2020 Triumph 900 Rally Pro

[HeliMark]

Did a test ride on a new Rally Pro, and here is a couple of thoughts on it, coming from being on a Tenere for 7 years and 76K miles.

First is of course, it is 100+ lbs lighter. The clutch is very light and shifts really smooth. The clutch pull makes the Teneres clutch feel like a Harley, I had forgotten how much it takes. This was the first time with the clutch assist, and wow that is nice. Didn't have it completely figured out, but it was sure nice way to downshift on tight uphill switchbacks.

The bike is quick, out of the dealership, I put it in sport mode and got on it. Damn that thing was a lot quicker then I thought it would be, and I wasn't even winding it out. The Tenere stock "sport" mode seems to be right in-between the "sport" and "road" mode of the Tiger. Putting it in "off-road pro", and the dash flashes several times, and no more ABS, or Traction Control. It has a lot of low end torque, on par with the Tenere. With the 21" front wheel, it likes to turn, especially at slow speeds. The little stock windshield does a surprisingly good job, although I would want something bigger.

Negative on this bike is above 80 mph, it is buzzy. You really notice it. Salesperson tried to sluff it off as being the bike is more set up for off-road, then on-road. Yeah, no. It is not bad, but sure makes the Tenere feel like a Gold Wing at those speeds.

Interestingly, I thought of the bike as a young hyper kid eager to do everything and dart around, while the Tenere was the big mature heavyweight that could carry and do most anything, but at a more relaxed pace.

I want to ride the GT Pro, which is more road orientated. I am about 90% on-road, with the off-road being dirt roads/fire roads/easy two track/roads in national parks like in Utah. The GT Pro is supposed to have off-road ability, just not as much as the Rally. Wonder how much if compared to the Tenere.

 

[Boris]

Above 80mph it is buzzy. I take this as meaning it vibrates. With a 21 inch front wheel it will be the more off road version, which is likely to have more off-road biased tyres, therefore may add to the buzzy feel.

on the Tenere the bike runs smoother on Tourance Next, than it does on the base Tourance tyres.

 

[Checkswrecks]

Good write up. The one I saw had already been sold and the price was enough to turn me away. I also don't want a chain.

 

[Sierra1]

I don't think that I ever saw a negative review on the Tiger 900 in a magazine. Some of which preferred it to the 1200. I also like the looks of both Tigers; of course they're almost identical. FWIW, Norman Reedus has been riding the 900 since the second episode of Riding... (episode one was a Ducati Multistrada) Actor Ryan Hurst was a guest, and rode the 1200; but, he's also 6'4". The Tiger is my second pick next to the Tenere. But, there's that price, and reliability thing.

 

[HeliMark]

Well, I did it several weeks ago. Had an itch that needed scratching, sold my Tenere, and bought a Rally Pro, the triple that fires a little differently. Dang bike has been a blast, and loves to go fast if you don't watch out. So far on the few dirt roads I have been on, even with my very limited dirt ability, it has been enjoyable. With the longer suspension, lighter, a 21" front wheel, and a good amount of low end torque, it obviously handles the dirt better. The bike comes with the Battleaxe tires, which look to be an 80/20 tire, although they do surprisingly well in the dirt for what they are. When I run the tires out, I will replace them with E-07's, which work well for my type of riding.

For the dirt, I can select the ABS to be on, off road mode, or completely off, and the same for the TCS. The throttle map also has a number of modes, and currently using its "off road" mode, which seems to be close the the normal "sport" mode, which can get a little frisky in the dirt if you don't watch out. It has an open memory that you can program as you like.

One of my concerns was how it handled the freeway with trucks and crosswinds. I actually rode just behind an 18 wheeler, and just to the side of it to see, and it held its own. The only real difference is the more "solid" feeling that the extra weight of the Tenere gives.

Quick shift, Triumph has really done a great job on it. Upshifting is very smooth, like an auto, downshifting is also, although takes a little more practice to get it right. Off road, no worry about the clutch while standing. On road, curvy canyon with a lot of shifting that takes less then a second, although with the rev range of the engine, you do not need to shift as much.

At the higher speeds, there is a "viby" feeling, like I mentioned on my test ride. The more I ride it, the less it is noticeable to me, no different then when my Tenere was first new. The engine over the last 100 miles or so (currently have 700 miles on it), has been smoothing out also. I also think that I might be noticing it more due to the smaller grips, and may put grip puppies on it, as I like bigger grips. Will also be putting on 2" Rox Risers, but will need longer brake and clutch (cable) line for that.

Negatives have been negligible so far. Yes, have to deal with chain maintenance. Just did my first oil change, and I think they farm out the gorilla who puts on the oil filter at the factory. Aftermarket has not caught up with the bike yet, so very limited accessories, other then the factory ones.

Yes, it wasn't cheap, but I have owned a BMW also, so any different? Hopefully the experience with this bike won't be like my BMW one.

This bike satisfies several things for me. One, is the new and different bike itch. I usually keep a bike for 2-3 years, and kept my Tenere for 7 great years. Second is I travel around the country all summer with my toy hauler, and have been looking for a lighter bike for the trailer. Loading and unloading a 600+ lb taller bike over the last number of years has been getting old. The Rally Pro is just as tall, but is 120+ lbs lighter.

I will be sticking around on this forum, as it is one of the best around. Good people here, with a lot of knowledge. Also, if this bike doesn't work out, or I want a two up bike, a newer (Gen 3 ) Tenere will most likely be my one of my top choices to buy.

 

[fac191]

Well, I did it several weeks ago. Had an itch that needed scratching, sold my Tenere, and bought a Rally Pro, the triple that fires a little differently. Dang bike has been a blast, and loves to go fast if you don't watch out. So far on the few dirt roads I have been on, even with my very limited dirt ability, it has been enjoyable. With the longer suspension, lighter, a 21" front wheel, and a good amount of low end torque, it obviously handles the dirt better. The bike comes with the Battleaxe tires, which look to be an 80/20 tire, although they do surprisingly well in the dirt for what they are. When I run the tires out, I will replace them with E-07's, which work well for my type of riding.

For the dirt, I can select the ABS to be on, off road mode, or completely off, and the same for the TCS. The throttle map also has a number of modes, and currently using its "off road" mode, which seems to be close the the normal "sport" mode, which can get a little frisky in the dirt if you don't watch out. It has an open memory that you can program as you like.

One of my concerns was how it handled the freeway with trucks and crosswinds. I actually rode just behind an 18 wheeler, and just to the side of it to see, and it held its own. The only real difference is the more "solid" feeling that the extra weight of the Tenere gives.

Quick shift, Triumph has really done a great job on it. Upshifting is very smooth, like an auto, downshifting is also, although takes a little more practice to get it right. Off road, no worry about the clutch while standing. On road, curvy canyon with a lot of shifting that takes less then a second, although with the rev range of the engine, you do not need to shift as much.

At the higher speeds, there is a "viby" feeling, like I mentioned on my test ride. The more I ride it, the less it is noticeable to me, no different then when my Tenere was first new. The engine over the last 100 miles or so (currently have 700 miles on it), has been smoothing out also. I also think that I might be noticing it more due to the smaller grips, and may put grip puppies on it, as I like bigger grips. Will also be putting on 2" Rox Risers, but will need longer brake and clutch (cable) line for that.

Negatives have been negligible so far. Yes, have to deal with chain maintenance. Just did my first oil change, and I think they farm out the gorilla who puts on the oil filter at the factory. Aftermarket has not caught up with the bike yet, so very limited accessories, other then the factory ones.

Yes, it wasn't cheap, but I have owned a BMW also, so any different? Hopefully the experience with this bike won't be like my BMW one.

This bike satisfies several things for me. One, is the new and different bike itch. I usually keep a bike for 2-3 years, and kept my Tenere for 7 great years. Second is I travel around the country all summer with my toy hauler, and have been looking for a lighter bike for the trailer. Loading and unloading a 600+ lb taller bike over the last number of years has been getting old. The Rally Pro is just as tall, but is 120+ lbs lighter.

I will be sticking around on this forum, as it is one of the best around. Good people here, with a lot of knowledge. Also, if this bike doesn't work out, or I want a two up bike, a newer (Gen 3 ) Tenere will most likely be my one of my top choices to buy.

Dont know about this 900 but had Rox anti vibe on my 800 Road which i think were 2- 1/4 inch and the cables were ok. Had to loosen the brake line at the lever to give it a bit more but had no problem.

 

[HeliMark]

Dont know about this 900 but had Rox anti vibe on my 800 Road which i think were 2- 1/4 inch and the cables were ok. Had to loosen the brake line at the lever to give it a bit more but had no problem.

Already tried, and unfortunately, no way. The brake line is way too tight, and no way to make it work. Clutch line is almost as bad. The electrical lines will be fine.

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