Tiger 900 Rally Pro: First Impressions

I've finally come over to Triumph after putting big miles on a series of 13 BMWs. First impressions are very good and a trip to Scotland immediately after the first service was an enjoyable ride. Engine is lovely, gearbox far better than BMW, suspension still needs final adjustment but feels promising, handling generally lively and predictable. Still missing the BM's low centre of gravity for slow manoeuvring and surprised how quickly Tiger feels heavy away from plumb.

Only real grumbles to date are the outrageous absence of any rear end protection from mud and gravel, plus the dreadful navigation app. I can't believe Triumph sell an adventure bike without even an option of a hugger or shield of any kind for the suspension unit and swinging arm - just not fit for purpose! The Triumph navigation app is a great idea and the connectivity is good but the app is just not sorted yet and the absence of any graphic depiction of road layout on the TFT dash makes complex junctions so confusing that I have stopped using it altogether. It also gobbles up data, so I have reverted to Here We Go's offline function but connectivity cannot access it, so the whole concept falls on its face.

 

Thanks to all for the warm welcome. I'm new to forums of any kind but the biking fraternity seems to do it very well: I think we stand proud as a group and show more conviviality than so many social platforms. The classic and vintage sectors seem to be especially great places to be based on the mutual help offered at classic events I have taken part in (forgive me, on a Norton not a Triumph!).

 

Tough question Sandi T and it took a lot of thought. First my wife has been pestering me for a long time "why don't you buy a Triumph, it's British?". I shrugged that off for a long time because BMW and my regular dealer have looked after me for a long time very well. However, the original reasons for going BM were shaft drive and dependable engineering and both reasons have lost a bit of their validity.

Firstly , chain technology has progressed and (reputedly) they require less maintenance, although I remain perplexed why exposed metal against exposed metal is still the industry default!

Secondly, the quality of finish on BMW has been downgraded so badly that they can no longer endure the weather in my damp part of the UK and I had to have my entire frame repainted under warranty in less than two years on my last GS Adventure.

Finally the GSA hides its weight brilliantly on the move but it takes so much to slow it down that I was ripping through brake discs and pads in not time at all and BMW prices for replacement are insane. Only time will tell if the upkeep of the Triumph and residual value will justify the switch but, as my thread said at the beginning, first impressions are of a premium product that is well sorted (apart from the missing hugger and buggy navigation).

 

Thanks Honda man. I've just done a new search and see that Pyramid now do one but that didn't come up when I first searched. I still think the industry is out of order relying on aftermarket availability for such a fundamental necessity: they really ought to fit something as standard and, failing that, at least offer an OEM optional extra.

 

I'm tempted to offer you my seat Lee: I've had heated seats in my car for ten years but never switched them on and cannot imagine doing so on the bike. Perhaps my bum is abnormally insulated but has never been cold despite other extremities being fit to drop off!