Tiger 1050 20,000 mile review

[Rincewind]

I finally rolled over the 20,000 mile market this past weekend on my 07 Tiger.  Yeah I know, I don't ride it enough!  That's the result of being married with children.  But I still am on it most every day, except for some weekends.  So here's my review:

This is my first Tiger, and my second Triumph triple.  The Tiger is an unsung hero, so let me sing about it a bit.

The engine is fantastic.  It has only gotten better in terms of power and smoothness / the flipside being that it did start out feeling a little rough, as well as the gearbox, but that has all loosened up over time.  The 1050 engine is very flexible.  If I am cruising, I can leave it in a gear and let it chug down to less than 3000 RPM, and still have consistent power without lugging it.  If I'm out taking a more sporting ride, the engine is always ready to pounce if kept above 5000 RPM, otherwise a quick downshift will put you in the meat of the powerband.  It screams a little on top as well.  Riding it is always a joy, and the lightness of the front wheel means wheelies over road berms are simple and fun.

The seat has been great.  I can ride all day in this stock seat, without issue - it is so wide, and can accomodate if I want to slide forward or back.  And sliding back, my butt is greeted pleasantly with the curvature of the seat making for a secure position when getting on the throttle or tucking from the wind/rain/whatnot.  No money needed for another seat in my case.

Build quality is fantastic.  No problems with paint, no visible rust even though it's ridden in rain and weather.  Some of the mechanical bits have corroded somewhat, but that's to be expected.

Brakes are still very good; however, the Tiger seems to like to eat brake pads.  I am on my third set of rear brake pads, and my fronts will get their 3rd set of pads within the next month.

In terms of wind management, I have not changed the screen as I have not experienced really bad turbulence from it.  Wind noise can sometimes be a little high, but changing screens seems to be a Pandora's box.  I'd rather just let it be.  The addition of BMW R1150GS handguards has helped keep the wind/cold off my hands, but hasn't had an ill effect on the wind.

The suspension has been the thorn in the Tiger's paw for a lot of owners.  After about 17,000 miles I could not adjust the rear shock to my liking anymore.  I swapped it with an Ohlins shock and this has helped a fair deal.  The front end can still feel a little harsh at times, but for me it's livable.

Lights - these are pretty bad.  The projection style headlamps produce poor lighting for cornering at night, and are not very visible during the day.  A lot of owners add aux lights or upgrade to HID.  I added aux lights almost immediately, and that has solved the problem for me.

The riding position is mostly upright, but allows for a nice forward lean when needed.  The problem is that when you want to lean further than that, the handlebars end up in your armpits and you're eating the GPS for lunch.  Also, it does tend to make me slouch after many hours.  I added some highway pegs onto the H&B engine guards, and this helps mix it up when the body gets stale from the basic positions.  At times I wish the handlebars were lower, requiring a bit more of a lean, but that's not the real nature of this bike.

2-up - I've only managed a few 2-up trips since buying the bike.  I got the Tiger so I'd have a 2-up capable bike that was still fairly lightweight and fun.  It has proved this purpose.  My wife has gotten used to the higher seating, I think, but she still has knee problems after multiple hours on board.  Bike handling 2-up is fantastic.

Fuel efficiency - the longer the ride the better.  I have gotten 44mpg as my calculated best, which translates to over 200 miles with the 5.3 gallon tank.  However, if I'm commuting (10-miles each way) or just taking short rides, the mpg drops to mid 30's, which means an early fuel light at 100-140 miles depending on usage.  The fuel light and trip computer is very conservative, meaning it can drop to "0 miles to go" and I still have a bit of gas left in the tank.

Other items I've added include:

Center stand - should have come with the bike, imo

SW-Motech racks - quality metal top and side racks

Givi cases - the E21's offer about the same capacity as the OEM luggage, but at a fraction of the cost.  The V46 is my trunk.

GPS wiring whip - the bike comes pre-wired for this - easy to add, and handly for the Garmin

Aux power socket - the bike comes pre-wired for this - handy for heated vest, battery tender use, cell phone charging, or tire inflator

Heated grips - the bike comes pre-wired for this - they were pretty easy to add myself this past Christmas, and it's sooo nice to have in the cold.

Autocom - a nice add for audio hook-up to my iPod/iPhone, but the CB radio and the intercom functions could be better (the mic is very sensitive to positioning).

Helmet Guardian - no OEM helmet locks means the aftermarket has the solution with this license plate bracket.  It probably works better than most OEM helmet locks anyway.

K&N filter - done at 12k per the schedule, I went with a washable filter.

I can't think of what else I've changed on the bike.  The exhaust is still stock, as are most everything else.  It's a solid, workhorse of a bike, that can also be a sporthorse when you want.  Honestly I have thought about other bikes, even test rode some of them, but the Tiger is a hard bike to beat.  I will likely be riding it for some time to come.  The only lasting issue I have had with the bike is some oil useage between changes, requiring 2 or 3 top-offs between the 6000 mile changes.

Just before the 20k tick-over


In the yard after work recently, with tube for drawings


Sport-touring




Taking my youngest on his first street ride

[Rincewind]

Doin some exploring




The aux lights




Winter riding


2-up




Visiting sites


Getting stuck ridin in the rain


and passin Harleys


It's all been great.  I look forward to more days to come

[chimera]

Good write up on a great bike.

What aux lites are those?

[Rincewind]

Good write up on a great bike.

What aux lites are those?

Thanks.  They are Motolights, which use 12-volt MR16 lamps.  I had them on a previous bike since 2002, and transferred them to the Tiger no problem.

[caddydaddy]

Great write up!    I'm lovin' my Sprint after 8,300 miles, but if I didn't get the Sprint, the Tiger would have been my next choice!    

[BobW]

Excellent report. Sold my Sprint with just over 20K only because I have no self control. Great platform with zero problems.

Safe travels

Bob

[duceduceexplorer]

great write up...i think something in the triumph lineup will be my next bike, ST,TIGER, SPEED TRIPPLE

[chimera]

Thanks.  They are Motolights, which use 12-volt MR16 lamps.  I had them on a previous bike since 2002, and transferred them to the Tiger no problem.

Since 2002? Good to know they are durable as well as really nice looking.  And of all the nice pictures.......why oh why does the first one have to be of your finger?

[Rincewind]

Since 2002? Good to know they are durable as well as really nice looking.  And of all the nice pictures.......why oh why does the first one have to be of your finger?

I'm such a goober putting my finger over the phone cam.  

Yeah those Motolights are hard lasting.  

The one other thing to say about the bike is that it can be twitchy.  By that I don't mean the handling so much as the engine management.  I guess it is something in the fueling that makes imprecise throttle adjustments sometimes quite jerky.  Just tonight when riding it for errands I blipped the throttle by accident, and this made the Tiger leap unintentionally catching me off guard.  It also manifests when downshifting for corners, if you aren't precise at where you want the throttle, it can be a bugger to add just a bit more right before the corner.  The solution for this is to get the corner speed right the first time!  In fact the Tiger seems happiest with higher cornering speeds, when line changes are not a problem with the large amounts of cornering clearances.

I have read on the tiger board that the aftermarket fuel map can reduce this engine twitchiness, but I don't have that installed.  I guess a tune boy could change it as well, if I ever wanted to monkey with it.

[Playinthestreet]

I have 17k +/- on my Tiger and am pleased with it as well.  Try the Triumph "off-road" tune with the stock can to smooth out the mid-range lean condition and a little improvement in the the snatchy throttle..

[atypical1]

It sounds like you've really come to appreciate your bike. I love hearing stories like this and I'm looking forward to reading plenty more ride reports from you.

That really is a cool bike!  

james

[rajflyboy]

Nice bike and great write up.   I like the lights you added to the front forks (smart thing to do)!

We like the triumphs more and more with all the great write ups we are reading!!

[ol Rocket]

Love my Sprint.  The Tiger was tempting.  Good read.

[Rincewind]

It sounds like you've really come to appreciate your bike. I love hearing stories like this and I'm looking forward to reading plenty more ride reports from you.

That really is a cool bike!  

james

Thanks I should have a report in about 2-weeks from my upcoming trip to TN/NC.

Yes, the bike grows on you pretty easy.  But after reading your "BMW Maintenance" thread I am envious of the ease of valve checks with your boxer twin.  Basically I should really learn how to do valve checks on my triple by myself, because I am not looking forward to paying out ~$400 for the next valve check at 24k.  That, or think about getting a bike that would be easier for me to maintain in that respect (like a boxer, or a Buell).  

Anyway, I spooned on some Tiger-specific Pilot Road 2's yesterday, replaced the front brake pads, and the bike feels wonderful.

[bomber]

I've got about 2K miles on my PR2s -- I really like me alot -- hope the last!

[Medic09]

Nice writeup, thanks!

I'm thinking about MotoLights for my Sprint.  Do you find they add enough light down the road at night; or are they more for adding to your conspicuity?  They look good, and are much cheaper than getting HID add-ons.  I'd like to hear your experience.

Enjoy your PR2s.  I've found the Michellins to be great tires.

[Rincewind]

Nice writeup, thanks!

I'm thinking about MotoLights for my Sprint.  Do you find they add enough light down the road at night; or are they more for adding to your conspicuity?  They look good, and are much cheaper than getting HID add-ons.  I'd like to hear your experience.

Enjoy your PR2s.  I've found the Michellins to be great tires.

Thanks.  Yes, the Motolights add significant amounts of light to night riding.  I use 50-watt MR16 spots, and they increase the ambient level of most things in front of you.  They are not as focused as other lights, perhaps, but they do enough that it definitely increases my night-time riding confidence, especially in corners.  PIAA's and HID's are brighter, but less usable for general riding IMO.

[Medic09]

Great answer, thanks!  

[atypical1]

Tires and brake pads are a couple of the easiest mods one can make and often help the most. I really hate factory brake pads and typically swap them out as soon as possible.

I'm not that mechanically inclined but stuff that I can do myself I try. I never thought I could do valves myself but now that I've done them a couple of times I'm pretty confident. How hard would they be on the Tiger?

How are the PR2's Tiger specific?

james

[Rincewind]

Tires and brake pads are a couple of the easiest mods one can make and often help the most. I really hate factory brake pads and typically swap them out as soon as possible.

I'm not that mechanically inclined but stuff that I can do myself I try. I never thought I could do valves myself but now that I've done them a couple of times I'm pretty confident. How hard would they be on the Tiger?

How are the PR2's Tiger specific?

james

If you look at this link you can see type 'C' being Tiger-specific.  I have no idea what distinguishes these tires from standard PR2's, other than a few bucks, and maybe a little extra shipping delay.    The Pilot Roads are the official factory-endorsed Tiger 1050 tire - it came with Pilot Road S's (non-dual compound).

I own a manual, so I have an idea what's involved with checking the valves.  I just need some confidence, time, and patience... or a guru to show me the way.  Otherwise I'll just keep taking it to the dealer and dropping a few hundred bucks every 1 to 1-1/2 years - this is not a super bad deal because he gives me a loaner bike to play with overnight, but saving money would be better.

[redsled]

Rince, I'll chime here as well.  It seems like we're on the same track mileage-wise.

I finally rolled over the 20,000 mile market this past weekend on my 07 Tiger.  Yeah I know, I don't ride it enough!  That's the result of being married with children.  But I still am on it most every day, except for some weekends.  So here's my review:

This is my first Tiger, and my second Triumph triple.  The Tiger is an unsung hero, so let me sing about it a bit.

The seat has been great.  I can ride all day in this stock seat, without issue - it is so wide, and can accomodate if I want to slide forward or back.  And sliding back, my butt is greeted pleasantly with the curvature of the seat making for a secure position when getting on the throttle or tucking from the wind/rain/whatnot.  No money needed for another seat in my case.

This is my second Triumph also, having a 2004 Speed Triple until I traded it on the Tiger in January 2008.

The seat is also all day good for me.  I took it on a 3500 mile jaunt last year without any ill effects.  But it's not perfect.  I'd like to send it to Spencer down in Florida, but I'm scared it might not turn out the way I want.  We'll see.  I'm still debating it.

Build quality is fantastic.  No problems with paint, no visible rust even though it's ridden in rain and weather.  Some of the mechanical bits have corroded somewhat, but that's to be expected.

Brakes are still very good; however, the Tiger seems to like to eat brake pads.  I am on my third set of rear brake pads, and my fronts will get their 3rd set of pads within the next month.

 

Totally agree on build quality.  But WOW on the brake pads.  I haven't changed any of mine yet.  Maybe I should look at 'em a little closer!  Do you compression brake much?  I do pretty constantly, so maybe that's one reason of the difference.

In terms of wind management, I have not changed the screen as I have not experienced really bad turbulence from it.  Wind noise can sometimes be a little high, but changing screens seems to be a Pandora's box.  I'd rather just let it be.  The addition of BMW R1150GS handguards has helped keep the wind/cold off my hands, but hasn't had an ill effect on the wind.

I put a Powerbronze on mine earlier this year, it being about 3" taller.  It makes a little bit of difference, but not much.  At only $45, I couldn't say no.  Of all the screens out there, *none* of them do what I think the Tiger needs if you're wanting a change; a wider screen.  It should flare out from the bottom of the fairing for better weather protection, not 12 feet taller like the Cal-Sci's out there.  Ugly!

The suspension has been the thorn in the Tiger's paw for a lot of owners.  After about 17,000 miles I could not adjust the rear shock to my liking anymore.  I swapped it with an Ohlins shock and this has helped a fair deal.  The front end can still feel a little harsh at times, but for me it's livable.

My suspension is o.k. but not great.  But at 17k miles, I was replacing my chain.  I couldn't adjust it anymore and it was beginning to get kinked.  The Tiger1050 board seems to be in a consensus that the OEM chain is shit.  I went with a RK in the bling, bling gold.

Lights - these are pretty bad.  The projection style headlamps produce poor lighting for cornering at night, and are not very visible during the day.  A lot of owners add aux lights or upgrade to HID.  I added aux lights almost immediately, and that has solved the problem for me.

This is where the emperor loses his clothes.  The lights are criminal on this bike.  Fine if you're going straight down a road, but if you tip it into a turn, like you said, you're all but blind.  You're lighting up the ditch and trees.  I put on some Hella Micro DE lights (halogen, not HID) and it is much better now.

Fuel efficiency - the longer the ride the better.  I have gotten 44mpg as my calculated best, which translates to over 200 miles with the 5.3 gallon tank.  However, if I'm commuting (10-miles each way) or just taking short rides, the mpg drops to mid 30's, which means an early fuel light at 100-140 miles depending on usage.  The fuel light and trip computer is very conservative, meaning it can drop to "0 miles to go" and I still have a bit of gas left in the tank.

I manage mostly high 40's to low 50's when on an extended trip and low to mid 40's when commuting (10 miles also).  I run 89 octane exclusively, do you?

I can't think of what else I've changed on the bike.  The exhaust is still stock, as are most everything else.  It's a solid, workhorse of a bike, that can also be a sporthorse when you want.  Honestly I have thought about other bikes, even test rode some of them, but the Tiger is a hard bike to beat.  I will likely be riding it for some time to come.  The only lasting issue I have had with the bike is some oil useage between changes, requiring 2 or 3 top-offs between the 6000 mile changes.

I've done pretty much the same mods as you.  I totally agree that the centerstand should come with the bike (and the bags for that matter).  The Sprint gets both as standard, what gives there?  

Differences though are the OEM bags, with topcase; Hyperlites, RK chain, Dual Star heated grips, Electrical Connection distribution block, and TOR exhaust.  But mine doesn't use any oil.  I'm surprised yours does that much!

Hyperlites mounting:



mounting of Hella lights:



upclose of home-made mounting bracket:

[Rincewind]

Nice job on those brackets, redsled!  

Totally agree on build quality.  But WOW on the brake pads.  I haven't changed any of mine yet.  Maybe I should look at 'em a little closer!  Do you compression brake much?  I do pretty constantly, so maybe that's one reason of the difference.

Yes I engine brake all the time, but I have a tendency to "let the Tiger off its leash" on backroads.    

The oil usage is troublesome, but the tech has twice done pressure testing on the engine and feels that the result of 5% loss is very good and indicative of no piston/liner scoring issues.  Maybe a valve-guide leak, he suggested?

I run 89 octane typically, too, though I have run 87 with no problem, and run 91/93 once in awhile.

I am considering the Double Bubble ZG screen but haven't pulled the trigger yet.

Scorpion Syncs are en route for my next set of tires.

Thanks for your comments, redsled.  

Posted on: August 28, 2009, 09:43:05 AMBtw, redsled - if you do end up buying brake pads, be aware that the OEM ones are about twice the cost of EBC!

[redsled]

Btw, redsled - if you do end up buying brake pads, be aware that the OEM ones are about twice the cost of EBC!

Thanks.  I just ran out and looked at my pads.  Either I never used them or they are going to last forever.  I still see lots of pad left!

I'm going to find my old Motorcyclist article where they did a long-term write up on the Tiger and were wowed at the change of pads to a certain one.  I can't remember which though.

Chris

[Rincewind]

Thanks.  I just ran out and looked at my pads.  Either I never used them or they are going to last forever.  I still see lots of pad left!

Do you do a lot of highway miles?  

[redsled]

A fair amount.  Living in metro Atlanta has me taking the interstate to get north of town as quick as possible whenever I go anywhere.

[sammyseaman]

The one other thing to say about the bike is that it can be twitchy.  By that I don't mean the handling so much as the engine management.  

Great write-up  
My Sprint does the same thing. I'm used to it but it does annoy me sometimes. I absolutely love the triple. Nice medium between the twin and I4. I hear a lot of triples use oil but I haven't had that problem (knocking on wood) at 10,000 miles.

[redsled]

I'm moving to Utah!    That looks exactly like my bike (but much cleaner), except for that one option I never saw in the catalog; the girl!  

The only thing I have on my back seat ever is an ugly dry bag with my tent!

[R Doug]

Great review and thanks for posting that video, it's very cool.

I've only tested at Tiger 1050 and can say I am very impressed with the 1050 triple.  It's got to be the best sport-touring mill out there.  The bike is gorgeous and the seat is very comfortable.  The only odd thing for me, ergo wise, is the bars seemed to wide.  But, I'm a short and stocky build.  So, I'm not the norm.  

I know if I bought one, I may have to do some changes on the suspension like you have completed.  But the all-in price w/ upgraded suspension is still very good.  I came very close to getting one of these this year.  In the end, I just wanted something with a little more off-road ability.  Now that I have that, I need to modify it to make it as comfortable as the Tiger when touring.  

[Shastarider]

That is a very cool vid.....Just mailed it to my Beemer buddies.  The video simply confirms what we already know

Just saw this promo on the tiger board and had to pass it on!  

Tiger 1050 from Derek Clair on Vimeo.

[sprint_st]

Great write up!  
I have just gotten my FJR exactly the way I want it.  Love the bike, but I'm meeting a guy next week who has an 07 Tiger and we are trading bikes.  I looked at Tigers when I got the FJR but they were pretty much a rare breed at the dealers at the time.  Took a ride on one Saturday and thought it was a great bike even though I couldn't do a fair test.  IMO the FJR is really hard at long distance Sport touring, but the Tiger so much more nimble - WOW.

On the suspension, how were the front springs?  I go 230 and most bikes just don't cut it up front.  On the rear that you replaced, was the stock just undersprung or where there other issues?
Thanks,
Rod

[Rincewind]

Congrats on your new kitty, Rod.  Nice to see you coming back to the 1050's.

The rear suspension felt ok for awhile, then sort of felt flat.  I know I could have saved a lot of money having the oem shock rebuilt, which lots of guys do.  The front springs are still the same oem, just oil replaced.  It is not perfect but I'm just not that picky I guess.

Enjoy your big cat Rod!  

[sprint_st]

I'm sure you have been around the Tiger forums a lot.  I'm looking for fall over protection.  I see various frame sliders from rear and front axle sliders and others on the engine but by the time you get all of them you could buy a new bike.  There is a set of Motech crash bars that a lot of guys seem to use too.  Have you seen the Give TN225 bars or heard anything about them?

[Rincewind]

The Givi's are the least expensive option for bars.  I like that they have the cross-over bar, like my Hepco & Becker ones.  The H&B's do not mount at the rear-most mounting point, like the Givi's and SW-Motechs, so the H&B's are further away from my feet/knees.  One guy said the Givi's were not as good of quality, but I haven't seen them to evaluate.

If I were doing it again, I would get the Givi's.  I went with engine bars to do highway pegs, and the Givi's are made right for that.  Otherwise I'd get the sliders for less weight.  The GSG's sliders are very expensive, but the Skyking ones are less.

[Rincewind]

By the way, I'm getting my TPS (Throttle Position Sensor) replaced today to fix the stalling issue.  

While there I'm going to have them torque the front sprocket nut, which was loose causing some of the snatchy issue.  I hand-tightened with an adjustable wrench, but did not have a socket big enough to torque it properly.  This is a common issue.

[redsled]

It's beginning to sound like the TPS for the Tiger is the same one they used in the Rocket3 that caused so much trouble in that bike.  I wonder though if they go bad again and it's not in warranty if Triumph will step up and fix it free again, seeing as how there is a documented problem??

[Rincewind]

It's beginning to sound like the TPS for the Tiger is the same one they used in the Rocket3 that caused so much trouble in that bike.  I wonder though if they go bad again and it's not in warranty if Triumph will step up and fix it free again, seeing as how there is a documented problem??

I don't know, mine is out of warranty, so $113 for TPS and about 1.5hrs labor = about $200 or slightly more.  The dealer has been good helping so far, but I think I'll be paying today.

[redsled]

Luckily for me, mine two months ago was still in warranty!

[DosEquis00]

Just saw this promo on the tiger board and had to pass it on!  

How does that huge sandwich fit in the video?

[Rincewind]

How does that huge sandwich fit in the video?

That is the maximum capacity of the OEM luggage - one huge sandwich.  

[BlueRidgeKat]

If I remember correctly I think you can get factory heated grips for the Tiger.

Is there any kind of handguards that fit this bike? Just for wind deflection on cool/cold days.

[Rincewind]

If I remember correctly I think you can get factory heated grips for the Tiger.

Is there any kind of handguards that fit this bike? Just for wind deflection on cool/cold days.

My wife got me the OEM grips for Christmas.  They connect to a factory connector behind the front nose cone, and they work great.

Triumph has OEM hand guards.  When I bought the bike those weren't available, so I got R1150GS handguards.  KTM Adventure guards and Barkbusters also work.

27,xxx mile update on my bike is that it continues to burn oil, and the TPS sensor replacement did not completely fix the occassional RPM drop/fail when stopping.  Other than that, the bike continues to kick ass.

[bomber]

the handguards do cut the wind a bit -- I find them most useful for deflecting rain . . . dry hands rock!

[MustangRider]

I have never ridden Rincewind's Tiger but I have spent a fair amount of time behind it.  Does that qualify me to add my 2 cents?

I usually find it difficult to keep him in sight once the twisties start.  I don't know if that is a testament to Alex's riding skill or the nimbleness of the Tiger (or both).  There always seems to be gobs of torque right there when he needs it.  I find that I need to keep my VFR's rpms up and really focus on my technique to keep things even semi-entertaining.  Of course, Alex is probably just lallygagging anyway so that he doesn't make this greenie look too bad.  

I also enjoy the triple's growl.  A very sweet sounding machine indeed!

After riding together this past weekend's 1100+ miles, I gauge that the Tiger's long-range comfort was pretty similar to the VFR.  Alex was usually beginning to stretch his legs at the same time that I was beginning to do the same thing.  I don't have heli-bars so I was somewhat envious of the more upright riding position.

Heck of a machine, I'd say.

[Rincewind]

Thanks MustangRider    I do have a nice 250cc displacement advantage over your VFR, so that helps keep you on your toes.  Don't forget, you had that huge 2mpg better fuel economy advantage over me.     

[sprint_st]

You PA guys probably know Rt 144 south of Renovo.  When I lived in St.College the run though the valley from the roadside rest to the tip-top of the hill was my absolute favorite hunk of road.  I was on a 955 Sprint ST and after I flat ran off and left a friend on a VFR, he couldn't believe the power difference between a Triumph triple and the VFR.  The Sprint had at least 6 less HP, was heavier and didn't have as good a suspension as the Tiger just to put things in perspective.  The VFR is an excellent bike, but those triples have to be one of most under-rated engines on the road, which IMO means a VFR is at a big disadvantage when the competition heats up.  

[ScottB]

Rince, I hate to impose on your good nature, but for the technologically unimpaired amongst us, would you mind posting up some shots of how you wired up the Motolights so cleanly?  TBH, I was considering upgrading to HIDs, but I think I like your solution better, particularly if those lights are so tough!

[Rincewind]

Rince, I hate to impose on your good nature, but for the technologically unimpaired amongst us, would you mind posting up some shots of how you wired up the Motolights so cleanly?  TBH, I was considering upgrading to HIDs, but I think I like your solution better, particularly if those lights are so tough!

I don't have any pics of the installation, but I can recall it easily.  The Motolight kit comes with everything that's needed. 

1. Measure the fork diameter - they will send you the right size straps for the forks.  Luckily my last bike had the same diameter fork tubes.

2. Install the straps.  The light fixture base screw onto the straps.

3. Slide the lights into their bases and tighten down.  There is a special bezel tool for the glass lens, to install the lamp.

4. Run the wires back to the wiring harness leads.

5. Remove tank and run wiring harness back to the battery.

6. Kit comes with switch and inline fuse.  Tie into battery.  O installed the switch behind the left side frame, above from the footpeg.

7. Tie relay wire into a switched hot wire.  I used the rear light.

That's about it.  It was an easy installation, but I was told it is not completely legal because I didn't wire them to turn off with my high beams (or on with the high beams, depending on who you listen to). 

[redsled]

Rince, that's exactly how I have mine wired in.  But no problems.  I just turn it off when I need to.  Big plus though is that I can have all four lights on when I'm in an absolutely deserted location.

One big difference though is that I mounted mine as high and wide as possible compared to where the Motolights mount.  I wanted mine up like you see on a lot of LD and rally bikes (GS's, FJR's, and ST's).

[Rincewind]

Personally I like best the setups like bomber has in the pic above.  

Speaking of lights, I've blown yet another low beam H7 lamp, 3rd or 4th time.  Some guy told me about it last night in the city.  I'm going to check Wally world for LED options for the indicator lamps and Motolights too.

[Spiffious]

Sport-touring

I thought that curve looked familiar.  I used to live in reading for a short time.

Though, maybe I am not sure what curve your photo is...


Here's a shot on the road to the pagoda:

[Rincewind]

Looks like the first switchback on Duryea Drive there, Spiffious.  Certainly a fun road.

It is a similar curve in the two pics, but it is not the same location if you look closely.  My pic is from RT 144 in Central PA.

[scottzilla]

Helpful thread for a perspective buyer. Thanks Rince

[Rincewind]

Helpful thread for a perspective buyer. Thanks Rince

Necro-thread resurrection!  You're welcome, I'm glad it was helpful.

Two-months after my last post I traded in my 2007 Tiger for a 2010 Street Triple R.  I was offered a barely used orange Tiger, which I had ridden a fair bit while my Tiger was serviced.  But I found it shared some of the slightly-wonky handling characteristics of my Tiger, and I didn't want to start over again with another.  I was also offered two sweet leftover 09 Speed Triples for the same money, but my heart pushed me to go for the STR.

The dealer said they solved the Tiger's occasional-stalling issue with a new OEM air filter.    I had asked that they clean the K&N during the 24k service, and I assume something happened.  The ECU wasn't getting the proper air readings and was causing the engine to stall out now and then when coming to a stop.  Honestly I was pretty fed up with the oil burning issue as well.  

I really enjoyed the Ohlins rear shock that I put on at around 18k - what a transformation!  But I should have taken it out and sold it separately.  Now I have an original Tiger shock hanging around in my garage (any buyers?  I heard it's rebuildable - SOLD!  No longer available ).

After trading it in, STN'er and a friend of mine, Smoker, picked it up for a song.  He put about 2k miles on it, developed a fork seal leak, and sold it because his wife said so (pillion comfort complaints).  It was sold to another person thru STN.  

Changing of the guards




One of the times I rode with Smoker after he bought the ol' Cat

[scottzilla]

I'm going to look at a 2010 Tiger after work.  It's a 30 mile ride in rush hour and they close at 7:30.
I have a feeling I won't be able to buy it though; NY dealers suck.

[Rincewind]

I'm going to look at a 2010 Tiger after work.  It's a 30 mile ride in rush hour and they close at 7:30.

Sounds like a job for the XX.    Best of luck, Scott.

[scottzilla]

Sounds like a job for the XX.    Best of luck, Scott.

Yes, the xx is fueled and ready to go.

I'm a little nervous because i'm not a 100% sure the bike is for me.  

[Rincewind]

I'm a little nervous because i'm not a 100% sure the bike is for me.  

When I had my Tiger, I was close to 100% sure it was the bike for me.  I thought to myself, maybe I will only buy Tigers from now on because they are so versatile, exciting, and hardy, all at the same time.  It gives an invincible sort of feeling.  Bad weather?  Bad pavement?  Gravel roads?  200 miles till the next stop?  Who cares, the Tiger soldiers on as a solid companion.

But in retrospect my feelings are more colored.  I remember how high the handlebars were set, which makes it feel like a touring bike and puts the grips into your armpits when you lean forward.  I remember how high the seat was for normal everyday riding and simple actions like backing down by steep driveway were more complicated.  It's a great bike for distances and bad weather but for everyday use it ended up feeling like overkill to me.

[scottzilla]

When I had my Tiger, I was close to 100% sure it was the bike for me.  I thought to myself, maybe I will only buy Tigers from now on because they are so versatile, exciting, and hardy, all at the same time.  It gives an invincible sort of feeling.  Bad weather?  Bad pavement?  Gravel roads?  200 miles till the next stop?  Who cares, the Tiger soldiers on as a solid companion.

But in retrospect my feelings are more colored.  I remember how high the handlebars were set, which makes it feel like a touring bike and puts the grips into your armpits when you lean forward.  I remember how high the seat was for normal everyday riding and simple actions like backing down by steep driveway were more complicated.  It's a great bike for distances and bad weather but for everyday use it ended up feeling like overkill to me.

"Every day use".  I love the KLR because it is perfect for everyday use, so I'm looking for a KLR type bike with some balls.  This is what got me thinking Tiger.  However, I am still looking for the perfect naked bike which the Tiger most certainly is not.
I really need a Tuono.  Or...if I knew the 08-up Speed Triple had an improved seat I would buy one in a heart beat.

[falconati]

Scott - you absolutely must take a test ride.  The ergos are not comfortable for me, but are for many riders (like many motorcycles, I suppose).  You already know what the transmission and engine are like.

[scottzilla]

Scott - you absolutely must take a test ride.  The ergos are not comfortable for me, but are for many riders (like many motorcycles, I suppose).  You already know what the transmission and engine are like.

I assume you are referring to the Speed Triple?
Yeah, a test ride would be necessary; I don't trust anyonone's opinion on this.  In all the years the Speed Triple has been out there has one reviewer has ever acknowledged you have to sit with your nuts smashed against the tank.  

[Rincewind]

I assume you are referring to the Speed Triple?
Yeah, a test ride would be necessary; I don't trust anyonone's opinion on this.  In all the years the Speed Triple has been out there has one reviewer has ever acknowledged you have to sit with your nuts smashed against the tank.  

Your nuts will love the Tiger seat - it extends about 4-5" vertically up the tank for proper cushioning.  

My STR had a jewel-squashing OEM seat position.   However, I have no ball complaints with my new Sargent seat, which sits me back further.  

[1000lbs]

 In all the years the Speed Triple has been out there has one reviewer has ever acknowledged you have to sit with your nuts smashed against the tank.  

   When I road my 07 Speedy home 75 miles from the dealer, that was my first comment when I got the helmet off in the driveway.  Corbin solved it for me and about 12k miles later.

Back to the Tiger, I'll have to agree with Rince's comment on the bars. They are quite high and were the first change I made. I was lucky I had the leftover bar kit from the Speedy.

If you are looking for a KLR with balls, the Tiger 800's are kinda like the compromise between my DR and the 1050. I have a DR 650 and use it around town all the time.  The Tiger is fine in an urban setting, but the DR is just effortless in city traffic.   I had a short ride on the non XC model and came away pretty impressed.  New model might be harder to get a deal though, and I still think I'd take a 1050 at the moment.

[falconati]

I assume you are referring to the Speed Triple?
Yeah, a test ride would be necessary; I don't trust anyonone's opinion on this.  In all the years the Speed Triple has been out there has one reviewer has ever acknowledged you have to sit with your nuts smashed against the tank.  

Nope - I mean the Tiger!  The Speedy does my nuts no harm