My local Honda/Triumph dealer “Two Wheels” had an open day on Sunday with most of the range available for test runs so licence in hand I duly obliged.
First up was a ST1300 Pan, having never ridden this type of bike before I was expecting a heavy slightly plodding tourer. The riding position was very similar to the GS upright and comfortable but able to put both feet flat on the ground even with the seat in the “high” position. Pulling away the pan felt very well balanced and manoeuvrable at low speeds threading though the city traffic. A short blast on the city bypass gave me a chance to play with the screen. I couldn’t quite get the adjustment right but I’m sure with more time and practice I’d find the sweet spot. The V4 engine had plenty of low down grunt and more character than I was expecting. Leaving the bypass and hitting some twisties she seem to handle very well. Fast A roads being a match for the GS while losing out a wee bit on the more interesting b roads. All in all I was very impressed with the pan and as a tool for covering high mileage it seemed perfect.
Next up was the Blackbird, having ridden a Busa and ZZR1400 I kind of knew what to expect. With my prosthetic leg I do struggle with any “sports” bike with a cramped riding position therefore couldn’t really do the Blackbird justice. What sticks in my mind is how smooth and competent it felt. Very planted at speed( just made it into 3 figures at one point) but not a bike for Stumpy and not the bike to wear a Tour X as the speed rises the peak starts to flatten against the visor.
Last of the Honda range I fancied trying was the new Hornet 600. I have suggested that SWMBO might like to swap her MT03 for one but its fallen on deaf ears. What a fun bike I was smiling from ear to ear. The upright riding position suited me just right. It was so light and flickable it made my Z1000 feel like, well the original Z1000. It was no slouch either keeping pace with a CBR600F and RR on the same run at all but silly speeds. Of all the bikes I rode today this one makes me feel happy. Its just such a fun bike.
Last and most relevant was the new Triumph Tiger, I love the look of this bike it’s the only Adventure Sports bike that doesn’t look quirky or bulky. Cocking a leg over I felt on very familiar territory , upright andcomfortably high with a commanding view of the road. The 3 cylinder engine was smoother than the GS but grunty and oozing with character. Faultless in town ,coming alive on the open road. The screen seems to be more affective as standard than the GS although I suspect I would fit a taller one if it was mine. Good feedback from the front end and great brakes. The gearbox was a wee bit notchy and I found a false neutral between 4 and 5 a few times. No clunkier than the GS and not as bad as my Harley. The big question is would I have one? Well, yes and no. It does everything as well as the GS but no better (bearing in mind I never off road). If it had been out when I test rode the GS it would have been a hard choice and if I ever feel like moving away from the BMW brand the Tiger would be first in line. Riding the GS home was still the best run of the day and, for now at least, I’m on the best bike for me.
Stumpy
First up was a ST1300 Pan, having never ridden this type of bike before I was expecting a heavy slightly plodding tourer. The riding position was very similar to the GS upright and comfortable but able to put both feet flat on the ground even with the seat in the “high” position. Pulling away the pan felt very well balanced and manoeuvrable at low speeds threading though the city traffic. A short blast on the city bypass gave me a chance to play with the screen. I couldn’t quite get the adjustment right but I’m sure with more time and practice I’d find the sweet spot. The V4 engine had plenty of low down grunt and more character than I was expecting. Leaving the bypass and hitting some twisties she seem to handle very well. Fast A roads being a match for the GS while losing out a wee bit on the more interesting b roads. All in all I was very impressed with the pan and as a tool for covering high mileage it seemed perfect.
Next up was the Blackbird, having ridden a Busa and ZZR1400 I kind of knew what to expect. With my prosthetic leg I do struggle with any “sports” bike with a cramped riding position therefore couldn’t really do the Blackbird justice. What sticks in my mind is how smooth and competent it felt. Very planted at speed( just made it into 3 figures at one point) but not a bike for Stumpy and not the bike to wear a Tour X as the speed rises the peak starts to flatten against the visor.
Last of the Honda range I fancied trying was the new Hornet 600. I have suggested that SWMBO might like to swap her MT03 for one but its fallen on deaf ears. What a fun bike I was smiling from ear to ear. The upright riding position suited me just right. It was so light and flickable it made my Z1000 feel like, well the original Z1000. It was no slouch either keeping pace with a CBR600F and RR on the same run at all but silly speeds. Of all the bikes I rode today this one makes me feel happy. Its just such a fun bike.
Last and most relevant was the new Triumph Tiger, I love the look of this bike it’s the only Adventure Sports bike that doesn’t look quirky or bulky. Cocking a leg over I felt on very familiar territory , upright andcomfortably high with a commanding view of the road. The 3 cylinder engine was smoother than the GS but grunty and oozing with character. Faultless in town ,coming alive on the open road. The screen seems to be more affective as standard than the GS although I suspect I would fit a taller one if it was mine. Good feedback from the front end and great brakes. The gearbox was a wee bit notchy and I found a false neutral between 4 and 5 a few times. No clunkier than the GS and not as bad as my Harley. The big question is would I have one? Well, yes and no. It does everything as well as the GS but no better (bearing in mind I never off road). If it had been out when I test rode the GS it would have been a hard choice and if I ever feel like moving away from the BMW brand the Tiger would be first in line. Riding the GS home was still the best run of the day and, for now at least, I’m on the best bike for me.
Stumpy
