Rode down to my local Triumph dealer to show them my finished bike after a winter of mod's and ended up buying another Triumph - how the feck did that happen
Advertisement Remove adverts by upgrading to a premier account
I'm still not sure how they persuaded me to do it but I bought a Tiger 800. To be honest the deal was too good to turn down and a test ride on the bike it sold itself. Telling my wife was the tricky bit though she wagged her finger at me and said 'NO MORE BIKES FOR SOME YEARS TO COME'
Sadly though my beautiful old XBR500 (well the one that's road worthy that is!) has to go to make room in the garage for the Tiger which will sit alongside my Thruxton.
I'm still not sure how they persuaded me to do it but I bought a Tiger 800. To be honest the deal was too good to turn down and a test ride on the bike it sold itself. Telling my wife was the tricky bit though she wagged her finger at me and said 'NO MORE BIKES FOR SOME YEARS TO COME'
Sadly though my beautiful old XBR500 (well the one that's road worthy that is!) has to go to make room in the garage for the Tiger which will sit alongside my Thruxton.
I'm still not sure how they persuaded me to do it but I bought a Tiger 800. To be honest the deal was too good to turn down and a test ride on the bike it sold itself. Telling my wife was the tricky bit though she wagged her finger at me and said 'NO MORE BIKES FOR SOME YEARS TO COME'
Sadly though my beautiful old XBR500 (well the one that's road worthy that is!) has to go to make room in the garage for the Tiger which will sit alongside my Thruxton.
Nice - which model?
The 800 not the XC. I won't ever ride off road, the seat height of the 800 is far more manageable for a short-arse like me and it's a good deal cheaper. Over the years I have ridden many bikes and I can honestly say the baby Tiger is the best balanced bike I have ridden in years. It is very comfortable, handles well and goes well. Seems like a good all-rounder to me. Looking forward to putting some miles under the wheels!
All that being said it's still the Thruxton that wil be the keeper. A very different bike indeed but one I feel a real sense of attachment to.
Owd Bluey: All that being said it's still the Thruxton that will be the keeper. A very different bike indeed but one I feel a real sense of attachment to.
Know what you mean - feel the same about my MK1 S3
Owd Bluey: All that being said it's still the Thruxton that will be the keeper. A very different bike indeed but one I feel a real sense of attachment to.
Know what you mean - feel the same about my MK1 S3
I'm the same, I have an XC on its way (delivery has been put back a month ) But I am too attached to the Tona & Bonnie to even consider parting with them. They will get a lot less use, which will help to preserve them, but they will still be there when needed.
Fitted a pair of Conti Road attack II's to the Speed Triple..plus also fitted some 10mm shorter dong bones to the suspension lincage to raise the rear...wheels back on tomorrow for a shake down run
Yesterday, MOT'd the Bonnie; then oil & filter, & new clutch cover gasket; oil & filter for the Tona as well. Today our 1st RAT run of the year, 18 bikes out, our best turn out yet. Shame we didn't have the sun of yesterday, Hunstanton was a little chilly. Got home & the sun came out in time for me to walk the dog.
Went for a spin for the second time this year, nearly 80 miles this afternoon in the glorious spring sunshine. Wonder how much it's going to cost to fill up at the weekend ( still running on last Novembers fuel). The winter hack cost over a tenner to fill up for the first time earlier this week FFS. When I got it it only cost just over £6
had to try out the new bike trousers I bought t'other day... after 100 miles, a toasted teacake, an icecream and a look at the sea they seem alright
TBS played up again - think I need to take the fuel tap out and clean it (or buy a pingel ) as it started doing the 'running out of fuel' thing after only 90-odd miles, cut out at a junction and had to run it on reserve.. filled it up soon after and only took 9.25 litres so I'm guessing theres some s!$%e at the bottom of the standpipe...
put the remaining bits of bodywork back on the TBS, and bolted the tank downnnn - turned round to find that black plastic 'shield' that sits under the offside of the tank to partly hide the loom and the Igniter / coils grinning at me.
Its off for its MOT thanks to Evolving Nicks super Service
SpeedTrip: put the remaining bits of bodywork back on the TBS, and bolted the tank downnnn - turned round to find that black plastic 'shield' that sits under the offside of the tank to partly hide the loom and the Igniter / coils grinning at me.
Its off for its MOT thanks to Evolving Nicks super Service
Tripster you're not alone - I always forget something when bolting everything up a again.
Obee Wan: [ Tripster you're not alone - I always forget something when bolting everything up a again.
ST bet you werent as 'irritated' as I was when after refitting the Tigers clutch slave cylinder, bleeding it and gettting 'a lever' I glanced down and noticed the new spring sat there waiting to go in it..
Dropped the TBS at a standstill at a junction. A bloody great pothole where my left foot should have been caused it. I did manage to let her down gently though the only damage (I think) is a broken indicator. I'm going to give it a wash later and inspect for damage more closely.
.... Still £36 for the repair isn't to bad and I now know I can pick up a TBS without assistance.
It was the same junction a woman pulled out on me from the same side road a couple of years ago and later claimed it was my fault for filtering past a car that had stopped to let her out. BLOODY LIAR !! . I had to accept 50% liability for that as I couldn't prove her wrong. Rant over. I'm runnnig a small video cam on the 'bars now in case something similar happens again.
followed by the obligatory and celebratory run over to Skeg-Vegas for a whippy icecream and cup of coffee.. bike clicked over 38000 miles whilst I was treating the good folk of Lincolnshire to the sound of TOR's at full chat..
not sure it explains the running out of fuel thing that was going on, but also took the tap apart and that was clear, as was the inline filter... the breather/overflow pipe was tied in a knot, so that mayve been an issue.. anyway put the fuel back in and ran it around on normal position for 30-odd miles - yesterday with the same amount of fuel it would only run on reserve.. next test is to fill it right up and then see if it does more that 90 miles without havign to switch to reserve..
went nuts around the Yorkshire dales on my 95 thunderbird today. came up to a group of Harley 'tractor' riders (not kidding, they'd fall off if they went any slower!) saw them as a slow moving obstacle so - went nuts again!. this bike never fails to amaze me. I've got a thousand cc Honda with more than a third more b.h.p, but riding in real world speeds the trumpet rules. Media File
Wheeled the TBS out for the first time this year and gave it a wax. Have used Auto Glym for years on my cars and bikes but bought some Muc Off to try. Well impressed, lovely deep shine.
Took a couple of photos (excuse the quality - cameras fecked ) in cruiser mode and sports mode.
Must get fork seals and MOT done now and get out on it.
Nice bike Owd...congrats. A question since you own both the new Tiger 800 which I have heard many say is better overall bike than its big brother the Tiger 1050...what is the power difference like compared to your Thruxton? After riding the Tiger 800 does your Thrux feel down on power?
Had a ride to the new George White shop at Donnington. Slightly disappointed at their content but at least they have ventured oop North. Off to Filey on Thursday and then Classic Show at Stafford on Saturday,got to make the most of this weather. Cheers,Bladesman.
I noticed this forum is mostly members from the UK and I enjoy reading your perspective. Hello from the US. I’ve owned my ’09 EFI T100 bonnie now for almost two years and have been modding it really before I even rode it. Too many things to mention but basically have been cleaning up the design being a bit more true to the earlier Meridian bikes I grew up riding. You couldn’t ask for a better running motorcycle really which has evolved front to back. All the lighting has been changed for not only improved illumination but aesthetics, LSL headlight bracket, MAS aluminum chain guard, D9 custom minimalist gauge bracket shown to properly lower the instruments, Napolean bar end mirrors, relocated horn and Joker ignition switch bracket, Jim's Spacer handlebar risers, Sixty-six sprocket cover, raised forks for better turn in, AI and O2 sensors aka all the emissions controls off the motor (no MOT here thankfully) TORS, bobbed rear fender truer to the mid 60’s bonnie etc…custom tune with TuneECU…a long list with the goal of making the bike cleaner and lighter and a bit faster. Note that last summer I tried Norman Hyde rearsets as an experiment but they weren't as comfortable for my long legs as the factory T100 mid sets so put the original pegs back on.
Only thing I have resisted so far is going into the motor because it runs so well now that intake and exhaust have been unbottled and tuned with adequate AF and timing advance. Cheers. Pics:
Tigeralorange: Had the day off to get both the Triumph's MOT'd, both passed inc. the TBS with it's quite loud silencers on and then taxed them.
Then had an impromtu ride to a pub with the missus and a couple of mates
Followed by my first trip over to Performance Triumph Stratford (formerly Knotts) and bought another tee-shirt.
Then tonight it's out for a curry with a group of friends including a number of biking buddies, happy days
Thanks. No idea why Triumph moved the chain to the other side. Congrats on getting your bikes on the road. I have always been a fan of the TBS. Here's to spring...Cheers.
I think it was it was because of the gearbox? It's just me, having had bikes for donkeys years and being used to having the chain on the left it always seems odd to me having it on the right even though push bikes do. The new Norton's the same as is the odd trail bike. If I owned one I'm sure I would get used to it.
Same with the exhausts - if it's a single can, like on BMW's it looks odd on the left.
Thanks about the bikes. Haven't used them 'til now due to lack of MOT's etc. and doing a bit around the house. Making up for it this Bank Holiday weekend though - as well as the ride to the pub yesterday, it's to the Classic Bike Show at Stafford tomorrow, run out with some mates on Sunday and going to the Red Marley Hill Climb on Monday.
Sorry if these names/events don't mean anything to you but you get my drift
I think it was it was because of the gearbox? It's just me, having had bikes for donkeys years and being used to having the chain on the left it always seems odd to me having it on the right even though push bikes do. The new Norton's the same as is the odd trail bike. If I owned one I'm sure I would get used to it.
Same with the exhausts - if it's a single can, like on BMW's it looks odd on the left.
Thanks about the bikes. Haven't used them 'til now due to lack of MOT's etc. and doing a bit around the house. Making up for it this Bank Holiday weekend though - as well as the ride to the pub yesterday, it's to the Classic Bike Show at Stafford tomorrow, run out with some mates on Sunday and going to the Red Marley Hill Climb on Monday.
Sorry if these names/events don't mean anything to you but you get my drift
Makes sense. I kind of fell into my bonny purchase. Bought it new from a guy who was moving across the country and it was the bike I was looking for. I would have been happy with a carbed version but I like the tuning capability of EFI. My problem is, there are a number of Triumphs I would like to own. Each bring something a bit different. Comparing the bonnie for example to the TBS, I like the lower center of gravity of the bonnie compared to TBS but love the big triple motor. I would probably own a speed triple, but I find the riding position a bit too cramped as I prefer a higher handlebar and mid peg position. That is why the new Tiger interests me. I need to get a ride on one. I hope you take some pics of the vintage bike show and post them. Cheers.
As well as the glorious triple engine the reason I prefer the TBS over the Bonnie is that I'm a tall chap and the TBS is a phyically bigger bike so suits me/is more comfortable.
I'd like to add a Mk 1 Speed Triple to the stable but it would only be from a collection point of view because to be honest it wouldn't get a lot of use really. Maybe when I sell my trail bikes?
As to today - spent a happy hour or so giving the wheels a good polish to go with the rest of the bike I did a couple of days ago. Have to say it looks the dogs danglies
Tigeralorange: As well as the glorious triple engine the reason I prefer the TBS over the Bonnie is that I'm a tall chap and the TBS is a phyically bigger bike so suits me/is more comfortable.
I'd like to add a Mk 1 Speed Triple to the stable but it would only be from a collection point of view because to be honest it wouldn't get a lot of use really. Maybe when I sell my trail bikes?
As to today - spent a happy hour or so giving the wheels a good polish to go with the rest of the bike I did a couple of days ago. Have to say it looks the dogs danglies
The triple is glorious in all incantations as you write but if the bonnie isn't enough...mine has about 65 RWHP based upon light tuning, then lots of go fast parts exist to make the bonnie run with stock triples at least. The twin is bulletproof and with 4V per cylinder, and with more cam and compression it wakes right up...way undertuned from the factory...super mild cams and very low compression
How tall are you Tiger? Does the TBS have more legroom than a Hinkley bonnie T100? I am tall as well is why I ask. Thanks. PS: your bike looks outstanding.
Never tried a Bonnie as it looks too small for me - probably fine to ride but as I'm 6'2" I don't think it would look big enough?
The TBS looks bigger and the riding position is fine even though the footpegs are set back a bit. I bought mine with the higher bars already on it which I've thought about putting back to standard but as I have a Tiger 1050 I'm happy to leave them as they are as it gives a similar riding position albeit lower.
Not too worried about the power as the TBS is my bimbling about on bike, though it does go of course if so desired! Performance is probably around the same as your Bonnie really as the TBS is quite a heavy beast.
Had a good days riding today. Went out early with some friends for a run around the Stratford-on-Avon/Banbury area (sorry for the place names for you guys over the pond!) and then again this afternoon closer to home to take some photos. Not ideal as bit overcast today but I'll take some more when we get blue skies again as we have had recently.
A good brisk ride to the coast a few beers last night and a ride back. carvery at the cherrytree £7.95 but very nice. first long ride on the Legend and was pleased with genuine 80mph distance stuff. boy it used some petrol!!
TOR,s sound good exiting an island and feeding the power in
Put the legend in my new shed but its a little to big. iv put this on another thread, but after some beers and talk of a hale storm heres the result. A few more beers and it would have been in the caravan!!Media File
Nice pictures Tiger thanks. I got out on mine last evening for quick run of about 30 miles through the local twisties and it was a blast. The weather is finally turning here and it has been a long winter. I never really considered the size difference between the bonnie and TBS but perhaps you are right, the TBS is the bigger bike. Perhaps it is bigger where it matters as well...taller. You and I are the same height and you probably derive our height like many taller people...in the legs. I have experimented in fact with Hyde rearsets on the bonnie and they were too cramped. I also tried lowering the midsets and I missed the ground clearance more than appreciated the extra legroom. One dynamic of the bonnie is, one can sit farther back on the long ironing board style seat and this affords a bit more leg room.
A question about legroom between your Tiger 1050 and TBS. Does the TBS have as much legroom as the Tiger? To me the Tiger is one of the most comfortable bikes because it is so tall. The higher CG of the Tiger compromises handling a bit of course but for guys like us it is probably worth it. Thanks again.
flapinflares - hail storm, you should have stayed in the Midlands/Leicester area! Whereabouts on the coast were you?
Agree with the exhausts (though mine aren't TOR's but stainless), though on my first run I'd forgotten my ear-plugs and if I wound it on it was a bit too noisy really along with the wind noise.
Second run had ear-plugs in and as I was on my own was happy cruising along at 65/70 and it sounded sweet
T100 - The Tiger does have a bit more legroom but the footrests are also set back a bit but I find it fine. On another forum some guys have made it more relaxed by lowering the footpegs but it is a trade-off because as you have said you have to watch the ground clearance. Triumph do a higher seat but I have toured extensively, two-up, with the standard seat and not really found it a problem.
I have the dual seat for the TBS as well but I can't sit any further back as I usually have the wife on the back when it's fitted! The single seat was recovered by a previous owner to provide more padding so the seat height is OK though still slightly lower than the dual seat. To be totally original I did buy a new single seat. And for real comfort, though they do look a bit iffy I bought a King & Queen seat - doesn't really go with the Sport image though May put it on with the panniers for touring.
The TBS does feel slighly cramped coming off the Tiger but if it was the only bike I rode I wouldn't really notice it and once I've done a few miles I forget about it.
Nice bike Owd...congrats. A question since you own both the new Tiger 800 which I have heard many say is better overall bike than its big brother the Tiger 1050...what is the power difference like compared to your Thruxton? After riding the Tiger 800 does your Thrux feel down on power?
Cheers.
Apologies for taking so long to get back on your post, I haven't looked at the site for a week or so.
I rode the 1050 Tiger some years ago and thought it was a great bike but it was just too tall for me, hence I bought a 1050 ST. When the 800 came along I tried it out and found it to be one of the best balanced motorcycles I have ever ridden.
Performance is adequate, certainly for police state UK roads, handling is wonderful. It is a very different riding experience to the Thruxton which I took out for a 270 mile blast on Friday. My Thruxton has been tuned so it's a poky beast anyway, it's difficult to compare the two as they are so very different. I guess the Tiger would have the edge as it has more top end power but mid-range on the Thruxton is awesome! I bought the Tiger for longer distance rides and touring etc. But on sunny days when I want to go for a spirited thrash it will be the Thruxton every time
Good comments Tiger thanks for your comparison. Yes we are highly adaptive creatures. Look at the riding position sport bike riders endure When cruising I ride wth my feet on the rear pegs which is just about dead neutral with pelvis rotated more forward. I have been intrigued by the new Tiger 800. It kind of reminds me of a gentler Street Triple only with more mid range torque and perhaps most importantly more vertical height for our long legs. So I need to get a ride on one. At the end of the day a high seat is a good thing for tall guys and the bonnie in particular does not have a high seat. I have to say the one bike that surprised me was the sprint which is supposed to be a sport 'touring' bike. Maybe for short guys. That bike pretzels my legs like a Speed triple.
she wagged her finger at me and said 'NO MORE BIKES FOR SOME YEARS TO COME' 
to make room in the garage for the Tiger which will sit alongside my Thruxton.
) But I am too attached to the Tona & Bonnie to even consider parting with them. They will get a lot less use, which will help to preserve them, but they will still be there when needed. 
) in cruiser mode and sports mode. 
May put it on with the panniers for touring. 
