Well, the dealer that had and sold the Tiger 800 XRt contacted me yesterday to tell me that they've just taken another almost identical one in... 2018, FSH, just 2166 miles on the clock and priced at £8200. I've seen a video of it pre-valet, inspection and tart-up and it looks like it's spot on, but it's at a Lings dealership down in Essex. I would have gone down there straight away, but this morning I'm testing the 900 GT Pro for a couple of hours (which is the equivalent spec in the new 900 range) to see how it feels in terms of size and ergos. If I like it I'll have a decision to make but, all things being equal, the XTr sounds like the sensible option. In fact, that saving would pay for a mini-garage or heavy duty shed at the end of the garden! Oh, and I did have a test ride on a Multistrada booked for this afternoon, but it's going to be pissing down by lunchtime so that one will have to wait. If I really, really like the Tiger it probably won't happen, as I really do think that the lighter, smaller bike is better suited.
The Multistrada ist an interesting bike with some existential disadvantages: - heavier than the Tiger 900 - cost intensive due to the bigger engine (tax, insurance,...) - needs lot of petrol (+7l per 100 km!!!) My Tiger 1200 is not so cost intensive in comparison. The Tiger 900 of my wife is even cheaper!
Yeah, I'm not so minted that I can walk away from a £5k saving. Will speak to them later today. The annoying thing is that my dealership took in an XRt with 5k on the clock a couple of days ago, cleaned it up, and then sold it to the first person who saw it. It didn't even make the website. £7.5k!!!
They didn't know I was torn between the two options, but I realise now I should have been open with them sooner (they know now)!
I’m a 29 inseam and went from Street Twin to Scrambler 1200 XC with low seat. I find it excellent on motorways, a blast on the twisties takes plenty enough tail bags. It’s got the classic looks. I dont find the lack of screen an issue, actually quieter than a screened bike, ride one
Blimey - 29” and you’re riding a 1200 XC? What’s the seat height with the low seat fitted, and is it still comfortable for long rides?
Low seat takes 25mm off height, same seat base less foam, I find it comfy, just come back from an 800 mile Wales trip and fine, I tend to take a coffee break every 90 mins or so. I’ve done 8000 miles in 18 months. I could gain another 30mm by fitting Tec softer springs but alas I’m a fat bastard so would screw the rider sag. I was tempted to get a 900 GT Pro, but it just doesn’t make my bits tingle when I look at it like the Classics do. That said you can’t deny the Tiger is a better tourer
Thank you - that's interesting actually. I get you regarding the tingle, which is why I'm going to hang on to the TTR; the Tiger doesn't do it in the looks department for me either.
If anybody else is looking at a tiger and is worried about the seat height. I have the low seat and a lowering kit on my tiger sport and this has taken 45mm reducing the seat height to circa 790mm. That is 25mm on the lowering kit and 20mm on the low seat. For me comfort or handling have not been compromised. The only real impact is that the bike is a little harder to get up onto the centre stand, but it does not make it unachievable.
Interestingly, you can't fit a centre stand to a lowered 900, which is worth bearing in mind (luckily, the low seat is enough for me to feel completely comfortable/confident on it). Sounds like that would bring the Sport into play for me though!
Anyone know if there's a low seat option for to Tiger 1050 Sport (it's not on the configurator if there is)?
@learningtofly you intrigued me so I went to test ride a Tiger 900GT Pro today, on the lower seat setting which is 810mm, my XC with low seat 820mm. That extra 10mm and the slimmer seat on the Tiger makes a huge difference, I can get my feet down more comfortably. Also what a great bike, not as sexy, a tad ordinary, not a head-turner, but great ride, could see myself schlepping up to the NC500 on this no probs
Yeah, it's a nice ride, isn't it? Aside from having my head turned by the 1050 Sport, it's still the favourite.
Just a quick update on this, but this morning I paid a deposit on a new 900 GT Pro, and agreed to p/x my TTR against it. Why new? Well, firstly I got news from my accountant that I'm due a corporation tax refund after a sh*tty time due to COVID (it'll actually cover nearly half the cost of change, once I've paid it to, errr, myself). Secondly, I thought that - as we're nearing the end of August - I had some negotiating power, and I did indeed manage to get a £600 discount on the p/x deal I was offered about a month ago. I'm very happy with my decision - it's definitely the bike for me in the ADV segment of the market - and I'll be taking delivery in two weeks time. Really looking forward to some all day rides and a bit of (light) touring.