Confession time!

[africajim]

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.

[MacP]

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

[Sharribee]

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 )

[africajim]

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]

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]

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]

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]

There's a picture of a redesigned Varadero doing the rounds, looks rather nice but I'm afraid it'll be like that 1000cc Africa Twin picture...

[Chad]

There's a picture of a redesigned Varadero doing the rounds, looks rather nice but I'm afraid it'll be like that 1000cc Africa Twin picture...

ooooh im likeing that

all it needs now is the blue go twnky paint job

[Sharribee]

that new vara looks nice I could almost be tempted