Triumph Tiger Rally Pro

LJM

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Well, after test riding KTM's, 790s, 1290SAS & an AT I test rode a Tiger Rally and was super impressed with build quality, suspension & the motor the bike was a really nice to ride. So impressed I ordered one unfortunately I won't get it until November.
After 6 years with my 2014 ES I was looking for change I really enjoyed the ST and if was going to plan a lot high mileage trips I couldn't think of better bike. With Rally Pro I'm going to do some off roading & since it's a lot lighter than the ST it will be easier to ride. The Tiger is kinda like a small quick ST some say it is a small BMW GS ?? I had to sell my ST to fund the new ride & was sad to see it go been regretting selling it but you know as they say you only live once. Anybody else here ridden the Rally is so I'd like to here your thoughts. My comparison to the ST is, (take it with a grain of salt as I only had about a 10-15 mile ride on the Rally)
Motor- about the same HP but Tiger is quicker due to weight difference & torque curve, around town off road Tiger wins Highway ST wins
Gear Box - Tiger all the way I've never experienced such a smooth shifting bike I really couldn't believe how nice the transmission is.
Suspension - Tiger does not have ES but it has about 2" more travel and felt pretty good on the pavement jury is still out on that one
Comfort - Gotta go ST I had a Russel day long & tall screen on the ST at least on the Tiger there was no buffeting which I fought on the ST. Tiger is about same height as the ST & it fit me well standing while riding feels better on the Tiger
Handling - Tiger is easier to turn even with 21" front wheel it handled nice & slow speed U turn better than the ST. The sheer mass of ST made it my favorite bike in the wind and hitiing expasion joints at 80mph never bothered the ST not sure how the Tiger will fare in those conditions. I'm giving Tiger the nod on handling
Tech - Hands down Tiger but it's 2020 vs 2014 no comparison.
Fit & Finish - Tiger wins that one it's a well put together bike with top quality components.
Maintenance - ST wins that one mainly because Triumph recommends valve chk/adj. every 6K miles ! Almost killed the deal for me.
Reliability - Since the ST NEVER gave me a problem it wins. I hope the Tiger matches that record.
Fun Factor - I'll go Tiger
Can't wait for November & after a few months with the Tiger I'll update this post & see if my 1st impressions of the Tiger still hold.
 

SuckSqueezeBangBlow

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I have been on the Tiger a number of times and loved it, if I switch it would be to that. I did find it a bit top heavy however and like you said maintenance is more expensive. Everything from tires to filters (and that 6000 mile thing!).
I did love the sound and smoothness but my favourite thing was the electric windscreen. My friend has one, a 2018 so it is the newer version too. Really a good solid bike. The only issue we ran into was after several thousand off road miles it would not restart. Turns out it was a little pin by the clutch was dusty and would not work properly. Blew out the dirt, put on a little grease and have been good since.

Enjoy and post some pics when you get it.
 

Eville Rich

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I dig my wife's 2018 Tiger 800 roadie. I'm sure the 900 is that much sweeter. I do prefer the more slack head angle of the S10 and general feel (maybe I'm just used to it) and it's great on a haul, but Triumph puts out some good stuff. The triple is a fun motor. Not a fan of the proprietary interface for maintenance and such, but you can get a thing called "Dealer Tool" to read codes and reset the maintenance items. I think you can use it to check the balance across the throttles.

The 12 volt adapter on the Triumph is the proper powerlet-style plug. Much better than the old-school plug on the S10. I swapped that out for a powerlet on S10 and much prefer it. More solid connection and higher amps (wired separately with adequate gauge and with a relay). Wouldn't trade the S10 for an 800 but I do enjoy taking it out from time to time.

Eville Rich
2016 S10
 
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Boris

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OP, valve clearance check is every 12k miles. Well it is on UK bikes, I can’t see why US bikes would be different.

The maintenance schedule starts on P117 and leads to a chart,

link is to triumphs website and the owners handbook. Not a service manual.

 
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Dirt_Dad

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Congrats on finding a bike that excites you. I also test rode all the bikes you mentioned. The right bike can only be decided by the rider. It's such a personal thing, and an awesome experience when you find a bike that fits your style and riding attitude. Good luck with the new ride....when you get it.
 

Boris

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OP, please give us a more detailed update once you’ve had the bike a while and got some miles under those tyres. I’m guessing that you have a longer riding season where you are in the US?

Congrats on the new bike btw, enjoy it!
 

Checkswrecks

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Look for the posts by Helimark about his Tiger.

One thing to be aware of about reviews on the Tiger is that when Dirt_Dad and I looked at them we found there are about 5 versions of the same basic bike. High seats versus low, mag versus wire wheels, suspension, etc.
 

LJM

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OP, valve clearance check is every 12k miles. Well it is on UK bikes, I can’t see why US bikes would be different.

The maintenance schedule starts on P117 and leads to a chart,

link is to triumphs website and the owners handbook. Not a service manual.

Well that's good to know I googled Triumph maintenance schedule & a chart came up similar to the one in the manual you gave link to & it showed it at 6K. 12k makes way more sense
Thanks
 

Sierra1

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Congrats on finding a bike that excites you. . . . The right bike can only be decided by the rider. It's such a personal thing, and an awesome experience when you find a bike that fits your style and riding attitude.
You're absolutely correct. I consider the ST1300 a good bike. . . . the FJR a great bike. . . . and the Tenere as the best bike. I've always considered myself an "average joe". I guess that's why I don't understand why everybody doesn't feel the same. But, you're right. . . . personal thing. A lot of it likely has to do with what a person's bike history is. If a person is coming from less than a liter bike, the T12 probably is a handful. I also think a lot of guys want the the advantages of the liter bike, but want the feel of their old 650. Everything is a trade off. Ya' just gotta figure how much you are willing to trade off.
 

HeliMark

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Tennessee
Well, after test riding KTM's, 790s, 1290SAS & an AT I test rode a Tiger Rally and was super impressed with build quality, suspension & the motor the bike was a really nice to ride. So impressed I ordered one unfortunately I won't get it until November.
After 6 years with my 2014 ES I was looking for change I really enjoyed the ST and if was going to plan a lot high mileage trips I couldn't think of better bike. With Rally Pro I'm going to do some off roading & since it's a lot lighter than the ST it will be easier to ride. The Tiger is kinda like a small quick ST some say it is a small BMW GS ?? I had to sell my ST to fund the new ride & was sad to see it go been regretting selling it but you know as they say you only live once. Anybody else here ridden the Rally is so I'd like to here your thoughts. My comparison to the ST is, (take it with a grain of salt as I only had about a 10-15 mile ride on the Rally)
Motor- about the same HP but Tiger is quicker due to weight difference & torque curve, around town off road Tiger wins Highway ST wins
Gear Box - Tiger all the way I've never experienced such a smooth shifting bike I really couldn't believe how nice the transmission is.
Suspension - Tiger does not have ES but it has about 2" more travel and felt pretty good on the pavement jury is still out on that one
Comfort - Gotta go ST I had a Russel day long & tall screen on the ST at least on the Tiger there was no buffeting which I fought on the ST. Tiger is about same height as the ST & it fit me well standing while riding feels better on the Tiger
Handling - Tiger is easier to turn even with 21" front wheel it handled nice & slow speed U turn better than the ST. The sheer mass of ST made it my favorite bike in the wind and hitiing expasion joints at 80mph never bothered the ST not sure how the Tiger will fare in those conditions. I'm giving Tiger the nod on handling
Tech - Hands down Tiger but it's 2020 vs 2014 no comparison.
Fit & Finish - Tiger wins that one it's a well put together bike with top quality components.
Maintenance - ST wins that one mainly because Triumph recommends valve chk/adj. every 6K miles ! Almost killed the deal for me.
Reliability - Since the ST NEVER gave me a problem it wins. I hope the Tiger matches that record.
Fun Factor - I'll go Tiger
Can't wait for November & after a few months with the Tiger I'll update this post & see if my 1st impressions of the Tiger still hold.
Congrats on your purchase. I bought a Rally Pro in May, and currently have 9K miles on it. You can read some of my impressions in this previous thread: https://www.yamahasupertenere.com/index.php?threads/2020-triumph-900-rally-pro.28202/

At a little over 9K miles on it, I do have to say it has been pretty good, and off road, it has been a lot of fun. Losing 150 lbs from the S10, sure helped, and with the 21" front and longer suspension, it is easier for my minimal off road skills. I am surprised at how well the stock tires do in the dirt, and after a trip next week with it, will be replacing them with Dunlap mission tires.

The valve check is at 12K miles, and I am interested in how that goes on mine. As the engine has loosened up, the valves sure have gotten a little "chatty" to say the least. Chain maintenance, is chain maintenance, not bad so far, and I have not had to adjust it yet. All I have done so far is at the end of a ride, hit it will lube, and when it is looking pretty dirty, clean it. Using the newer wax type of chain lube, it isn't that messy at all.

The tranny is really good. Shifts smooth, and the quick shifter is great. Oh, that quick shifter, and letting the triple do a little "singing" helps one let out the hooligan in you. I rate the Rally Pro, like the S10, they really shouldn't be that good in the curves. Was on the "back of the dragon" in the Smokies last week, and luckily no po-po's where I was.

I still do not like the vibrations in the bars. Not real bad, but with carpal tunnel in my right hand, I would sure like to have less of it.

When you pick up your bike, make sure you check that the bluetooth is working on it. Triumph apparently does not activate it at the factory, and the dealers don't check. Mine wasn't, but I knew about it, and they turned it on when I asked, but a lot of people have gone home, only to return to have the dealer turn it on.

I also agree with you on the S10. If I were to do longer distance rides, or have a passenger a fair amount of time, no question a S10 would be in my garage again. I put 76K miles on mine, and absolutely loved the bike, and now watching what, if anything on a Gen 3.

Any other questions, I can anwer shoot away.
 

LJM

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Sonoma County CA
Congrats on your purchase. I bought a Rally Pro in May, and currently have 9K miles on it. You can read some of my impressions in this previous thread: https://www.yamahasupertenere.com/index.php?threads/2020-triumph-900-rally-pro.28202/

At a little over 9K miles on it, I do have to say it has been pretty good, and off road, it has been a lot of fun. Losing 150 lbs from the S10, sure helped, and with the 21" front and longer suspension, it is easier for my minimal off road skills. I am surprised at how well the stock tires do in the dirt, and after a trip next week with it, will be replacing them with Dunlap mission tires.

The valve check is at 12K miles, and I am interested in how that goes on mine. As the engine has loosened up, the valves sure have gotten a little "chatty" to say the least. Chain maintenance, is chain maintenance, not bad so far, and I have not had to adjust it yet. All I have done so far is at the end of a ride, hit it will lube, and when it is looking pretty dirty, clean it. Using the newer wax type of chain lube, it isn't that messy at all.

The tranny is really good. Shifts smooth, and the quick shifter is great. Oh, that quick shifter, and letting the triple do a little "singing" helps one let out the hooligan in you. I rate the Rally Pro, like the S10, they really shouldn't be that good in the curves. Was on the "back of the dragon" in the Smokies last week, and luckily no po-po's where I was.

I still do not like the vibrations in the bars. Not real bad, but with carpal tunnel in my right hand, I would sure like to have less of it.

When you pick up your bike, make sure you check that the bluetooth is working on it. Triumph apparently does not activate it at the factory, and the dealers don't check. Mine wasn't, but I knew about it, and they turned it on when I asked, but a lot of people have gone home, only to return to have the dealer turn it on.

I also agree with you on the S10. If I were to do longer distance rides, or have a passenger a fair amount of time, no question a S10 would be in my garage again. I put 76K miles on mine, and absolutely loved the bike, and now watching what, if anything on a Gen 3.

Any other questions, I can anwer shoot away.
Nice info. & bluetooth tip thanks, my dealer is 2 1/2hrs away ! And 9K new bike model & no problems sounds real good compared to what you read on the net about some of the other ADV bikes out there.
Sounds like your pretty happy for what you gave up on the ST and got on the Tiger, I think that's exactly how I'm gonna feel.
 

HeliMark

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Tennessee
Nice info. & bluetooth tip thanks, my dealer is 2 1/2hrs away ! And 9K new bike model & no problems sounds real good compared to what you read on the net about some of the other ADV bikes out there.
Sounds like your pretty happy for what you gave up on the ST and got on the Tiger, I think that's exactly how I'm gonna feel.
I am happy for now, and what I am doing, but not sure I would say I gave up anything. Both are good for the weight class they are in, and are pretty similar in that they are in the middle of the "pack". Do everything well, but not great on any one thing.

Here is a pic of mine in the wild to wet your whistle.
 

LJM

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Sonoma County CA
OP, please give us a more detailed update once you’ve had the bike a while and got some miles under those tyres. I’m guessing that you have a longer riding season where you are in the US?

Congrats on the new bike btw, enjoy it!
OK, only had it a week & very very happy with it ! On the road it handles real well a bit different than the ST its more nimble, turns quicker, accelerates quicker and the suspension is better. The ST is a more relaxed ride with that large torque curve in the twistys you could let the RPM's drop and still rail the corner exit in a gear too high no problem, so far it seems I'm shifting more on the RP (but that may be due to me still breaking in the motor & keeping under 6K). All though shifting more on the RP isn't a downside due the quick shifter which I absolutely love it is a really a cool feature. On the freeway the RP is real nice some complain about handle bar Buzz but at 75-85 mph (dash speed) I don't find it any real difference from the ST, wind noise about the same as the ST but no buffeting which I had big time on the ST. Around town the RP is easier to ride due it's smaller size I'm 63 years old & moving around a much lighter bike is great.
Overall I'd say the the Triumph is a more refined ride, it rides smoother, shifts smoother, accelerates & decelerates smoother (the best shifting gear box I've ever rode). You feel very connected to the road on The Triumph if that makes sense.
With that said I traded the ST for the RP's off-road capabilities & very few off road miles so far but in the 1st 10 minutes of dirt on the RP I noticed a major upgrade over the ST, with the 21" front wheel, 9" of travel, lighter weight & ride mode where TC is designed for for the dirt it's very confidence inspiring just a big s- eating grin while sliding it around I'm sure with some decent tires it's only get better.
I kinda regetted selling the ST bike was great & paid for ! If I was going to ride across the US a few times or that type of riding I would of stuck wih the ST. Anyway for anyone looking for a new ADV bike I highly suggest a test ride on a Triumph Tiger 11-5-20.jpg
 

Boris

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LJM, Thanks for the update, good to hear that there’s so many positives. There’s lots in your write up that appeals to me. I very much like the look of the Tiger 900 and the spec looks ideal, will have to get myself a test ride.

Glad you’re enjoying your new bike.
 

HeliMark

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Tennessee
OK, only had it a week & very very happy with it ! On the road it handles real well a bit different than the ST its more nimble, turns quicker, accelerates quicker and the suspension is better. The ST is a more relaxed ride with that large torque curve in the twistys you could let the RPM's drop and still rail the corner exit in a gear too high no problem, so far it seems I'm shifting more on the RP (but that may be due to me still breaking in the motor & keeping under 6K). All though shifting more on the RP isn't a downside due the quick shifter which I absolutely love it is a really a cool feature. On the freeway the RP is real nice some complain about handle bar Buzz but at 75-85 mph (dash speed) I don't find it any real difference from the ST, wind noise about the same as the ST but no buffeting which I had big time on the ST. Around town the RP is easier to ride due it's smaller size I'm 63 years old & moving around a much lighter bike is great.
Overall I'd say the the Triumph is a more refined ride, it rides smoother, shifts smoother, accelerates & decelerates smoother (the best shifting gear box I've ever rode). You feel very connected to the road on The Triumph if that makes sense.
With that said I traded the ST for the RP's off-road capabilities & very few off road miles so far but in the 1st 10 minutes of dirt on the RP I noticed a major upgrade over the ST, with the 21" front wheel, 9" of travel, lighter weight & ride mode where TC is designed for for the dirt it's very confidence inspiring just a big s- eating grin while sliding it around I'm sure with some decent tires it's only get better.
I kinda regetted selling the ST bike was great & paid for ! If I was going to ride across the US a few times or that type of riding I would of stuck wih the ST. Anyway for anyone looking for a new ADV bike I highly suggest a test ride on a Triumph View attachment 73127
Congrats on the bike. Once you break it in, you will find that you do not have to shift as much. It has a pretty broad tach range, and the higher the RPM, the nicer on the twisties it is with the triple.

I currently have 11K miles on mine, and my chain has not needed to be adjusted, just clean it when it looks bad, and lube it every other ride or so. I am taking mine in next week for its 12K mile service that includes its first valve check. A little early, but my tires are shot, and the rear tire has a slow leak that isn't worth fixing again, so just going to get it all done now. New Dunlap Mission going on.
 
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