it was incredibly light on juice - averaging 75mpg + ........Tbh I love the Triumph, but it would be very, very hard to pass the BeeEmm at those kind of numbers.

rat_race

galwaytt wrote: »

....the BeeEmms have always been known for economy, so I'd be expecting 55mpg+ - 70mpg out of them all day long. Our old F650 and F650ST regularly pulled high 60's mpg - and they were a '94 an '97 bike.

... a quick google shows many people not happy with the Triumph's fuel economy, and whilst I've only driven an F800R, I found it was incredibly light on juice - averaging 75mpg + ........Tbh I love the Triumph, but it would be very, very hard to pass the BeeEmm at those kind of numbers.

I was in dead-set on a Tiger 800...not so sure now! I know the BMWs kicked ass economy-wise but I didn't realise there was that much of a difference.

BMW in Ballymount won't give me a spin of their bikes (full license, but still under 2 year restriction), but Triumph did (no problem)...So, I can't personally compare the two power-wise.

Sputnik

Read an interview somewhere with a triumph guy about the tiger 800. Fuel economy wasn't a priority. Can't remember the details but basically they deliberately burn more fuel in order to get that smooth feeling for the engine,