Tiger, 2000kms in.

[Caper]

After 2000kms and about a month of riding I thought I'd post my thoughts of the Tiger 800. Obviously coming from a touring bike the return to a bike with some oomph is very nice indeed. Although before the HD I had an FJR 1300 and a CBR 1100xx before that so don't get me wrong the Tiger has some get up and go but it's not a missile. For the type of riding I do, commuting, day trips with a few friends or alone it's compromise of comfort and power suits me perfect. I purchased sight unseen(no demo's and 500kms to the dealer) after doing a tonne of research and riding a few similar bikes so I was a bit nervous about how I'd like it but as I hoped it's exactly what I was looking for. The lack of a center stand was disappointing and the $250.00 price of a factory one seemed high so a little bargain hunting and $30.00 later I was able to find a near mint second hand rear race stand the works perfectly for maintenance. Two of my pet peeves with the bike is the maintenance light that can only be reset by the dealership and how the odometer is always on trip while your riding. Both took awhile to get used to but I don't notice them now. Besides the power and comfort I really like the sound. It's my first three cylinder so I wasn't sure what to expect but I'd compare it to the VFR's with gear driven cams. As a mechanic I kind of like the "mechanical" sound the engine. At first I thought I'd miss the convenience of the luggage on my tourer and honestly thought that luggage would be my first accessory purchase but a cargo net and a book bag works fine for my work stuff while commuting. Overall I'm very pleased with it and the only thing that would make it better is a little less rain!

[TimP]

So good to hear your purchase worked out, especially given the sight-unseen aspect and the degree of faith involved.

I totally connect with your comment on the "mechanical" sound of the engine. Now that the break-in is over you can wind it out and hear that mini-Ferrari, "tearing canvas" sound that only comes with 240° firing. Triples rule!

[Caper]

I forgot to mention that even though I live in a small community that there's a large number of riders in the area. Mostly cruisers and some sport bikes. Alot of HD's. So in the spirit I started a Triumph Owners Group. We don't wear vests or crests, don't have meetings and don't ride together. Oh yeah, I'm the only member! The most common comment is "I didn't even know Triumph still made bikes". Awesome!

[Rockwall]

You'll also have to put up with a lot of comments like "great bikes... I had one back in '62...." :p

I've found it almost no use to explain that these are thoroughly modern motorcycles and that Mr. Bloor has been really, REALLY successful with the brand since it was brought back up and running in the early 90s. Nostalgia reigns supreme with a lot of folks.

Enjoy the ride! I know I love my Streetie.

[dman01]

FYI: CC's Tiger 800XC vs. BMW F800 video is now online here (http://www.cyclecanadaweb.com/multimedia/videos/hd/537/).

[TimP]

Unless you happen to be one of the 160,000,000 iOS device users who can't view it...

(Derreck, HTML5, repeat after me, HTML5, let those holding the purse strings know. I'll back you up.)

[dman01]

Unless you happen to be one of the 160,000,000 iOS device users who can't view it...

(Derreck, HTML5, repeat after me, HTML5, let those holding the purse strings know. I'll back you up.)


I'll be sure to pass on your comment Tim. In the meantime you can always watch our videos with your iDevices on our Youtube channel (http://www.youtube.com/user/lcmediacc?feature=mhee).

[TimP]

Thanks Derreck (Now that's customer service.) I've subscribed to Cycle Canada TV and viewed the Tiger vs. F800GS flick. Nicely done. Let's do more movies, eh?

But don't forget the HTML5 option, ok? A one-click solution beats switching apps any day.

[dman01]

Let's do more movies, eh?

You mean more movies with you and me in them or just more movies in general?

[TimP]

Movies in general. I thought that other stuff left with Uwe.

(Sorry, Uwe. )

[Kootenanny]

So in the spirit I started a Triumph Owners Group.
So, were you in Nelson last weekend for the Nelson Rat Raid? (http://www.westernrat.org/RAT/2011_Kootenay_Raid_Registration.html) :)

[Caper]

East coast to west coast is a bit of a ride!

[Battleax]

Rat?? Who names these things?

[jimo]

Any more updates coming, this is a bike I am interested in. The odometer and maintainance light thing sounds annoying

[yzf1000jon]

Rat?? Who names these things?

R.A.T.
Ride A Triumph

[Caper]

I got my first manufacturer recall notice last week. It's a computer reprogramming for an idle/stalling issue. I haven't had the issue yet but the trip to the dealer, 500kms each way, will be a nice trip next weekend. Hopefully I can stay away from the accessories display while I'm there!

[Smiley]

"Hopefully I can stay away from the accessories display while I'm there!"

Good luck with that Caper! Enjoy the ride.

[Caper]

My dealership visit was pretty painless. It was first time there after buying the bike by email and having it delivered. If they treat all there customers this well I'm positive that they'll have many repeat customers! They were friendly and got my bike in on time. The staff all took a bit of time to introduce themselves and the service department asked if I had any concerns with the bike and what I thought of it so far. I managed to escape the accessories department with around $100.00 gone on a new pair of gloves and a t-shirt so not too bad at all.