Looking at the Triumph Tiger 800....

Discussion in 'General VFR Discussions' started by CRFan1, Sep 24, 2013.

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  1. CRFan1

    CRFan1 New Member

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    Anybody ever ride or own one? Am I crazy for even looking at one, lol?

    Thoughts?
     
    CRFan1, Sep 24, 2013


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  2. tyarosevich

    tyarosevich New Member

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    I've never even seen one, but I'm an avid reader of Bike magazine when I can afford and find it, and they've reviewed/compared it several times favorably. Given that they are by far the most honest, experienced, and trustworthy reviewers in the motorcycle magazine industry, I'd say that counts for something (they've pitted it favorably against the GS800). The one thing I haven't seen is a stress test in harsh terrain over long miles. Given that bikes like the KLR stand up to those types of tests with flying colors, I'd look for something similar with the Tiger before pulling the trigger unless you just want it for touring and the occasional crappy gravel road.
     
    tyarosevich, Sep 24, 2013


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  3. reg71

    reg71 Poser Staff Member

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    I went back and forth between it and the GS. I have ridden both. I know of a good deal on a brand new Tiger that I almost bought but I ended up going for the used GS with lot's of farkles for less $$.

    Note that I am talking about the the XT model.

    I also rode the standard model so I can compare them all. I believe the standard model I rode the owner needs to sell also if you are shopping. He takes good care of his bikes (he used to own independent dealership).

    I'll try and come back and elaborate later.
     
    reg71, Sep 24, 2013


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  4. CRFan1

    CRFan1 New Member

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    Yeah it would be for 90% touring with an occasional crappy road.......I like the idea of having a nice torquey triple.....

    Thanks!
     
    CRFan1, Sep 24, 2013


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  5. CRFan1

    CRFan1 New Member

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    Thanks...just starting to look into this now and it would PROBABLY be an early spring purchase. They seem to be ok reliability wise but the one concern I have is of course dealer network. ....
     
    CRFan1, Sep 24, 2013


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  6. CRFan1

    CRFan1 New Member

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    So I am curious being that you have ridden one...is the tiger truly a bike you can ride all day comfortably..i.e. decent wind protection, good handling etc.? Is it smooth engine wise?
     
    CRFan1, Sep 24, 2013


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  7. reg71

    reg71 Poser Staff Member

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    ok, here's my take:

    Tiger 800 standard - smooth engine. almost boring compared to VFR, but many people love the sound of triple. slightly more vibes in bars than VFR IMO. The power seems way less than VFR even though on paper it looks close. Again, this is JMHO. I had a hard time getting the front wheel off the ground on the trumpet. The bike sits tall. I have 34 in inseam so it was good for me, but might be uncomfortable at stops for shorter riders.

    Dealer network would worry me also. A friend warned me of Triumph's poor support of mutual friend on bike that wasn't very old.

    Could I ride all day? Yeah I rode it for an afternoon. Didn't love stock seat but didn't hate it. I think out of the box I wouldn't hesitate to take it for 500 mile weekend.

    Wind protection was ok but I did experience a little buffeting.

    As far as spring purchase, if either of the guys I know selling them still have them, they should have come way down by then! :)
     
    reg71, Sep 24, 2013


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  8. TOE CUTTER

    TOE CUTTER Mullet Man

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    TOE CUTTER, Sep 24, 2013


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  9. CRFan1

    CRFan1 New Member

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    Yeah but I was leaning towards the 800...the Explorer is a 1200 I believe and way more expensive. Although that is a smoking deal!
     
    CRFan1, Sep 24, 2013


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  10. Scubalong

    Scubalong Official Greeter?

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    Scubalong, Sep 24, 2013


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  11. CRFan1

    CRFan1 New Member

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    Thanks for the info. Interesting indeed. It's a 12 second bike so it is definitely a bit slower than the VFR but I have read that it has a very broad power delivery curve. I figured the windshield would be the first thing to get changed anyway because everybody complains about buffeting. I don't know...jury is out but I am intrigued. :)
     
    CRFan1, Sep 24, 2013


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  12. CRFan1

    CRFan1 New Member

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    CRFan1, Sep 24, 2013


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  13. Scubalong

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    Scubalong, Sep 24, 2013


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  14. CRFan1

    CRFan1 New Member

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    Yeah I think the 800 is like 120 pounds lighter than the explorer! They make this in a regular 800 and an XC version. The XC version is geared more to the off road side with taller suspension and 45mm forks instead of 43, a 21" wheel instead of 19 and spoked wheels. I would just get the regular one.....
     
    CRFan1, Sep 24, 2013


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  15. Scubalong

    Scubalong Official Greeter?

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    Have you try the F800GS......? You should try them both before pull the trigger on the Tiger
     
    Scubalong, Sep 24, 2013


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  16. skimad4x4

    skimad4x4 "Official" VFRWorld Greeter

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    Try them both - good idea. Also check out this head to head review

    Triumph Tiger 800 XC and Tiger Explorer 1200 Review: Cat Video - YouTube

    Only you know what you plan to use the bike for, and which if either will be right for you. So try before you buy. If you get the chance also try their baby brother which is a lot cheaper - the Street Triple R is an amazingly capable street-fighter which will bring out the hooligan in most riders...




    SkiMad
     
    skimad4x4, Sep 24, 2013


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  17. CRFan1

    CRFan1 New Member

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    Scuba...I hate all things BMW and would never own another one, lol
     
    CRFan1, Sep 24, 2013


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  18. Scubalong

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    I hate BMW too but I love my GS.......I have :noidea:
     
    Scubalong, Sep 24, 2013


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  19. reg71

    reg71 Poser Staff Member

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    I hate BMW cars because of a bad incident I had. Probably more the dealers fault than the car but left a real bad taste. That being said I leave Thursday to go pick up my GS. :)
     
    reg71, Sep 24, 2013


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  20. Scubalong

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    Have a safe and fun trip looking forward to ride with you and your bumble bee :thumb:
     
    Scubalong, Sep 24, 2013


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