Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro | Owner's Insight Pros & Cons | The Best Middleweight Adventure Bike!
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 12 มี.ค. 2022
- Is this the best Middle-weight Adventure bike on the market? Join me as I ride George's Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro and hear all the things that he loves, and that bug him about the bike!
Follow Me on Instagram! - samvbikes
Follow George on Instagram! - TheMotoGeorge
Get 10% Off Custom Fit Guard's moulded ear plugs with code
'SAMV10'
customfitguards.com/?ref=jBXy...
Get 500 Bikestop Points using the code 'SAMV' at checkout with any Bikestop purchase!
www.bikestop.co.uk/SamVincent
Gear;
Helmets - Arai Tour X4
Summer Gear - Richa Daytona 60s and Revit Lombard 2 Cordura Jeans
Touring Gear - Halvarssons Walkyr Jacket and Wish Trousers
Boots - Daytona Roadstar GTX, Sidi Adventure 2 and Daytona AC Classics in Brown
Gloves - Knox Handroid Pod Mk2, Dainese Corbin D-Dry, Gerbing X12 heated gloves
Camera Set Up;
Main Camera - GoPro Hero 9 Black
B Camera - GoPro Hero 8 Black
Drone - DJI Mavic Mini (1st edition)
Enjoy! - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
This was really fun, you guys make a great team ! 👌🏻
Thank you bud!
You two make good videos together, good friendly banter. May it continue going forward in future videos.
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed the vid
Agree 💯🤣
I think this is the making of something special tbf. Looking forward do more of this 👌👍
Glad to hear! Really enjoyed making it! Cheers for watching as always bud
Interesting video. I looked at the 900 RP and also had some earnest money down on a Tiger 1200 GT Explorer before getting my 1290 SAS. At least in the States, we were told late February and then May for the arrival of the 1200s. Add that onto a shady Triumph dealer and honestly the 1290 became an easy choice. With all of that said, I hope you get to ride your dad's 1200 as I would be curious how they compare.
I had already ordered my 1290 by the time the 1200 was announced but it does seem like a good contender. I do think I'd miss the unhinged aspect of the KTM.. true wild-child which is addictive to ride! Will be very interested to see how it compares. Will see if I can convince my dad to let me have a go haha!
Great comparison test Sam. The triumph is a good bike and they cater for short legs too but my mind keeps coming back to the GS.
Thank you! The 1250gs is great for that low centre of gravity!
@@SamVBikes that low c of g makes life much easier and with the low chassis option I can get my feet down. I'm on my toes with my blade, which, coupled with arthritic knees, hip and foot would make things expensive if my knee gave way at the wrong moment.
Definitely! Even without that, and if we both had a few more inches in height (no comment about other inches needed 😂), having lower weight makes it so much easier to handle slow speeds. And to pick up when you do have the misfortune of dropping
Sam, I hope you do a comparison between the 900 and your Dad's 1200? I'd love to see that.
Not a bad idea! I'll see if I can source another bike
You guys are hilarious! Great review. I thought I heard you correctly, when you said you sit on top of the Triumph as opposed to into the bike like on the KTM 1290? That's one thing I don't like about my 18' Street Triple 765 R, as opposed to my old 13' Street Triple 675 S. I'm thinking of upgrading to the Tiger 900, but not if that seating position is similar to my Street now.
Haha thank you! The tiger 900 is a cracking bike but yes, you definitely sit more on top of it. The KTM feels like you're surrounded by it a bit more. It won't be anywhere near as obvious as your street triple, but it's definitely worth a test ride to see if you like it or not! Thanks for watching
They do say you sit in the 900 GT , if that helps .
i had the galaxy s10+ and i had no problem connecting to my Triumph Tiger 900 GT Pro. i just changed to the S21plus and that connects too. good vid btw
Ahh you're a lucky man! It must be down to that software update I'd assume then! George will be thrilled if that's the case! Thanks for watching
Great discussion guys. Thank you!!
Thank you!
Really enjoyed this lads, I think you should definitely pair up for some reviews in the future - two different bikes, half the video each on both of the bikes and then bouncing your opinions off one another?
Also, Sam - what's happening with you about 4:57 mins in?? The light bouncing of your jacket is casting a weird bra thing!! 😂😂😂
We definitely have more in the works! George is really enjoying doing some TH-cam bits so if you guys enjoy having his input, I'll keep him around! I did have to cut out a LOT of swearing though when he opened up the KTM 😂
As for the bra... you should have seen what I was wearing underneath the jacket 😂😂
@@SamVBikes Hahahaha! Grim mate!
How did you find the suspension? Particularly the front? I've test ridden one twice and come away even more confused, compared to the AT and the Norden 901 it seemed very soft and I wasn't a fan about the diving under braking even with more damping on the forks dialled in how much adjustment can you get out of it?
It is way too soft out of factory. Both George and my dad have theirs stiffened up a bit. George's is as firm as it goes but that's because we ride relatively sportingly so it helps. It's pretty much spot on for me maxed out, but then leaves no room for more adjustment. The KTM/BMW/Honda etc have better out of the box settings
Good evening, yo.amazing ~ Sam-
That rally pro sound awsome, is that the us spec arrow exhaust without db killer, or the Eu with db killer?
It's the EU one so the baffle isn't removable! Does sound good though!
@@SamVBikes it does!!!
Infotainment integration with the app doesn’t work for me either. Triumph directly tried to fix it and couldn’t. This is pretty straightforward and a core bit of functionality they market.
Agreed! A few people have said a software update solved it but it shouldn't be sold without at least working for the majority of consumers!
I’ve owned a 1290SA since 2019 and still enjoy riding it however I’ve just added a 2024 900 Rally Pro to my garage. Now I’m busy cutting weight from the KTM since the Triumph has made me conscious of how bloated I allowed the 1290 to become. Gone is the steel bash plate, the top box, the unused pillion pegs and pannier mountings, the comprehensive toolkit and cleaning materials and I’m on a diet too. The Triumph is lovely but there is nothing quite like that KTM engine.
Haha! Yeah I know the feeling! Ended up doing the same with my 1290. Although I've added weight in other areas like crash bars!
That's quite a garage you have there!
@@SamVBikes There is the electric pushbike too. I built that during Covid and it’s a hoot although not exactly compliant with His Majesties’ specifications. I’ve shed about 12Kg from the KTM just by removing stuff that I thought was cool but served no purpose.
@chrisbeale9022 haha! See many of those in London going faster than 90% of the traffic 😂.
12kg is a very decent lump to knock off. It's such a satisfying feeling isn't it
@@SamVBikes It is. I wonder how many other riders are bolting stuff from the accessory brochures and TH-cam influencers onto their bikes without considering the impact on handling. I rather stupidly carried a 4Kg piece of electronics up to Oulton Park in my top box along with a tank bag with tools (I'm the chap responsible for those pesky drive-by noise meters). The KTM handled like a pig and I ended up having to fuel to half a tank to make it reasonably safe.
@chrisbeale9022 corr I bet that wasn't fun being so high up on the bike!! I try to replace like for like at very least. If I add something, find something of similar weight to take off. Add crash bars, take off pillion pegs etc
The Bluetooth connectivity with the Triumph app is non-existent. And the turn indicator switch vs the screen switch is a pain as well. Way to close or similar. I'm constantly pushing the wrong one. But I am old....
Haha I did that with the indicator a number of times! Would be nice if the BT worked!
If you have to give points from 0 to 10 for the quickshifter, how many for the Tiger 900 and how many for the KTM 1290?
Cheers!
Interesting question! I'd say the Tiger is a solid 8/10 - it's very smooth but still a triple so isn't quite a seamless as an inline 4. The KTMs one has got to be around a 6 or 7 I'd say. Can be absolutely perfect, but also can he quite clunky and is a little oversensitive. Definitely need to be closer to the ideal revs for the KTM. But you can use it with cruise control on without it cancelling, so that's a big plus
@@SamVBikes Thanks for the answer. How about the QS of the R1250GS you tested, how many points?
I'd say that's very much similar to the KTM. You have to be in the ideal revs. I'd say it would drop a point for the whiplash I got from 1st to 2nd though 😂
Get yourself on then new husky Norden 901- a dealer in Colchester has one in demo. Mark @ Ktm centre didn’t have one to try
Yes! I asked KTM Centre the other day too! I have a feeling it will be almost identical to the 890 but will be interesting to try it
@@SamVBikes gh motorcycles ltd - husky and yam. More a mx dealer, but has a demo, bizarrely I like the 1290sas but not the praying mantis look of the 890adv.
Agreed! The Norden looks far more appealing than the 890!
Reminded me a lot of my Honda 750Atwin in 2000 and my 990Adv in 2010
was torn between the 900 and 1200 but i do think the 900 would be little underwelming and less hoonagin than the 1200 coming from an MT09sp i likee the animal feel of the bike no pun intended
Yeah coming from an MT09, you'll probably miss the power. The 1200 isn't really a crazy bike though. Power delivery is very linear and its quite calm when you open it up so definitely ride it first
I harp on about screens.
What’s it like on the Tiger?
It's clean air, but wind hits the helmet. Would definitely need an aftermarket screen like most bikes!
Sometimes think you’re better off with a lower screen to just protect body or no screen at all.
Problem with a naked is that when you’re up to speed you’re hanging on for grim death?
I find it hard enough on my 650 Interceptor.
How do you find power increases . What is most noticeable difference.
Interceptor is 47bhp. I’m trying to decide what to go to next; 700 Tracer or Z650rs with say 70bhp, Z900rs with 110bhp, bmw r1250rs with 150bhp.
Don’t want to go mad as I’ve only got 1 years experience. While I’ve only got 1 years experience I’m a steady Eddie on the bike
Yes agreed! It is nice to have a full screen to hide behind when the weather takes a turn, but it does make it very hot without the airflow in the summer!
Very long answer below to your question - sorry! All my opinion so feel free to disagree;
I personally find the engine configuration and gearing set up make a bigger difference than power. A Yamaha R3 with 42bhp will feel quicker than your Interceptor because of that. Similarly, a 100bhp v-twin Adventure bike is a completely different beast to a 100bhp inline-4 sports bike!
You could potentially get yourself into trouble if you're not careful with 150bhp. However, there isn't an enormous amount of difference in the speed you can reach between those on the same kind of bikes. You'll notice the overtaking power and pickup more and you won't need to rev the bike as much. For example, I can easily overtake 3 cars on my bike in 6th gear without breaking 5000rpm, but George with 95bhp, will hit 8000rpm in 4th to do the same thing. He still hits the same speeds, and gets there very quickly, but it's just less effort for my bike with more in reserve.
Without trying to sound too cliche - if you treat it with respect and remember you have that much power under your right hand, you will be fine! You get used to the power very quickly.
Rolling on gently, progressive throttle and smooth gear changes etc all help. Plus most new bikes are laden with tech to help keep you in line if you are too keen!
Realistically, you never honestly need more than 80bhp on the road. It's ample and will easily break speed limits, but having more in reserve definitely feels like a luxury.
The 1250RS is a very user-friendly bike IMO. Low weight, forgiving engine, comfortable, protection from the elements, and a torquey engine so you can be lazy with gearing! - That would get my vote for what I use my bike for! Having said that, if I was after a B-road blast bike, the Z900RS is a great option. As are an R Nine T, T120, MT-09, F900R etc.
I'd say decide what type of bike you think you'd want based on what you use it for, or what you want to use it for - Sports-tourer, commuter, adventure, naked etc, and then ride all the bikes in that category before you choose. It wouldn't surprise me if the Z900RS feels faster than the R1250RS because it's a naked bike with an engine configuration to match. The 1250 is a calmer sports tourer with wind protection, and bucket-loads of grunt to make it an easy ride.
Hope that LONG answer helps you haha!
Excellent answer and good summary
Don’t worry about the length of reply, I’ve got the time to read it.
Need to test ride bikes, just seems difficult to get hold of them at the moment.
Been waiting to test ride z650 and z900 since last autumn; dealers struggling to get demos in.
Enjoyed the banter with George. Just need to be clear which bike is being described as you switch between the 2 of you.
Next quick question - when you use brake cleaner do you just spray on discs and callipers and wait for it to evaporate.
Which brake cleaner do you use?
No problem!
Re the brake cleaner, I do use it but not very often, primarily because I clean my bike regularly so dont really get a build up of brake dust deposits. I tend to use it mainly for when I'm cleaning out/servicing the brake calipers or changing pads. I've made the mistake before of using a contaminated cloth to clean my discs and found them lacking bite for a few squeezes. When I do, I normally use the Wurth cleaner. It's relatively cheap and often comes in a twin pack with their chain lube. Spray on and leave to evaporate. If I'm doing the calipers I'll agitate with a soft bristle cleaning brush too!
Does the narrow front tire cause any problem going over bridges with grates?
Not that I'm aware of! Been over a few and never had any issues. The tyres are still relatively wide so you shouldn't have a problem
I’m torn between these two bikes - sensible me thinks the Tiger but my inner petrol soul wants the KTM. Not any closer to a decision, but enjoyed your video!
Either bike is an awesome choice. Both loaded with tech too. The Tiger is a little more luxury, the KTM is far more bonkers. If you're a child at heart, I'd recommend the KTM. It's a lot of fun! Thank you for watching!
Ktm is fun. Until it gets broken ... again.
Mines been faultless so far!
@@SamVBikes I have the impulse control of an angry toddler, so maybe owning the KTM might not be a good idea 😂
Or a great idea haha! Maybe not for keeping a clean licence though ha!
Are your arms over extended?
Not over extended really, but George had set the bike up for him included raising the handlebars
I've got a 800xca. Think when it goes in for it's service I may book a test ride on the 900 GT/GTpro just out of interest 🤔
Do it! But be prepared for it to be an expensive test ride haha. I'd also suggest trying both the Rally and the GT. I personally didn't particularly enjoy riding the GT Pro... but love the Rally Pro. Surprisingly very different rides and the Rally might feel more homely coming from your XCA
It so confusing when u review 2 bikes simultaneously: it is hard to follow which particular bike you are referring to ...
This review was only about the Tiger, but the other one of us is riding my 1290 Super Adventure. That's on the channel all the time so regular viewers will make the connection. Apologies for that though
I really want to like this bike …
… but too many rider modes.
I wish Triumph would rebuild my Gen 3 to their fit and finish quality ; that would be THE bike I would keep forever.
The suspension on the Rally Pro is far far superior to the setup up on the Tiger 900 GT Pro. It also has an off-road geometry setup. th-cam.com/video/HimQEfDbnHw/w-d-xo.html
Cox it up 😂
@@tpilot_error404 😬😁
GS is probably the least top heave AV bike! Great video none the less.👍🏻
1250GS definitely! One of the most balanced bikes out there. The 850GS did feel it to me though. Thanks for watching
@@SamVBikes fair point! 850 is a bit too heavy my mistake!😬
Haha! It's okay I was throwing around acronyms like it was going out of fashion so easy mix up!
It's not your height it's your inside leg measurement I'm the same height as my brother 5.11 but he has a 32" inside leg and mines a 30"
The best middleweight motorcycle is… The one the new owner purchases for their pleasure.
Norden 901 is £12345 - integrated dick lights included, neat little dash
Also suoer unreliable being a ktm dressed up... not saying Triumphs are any better, but they are.
I've done 36k miles on my KTM without an issue... so ya know... super unreliable
@SamVBikes 1 good one in how many? I'm sorry, Sam, you may have been a lucky one. But ktm's are not reliable. Just look at the owners groups, read ups online etc. I had complete engine failure on my 890R. After care is diabolical as well. I'd rather have a reliable 100hp adventure bike and have my mt10 SP for the fun rides out.
My generation of SAS seems to be far more reliable. More stories of people cover 15, 20k miles without issue that those with a bike which isn't fit for purpose. This Triumph in this video had an oil leak, and George ended up getting rid of it. Speed Triple's are known for oil leaks and electronic failures. I had multiple parts go wrong on my Tracer and had to fight with my local dealer to replace anything.. they didn't so I went to one over 100 mile round trip to one that would.
GS's are known for eating through batteries and starter motors. Ducati are known for not giving a toss when something goes wrong with your 30k Multistrada. Pretty much all bikes now use the same components... same bosch IMUs, same ECUs, same batteries, WP/Ohlins/Sachs suspension on everything, same brembo brakes. Every bike and manufacturer has issues, so tarnishing an entire brand with the same tar brush isn't as applicable nowadays. 5-10 years ago... sure.
Sorry you had a shit experience but branding an entire company with that isn't fair when the rest of the market isn't any better
@SamVBikes had my GSA 1200 12 months, 9k miles in that time, and nothing but a key battery go wrong. I base my opinion on owners forums, which I am apart of on the 1290 page. From what I've read, 21+ are just as bad. A friend has a 21, 3k miles from new and his gearbox went. Wouldn't be covered. Countless electrical faults, even washing his bloody bike, he has to be careful. Whilst you may have been lucky, there's many that haven't been so lucky. Great bikes when they work 100%.also, the aftercare is one of the worst I've experienced.
I'm in the process of selling my GSA to fund a 1050DE, perfect to go alongside my Mt10SP.
dodgy amusement park... thats me 100% 😁
I expected a review of the Tiger 900, yet you talk on the 900 and then jump to talk on the other KTM bike... back and forth, confusing for me
Sorry you couldn't follow along. George is the owner of the Tiger so was trying to get his opinion of how the bikes compared and what he does and doesn't like. There's still quite a substantial amount we talk about regarding the tiger
@@SamVBikes just watched it......easy to follow! Test riding GT Pro and Rally Pro tomorrow. Have had aTiger 800R for 9 years and fancy an expensive change!!
Haha! You won't be disappointed! George still adores his Tiger
I hate tft and phone connections. I want to ride , not talk . I am a biker , not a ITer. And they are ugly and unreadable.
Don't fix it if it aint broken.
I do agree to an extent. It's useful to be able to listen to music/satnav directions on a journey though. Also it should work if it's sold and marketed to have it!
@@SamVBikes if I want music and got that can I just rev up or go get through a tunnel. I want to listen to how the bike resposes and acts on my handling.Listen to the shifting gravel. In traffic my life is at constant danger , no need for distraction.
I agree I don't want or use it for general riding, but if I'm sitting on a motorway at a constant speed for hours travelling somewhere, it would be useful. Same for the Satnav giving directions. My point was more if it's got the option to have it, it should work, whether you would personally use it or not