Good write up Mr Lovatt I feel that I must draw your attention to the fact that the 900 will feel lighter because it hasn’t got any skips strapped to its rear end unlike your 800
[Daniel, the screen on the 900 is much better than the almost useless one on my 800xrx.] Thanks Steve! That helps... I might try it out... Even though; I got used to riding ‚naked‘ bikes. When I overtook a car on the Autobahn on the 1600 GT, I looked down at the speed-read-out and it showed 170... And I didn‘t really feel it. I think, I would smash in my head ... It is like in the Morgan: If you go at 100 Kph, it feels like your doing 160. Which keeps you save in a way
At first glance, I thought that said "I got used to riding naked " well then Daniel, a tall screen is the least of your worries!
Now you just leave my bestist mate out of this Then again I suppose the pair of you will hatch a plan to go to the dealers together to by a NEW 900 and ask for a huge discount @crispey is that right your both getting a new 900.
Seems a bit on the pricey side to me, compared with the Tracer 900 GT. Depends how they stack up though.
I agree with @Bikerman, Steve. Your write up was stellar and much better than many reviews I've read in magazines and online moto publications over the years. Thanks so much for taking the time to do such a thorough review and to include some excellent photos as well. I'll be eager and interested to read your reviews of the BMW F900XR and the Yamaha Tracer 900 GT. after you test ride those models. I have a very good friend and riding buddy who has the Yamaha tracer 900 GT and he absolutely loves it.
Thank you Sandi - perhaps this could be the start of a new career reviewing bikes. (I could think of worse ways to earn a living!) I will definitely write up my views on the BMW and Yamaha as soon as I ride them. I'm trying to confirm a test ride on the BMW next week but have not heard back from them yet.
Good point Ade, both the 900 Tiger and the BMW F900XR are brand new designs from the ground up as opposed to the Tracer and for that matter the new V strom 1050, which is a face lift model around the same old engine. The BMW comes out at around £12200 when specced up to meet the Tiger, but the Triumph still comes out with more goodies! There is no doubt that the Yamaha and Suzuki appear good value with the 900 GT coming in at around £11400 and the V strom XT at £11445. However, once you spec up the Tracer to match the Tiger you get to £12158 and still without electronically adjustable rear suspension and heated passenger seat. (you do get the panniers though). The Suzuki can't match the Tiger for toys but does seem good value. Also bear in mind that the Ducati 950s with toys is £14921, the Kawasaki Versys SE is £14921 and the Africa Twin is £14649 so perhaps the 900 GT Pro is not such a bad deal.
Nice write up Steve, will be interested to read what you think when compared to the BM & Yam, a price comparison too would be useful. EDIT now I have read the whole thread you already mentioned the prices for all.
Steve - Took the GT Pro out this week and I agree a beautiful bike, great fit and finish, very smooth handling and I am very tempted. The only thing I found surprising was the amount of vibration through the foot rests. Did you notice very intrusive high frequency vibration up through the front pegs from about 60 upwards disappearing over 75?
No, I can't say I noticed any vibration through the foot rests at all. I did quite a lot of riding between 60 mph and 80 and really can't say I felt anything on the bike I rode.
I didn’t notice any vibration on my test ride either, I spent around 20 mins at that speed range on the m25
Yeah I suppose that's true or more in common with the Rally Pro Tiger which you could soon get up over £14000! Yes, you have been spending too much time on the internet!
Ooh err missus ! far too deep and picky for me. Just want to get on a bike and ride it. If it starts and goes, it'll do me.
