...I have had my head turned by a more modern bike (Yamaha xsr700), from my 2002 955i Triple... I am looking for gentle reminders (or serious shoulder shaking) why a burly Triumph (in blue, the fastest colour) is the best beast to ride ... Any one....?
Your triumph will be a more satisfying bike to own. Those Yams are ok but a bit bland, not as powerful and there’s loads around. At least your triumph is more interesting and a bit more of a rare sight these days. Still a great bike when they’re fettled properly
I've got an MT-07 tracer and had it since sept 2017. 100% reliable, bags of character especially with a TEC exhaust system, fantastic fuel economy (ave 3.8 ltrs per 100kms (roughly 70 mpg). Very light and easy to ride; quickly or gently it's all good. Honestly mine is a joy to own and ride.
Xsr looks fantastic for the price point..but I found I was constantly changing gears compared to a street.
Hmm...these are valued opinions... The triple is currently advertised, so I'll see if there's any takers...if so I'll let fate take me forward...
trust me brother, from someone who's owned yams all their riding life... The triumph is a step above. I'd sooner do a street trip over the FZ (09 & 07). I've had a FZ9 and while it was a mega fun bike, it all just felt so factory. IMO, all of the new FZ's are meh visually. Your trumpet is an older girl but she's a runner with more personality than looks which is what makes her the best kindd of girl.
All I will add. This is my second Tiger 955i.( Also in Caspian Blue). I have so, so many people approach me...they all say the same thing. ' Best bike I ever owned. Wish I'd never sold mine.'( these include those who've ' moved up' to gs 1200's etc. You Have Been Warned
This is a valid point. We're all a little bit vain, riding a bike (and incredibly cool); but there is something truly lovely when someone stops you to tell you you have a lovely bike... I've only had the triple some November but it's not unusual for me to have a conversation with someone who's looking at it... I'll admit, it feels good...
Having a tiger 955i spoils you.Ive got a couple of friends with these too. Each time any of them/ us looks at another bike as a possible replacement the same logic applies 1. Will this bike do anything the 955i can't do? 2. How Much do they want for one? 3. Why would I change? So far there isn't an answer One day there may be one. Mine is immaculate....mechanically perfect...has rebuilt forks, head bearings , Wibur rear shock. Tors silencer. Goes like shit. Stops well Will do 200+miles on a tank of petrol. Eats GS 1200' s as a snack. Why would I change?
While I appreciate your sentiments, just to show I can be subjective... My triple certainly isn't immaculate. It's not mechanically perfect - but I'm enjoying learning. 200 miles from a tank - i wish! I'm too scared to see if it goes like shit and I certainly don't eat GS1200s for snacks; but I certainly do enjoy trundling up to them at the lights...
Go on, open the throttle...it's what it's for. I usually roll up to them coming off ferries ferries and ask ' how much did you pay for that?' Then I'm gone..
Just to clarify the '200 mile' claim. This requires courage and faith. The fuel gauge is notoriously inaccurate. If you fill up when the needle hits red you'll maybe get 175 miles or so. If you can bear the tension leave it till the warning light comes on. Two days back I chickened out at 196...:the light wasn't on yet but I was about to join a motorway with no fuel stops for a long long way. My bike runs a k and n air filter and tor silencer so it ought to be using if anything more fuel than standard. My friends standard tiger does the same sort of mileage too. Sorry for the digression.
You may be relieved or even bored to hear, I have removed my ad for my triple and decided to fall in love again.