Thoughts and musings two wheel based. Also wheel rebuilds and bottom brackets serviced.

Thursday, December 30, 2010

Triumph TIger 800 Test

Had a chance today to take the new Tiger 800 for a two up test ride. Conditions were pretty poor and the bike was still in the running in period so I was gentle with it.

First impressions then; very low and compact for the genre. A bit too small for me to be honest. The pillion seat was described by my co-pilot as the worst she'd tried. The engine feels light and fresh, happy to rev and not buzzy. It's a good thing it is happy to rev, as you need to keep the revs up in the mid range in order to make progress.

The bike feels long and no doubt the addition of a pillion added to this. Adjustment on the shock is preload only (that I could see) and I wound it in 2/3rd of the way to account for the pillion. The test bike had the Arrow silencer and alloy sump guard fitted from the accessory catalogue; the silencer gave a little rasp to the exhaust note, though most on board sound came from the airbox. The sump guard appeared a little extraneous and was really there it seemed in order to take your eye away from the under-sump catalytic convertor.
I was a bit disappointed in the bike to be honest. I had hoped for something with a bit more grunt to it. There was no denying the bike was smooth to pull from low revs even in a high gear, but it really needed revving to get the most from it. Rumour has it a 1200cc version will be with us mid next year. I will hold on until then.

Friday, December 24, 2010

It's that time



I'm off to go and spend time with family. Have fun and take care out there.

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Chores and more

Had to go out and pick up a lamb from the butchers over the valley yesterday morning. Roads were fine, just slush. Got home and went out exploring.






The lanes were a little more snowbound, I got stuck going up a few of them. The horses didn't have as much hassle.

Sunday, December 19, 2010

Relaxing

Still snowy out. Took the pushiron out for a pedal.



Revlon


Make good air filter driers... Just have to hope the g/f doesn't notice the smell.

Monday, December 6, 2010

You're an idiot


Prod the snow long enough and it will prod back. Turning around 2up in some woods and the bike slid over on the sloped verge edge. All fine. I don't think me laughing went down too well with the girlfriend.

Friday, December 3, 2010