Early this morning my wife and I took our TIGERs to Birkfeld in Styria to visit our trusted Triumph dealer (www.gesslbauer.at). After about 100 km of travel in partly cool conditions, we arrived on site at about 0745 hours. Our TIGERs each receive a major service (20,000 and 32,000 km respectively) and therefore have to stay overnight, as this service can only be carried out when the engines are cold. Parallel to this, they then also get new tires. For the waiting time we should have got a Triumph Trident and an alternative to my 1200 TIGER. Unfortunately, however, the Trident was "scraped" by the last user. Therefore, my wife had to ride as a pillion with me and tomorrow I may then "deliver" her again. With her is a moderate enthusiasm, since she is actually an exclusive self-driver. To our surprise, I got a new 1200 TIGER Rally Pro for the next 2 days. Meanwhile I rode 260 km with it and found that I miss my 2020 1200 TIGER. The new one is top of the line, lighter and easy to control, but it doesn't "kick" me the way my own does. Until the pickup tomorrow it will be another 280 km. After that I share with you my further experience. Our dealer in Birkfeld Another highlight on site
Commute for me again today; amazing weather still so making the most of it before the rain appears again. On Sunday when I was out in the Brecon Beacons there was a photographer there, I have finally got some pictures of me on my bike .
Great photos of you on your bike, @Mrs Visor! You're looking good on it! I I like that your leathers compliment your bike's paint job quite nicely, too.
Is that a Scorpion can on the bike? If so how do you find it generally and is it worth the money over keeping the standard one?
There’s a machine called Cricut Joy and she’s been learning its capabilities. I asked her for a sticker and she did a great job!
Yes, it's a Scorpion can, for me it is worth the money as I like the shape of it and the "clean" look under the bike with it on and the sound is amazing - it is louder without being obnoxious (the baffle is in, not sure if it would tip into obnoxious with it removed - I keep meaning to try it to see!) and adds a deeper note to the tone without drowning the lovely triple howl. You also get a few more crackles and pops on the overrun which please me! It's obviously a fair bit lighter but my riding is nowhere near the standard where I need to worry about trying to save weight in every way possible yet!! It's the Red Power half system in titanium.
After I have now ridden a total of 540 km (320 highway, 140 alpine like roads, 80 in the city) with the new TIGER 1200 I have gained many impressions compared to my 2020 TIGER 1200. The seating position and the handlebars have been slightly changed, which gives the feeling of sitting more "in" than "on" the bike. - Not uncomfortable! This makes the ride feel and handling even more direct. The windshield is close to the quality of the previous model and is definitely better than on my wife's current TIGER 900. Interestingly, the hand guards are designed smaller, whereby wind and bad or cold weather affect the hands faster. Since the bike has become much lighter, it rides even more pleasant. Riding the RALLY PRO model has revealed 2 specific findings for me. A 21 inch front wheel is not uncomfortable to ride compared to the 19 inch wheels on the road-oriented TIGERs. Off-road tires like the mounted METZLER KAROO 4 are not for me at all. I prefer street tires like the METZLER TOURANCE NEXT or NEXT 2. They just run smoother and I don't dare go off-road with my TIGER anyway. For poor gravel roads, the 90/10 tires are therefore quite sufficient for me. For me it was very interesting to ride the new model and recommend to all who have a similar opportunity to test it.
After all, the reason for the test option of the new TIGER 1200 was to service my wife's TIGER 900 and my TIGER 1200. We experienced a "not inconsiderable" surprise when paying, since some parts had to be exchanged, which we 2 actually did not have on the plan. TIGER 900: scheduled maintenance: 20,000 km service (in real terms already +21,000 km driven). Exchange of the first set of tires (!) - METZLER TOURANCE NEXT front and METZLER TOURANCE NEXT 2 rear; mixed tires became necessary, the new METZLER model for the 900 dimension is not yet available. unscheduled: Exchange chain set complete - defective exchange of a front wheel bearing - defective Cost: € 1.280.- TIGER 1200: scheduled maintenance: 32.000 km service (real already +34.000 km driven) Exchange of the second set of tires - from METZLER TOURANCE NEXT to METZLER TOURANCE NEXT 2 unscheduled: Replacement of a front wheel bearing - defective Checking the clutch - will be changed at the next service at 48.000 km This will be a financial highlight again! Cost: € 1.095.- Conclusion: Our TIGERs are like new again and ride wonderfully. Biking is just a cost-intensive hobby!
Blimey - chain gone after 21.000 kilometres? I've done 27.000 on mine now, and who knows how many the previous owner...