View Full Version : Confession time!
africajim
20-03-06, 08:29 PM
HI folks, damned quiet here?
Ok, on to the confession. I was in at the local bike dealers this week, Wullie's got a Triumph 955i Tiger in, satan orange, with luggage. Lovely looking bike and I keep think about being patriotic and buying British.
I was seriously considering a trade in with the Varadero.
I test rode one when I sold my @T a couple of years ago but when compared to the Varadero there was no contest. The Tiger I tested from Shirlaws in Aberdeen had a knackered battery which affected the running of the bike and even led to me having to bump start it when it stalled due to running like a bag of nails. I always believed the test was flawed and would like to try the Triumph again.
Ok, I managed to control myself and didn't buy the Triumph. But it's still there, just waiting for me to try it! Damn, it's been a long winter!
What's your thoughts folks? I'm sure there'll be plenty.
Well......
It seems to me you're hankering back to your days on the @. I must admit I do like the Vara but I'm still to into my @ to change but the Triumph has always called to me too - especially since they put the stripes on the side! And as you say it is British.
All I'll say is that considering your last test on a Tiger you owe it to yourself to test it and see what a good example is like and then have a long hard think...
And it is quiet in here - I saw a post and thought something was wrong with the site :D
Sharribee
20-03-06, 10:07 PM
I saw a lovely Tiger today on the M4 on my way to work, but if your test ride experience was not a good one, for whatever the reason what is it going to be like to live with the bike. I have been told that they have a big problem with the front brakes.
I love my Transalp, and the only time I bought anything other than a Honda I regretted it. (Not quite as much as my bank manager though :shock: )
africajim
20-03-06, 10:15 PM
Thanks for the reply, well, I guess it calls for a debate, to buy British or to remain loyal to Honda.
History depicts, my first bike, a 72 Honda C50, one CB250T, one 400 superdream, one Dominator, one VFR800i, five, yes five @T's followed by a 51 Varadero, the current line up in the shed are 51 Varadero, 80 CB750KZ and 96 CBR900RR.
I do confess to owning a Kawasaki once, and also a Suzuki and a Yamaha but that was in the past!
I've never owned a Triumph so I'm willing to listen to reason. Come on folks, let's hear what you think.
Boxer Dog
21-03-06, 12:35 AM
Have had all three big traillies, the Tiger, Varadero and now have an AT.
No major complaints on either of the Honda's but I have to say I thought the best was the Tiger. Nothing to do with it being flourescent green, that was just a bonus.
Tiger Pros
British, Good Fuel Economy, Nice Triple, Good Colour Scheme, Of Road Ability, Hazard Lights, Looks, Handling
Tiger Cons
Don't remember any really.
Varadero Pros
Acceleration, Cornering, Reliability
Varadero Cons
Fuel Consumption, Linked Brakes
AT Pros
Always wanted one, Off Road Ability, Looks
AT Cons
Underpowered
Of all the bikes I have owned (and I have had a few), the only bike I would ever buy again would be the Tiger. When I get rid of the AT it will be between the Tiger and the BMW GS.
McVicar
21-03-06, 05:46 AM
Are you comparing a Tiger with an old (ie: Carb version) Varadero. If so you need to try the FI Varadero for a fair comparison.
africajim
21-03-06, 11:39 PM
Well, the Tiger's looking real good now, thanks for the feedback so far guys. As for front brakes, ever used an @T in the winter? I've spent many a night in my shed stripping Honda calipers.
I've a carb model Varadero and to be honest after testing the FI model I'm not sold it's a better bike? Less agressive I thought, I couldn't lift the front wheel without clutching, unlike my carb model. Possibly higher top speed though, mine sticks on the rev limiter at 135. I thought not unlike the VFR 750/800 debate. But I LOVE linked brakes!
Any way, I'm not roading the Varadero before the end of the month so I'll go back and see if I can test the Triumph. If it doesn't impress, and it didn't last time, (nothing I could fault, just nothing spectacular) I'll keep my Varadero for now.
Honestly I'm really waiting for Honda to bow to pressure and release a new @T! Alloy frame like the XR, lighter, more power and sharper lines!
Rubberchicken
22-03-06, 06:46 AM
There's a picture of a redesigned Varadero doing the rounds, looks rather nice :shock: but I'm afraid it'll be like that 1000cc Africa Twin picture...
http://www.raptorsandrockets.com/images/Honda_Varadero_2007_001_r.JPG
There's a picture of a redesigned Varadero doing the rounds, looks rather nice :shock: but I'm afraid it'll be like that 1000cc Africa Twin picture...
http://www.raptorsandrockets.com/images/Honda_Varadero_2007_001_r.JPG
ooooh im likeing that :love10:
all it needs now is the blue go twnky paint job :mrgreen:
Sharribee
23-03-06, 07:31 PM
that new vara looks nice I could almost be tempted 8)
Carport
23-03-06, 07:50 PM
Yep, with the spoked wheels and 1000cc twin, it looks like the natural replacement for the @, almost like the carbed and FI vara's never happened.
I would definitely be looking for a test ride.
There's a picture of a redesigned Varadero doing the rounds, looks rather nice :shock: but I'm afraid it'll be like that 1000cc Africa Twin picture...
http://www.raptorsandrockets.com/images/Honda_Varadero_2007_001_r.JPG
Blimey Where did thatcome from? Is it genuine? Any other info? That's sort of made me go Hhhhhmmmmm............
This pic has been doing the rounds, it's photoshopped bits and bobs from other bikes, see if you can spot them!!! Look here
http://www.1000ps.at/forum.asp?thema_id=1668101&id=1668101#view
Rubberchicken
24-03-06, 09:58 AM
Blimey Where did thatcome from? Is it genuine? Any other info? That's sort of made me go Hhhhhmmmmm............
I'd be surprised if it wasn't fake, though it'd be very cool indeed if honda were to make something like that...
Or even a badass "adventure" version next to the standard touring vara, like they do with the beemers.
Hmm. My mind just went "Varadero HP2". Hhhhhmmm indeed... ;-)
africajim
27-03-06, 10:03 PM
That's what I'm talking about! Something like that would be the perfect replacement for me.
I was looking at a picture of the red and black 04 Varadero and believe it may be a sweeter looking bike than the Tiger? Well, I've all summer to look so I'm gonna keep shopping!
z-weiser
29-03-06, 11:22 AM
for what it's worth and i appreciate not a lot - but the tiger sounds cool when you give it the beans! 8)
not a great reason in isolation to buy a particular bike - but will slap a smile on yer mug!
not sure if it sounds as good as my AT with remus can tho'
bob bob bob bob bob bob bob vrooom - he he he! :D
africajim
30-03-06, 08:17 AM
I had a Lazer produro race on all my @T's, lovely sound. I miss that a little with the Varadero. I've only standard cans on it, too damned expensive for aftermarkets! No exhaust's worth half a grand!
Still not tried the Triumph, I've been avoiding it! Two days to go and the Varadero's back on the road though, I'll pop in at the weekend and see what Wullie's saying.
africajim
01-04-06, 10:15 PM
OK guys, after many years of fun with the Hondas I've finally bit the bullet and bought the Triumph Tiger. I pick it up beginning of the week so I'll let you all know how I get on!
Dee Duble Yuh
02-04-06, 06:53 AM
(Sigh)
Well any new bike is a cause for celebration! When do you pick it up? Will you post some pics? At least its a Triumph!
I think they sound great and look good. The Vara is a great bike but sometimes we all have to change...
One day I will sell my @ so it happens to us all... :D
Carport
02-04-06, 07:22 AM
Looking forward to the pics and ride report.
africajim
02-04-06, 01:43 PM
Thank you all for the responses, I hope to pick up the Tiger on Tuesday, as soon as my insurance arrives. It took quite a bit of soul searching to change from the Honda but they just didn't come up with a new @T!
I do hope to buy another @T in the future for a project I have in mind so I'll still be around and bore everyone with my thoughts!
As soon as I get the Triumph and put a couple of hundred miles on it I'll post pics and a review of how I rate it compared to the Varadero and the @T.
africajim
04-04-06, 05:52 PM
Well, I picked up the Tiger from Wullie Young's today.
That's the first 100 miles in and I'm getting used to it! Compared to the Varadero, it's less bulky and feels less lardy but the Varadero is more aggressive and faster top speed wise. The Tiger feels a harder ride, seat and suspension wise but this does help the handling, it doesn't waddle as much as the Varadero but can get a bit confused if you hit the right shaped bump in a corner!
The Tiger is no sports bike, at over the ton it's very windy! The varadero copes better at speed. That said, it's got a stonking motor that whines like a banshee right up to the rev limiter pulling like a train. It will lift the front wheel off the throttle and would continue until you were upside down if you don't back off! Best I could coax out of it today was 120mph, verified by sat nav. 4th gear is very strong, and will pull from 30 to around the ton no problem. With six gears it cruises rather well, not to stressed and plenty of midrange to overtake with. I think it'll make a great tourer for the summer.
Ok, better than the Varadero or Africa twin? I'm not sure that would be my choice of words. The Tiger makes it's power differently from a twin, it's a lot smoother and feels less aggressive but end result is forward motion with a grin factor! I really think they are a much of a muchness, good points, bad points, they all have them. I like the Triumph, we'll see how it copes in Italy this Summer, I'm off to find crash bars for it!
Here's links to a couple of pics on my website.
http://www.jamessimpson.dsl.pipex.com/tiger.JPG
http://www.jamessimpson.dsl.pipex.com/tigerandme.JPG
That's a nice bike! And lovely colour!
I will have to try a Tiger at some point...
How long will it take to remove the grin BTW :D ...
ive always thought the tiger was a nice bike and that colour scheme rocks 8) but ive heard the are a little cramped for the taller rider :(
how would you say it compairs in that dept ie leg position :D
robelst
04-04-06, 06:30 PM
We may need a Tiger forum on here as well? ;)
After my AT's unplanned meeting with a reversing lorry I was very close to buying a great looking fluorscent-green / black striped Tiger 955 (well priced at 5.5 k, 6 months old with warranty etc). The test-drive did not convince me though. There was nothing to critisize and the bike's must faster / better braking than both my AT and my Buell, but the triple just left me cold completely. Not the sound nor the character I expected, and the whole feel and handling of the bike is much more like a conventional road bike than a trailly. A real shame, I really wanted to like the bike but I didn't. Still love the looks though, it's clearly an athlete compared to the "obese" looking Vara/V-Strom/Caponord fraction.
I decided to rebuild the AT. Not sure what I'd buy really as a new bike, nothing out there that really makes me desperate to own at the moment. I am perfectly happy with the AT and Buell in the garage. I may exchange them both with a Buell Ulysses if any of these bike would start to fall apart completely.
We may need a Tiger forum on here as well? ;)
After my AT's unplanned meeting with a reversing lorry I was very close to buying a great looking fluorscent-green / black striped Tiger 955 (well priced at 5.5 k, 6 months old with warranty etc). The test-drive did not convince me though. There was nothing to critisize and the bike's must faster / better braking than both my AT and my Buell, but the triple just left me cold completely. Not the sound nor the character I expected, and the whole feel and handling of the bike is much more like a conventional road bike than a trailly. A real shame, I really wanted to like the bike but I didn't. Still love the looks though, it's clearly an athlete compared to the "obese" looking Vara/V-Strom/Caponord fraction.
I decided to rebuild the AT. Not sure what I'd buy really as a new bike, nothing out there that really makes me desperate to own at the moment. I am perfectly happy with the AT and Buell in the garage. I may exchange them both with a Buell Ulysses if any of these bike would start to fall apart completely.
if i was honest iwould have to say the only other bike out there that really yanks my crank is the KTM 950 adventure carbed version :D
but its gonna be a feckin long time before i could afford one of those :(
plus its more fun chucking what little funds i have at the @ :lol: :lol:
Rubberchicken
04-04-06, 07:00 PM
Still love the looks though, it's clearly an athlete compared to the "obese" looking Vara/V-Strom/Caponord fraction.
If I had to buy something new today, it'd probably be a strom...
The 650 is apparently a pretty good ride, and with a bit of work they can be made to look at least halfway decent, though those headlights are still a pretty big handicap. ;-)
http://www.cmgonline.com/bikes/articles/05_DL650_Longterm/Part_One/BigP/happy_camper_bg.jpg
This one looks the business, though it really needs some spoked wheels...
Mate I know what you mean...
London 7th April - our chance to talk about out @ addiction....
if i was honest iwould have to say the only other bike out there that really yanks my crank is the KTM 950 adventure carbed version :D
Get away - I saw you checking out the XR with a mischievous glint in yer eye :lol: :wink:
I can't see me hanging on to the TA for long unless I can sort out the cramped seating position and useless fairing/screen. Suspect I'll still end up taking it on the big Europe trip in June - put too much effort into the thing over the winter to not do. That'll teach me to buy a bike and start sorting it out before I've had a chance to ride it. :roll:
No idea what I'll replace it with though - I'm thinking either a Speed Triple, a V-Max, or a MX bike. Or maybe something else. :D
if i was honest iwould have to say the only other bike out there that really yanks my crank is the KTM 950 adventure carbed version :D
Get away - I saw you checking out the XR with a mischievous glint in yer eye :lol: :wink:
I can't see me hanging on to the TA for long unless I can sort out the cramped seating position and useless fairing/screen. Suspect I'll still end up taking it on the big Europe trip in June - put too much effort into the thing over the winter to not do. That'll teach me to buy a bike and start sorting it out before I've had a chance to ride it. :roll:
No idea what I'll replace it with though - I'm thinking either a Speed Triple, a V-Max, or a MX bike. Or maybe something else. :D
your right there is somthing about your XR that brings the demon out in me :twisted: and i really could see one of those in the garage next to the
GO !!!!!!! twinky :lol: :lol: :lol:
robelst
04-04-06, 07:52 PM
if i was honest iwould have to say the only other bike out there that really yanks my crank is the KTM 950 adventure carbed version :D
Hm, yes: That is definitely a cool bike. I tried an LC4 once and that was an exciting piece of kit. It was a bit of a "specialist bike" though, I reckon the 950 is that as well, despite the twin engine. Not exactly the cheap(ish), practical, 12-months-a-year "do-it-all" like the AT is. The missus isn't too impressed about 2 bikes in the garage, I'd have to come up with a extremely good excuse to get a 3rd one in :oops:
if i was honest iwould have to say the only other bike out there that really yanks my crank is the KTM 950 adventure carbed version :D
Get away - I saw you checking out the XR with a mischievous glint in yer eye :lol: :wink:
I can't see me hanging on to the TA for long unless I can sort out the cramped seating position and useless fairing/screen. Suspect I'll still end up taking it on the big Europe trip in June - put too much effort into the thing over the winter to not do. That'll teach me to buy a bike and start sorting it out before I've had a chance to ride it. :roll:
No idea what I'll replace it with though - I'm thinking either a Speed Triple, a V-Max, or a MX bike. Or maybe something else. :D
Stoo do yourself a favour and get an @
Job done! :D
Stoo do yourself a favour and get an @
Job done! :D
It was what I wanted originally instead of the TA - but I had a lemon of a WR450 to get shot of, and the shop that had done the gearbox rebuild on it (only a few miles before it started occasionally missing gears again :? ) had a tidy 600TA in, so I did a trade.
By the sounds of it though, the @ has a similar issue with the screen causing wind noise or turbulence... and to be honest I think I'll be happier with a naked bike. The XR is plenty comfortable for me at 90mph with no wind noise, and no buffeting. OK - I've got to hold on if I'm sat upright, but then that's just a good reminder to keep the speed down a bit unless I really need to get the hammer down.
Maybe I'll look for a crash damaged AT to streetfighter. :D
You might have something there...
With the plastics removed it looks pretty mean and with a funky headlight unit and some nice bars...
Oh god what have you started! :shock:
africajim
04-04-06, 10:10 PM
Ok, excuse the fact I have consumed lots of whisky tonight (medicinal, I was freezing today!) I actually rode through snow just outside Dufftown this morning!
After 5 @T's I would have loved to continue with Honda but the Varadero wasn't doing it. I rode the Varadero for almost two yrs, I enjoyed the bike but wanted something else. Honda did not have what I wanted. Supermotard? YES! Brilliant fun, but have you tried more than 10 miles on one? In the rain? Not a chance. No fun.
The big KTM? Depends, I think they're too focussed. Also very tall. Road wise? Not a patch on the Honda's.
What do you need? Ok, my @T's, I went touring, scratching, fishing, exploring the hills, even a bit of offroad, around Europe it was a bit breathless but because of it's all round ability I put up with the breathless bit. Replace that? I tried the Varadero, Honda, Adventure bike? Offroad, very limited. I couldn't hang the tail like the @T, link brakes very good but no substitute for ability offroad.
Ok, options? Triumph? Tiger, 955i, @T with power and comfier seat? Well, it's not an @T! The triple is a different beast, but yes, it has more power, yes, it has a comfier seat, and it's British!
I tried one two yrs ago, I was looking for an @T, it was not! The Varadero feels like one, but bigger. I chose the Varadero. I spent an hour on Shirlaws Triumph Tiger and still thought the @T was better bike. Try to be more objective when you test ride. The Triumph makes power further up the revs, once used to it, MY GOD! It's addictive! And see the wheelies you can pull on the Triumph? Good grief!
I apologise for the long winded explanation but I had to contemplate for a long time before I dumped Honda! I still have my CB750KZ and Fireblade, I will find an @T to add to my collection so not abandoning Honda! But I'm going to give the Brit a try. A couple of years will tell. So far? I love it!
Supermotard? YES! Brilliant fun, but have you tried more than 10 miles on one? In the rain? Not a chance. No fun.
Done 200 miles in one day on my XR SM.
Not a problem.
Don't mind riding in the rain, but don't have full waterproof gear, so end up with wet legs and feet if I stay out in it too long.
If ya think it's no fun - come down and have a go on it.
Ya might just end up looking for a buyer for that Tiger. :twisted: :wink:
africajim
04-04-06, 11:18 PM
I have to reply to that, you obviously don't commute to work on your XR? I commute 42 miles each way to work. I wouldn't apreciate a soaking daily, also it's a bit colder up here!
As I pointed out, depends what you need the bike for, yes, XR's are great fun, but not to live with I'm afraid! I commute, I tour, two up with luggage and tent, XR is no good for that. Sorry mate, it's not an @T!
Rubberchicken
04-04-06, 11:33 PM
As I pointed out, depends what you need the bike for, yes, XR's are great fun, but not to live with I'm afraid! I commute, I tour, two up with luggage and tent, XR is no good for that. Sorry mate, it's not an @T!
Which is exactly the reason why I'm looking for something bigger next to the old dominator... It's great fun to ride, but it lacks the ability to haul stuff, or to put it comfortably on 130 km/h for an hour or 2 and actually get somewhere...
I have to reply to that, you obviously don't commute to work on your XR? I commute 42 miles each way to work. I wouldn't apreciate a soaking daily, also it's a bit colder up here!
As I pointed out, depends what you need the bike for, yes, XR's are great fun, but not to live with I'm afraid! I commute, I tour, two up with luggage and tent, XR is no good for that. Sorry mate, it's not an @T!
Don't commute on it anymore, as I live next door to my workplace, so quicker to walk! :lol:
Did it for a year though - only 10 miles each way, but glorious back lanes, badly surfaced roads, farm tracks, roads covered in dung and slurry. It was feckin' awesome. :twisted:
Did the sensible thing over the harshest days in winter and took the car instead though. :oops:
It deffo wouldn't be the first choice for two-up + tent touring though. No pillion pegs, no pillion seat, no luggage capacity, 600 mile MAX service intervals and a 50 mile tank range would soon see to that! :lol:
If only the TA was anywhere near as comfortable, or had sensible wind protection, perhaps I could fogive it it's shortcomings in power and handling over the XR - but if I had to ride to Glasgow tomorrow and choose one - I'd take the XR and take a rucksack full of oil! :shock:
africajim
05-04-06, 07:00 AM
Ha ha! LMAO!
I adore XR's! I think they're sweet looking bikes especially the new ones with the alloy frames. They're immense fun to ride as well. I've had a run round an enduro track with one. But like all competition bikes they're just a little too focussed for me.
The TA is just too small and breathless. The way I see it, there was a better bike for all round onroad, offroad, two up, touring and that was the @T! Honda have made an ass of themselves here. They do not have a bike to compete in the market against the KTM, the BMW and the Tiger. Niether have Yamaha or Kawasaki funnily enough. The Priller Capenord, the Suzuki Vstrom and the Varadero are similar, too bulky, no real offroad ability, too focussed!
God I miss my @T! I would have bought another but I was starting to nit pick the little things like the seat, the low power. This should have been addressed by Honda years ago.
Thanks for all the comments folks, at least it's been a good talking point!
acording to the mole in mcn the japanese are gonna go all gs on us soon because they have now noticed just how big a slice of the pie BMW are getting :roll: . so honda may have a supprise for us soon :D
also the had some pics of the F800GS thats coming out in 2007 and i must admit that looks like a handy tool. i dont usually torment myself with test rides but would be tempted to have a go of one :oops: :D
Well Chad If that happens I'll eat my Hat!
Well Chad If that happens I'll eat my Hat!
now you know if it does im gonna have to take you up on that :twisted: :mrgreen:
Anyone tempted by the Yam XT660 or the TT600?
Anyone tempted by the Yam XT660 or the TT600?
If you're offering, then yeah - thanks very much.
Can I have a XT660X in blue, and a TT600RE in mud colour please?
:twisted:
africajim
05-04-06, 10:44 PM
If I wanted to tear around a quarry all weekend I might consider the Yamaha's, if they didn't have chocolate engines?
My contacts in the enduro world tell me they are soft.
Again, too focussed, no use as an all round bike, even for this type of biike the Honda's are far better bikes!
africajim
11-05-06, 10:26 PM
HI guys,
The story so far, in over 1000 miles the Triumph has proven a comfy bike in comparison to both @T and Vara, 200 miles no problems compared to 100 to numbness with Hondas (personal opinion).
Triumph damned good on fuel, mixed riding, one and two up 212 miles to petrol light using four gallons of fuel (UK).
Handles well, good fun, with the injection re-mapped for the race pipe it's running good just now. Sounds absolutely lovely, reminds me of a Ferrari?
Now for the bad bits,
It's quicker than the @T but no match for the Varadero, top speed or acceleration.
Pillion is not near as comfy as either @T or Vara.
The bike has an inherant wind noise that three screens have failed to cure, I believe it's coming off the fairing itself. This is the noisiest bike I've ever owned for wind noise.
Dealership service is ridiculous, exceeding £400! I thought I'd bought a Ducati by mistake!
To sum it up, I believe possibly a better bike than the @T, just my opinion, don't get worked up! Better than the Varadero? Well, not in my opinion, although offroad (I've done a few miles now) it would be better. So, replacement for @T? Until Honda come up with something better yes, if little offroad work is required I believe the Varadero would still be the better bike. Especially six speed injection model. Another Tiger? If Honda don't replace the @T then yes. Although I love the look of those red Vara's! A lot depends on Triumph's remodeling for the Tiger this year. Perhaps same issue as the @T, replacement too road biased?
I hope you guys find my information interesting. Any questions let me know.
Dee Duble Yuh
12-05-06, 10:15 AM
...To sum it up, I believe possibly a better bike than the @T, just my opinion, don't get worked up! Of course not, we're bigger than that. And besides we accept that there are people around of sub-standard intelligence who can't tell the difference betwen a good bike and a bad bike. :D (You realise I'm just joshing, eh?)
you definitly got the best colour! My friend bought one and loves it. His only problem was that he found the brakes too good! Only a few days after he bought it he had to jump on the brakes and ended up putting the bike down as they caught him out, but then that was something to do with the fact that he had just moved from a 25 year old R100 BMW!
He did try my @ though and thought it handled better than the tiger and was better over bumps due to the huge front wheel
africajim
14-05-06, 11:09 PM
Agreed, the @T is smoother over rough ground, I find the Tiger quite hard sprung, not unlike a sports bike but good enough for both road and track. The brakes, especially the back can catch you, I've locked up the back a few times now, the disc is huge!
As for good bike bad bike? Well, I'll not disrespect the @T, but the Tiger's a good bike also, just in different ways. "sub-standard intelligence"??? Well, some of us are broad minded enough to see the world is round and there's more to life than just Honda! :wink:
Remember, I've still a blade and CB!
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