Hi all, I wanted to seek opinion on my potential part ex of my Tiger 1050 in exchange for a tiger 800 XR The only reason for this would be how unstable I feel when slow moving through traffic. I am very short in the leg (29 inch) and the seat on the 1050 is quite wide so I struggle with getting more than tip toes on the deck. I have lowered the 1050 with Lust racing lowering links but still its not enough to take that horrible feeling of instability at slow speed. I have sat on the 800 and the seat is of a narrower profile and I can get most of the sole of my foot on the ground. If I change bike will I regret it ? and will I be happy with the reduction in power output ? Should I just forget the exchange and live with the issue ? I really love the bike other than this issue I have. Your comments are all very welcome, good, bad or sarcastic ! Cheers Kevin
Have you looked at the tiger xr low? you have to test ride them to get the right feel, feet down on cambers, hills etc
Hi Kevin, the 800 Tiger is more easily manageable at slow speeds, but I fear you might miss the torque of the 1050. When you say you lowered your 1050, did you just lower the back end of the bike or the front forks as well. I dropped the forks (didn't cost a penny) on my 955i Tiger by 10 mm (iirc) and that made quite a difference on it's own. If you haven't done this yet, I can walk you through the process. But when all is said and done if you need to compare one bike with another there is only really one way - you need to ride them both.
As said previously take a test ride. I don't honestly know how anyone can answer your question: If I change my bike will I regret it ? and will I be happy with the reduction in power output ? Only you will know the answers based what you have now and your opinions after a test ride. Sorry can't offer anymore help.
Hi, thanks for the reply, yes I did drop the forks through the clamps but only about 11mm as the instructions said with the lowering links. As you suggest I need to test ride an 800.....
dilligaf has hit the nail firmly on the head with his reply and littleade has provided the link to the best boots money can buy (IMO) I have those boots and what a difference they make, I can flat foot sitting on my V-Strom which has a seat height of 835mm and I'm only 5' 10" (or 5' 11" with my Daytona's on). Best £350 I've spent.
Echo the need for a test ride and yes, you will miss the difference in power. I have the 800XRx and have borrowed the 1050 Tiger Sport twice now on service days. It doesn't seem to be that much more powerful or quicker when you ride the 1050 but you notice the difference when you get back on the 800! Having said that I prefer everything else about the 800 and I actually found the 1050 less comfortable.
I had the latest 1050 last year,now an 800xr don't regret it one bit and I normally say the more horsepower the better but the 1050 was a big heavy bike and mine had a real clunky gearbox,with the 800 you don't miss the horsepower 90% of the time because you can ride the wheels of the 800 and make up for it,but if you are 2 up a lot then you will really notice the difference in power as the 800 is lacking 2 up or heavily loaded but the gearbox is so much better and it is so much more nimble so I don't regret it.
I have had over the years 955i Tiger, 1050 Tiger & Sprint ST, but now have Tiger 800 and XRT. Loved the 1050 to bits but when fully loaded with luggage and roll bag, found the weight becoming more of a problem as I got older, so got the 800 and later my wife got the XRT. The 800's are a bit more manageable at low speeds than the 1050 when fully loaded, the rear tyres last longer, the headlights are much much better and the fuel economy on the XRT is amazing. The 1050 and the 800 would get me anywhere between 45 and 55 mpg depending on the spiritedness of the ride, but the XRT always delivers more than 60 mpg and usually nearer 65! There is sure to be less power available but I don't feel left out and certainly don't get left behind when I want to keep up! The seat height is adjustable on all the 800's but get a test ride on the XRX Low if the regular XRX is too tall for you! Happy trials.
