Hello all on the forum. I recently traded in my '17 Indian Roadmaster for my first Triumph. A newish '23 Tiger 900 Rally Pro. So far I am really impressed with it. This is my 6th motorcycle over the years. Mostly cruiser types. I have literally been from coast to coast and border to border over the years. At this point about 97,000 miles across country. As a side gig, I teach the basic ride course at my local MSF school. So not new to motorcycling, but new to the ADV world. The Tiger is actually my second ADV bike. Back in February I also picked up a Royal Enfield Himalayan 411 to practice on.
Welcome to the Triumph family and the world of ADV riding! Sounds like you’ve had quite the journey on two wheels—97,000 miles is impressive! It’s great to see someone with your experience making the jump from cruisers to adventure bikes. The Tiger 900 Rally Pro is a solid choice, and paired with the Himalayan, you’ve got a nice setup for tackling all sorts of terrain. A Few Tips as You Dive into ADV Riding: Get Comfortable with the Tiger’s Electronics: The Rally Pro has some really cool tech features—Rider Modes, Cornering ABS, Traction Control, and more. Take some time to familiarize yourself with these settings, especially off-road mode. They can be a game-changer on different surfaces and give you more confidence as you push your limits. Practice, Practice, Practice: Even with your wealth of experience, ADV riding can feel different—especially off-road. Spend some time practicing low-speed maneuvers, figure eights, and tight turns on loose surfaces. This will help you get a feel for the weight and balance of the Tiger. Tire Choice Matters: Depending on your riding plans, consider swapping the tires to something more dirt-oriented if you’re planning to hit some gnarly trails. Stock tires are usually a good 50/50 compromise, but a more aggressive tread pattern can make a huge difference off-road. Protection Upgrades: Check if the bike has all the protection you need—skid plate, crash bars, and handguards are a must if you’re heading into rugged terrain. They can save you from expensive repairs down the line. Luggage Solutions: If you’re used to big touring setups, the smaller panniers and top box options on the Tiger might feel a bit limiting. Look into soft luggage options for off-road riding—they’re lighter and less prone to damage in a fall. Off-Road Training: Even with all your miles and MSF experience, taking an ADV-specific riding course can be a great investment. They focus on off-road techniques like body positioning, throttle control, and obstacle handling—things you might not use much on a cruiser. Ride with the Community: Find some local ADV groups or forums to connect with other riders. There’s a whole community of folks out there who love exploring backroads and trails, and they’re usually more than happy to share tips and routes! Final Thoughts: It’s awesome that you’re branching out into the ADV world, and the Tiger 900 is a fantastic bike to do it on. Sounds like you’ve already got a good foundation with your riding history and teaching experience—just a matter of getting more familiar with the terrain! Enjoy the ride, and don’t hesitate to share your thoughts on the Tiger as you get more miles on it. Would love to hear your perspective, especially coming from cruisers. Happy adventuring!