Hello New member here, in Tamworth on the Staffordshire / Warwickshire border not too far from Hinckley. I'm looking for some advice. (And forgive me if this has been posted in the wrong subform -- if so, mods/admin please move it.) After a only a few months of owning a Triumph Tiger (2005 955i) I think is going to have to go. It's a really great bike but more of a long-distance machine. It's too big, too tall and too top-heavy for me -- I've already dropped it once (low speed tight turn, all my own fault and no damage done). I'm a Vicar and almost all of my riding is urban and suburban with a fair amount of stop-start around the parish so I need something lower and lighter with a tighter turning circle. I'm a big bloke -- 6' tall and 16 stones -- but I'm struggling with the Tiger, although I can see how it's a great long-distance tourer. I'm looking at second Triumphs in the UK and I like the look of the Scrambler but 1.) it's too much money and 2.) I need some luggage capacity (the ability to fit top-box and/or panniers). So I'm looking at the Bonneville T100 with a backrack and rail to take the throw-over panniers. Am I right in thinking that the T100 will give me everything I'm looking for in terms of handling? I still want an upright riding position but a lower seat height and a lower centre of gravity with tighter turning circle. Thanks
I used to have a T100 and now have a 2006 Tiger 955i with full luggage. All the Bonneville range of bikes hold their value extremely well. So if you can't manage a Scrambler financially then you will struggle to find a cheap good T100. I know what you mean about the Tiger feeling a bit top heavy and tall but there are things you can do to improve the situation. Incidentally I'm 6'1" and a little heavier than you.
Welcome to the forum Rev, a Bonnie would seem to be a more practical bike for what you need if your looking for something very special and very user friendly then consider a Speedmaster,,!! One of our members is actually selling his very nice customised model, take a look below if you will - https://www.gumtree.com/p/triumph-m...lle-america-or-harley-speed-master/1189105740 No bags or rack but easily sourced and fitted
A warm welcome Rev, I have a T100, I am 55 years old 16 plus stone last time I looked and 5`10 and, and to be honest it is such a forgiving bike to ride, but I guess it is about personal choice and one size doesn`t fit all. Why not pop in to your local Triumph dealer and ask to test ride a T100 or even just the Bonneville or the new street twin. Me personally I use my bike to ride around town and mainly back roads because that is what I like to do and the T100 is perfect. Enjoy the forum they are a friendly and knowledgeable bunch, and good luck with your search.
Welcome in, The T100 will definitely be lower and more manoeuvrable than the tiger and can have a screen fitted for more protection against the elements. Now that you've asked here, second best to Himself of course, I gather you've asked Him? I would get a test on a Bonnie and see if it fits you!
Hi Rev-O, just a piece of specific info for you: seat height on the Bonneville range varies between models; the lowest are the std. Bonny and the Bonny SE; then the T100 and after that the highest are the Thruxton and the Scrambler. Just wanted to share this with you so you don't get the wrong impression when trying bikes. All of the Bonnies are significantly lower than the Tiger, even on it's lowest seat setting.
Hello and welcome - the Bonnie would be a great choice - I had a T100 and now have a Tiger XRx. They are much easier to handle, having a lower centre of gravity and lower seat height and are great fun around town or on a long run.
Hello there Rev-O, this is Dave here, we have been talking about Tigers and Bonnys. You said you found your Tiger 955i top heavy and tall? I've just done a modification on mine that cost nothing but and hour of my time. Now the bike is lower and less top heavy and generally more pleasant to ride. Go here if you wish, to see my "how to..........." http://www.thetriumphforum.co.uk/threads/part-3-of-tiger-955i-refurb.7424/