Tiger 800 I tried a Tiger 800

Hi mr H missed this when you originally posted this, nice to see someone else likes the Tiger. Changed from the Speed to the Tiger 6 months ago for the comfort and still enjoying it. Missing the fun factor the Speed gave but comfort and practicality have won out, done 6000 miles on it now with half of that loaded up across Europe.

 

The Tiger seems to have slipped under the radar. I haven't seen too many of them around. Maybe with the revamping of them that will change.

 

Did the same.
My Speed Triple was in for its 12k service and I took a Tiger 800 out for an hour or so.
I liked it so much, I bought one!
So after two Speed Triples, I now own a Tiger 800.
I find the Tiger better for the cart tracks we call roads nowadays, it handles fine, [almost as good as the Speedy], comfy, better wind protection and better fuel consumption.
I do miss the Speedy sometimes for the extra power and better looks, but, loving the Tiger.
Try one, you`ll like it!

 

I was going to start a separate thread but I'll hijack your's if you don't mind :biggrin:
I'm having a bit of a dilemma,I've got a Speed which I've put 14000 miles on in 2 years and I'm starting to think I need to change as it's getting a bit uncomfortable.
I can change to an 800 Tiger for not to much money.My mate came round yesterday and was singing the praises of his 800.
I love the power and handling of the Speed but find I'm doing more distance these days and doing a couple of trips abroad as well.
Head say's Tiger heart say's Speed.
Heeeeeelp

 

Richard H's Album: Tiger 800 XC SE

Richard H's Album: My Speed Triple Now sold

Very difficult dilemma changing from a Speed to a Tiger 800. I went in the end for comfort buying the XC model so I could get my legs in a more relaxed position. Also with me being 6' 3" and quite 'wide' I always found myself a little cramped. Since my wife passed her test we've been doing longer and longer tour holidays and the tiger is much more suited to carrying luggage and distance work.

I have found the 21" front wheel has compromised a little the road handling when pushing on and it also restricts the type of rubber you can fit. My advice is if you have no intention of taking it off road then go for the standard bike with cast wheels although sadly I don't think it looks quite as good.

My verdict 9 months after the change? Well the Tiger has done everything I've asked including 2500 miles around Europe in the summer, its got decent fuel range and the new models are even better with well over 200 miles/tank. It's been reliable with only a stepper motor issue under warranty and it's now got 7500 miles on. I think the bike looks good compared to similar spec and priced adventure bikes from other manufacturers and the engine is way better than the unit in the 800 BMW GS. Perhaps over longer distances the seat could do with being a little wider and more comfortable but again the stock one is not bad. The downside of changing from the Speed to the Tiger is say on an early Sunday morning I would feel the urge to take the Speed for a blast out I'm simply not getting that with the Tiger, I miss the odd hooligan moments that excite, that get the blood pumping.

My trouble is before turning to Triumph I owned a Ducati 1200S Multistrada and that basically did it all, toured and was bonkers on a Sunday blast but sadly it was expensive to own and totally unreliable (returned to Ducati 7 times in the first 12 months). Think I will stick with the Tiger for a while but for me it's not a keeper and I find myself drawn magpie like to every new bike released wondering if I can find the perfect bike, does it even exist? Currently this bike has my eye:



Sat on this yesterday at the bike show, 160BHP BMW build quality nice but bet it's going to be way more expensive than the Tiger.

 

Guessing I've not helped much

 

If you think the 800 Tiger is great, if you are tall enough try an Explorer, it blows the socks of any other bike in the range for all uses.

Yes the Speed and Street are great bikes but cramped and uncomfortable on a long ride, that said engines have great torque

 

Thanks for the concise report Richard,that all helps.I'm a bit on the "hefty" side so wonder how the Tigers basic suspension will manage as I do like to push on at times,but I'm not a hooligan by any stretch of the imagination.The BMW looks good,I read somewhere it'll cost about the same as the Multistrada.The R1200RS looks good though.
I think I'll have to think for a bit longer before I make a decision.

Col Lamb:yes I've considered the Explorer and it's not off the radar,rumor has it that there's a road wheeled version on it's way,that will be worth looking at.

Thanks for all the input guys it's helped a lot

 

A year late to the party, but here goes. I'm a cruiser rider; former America and current T-Bird, but took a '12 Tiger 800 out for about 20 minute test ride and it's the bomb! Can't say I'd sell the 'Bird for it, but as a 2nd bike, it's definitely on the list. 300 lbs lighter than the T-Bird, so great for around town and shorter days. I previously rode a friends '03 Speed3 and though a sweet bike to be sure, after 20 minutes, these old bones were ready to vacate!