Just a few quick observations from a short ride home tonight.
“Dead sexy” I’m thinking as I look down at the handlebar assembly of the Tiger XC. There’s a combination of metallic texture, machining, fasteners and form that come together in a mechanical object that almost makes me drool. Maybe it was a long week at work or a general lack of riding recently but when I sat on the Triumph in the parking lot of Kissell Motorsports late this afternoon I was primed and ready to roll.
Two days ago I thought the weekend would be sunny and cold. When I checked the weather report in the parking lot the forecast called for 6 to 10 inches of snow overnight. Not exactly the best riding conditions. While I might venture out in some snow on the Vespa I won’t be taking a brand new motorcycle out for any test rides. The ride home would have to recharge my riding batteries at least enough to get to Sunday and the promise of clear weather.
Triumph makes a nice motorcycle. The engine is smooth, powerful and seems to offer endless torque creating a forgiving environment for a rider. Regardless of what gear I was in or how fast I was going the motorcycle just kept going without complaint. And the transmission was flawless. Smooth shifting and just, well, almost invisible. Every Triumph I ridden had this same smooth transmission.
My original plan called for an early Saturday morning departure for points north. The plan at the moment is to stay in bed as long as possible or until Junior insists I take him out for a walk. The Tiger will probably spend the day in the garage unless things change dramatically overnight.
The Triumph is easy to ride. While I would not characterize it as a beginners bike (it’s tall) anyone who already knows how to ride would probably find their comfort zone with this motorcycle after a few minutes of riding. Seating position, pegs, brake and shifter levers, everything just felt like it was exactly where it should be.
Minutes after I took this picture and headed down the road I crossed through some of the thickest water/limestone guck I have seen on a road. The quarry usually hoses the road off several times a day to keep the dust down. Someone must have been out sick today. In case you’re reading this Craig I washed the bike off as soon as I got home. I didn’t want your motorcycle looking like my Vespa which was last washed in 2010.
At the local firehall I wondered in the Tiger XC would be a good trial bike and if I could manage to ride over an old car. I wondered this stuff. There was never a time in my life I would have attempted such a thing.
But it is nice to daydream.
And that’s what tomorrow will bring along with the snow. If all goes well I should be able to take this motorcycle out on Sunday for a more informative ride. I’m certain the Triumph will be a delight to tour through the sticks on.
I have never had the urge to ride over a car until now. Mighty nice bike.
Motorcycles can prompt some odd behavior. Something that rider always guard against lest they find themselves riding over cars. Or in snow.
You could probably ride over the car. I’m not sure how well the bottom of the bike is protected, though.
Seems like more manufacturers are going the way of Suzuki with the newest V-Strom. Most dual purpose riders don’t really explore the off-raod part. Suzuki decided to heavily favor the stree side this time.
Hope you enjoy the test ride! If you can ever get out of bed, that is.
Steve,
I look forward to hear what else you have to say about the Triumph. I’ve had a lustful eye on a 1200GS from BMW for quite some time. I love the 650 that I have, it’s forgiving, nimble and pretty quick, but it’s not really the best for all-out dirt brawling.
The more I see these dual-sport come into vogue, the more they look like SUVs in the suburbs. I’ve owned my F650 for about a year and a half, and I only first took it off road a couple of months ago. I’m very tempted to get into more adventure riding (though after a few incidents riding fields, I think I’ll take it easy)
The 650 is a little too light for road riding and the 1200 is way too big for real off-roading. Did you take this guy off road at all? I’m curious how these machines do out there.
Brady
Behind Bars – Motorcycles and Life
Hi steve i am very new to all this blogin stuff, i have though been following scooter in the sticks for a good while enjoying all your postings your style of writing is so very real and the pictures go with the text wonderfully.I’ve just got started please have a look at scootering adventures
I like the looks of the Tiger, never ridden one. Hope to read more after you get to put a lot of miles on it.
Dear Steve:
The handlebar mount of this Triumph is certainly beautiful in the old Soviet-Union sense of sparse being sexy, but what the hell? It’s a handlebar mount!
The era of the tall motorcycle is over for me, and I am now looking at larger BMW models that can be lowered an inch or two. This is in response to arthritis that is spreading far up into my back and other joints.
I am not yet ready to thrown in the towel.
I must say I am impressed with how you show up at Kissell Motorsports, with your hat and cup in your hand, and get a new motorcycle to ride around on everytime. I am going to try that same approach at a New Orleans cathouse next week.
Fondest regards,
Jack/reep
Twisated Roads
One look at the picture of the tiger and that old car and you know what runs through my mind! The Triumph is actually a Tiger! Running over a car unharmed and smashing down the car! That’s cool! I thought it was you who smashed it! But yet still, i must admit that the Tiger is amazing!