I really like the look of the Triumph Tiger, I'll probably get a DL1000 Vstrom because passenger comfort is a bit better. The triumph hard luggage is nice looking on the bike, but for two up 1-2 week trips I'd want more room, which is another reason I'd go with the V-strom, the Givi E41 luggage looks ok on the V-Strom but on the Tiger it looks way too top heavy and too big for the bike. Also the V-Strom is cheaper. I'd prefer a 17 inch wheel like on the tiger though and the awesome looks!
Numb bum starts after 1 1/2 hours for me which is about when you start to think about fuel if you have been riding hard. Seems quite thirsty - computer says 44mpg average, but closer to 40. Maybe this will improve with a few more miles on the clock.
Fantastic road bike though, faily fast and pretty agile. Not the fastest on a track, but in real life on the roads it can outpace many faster bikes with its compliant suspension, excellent brakes and upright position means you get a better view over some cars and round corners.
I just bought a new 1050 Tiger a couple of months ago and have to agree with the testers:- it is definately almost exclusively aimed at road use. It has a bit more clearance than most road bikes, but thats about it.
anyone care to comment on the quality of the older tigers? There is an '95 with 7k miles and a low price in my area. I have little to no mechanical knowledge and would like to wrench on it myself (learn with it) I was looking at a KLR because everyone raves about its wrench-ability and simplicity. However I really like the look and extra power and more road bias of the tiger. Any help - thanks.
The older tigers are pretty good as well, they're only 855cc so they're not as peppy as the 955 or the 1050 by any means. I would consider it a perfect bike to learn on. At 7k miles, it's a steal... as long as it's been properly maintained.
As a first bike, stay away from Triumph... the maintenance costs are high, parts are hard to get unless you have a dealer close. That and having to use Synthetic oil and high-test can be a drain on the wallet.
KLR 650 was the worst bike I've ever ridden for any kind of distance. The reviews are shams. The seat will make your arse numb, you'll get a headshake if you bump the handlebars at speed, it starts to consume oil after break in, and it has a HORRIBLE flat spot in the power band at highway speed. (only 35 hp) Not to mention its horrible high speed handling. The forks twist before they turn.
As a plus, I can say it handles like a bicycle round town which is good.
I have a 96 Tiger. It is a work horse. Very dependable bike. I did a month tour 8300 miles across the US. I had no problems with it. The only complain was that the seat is not great for long ride. The 885cc is plenty of power. I have gone up steep hills fully loaded with no problem. I love the bike. I don't care for the look of the newer ones. The steamers are the best. It is top heavy but you will adjust to the riding style in no time.
you cant legally learn on a 1050cc bike! You either need a 50cc if you are 16 or 125 if you are 17 or older. You can only ride this bike if you have passed your test, sorry.
@jellyking12345 When doing direct access lessons, you can use your instructors bike (usually 500 cc) or you can bring your own, which could be a triumph rocket 3 if that's what you own. On your test you also have the choice of using your own bike or using your instructors. The 50 cc and 125 cc only count when doing your CBT. (This is UK only for other readers)
i realised you could use a 500cc for direct access but i wasnt aware that anything bigger than that was allowed. But you cant ride your bike to the training ground because you have to have an instructor with you at all times. So you would have to push your bike to where the instuctor is just so you can ride around for an hour or so.
Also, when i said about "learning to ride" on a 50 or 125 i meant on L plates and without the instructor with you.
I LOVE my KLR650. I put a Corbin seat on her and I can run her to the reserve (452miles) without any fatigue what-so-ever.
I recently test-drove one of these Tigers and I must say... this will be my next bike. It maintains the comfort and seating position of the KLR, but adds a LOT of essential goodies. Twin discs, fuel gauge, fuel injection, 1000ccs, and a ton of optional aftermarket.
The V-strom would be my close second. Great bike, looks a tad scooter-ish... but whatever.
The build quality looks a little sketchy on this model. The bars look positively tacky and likely to blister/pitt in no time. The rims look likewise. The engine is massively over powered for a tourer. Presumably rich people won't mind getting 38 mpg but the rest of us plebs will! It looks budget but is priced to compete with BMW's and Honda's .. I'm not convinced this will be a big seller.
What's the point of comparing a $9000 V-Strom with a $12000 Tiger? They're both very nice for their price tag. But the fact that a 3-series BMW is nice doesn't make a Camry a bad car.
why does everyone bad mouth the v-strom, I mean they aren't competing I mean my strom 650 was 6100 bucks, and these things are 12k, I want a tiger after putting 75k on my strom but it's because my economic situation has improved and has nothing to do with the strom being inadequate.
Tiger, KLR 650, BMW 650 GS, BMW DAKAR, and like loads of others. One guy has done it on a sport bike an R-1 to be exact. I think the dual sport class would most suit the trip your mentioning though.
i owned the previous version of the tiger and it was a magnificent bike to ride though very tall and very heave. I haven't been on the new one but the older one was very comfortable, reliable and fast. Also i could cruise at 80mph and get 40mpg.
The Tiger is for people who actualy want the looks and comfort of a traily without the dodgy handling, brakes and crap power. In truth how many can ride a 200+kg bike off road. Great Bike - V Stom = Tractor
I think the new '07 Tiger wants to be a sport tourer, not a sport adventurer. The old Tiger has more off-road capability. I'll stick with the V-Strom for value and functionality.
2006 955i tiger is the best model year-a true dual sport. Wouldn't trade my girlie for anything else.
sowerwines 6 months ago
Wil try in ladakh.
S00rabh 6 months ago
This bike should have a dual exhaust
stonesharve 7 months ago
They copied BMW's 800. Full stop.
Klens75 1 year ago
i have one,, very good machine, no engine problems , very fast, good for travel and racing..
ahora vas y lo cascas-..;)
fastpaco 1 year ago
i have one,, very good machine, no engine problems , very fast, good for travel and racing..
ahora vas y lo cascas-..
fastpaco 1 year ago
I don't like it
WRECKEDCOWRING 1 year ago
I really like the look of the Triumph Tiger, I'll probably get a DL1000 Vstrom because passenger comfort is a bit better. The triumph hard luggage is nice looking on the bike, but for two up 1-2 week trips I'd want more room, which is another reason I'd go with the V-strom, the Givi E41 luggage looks ok on the V-Strom but on the Tiger it looks way too top heavy and too big for the bike. Also the V-Strom is cheaper. I'd prefer a 17 inch wheel like on the tiger though and the awesome looks!
ShakyUK 1 year ago
Numb bum starts after 1 1/2 hours for me which is about when you start to think about fuel if you have been riding hard. Seems quite thirsty - computer says 44mpg average, but closer to 40. Maybe this will improve with a few more miles on the clock.
markjrobbins 1 year ago
Fantastic road bike though, faily fast and pretty agile. Not the fastest on a track, but in real life on the roads it can outpace many faster bikes with its compliant suspension, excellent brakes and upright position means you get a better view over some cars and round corners.
markjrobbins 1 year ago
I just bought a new 1050 Tiger a couple of months ago and have to agree with the testers:- it is definately almost exclusively aimed at road use. It has a bit more clearance than most road bikes, but thats about it.
markjrobbins 1 year ago
anyone care to comment on the quality of the older tigers? There is an '95 with 7k miles and a low price in my area. I have little to no mechanical knowledge and would like to wrench on it myself (learn with it) I was looking at a KLR because everyone raves about its wrench-ability and simplicity. However I really like the look and extra power and more road bias of the tiger. Any help - thanks.
mjp1980s 2 years ago
The older tigers are pretty good as well, they're only 855cc so they're not as peppy as the 955 or the 1050 by any means. I would consider it a perfect bike to learn on. At 7k miles, it's a steal... as long as it's been properly maintained.
As a first bike, stay away from Triumph... the maintenance costs are high, parts are hard to get unless you have a dealer close. That and having to use Synthetic oil and high-test can be a drain on the wallet.
Go with the KLR... you won't be disappointed.
notdansuper 2 years ago
KLR 650 was the worst bike I've ever ridden for any kind of distance. The reviews are shams. The seat will make your arse numb, you'll get a headshake if you bump the handlebars at speed, it starts to consume oil after break in, and it has a HORRIBLE flat spot in the power band at highway speed. (only 35 hp) Not to mention its horrible high speed handling. The forks twist before they turn.
As a plus, I can say it handles like a bicycle round town which is good.
bchokola 2 years ago
I have a 96 Tiger. It is a work horse. Very dependable bike. I did a month tour 8300 miles across the US. I had no problems with it. The only complain was that the seat is not great for long ride. The 885cc is plenty of power. I have gone up steep hills fully loaded with no problem. I love the bike. I don't care for the look of the newer ones. The steamers are the best. It is top heavy but you will adjust to the riding style in no time.
fepn26 2 years ago
you cant legally learn on a 1050cc bike! You either need a 50cc if you are 16 or 125 if you are 17 or older. You can only ride this bike if you have passed your test, sorry.
jellyking12345 2 years ago
@jellyking12345 When doing direct access lessons, you can use your instructors bike (usually 500 cc) or you can bring your own, which could be a triumph rocket 3 if that's what you own. On your test you also have the choice of using your own bike or using your instructors. The 50 cc and 125 cc only count when doing your CBT. (This is UK only for other readers)
ShakyUK 1 year ago
i realised you could use a 500cc for direct access but i wasnt aware that anything bigger than that was allowed. But you cant ride your bike to the training ground because you have to have an instructor with you at all times. So you would have to push your bike to where the instuctor is just so you can ride around for an hour or so.
Also, when i said about "learning to ride" on a 50 or 125 i meant on L plates and without the instructor with you.
jellyking12345 1 year ago
I LOVE my KLR650. I put a Corbin seat on her and I can run her to the reserve (452miles) without any fatigue what-so-ever.
I recently test-drove one of these Tigers and I must say... this will be my next bike. It maintains the comfort and seating position of the KLR, but adds a LOT of essential goodies. Twin discs, fuel gauge, fuel injection, 1000ccs, and a ton of optional aftermarket.
The V-strom would be my close second. Great bike, looks a tad scooter-ish... but whatever.
notdansuper 2 years ago
The build quality looks a little sketchy on this model. The bars look positively tacky and likely to blister/pitt in no time. The rims look likewise. The engine is massively over powered for a tourer. Presumably rich people won't mind getting 38 mpg but the rest of us plebs will! It looks budget but is priced to compete with BMW's and Honda's .. I'm not convinced this will be a big seller.
cgavin1 2 years ago
What's the point of comparing a $9000 V-Strom with a $12000 Tiger? They're both very nice for their price tag. But the fact that a 3-series BMW is nice doesn't make a Camry a bad car.
mickeyqbitsko 2 years ago
why does everyone bad mouth the v-strom, I mean they aren't competing I mean my strom 650 was 6100 bucks, and these things are 12k, I want a tiger after putting 75k on my strom but it's because my economic situation has improved and has nothing to do with the strom being inadequate.
dustinleavitt 2 years ago 11
@dustinleavitt Anyone who puts down the vstrom doesn't know shit. the 650 vstrom is a fantastic bike.
zx10rgta 10 months ago
KLR 650=best all aound and cheapest.
I bought one 2 years ago and cruised it in the west texas mnts and the arizona desert
houston81 3 years ago
If i wanted to ride from northern California to say panama what type of bike would be best suited for that?
RazedByWolvs 3 years ago
Tiger, KLR 650, BMW 650 GS, BMW DAKAR, and like loads of others. One guy has done it on a sport bike an R-1 to be exact. I think the dual sport class would most suit the trip your mentioning though.
houston81 3 years ago
i owned the previous version of the tiger and it was a magnificent bike to ride though very tall and very heave. I haven't been on the new one but the older one was very comfortable, reliable and fast. Also i could cruise at 80mph and get 40mpg.
rappelmanchris 3 years ago
my dad has a triumph and he has rode it to alaska twice
Tobytron6 3 years ago
This is still the bike to all the long way round with-- see Jupiter's travels.
taniwha9 4 years ago
The Tiger is for people who actualy want the looks and comfort of a traily without the dodgy handling, brakes and crap power. In truth how many can ride a 200+kg bike off road. Great Bike - V Stom = Tractor
lardyboy66 4 years ago
This bike outdoes any VStrom on the planet. Give me a break....
toddy1968 4 years ago 6
@toddy1968 The vstrom is a better and proven motorcycles.
m109r67 11 months ago
I think the new '07 Tiger wants to be a sport tourer, not a sport adventurer. The old Tiger has more off-road capability. I'll stick with the V-Strom for value and functionality.
jssiler 4 years ago
Agreed.
dbauernf 4 years ago
nice!
boysinblack 4 years ago