Performance Powersports of Chattanooga - 2006 Tiger

[Bubwheat]

Curious about this dealer, anyone have any dealing with them? Reason I'm asking is that they have 3 new left over '06 Blue Tigers that they are asking $9204/OTD. Currently no one that I know of (nor close to Chicagoland) is getting close to that price. So what say you? Priced reasonably? Good, honest dealer? Thanks  

[H2Orat]

My brother and I both bought our Triumphs last May from their predecessor: Southern Powersports, and they were excellent to work with.  At that time, there were two affiliated dealerships: one sold Hondas, while the other did Triumph, Polaris, Victory, and (I think?) Kymco.  A large chunk (if not most) of their business was internet-driven and from out of state, all due to their discounted pricing.  It's worth mentioning here that my local Triumph dealer refused to budge from the MSRP (I asked him and he wouldn't), so we headed south and saved about $3K total.  They didn't attempt any bait & switch tactics, or any funny business once we got to the dealership and into an admittedly vulnerable "I've come a long way for this" (about 900 miles) scenario.  They were good to their word and came through as promised, with no pressure applied.  I have absolutely no complaints and would not hesitate to do it again.  

But, that dealership was recently acquired by a new owner, (hence the name change and new location), so I can't vouch for Chattanooga Powersports: who knows what and how many changes were made?  I looked up their web site and unlike before, they're not posting any discounted pricing, but MSRP, though they implied lower OTD pricing.  It might be worth looking into and if you do, ask for Jamie Goebel (if he's still there): he's the salesperson we dealt with and it was a positive experience.  

Regarding the '06 Tiger: wasn't that the last year for previous generation (955 motor)?  By all accounts the completely redesigned 1050-powered Tiger is a much more capable and modern bike (except for off road, but then again, the old one wasn't winning the Paris-Dakar either!).  Would the $2-2.5K difference between that and an '07 model be a deal-breaker?  If not, you might want to reconsider...  

It doesn't seem to me that 9K or 9.2K is that great a deal: it's not only last year's model, but an entirely different generation, one that made it's original appearance... six years ago!  If you have your heart set on that model instead of the new one, I would press the dealer hard for a deep, deep discount!  Triumphs aren't known for great resale to begin with, so I would think dealers with leftover Tiger 955s would be dying to unload them and free up cash & space for the much more dynamic and hot-selling Tiger 1050s.  The longer it sits in his inventory, the more value it loses, so I would think you'd be in a good position to bargain.  That's my .02.  

Good luck whichever way you decide to go!  

[Bubwheat]

From what I have read, they are a good dealer.  They offer some of the lowest Triumph prices in the country, and I have read of people flying in and riding home.  They used to advertise their very low pricing on their website, but not anymore.  

Before you run all the way down there, there are two 06 Tigers for sale in Worth, IL for $8,999.00 (see cycletrader).  Also, you may be able to negotiate a good deal at your most local Triumph dealer on a leftover - that way you would establish a relationship for any servicing or warranty issues.

See this thread for more info.

Checked the Worth dealership a coupla weeks ago, they are not in business at that location any more, and their sister store, Motoplex of Joliet, has no Tigers at all and won't for 2 weeks. Appreciate you response.

[Bubwheat]

My brother and I both bought our Triumphs last May from their predecessor: Southern Powersports, and they were excellent to work with.  At that time, there were two affiliated dealerships: one sold Hondas, while the other did Triumph, Polaris, Victory, and (I think?) Kymco.  A large chunk (if not most) of their business was internet-driven and from out of state, all due to their discounted pricing.  It's worth mentioning here that my local Triumph dealer refused to budge from the MSRP (I asked him and he wouldn't), so we headed south and saved about $3K total.  They didn't attempt any bait & switch tactics, or any funny business once we got to the dealership and into an admittedly vulnerable "I've come a long way for this" (about 900 miles) scenario.  They were good to their word and came through as promised, with no pressure applied.  I have absolutely no complaints and would not hesitate to do it again.  

But, that dealership was recently acquired by a new owner, (hence the name change and new location), so I can't vouch for Chattanooga Powersports: who knows what and how many changes were made?  I looked up their web site and unlike before, they're not posting any discounted pricing, but MSRP, though they implied lower OTD pricing.  It might be worth looking into and if you do, ask for Jamie Goebel (if he's still there): he's the salesperson we dealt with and it was a positive experience.  

Regarding the '06 Tiger: wasn't that the last year for previous generation (955 motor)?  By all accounts the completely redesigned 1050-powered Tiger is a much more capable and modern bike (except for off road, but then again, the old one wasn't winning the Paris-Dakar either!).  Would the $2-2.5K difference between that and an '07 model be a deal-breaker?  If not, you might want to reconsider...  

It doesn't seem to me that 9K or 9.2K is that great a deal: it's not only last year's model, but an entirely different generation, one that made it's original appearance... six years ago!  If you have your heart set on that model instead of the new one, I would press the dealer hard for a deep, deep discount!  Triumphs aren't known for great resale to begin with, so I would think dealers with leftover Tiger 955s would be dying to unload them and free up cash & space for the much more dynamic and hot-selling Tiger 1050s.  The longer it sits in his inventory, the more value it loses, so I would think you'd be in a good position to bargain.  That's my .02.  

Good luck whichever way you decide to go!  

You make some excellent points. I have considered the '07's and ya know, 3k is 3k. However, I lookin' into them. When do you expect to see any discount pricing on them (if any)? The buzz is that the Brits aren't buying the new Tiger like they did the old, and that there are an abundant supply of them. Any thoughts on this?

[bomber]

Shoreline in the county line between Racine and Kenosha had an '06 a week ago -- green, I believe (but could be wrong on the color -- i was just a tad fixated on the idea of picking up my new scoot)

wife got her bonnie from Shoreline two years ago -- nuthin but good to say about the dealership, although service interactions have been limited to regular maint (I'm not allowed to touch her bike, wish is likely wise ;-}  )

[H2Orat]

I'm not sure about an "abundance", but based on all the media & marketing hype, I'm under the impression that the '07 Tigers are selling very well.  I don't think dealers will be discounting them any time soon; maybe when they begin to introduce the '08 models, but not 'till then.  If I were you, I'd give a lot of consideration to getting the current model: it's a much better bike, hands down!  Look at the bigger picture: granted it's a $2.5-3K difference in price, but this represents a major purchase that I would think you plan to keep for several, if not many years, and if you're financing it, how much would it add to your monthly payment?  It might not be too bad!  Why would you want to leave the gate on a bike that already outdated and considered inferior to it's current counterpart?  If it were me, it would be a no-brainer, but it's obviously your call...

 

[Bubwheat]

Just did a little research, on ebay here: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NEW-TIGER-1050-BLACK-WITH-BAGS-WAS-12298-NOW-9999NR_W0QQitemZ270114463664QQihZ017QQcategoryZ50038QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
and on the 'net here at  Performance Powersports of Chattanooga: http://adcache.cycletrader.com/5/5/6/88670056.htm

ebay, with bags start at $9999. no reserve
and at PPoC $10097.

so, we are seeing some discounting already, hopefully it will constitute a trend.  

[Dave_S]

Definitely try to score a test ride on the 1050 for comparison.  But if you're an older guy, the 955i may be just right.     That is to say, it is a little more plush where the newer one is harder edged.  The 955i has a slightly longer range and semi-knobs if you want to explore more.  The newer one is a fair bit lighter and more spry.  

The 1050 would cost you more at the start, plus you gotta pay more to get a luggage rack and bags.  So the 955i has many good points.


Posted on: April 27, 2007, 07:59:17 pm

I have not heard that at all.  There are some people that prefer the older bike, that's certainly the case.  But from listening on international Triumph sites, the bike seems to be selling well over there.  I think it will sell very well here, too, so I'd encourage anyone interested to buy sooner than later.  

I read some of the same Int'l Triumph sites as Rincewind, and I believe the new Tiger 1050 has been very well received.  I think there was some grumbling early on, because some folks wanted a more dirt oriented bike.  Once the reviews from actual owners started rolling in, I think some attitudes changed.  It certainly steered me to buy a nice black one!!

As for the one on eBay... I think MSRP for this model is 10.6k, not 12k.  I have also heard (and experienced) folks getting some $$ off MSRP or decent allowances for accessories, that would get you into the 10k range they are offering this bike for.  Although, they are including the hard bags for 10k, so that actually makes it a real good deal (they also overvalue the bags quite a bit in the auction also).  So there are deals to be had, but I do not think we are seeing discounting due to lack of sales on this particular model.

[Playinthestreet]

12,200 is about right if you're working from MSRP on the 07 Tiger.  10.6 + frt + set up + about 1200 for the bags.

IIRC the 06s had an MSRP of 10.9 including the bags.

Both good in their own right.  I bought the 07 when it came out just because "the more you pay the better you like it".

[garry]

I've read nothing but good reports about Southern Powerpowersports, but with the ownership change, who knows? Realize that their "Out the Door" price does not include sales tax, title and plate fees that you will pay once you get the back home (out of state purchases).

I have no doubts that the 2007 Tiger is a better street bike than the previous generation, but if you are inclined to play on dirt roads, a 2006 may be a better choice due to the 19" front wheel and dual-sport/adventure type tire options available for 19" fronts (Tourance, Anakee, etc). Given the number of "all roads" bikes with 17" front wheels (Tiger, Uly, Multistrada), SOMEONE has to come out with a decent adventure tire for them to make them a little more planted off the pavement.

[Bubwheat]

Question is moot guys. Got an '07 Tiger today at Shoreline Motorsports in Racine. Got the gold or yellow one, whichever fookin' color that is, matching factory bags, tall windshield, and a center stand which they didn't have in stock, but will order/install at first service. Great people to deal with, they actually greeted me at the door! All said and done, about $4500 difference with the St1300 traded in. Yes, I know, I could have done a little better if I had sold it outright, but look, my time is worth something and they had me out in less than 2 hours after we agreed on the deal, and I didn't have to fook with any tire kickers.

Well, anyway, got home a little late will post some photos tomorrow. First impression, OMG! Great power, light and agile, soaks up the road bumps like nothing I've ever ridden, transmission smoother than a babies butt. Except for wind protection, this bike outshines the ST1300 in every aspect. Okay, hold on, forgot the chain maintenance, the shaft was nice, but IMHO, after getting back on a chain from a shaft, I'll never go back to a shaft I feel they're just not real motorcycles. But damn, the book calls for oiling the chain every 200 miles! That's maybe one service interval, I'm planning on stretching out a tad.  

Anyway, I'm proud to be a part of the RAT family.  

[Bubwheat]

OMG is right.  Wait until you have it broken in and can open it up - the bike really hauls ass.

Congrats and great choice.  Can't wait for the pics.  

Thanks! Great bike!  

[Playinthestreet]

Thanks! Great bike!  

Who'd a thunk, we agree on something!!  And scorched yellow is the fastest.

[Bubwheat]

Who'd a thunk, we agree on something!!  And scorched yellow is the fastest.

I knew, given time, you would come to your senses.  

[Dave_S]

Congrats on the new purchase Bubwheat!!  I have to correct you on one thing tho:  Black is the fastest color...

[Playinthestreet]

Ya might as well register at www.tiger1050.com

Kinda boring vs here, but good stuff on tech/acc/etc...

[Bubwheat]

Ya might as well register at www.tiger1050.com

Kinda boring vs here, but good stuff on tech/acc/etc...

Hell yeah, if it means I can aggravate you on two different forums!  

[Bubwheat]

OMG is right.  Wait until you have it broken in and can open it up - the bike really hauls ass.

Congrats and great choice.  Can't wait for the pics.  

Here ya go bud!

[Playinthestreet]

Hell yeah, if it means I can aggravate you on two different forums!  

Me and my big mouth.......... enjoy the bike!

[bluedogok]

As far as the chain, I try to remember to lube mine around every 500 miles or wet rides but I am not religious about it. I bought my Sprint with 16,000 miles and I now have near 31,000 on the bike with the same set of chain/sprockets that was on when I bought it. I have no idea how many miles are on them but the sprockets still look good and the chain has no kinks. I may replace the set while I have the bike apart fixing the bodywork after my crash, seems like a good time to do it.