Triumph For Touring

Aye aye

Having stated in another post that I wanted to Tour abroad on a Triumph, I wondered what those of you in the know thought of your own machine's suitability, or lack thereof, for long distance trips. Initially, I'd thought the way to go would be with one of the new(er) Tigers, but as I look through the Triumph models I have to admit to having a certain nostalgic leaning towards the Bonneville/Scrambler style of machine. Although the Tiger is a sweet-looking bike, and would do the job, I do like twins.

This question can only have subjective answers, clearly, but I'm interested in any shared experience. I'm 5' 8" with a 32 inseam, and built like the original skinned rabbit, and had heard some state that the Bonneville felt cramped with gear in panniers and on the back seat. The Scrambler 1200 XC, then, is the model I was looking at

Now I'll sit back and hope that I have not started a bun-fight

DM

 

I have a Thruxton I wouldn’t recommend one for touring too far - no where to put luggage
I used to have a Tiger 955i and would highly recommend for touring or anything, just check seat height on newer Tigers I think they are slightly lower than the 955’s.
I have a 34 inseam and occasionally nearly got caught out getting a foot down especially on roads with cambers!

 

Welcome to the forum!

You can tour on anything, look at the people who go round the world on Honda Cubs!

Find a bike that is comfortable for you, test ride as many as you can, (when you can) and then decide.

What you end up with depends on the type of touring you want to do, if large mileages on autoroutes then something with weather/wind protection would help, if you go on R and N routes then a Bonneville would be perfectly adequate. Look at available luggage, fixed preferably for ease and security and travel light!!

I have toured on a Tiger 800, Sprint GT and several BMW's over the years and some form of protection from the wind certainly helps.

 

Happy to eat up the miles on this but not for everyone

 

I'd sell 1200 GS and F650 GS, spend some of the superannuation lump some and buy a new one...Fo' sure the Tiger with the requisite accessories would cover those points. The 1200 Scrambler might too, but wouldn't have the range. Good to hear all the opinions though. I'd be planning to truck bike to Malaga, fly down the following week and then cross over to Africa (just to say I'd been there....Morocco and all that) Then back to Europe and wend my way up some of the easier sections of the TET, eventually riding up to Rotterdam for the ferry home
I'll have plenty time to think about I guess. Final shout would be after a test ride of both....I do love that twin soundtrack though

 

I liked them as soon as I saw one, but not sure how it would be on the twisty back roads I'd be on most

 

PS don't be a nancy, ride the bloody thing to Malaga. It's not that far [/QUOTE]

Easy ride from Nottingham, but a different story from north-east Scotland. Miles of bloody motorway, pissin’ down lorries, spray....been there, done that. I’ve only two months at most to play with, and want to spend a week or so in Morocco. Who knows from there; t’is unlikely I’ll pass that way again. I had considered riding down through Europe from Rotterdam....we’ll see. The new 900 does have a nice growl, right enough

 

And a shaft, for me.
Ken.

 

I believe it has been said that you do like a shaft Ken and now you’ve confirmed it

 

Dave, your just like a full stop, at the end of everyone’s sentence!! Hehehe

 

Damn right there, Tiglet...been shafted many times and usually with my trousers (Pants for US) up!
Ken.

 

That could only be said by someone who likes a shaft

 

...and there was I thinking that freedom was at the end of every sentence

 

Speed Triple yes
Sprint GT yes.

 

Better ask dilligaf’s opinion then? .
Ken.

 

What’s the bone shaker front wheel about I’ve often wondered?

 

Dat what da bike is for, mate

 

The most comfortable bike and therefore best tourer I've ever ridden is a Triumph Tiger 800 XRx. Good seat, great suspension, more than enough power for two-up, fuel consumption good so long distance between fill-ups, great fun to ride.

 

That was the one I'd been considering...until I heard that 1200 Scrambler with a Vance and Hines pipe, on some YouTube channel; in short, my head is saying the Tiger, my heart is saying the Scrambler. Sadly, it'll be some time before any of us get out to visit showrooms for test rides and such....or any longer runs. But judging from all the excellent opinions on here, I'm still thinking the Tiger; love that growl from the twin though!