New '11 Triumph Tiger 800 - Initial Impressions

[LuciferMutt]

- man this thing handles great. ...

- I hope the front suspension will soften up as it breaks in because it is *stiff.*

These two things are not usually mutually exclusive. It is possible to get great handling without a jarring ride but it usually requires more expensive components than you will find on a factory bike that isn't a super sport of some kind.

You might check out your owner's manual and find out about setting the pre-load for the suspension and get a friend to help you set the sag correctly.

Congrats on the machine, she's lovely!

[A Knight Who Says Ni]

Originally Posted by DevilNinjaDog

These two things are not usually mutually exclusive. It is possible to get great handling without a jarring ride but it usually requires more expensive components than you will find on a factory bike that isn't a super sport of some kind.

You might check out your owner's manual and find out about setting the pre-load for the suspension and get a friend to help you set the sag correctly.

Congrats on the machine, she's lovely!

forks on T800 are not adjustable at all

[rhys]

5' 1" guy here ANXIOUS to grab a Tiger by it's tail ('ride').....

1a) How narrow is the seat pan,
1b) how narrow is the body work where the legs hang toward the ground,
1c) how narrow is the engine beneath the legs,
1d) where are the foot pegs located.... do they clear the ankles while reaching for the tarmac???

2) Do you know if Triumph offers a low saddle option for the street version Tiger?

In short, does it feel like the bike can be set up for us short enthusiasts?
I ride a Bandit 1250, had the internals lowered in my FZ1, party on an SV650, logged miles on a BMW R1150RA, etc. etc. etc...... but it's time I find a bike (other than a Dyna Glide) that I can climb onto & off of with ease. And I sooooo want that 800cc triple to take me into my retirement years!

[teachnsurf]

Originally Posted by rhys

5' 1" guy here ANXIOUS to grab a Tiger by it's tail ('ride').....

1a) How narrow is the seat pan,
1b) how narrow is the body work where the legs hang toward the ground,
1c) how narrow is the engine beneath the legs,
1d) where are the foot pegs located.... do they clear the ankles while reaching for the tarmac???

2) Do you know if Triumph offers a low saddle option for the street version Tiger?

In short, does it feel like the bike can be set up for us short enthusiasts?
I ride a Bandit 1250, had the internals lowered in my FZ1, party on an SV650, logged miles on a BMW R1150RA, etc. etc. etc...... but it's time I find a bike (other than a Dyna Glide) that I can climb onto & off of with ease. And I sooooo want that 800cc triple to take me into my retirement years!

If you are any where near Mountain View, CA, you should check out Cal Moto. They had a T800 last week.

[harfooz]

Originally Posted by rhys

5' 1" guy here ANXIOUS to grab a Tiger by it's tail ('ride').....

1a) How narrow is the seat pan,
1b) how narrow is the body work where the legs hang toward the ground,
1c) how narrow is the engine beneath the legs,
1d) where are the foot pegs located.... do they clear the ankles while reaching for the tarmac???

2) Do you know if Triumph offers a low saddle option for the street version Tiger?

In short, does it feel like the bike can be set up for us short enthusiasts?
I ride a Bandit 1250, had the internals lowered in my FZ1, party on an SV650, logged miles on a BMW R1150RA, etc. etc. etc...... but it's time I find a bike (other than a Dyna Glide) that I can climb onto & off of with ease. And I sooooo want that 800cc triple to take me into my retirement years!

I was down at Ridge Motorsports , the Triumph dealership closest to me (a really friendly, small, family-run dealership that I'll buy from, just based on how nice I've been treated, and how well I've seen other customers treated!) this past Saturday, and they have an XC set up with the low seat option. My 5'9" carcass could straddle it and flat-foot it. It was a really comfortable position for me. The handlebars were perfect for me. My inseam is roughly 33". I believe with the road version of the Tiger it would be even closer to the ground.

Hope this helps!
'fooz

[The Jerk]

Originally Posted by sands

How's the engine performance ? Any vibration? Shifting ?

I rode a street triple which as you know is the same motor with smaller internals..It seemed to be kind of vibey compared to the speed 1050...But it had great shift action and was very similar in power delivery (instant pulling power at all rpm kind of way) but just not as strong...But a good motor overall just a tad vibey...So I'm curious about the 800..The bike looks nice BTW...Looks like a perfect all around bike!

I rode a Street Triple once a long time ago at a Triumph demo ride so I can't say I remember enough about it to compare. But the the 800 engine is super smooth and shifting is nice and slick. The 1050 is definitely more vibey than the 800. The 800 is smooth smooth smooth. And smooth.

It's true that a lot of people complained about clunky gearboxes on the Tiger 1050 and mine started out that way when it was new. However after a mere 20,000 miles it feels the gearbox is finally broken in!
In seriousness, I just got back from a 300 or so mile round trip on the 1050 and it shifts smooth as butter nowadays. I was reminded once again of what a fantastic bike it is. Makes me wonder if I can afford to keep it and maintain 3 bikes.

[The Jerk]

Originally Posted by Tama's Tigre

I'm on my second Tiger, 06' Girlie, 10' 1055. I agree, the 1055 feels very top heavy and not very confidence inspiring. Glad to hear problem solved on the 800. Two quesions: what about the notchy gear boxes? Both my Tigers have had sucky trannies! Also, is the 800 power really enough for the roadie long haul?

Man it's got 94 hp! How would that not be enough for just about anyone/anything?

[Tama's Tigre]

Originally Posted by The Jerk

Man it's got 94 hp! How would that not be enough for just about anyone/anything?

Jerk, if I may call you that, you've got a good point, if you're talking to your average cruiser. However, there is a certain point where horse power alone will not allow for a speedy cross country(s) traverse. Aerodynamics really plays big a role at the loftier speeds. What I really wanted to know is if the bike can do a steady 100 miles per hour at palatable RPMs. I know what you must be thinking, who does sustained 100+ MPH? I do. I just want to know if it can, or cannot. My 1055 strains at 130, but I just want to know if the 800 strains at 100. If it does, then I'll stick with my 1055, until such time that someone actually comes out with the perfect sport-tourer.

[The Jerk]

Originally Posted by Tama's Tigre

Jerk, if I may call you that, you've got a good point, if you're talking to your average cruiser. However, there is a certain point where horse power alone will not allow for a speedy cross country(s) traverse. Aerodynamics really plays big a role at the loftier speeds. What I really wanted to know is if the bike can do a steady 100 miles per hour at palatable RPMs. I know what you must be thinking, who does sustained 100+ MPH? I do. I just want to know if it can, or cannot. My 1055 strains at 130, but I just want to know if the 800 strains at 100. If it does, then I'll stick with my 1055, until such time that someone actually comes out with the perfect sport-tourer.

Only one way to find out. I suggest you arrange for an unescorted demo ride.

[andoulli]

Originally Posted by Tama's Tigre

Jerk, if I may call you that, you've got a good point, if you're talking to your average cruiser. However, there is a certain point where horse power alone will not allow for a speedy cross country(s) traverse. Aerodynamics really plays big a role at the loftier speeds. What I really wanted to know is if the bike can do a steady 100 miles per hour at palatable RPMs. I know what you must be thinking, who does sustained 100+ MPH? I do. I just want to know if it can, or cannot. My 1055 strains at 130, but I just want to know if the 800 strains at 100. If it does, then I'll stick with my 1055, until such time that someone actually comes out with the perfect sport-tourer.

I doubt that level of speed was ever in the design parameters for the T800. Top speed is around 130 and sure it will easily do "the ton", but the sweet spot for the engine is probably between 70 and 80. If I wanted to do 100 mph for long distances I would want at least another 400 c.c.s.

[Tama's Tigre]

Originally Posted by andoulli

I doubt that level of speed was ever in the design parameters for the T800. Top speed is around 130 and sure it will easily do "the ton", but the sweet spot for the engine is probably between 70 and 80. If I wanted to do 100 mph for long distances I would want at least another 400 c.c.s.

I'm sure you're right. I went from 955cc's to 1055, and have yet to hit the mark. Previously, I mentioned aerodynamics, and I'm also probably amiss with love of nakedness. I so, don't want a motorcycle covered with plastic. I guess "you don't always get what you want... but you get what you need."

[Tripped1]

Originally Posted by andoulli

I doubt that level of speed was ever in the design parameters for the T800. Top speed is around 130 and sure it will easily do "the ton", but the sweet spot for the engine is probably between 70 and 80. If I wanted to do 100 mph for long distances I would want at least another 400 c.c.s.

Meh, the 675s easily cruise at 100.


So far as the gearbox, assuming they heisted that from the 675 as well it is NOT a 955i or 1050 cog set.

The 675s require positive input but are very easy to shift.

[andoulli]

Originally Posted by Tama's Tigre

I'm sure you're right. I went from 955cc's to 1055, and have yet to hit the mark. Previously, I mentioned aerodynamics, and I'm also probably amiss with love of nakedness. I so, don't want a motorcycle covered with plastic. I guess "you don't always get what you want... but you get what you need."

Yeah, I agree with all that, I had a Bandit 1250S, I was sure it would work for high speed touring. It had enough engine, not enough protection though. Same with the T800. Multiple hours at high speed will be exhausting with the factory shield. Frankly high speed will also reduce the range of the Tiger Kitten. I am getting 47 mpg at 60 mph, 80 mph drops it below 40. Now we are talking low fuel light at 150 miles. To me that is the bottom of the acceptable range for an adventure bike and that's being kind.

[Bueller]

If you are looking for sustained 100 mph + this is probably a terrible choice. You need something with a barn door for a fairing. I was always damn impressed with my fjr in that respect. I once did half of a 700 mile trip at 90 - 120 mph and averaged 45 mpg in complete comfort. Lowering the windshield all the way at those speeds was worth another 1-2 mpg depending on wind direction and strength.

Other than the fact that it made for a lousy dirt road bike and was a bit porky there wasn't much I could say about the fjr that was negative.

[The Jerk]

Regarding the stiffness of the front suspension, I feel pretty confident that the suspension will break in and loosen up a bit. I seem to recall that when my 1050 was new, I found the front end too stiff over certain types of pavement (stuff like the BQE) but it eventually broke in to the point where it's nice and smooth on that kind of stuff. Perhaps a large part of the stiffness is just the stiction inherent in a front end with all new parts. At any rate, I'll definitely put some miles on it before I decide if anything needs to be done.

On another note, the stock horn is pretty darn loud. I might not need to do a horn upgrade.