2020 Triumph Tiger 900 Review 

Not quite related to the bike being reviewed (much enjoyed the review by the way), but could you give any insight into your microphone setup Simon? Struggling to get a setup that picks up quality voice sound, without much wind. Any info on your microphone, placement, and accessories used to negate wind would be much appreciated!

​@@N5Gunner no probs - I use these mics: www.purplepandastore.com/products/purple-panda-lavalier-microphone-kit I bought mine from Amazon, but it seems the Panda people aren't delivering to the UK at the moment (I've had this problem with other products from small-scale manufacturers in the US recently, returning PayPal payments for some reason - might be Covd-related, might be Brexit... no idea). However, I think any decent lavalier mic will do - the important bit is the dead cat wind shield. These: www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07YYV5LRZ/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_x_IQtKFb0TYSQQY On a bike, I use a crocodile clip to attach the mic on the inside of the chin bar - depends what kind of lid you use but you will probably have to figure out a way of keeping it secure. My Shark Explore-R (which Shark don't make any more, and I'm gutted because it's the most versatile lid I've ever used) has a tiny vent in the chinbar and I hook the clip around that. I run the cable out, bit of gaffa tape to hold it down, and feed it into a Zoom recorder in my pocket - one of these: zoomcorp.com/en/gb/handheld-video-recorders/field-recorders/f1-lp/ And that's it. I film using GoPro Black Hero 7, but record the audio track on the Zoom, then sync them in Final Cut. Hope that helps!

@@writestuffmedia Thanks for the reply! I have a very similar set up (similar lavalier, with multiple layers of foam/fur, tucked away inside the chin of my Arai Signet-Q), but I get terrible wind noise still. Oh well, I will have to keep messing, it could be the way the air flows in/around my Arai. Thanks for the detailed response Simon, much appreciated!

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He has a really good podcast too...... 'Front end chatter' with Martin Fitzgibbons

I certainly don't think you'll be alone in that view. But if the Tiger was assembled in the UK (still from globally sourced components - electronics from Germany, brakes from Italy, suspension from Italy or Japan etc), would you be happier to pay an extra, I dunno, £500 on the price? Or buy the identical machine assembled somewhere else for £500 less? Or for factory staff to take a pay cut and Bloor to take a smaller annual dividend (which I guess is the other alternative)? I don't know the right answer, but I know which one I'd choose if I was running Triumph.

@@writestuffmedia I bought a bonneville new in 2001, it was between that and a W650. I bought the triumph because it was British and proudly put made in England stickers on it. I'd be far more likely to buy royal Enfield these days.

They built 90% of their bikes in Thailand for quite a few years now and most are ignorant to that fact anyway due to fact the quality of the product is no different and you’ll save money, so what’s the problem.

@@writestuffmedia Nice answer Simon, with absolutely no disrespect to the OP

Um, close - it's all a bit of a broad brush tbh, but I'd rather take a V85TT off road than a Multistrada! I've ridden the V-Strom 1050 XT off road (admittedly not much; more on the previous model) - and I think, on suitable tyres (which is half the battle) the Suzuki and Guzzi would be equally... adept is the wrong word... adequate? The retro/adventure/scrambler market is an interesting sub-genre - starting with the V-Strom (a bloody good road bike in a slightly retro-styled off-road frock), going through the V85TT, Triumph Scrambler 1200, Ducati's Scrambler Desert Sled, BMW Rnine T Urban G/S... and maybe even Triumph's Street Scrambler or Yamaha's XSR700 Tribute.

Point Doc I was thinking same thing. I loved that review as well. Like his reviewing style and seeing that Moto Guzzi close up - wow - I just like it.

Don't worry - Si makes most of us feel like that. Fortunately he's also a great bloke. I'm always humbled when I get to ride with him... but it's a hell of a lot of fun. Cheers, John

Completely agree.

Completely different! We perceive different types and frequencies of vibration in different ways (and that's before personal opinion comes into it). But generally speaking, higher-frequency vibes are perceived as unpleasant, while lower frequency vibes are felt as adding 'character' and 'charisma' (this is generalising massively). A GS has what many people will describe as pleasant or typical kind of pulsing vibration that never reaches an intensity or frequency to interfere with enjoyment (or blood flow to the extremities!). The new Tiger feels - and this isn't derogatory, just trying to convey the feeling in words - like a triple with an added lump. At low rpm, it's unique and certainly not unpleasant. As revs get higher and the 'lump' happens at higher frequency - well, that's the bit I'm not sure people will like. Because of the engine speed it certainly never becomes intolerable in a physical sense - I remember riding a Yamaha Thunderace over a few hundred miles, and it had fairly significant secondary vibration at 5000rpm than killed my fingers. The Tiger is nothing like that. But it does vibrate, and the faster you go the higher the frequency. Is it noticeable? To me, yes. Is it annoying? To me, no. But my reference is the first gen S1000XR - I was cool with it, but some buyers wanted their money back. So on that basis I wouldn't be surprised if a few folk didn't like it.

@@writestuffmedia when the vibration was at its worst do you remember what mode you were in...? What I found was, that in road mode doing 70+mph on the motorway the vibration was identical to my Tiger 1050 Sport, but as soon as I put it in sport mode, same speed the vibrations through the bars are quite noticeable and intrusive.. On A and B roads I didn't notice them, I put this down to stop / starts, bends, pumping adrenalin and many other distractions.. Your thoughts..

Ah yes, but don't forget - 'British' in the sense it was designed in Hinckley, then assembled in Thailand from parts sourced globally. We're all in this together 🤜🤛

KTM 790R wins......

Simon Hargreaves completely agree. All of us, around the globe, laughing the same and enjoying riding the same. Cheers 😎

Thank you, appreciate it. It's hard to describe the engine feel because it's genuinely unique; basically, as I understand it, the two outer pistons are effectively a balanced 180° parallel twin; the middle piston, which permits the desired firing interval, produces a secondary vibration which a conventional 240° triple doesn't have. And that's the 'grainy' vibration you can feel and, as engine revs rise, so does its frequency. I suspect some potential customers won't appreciate it; it's an issue of taste, perhaps. No-one else on the launch commented; some colleagues thought I was exaggerating it. But I wouldn't be surprised if, in two years' time, a model update comes with revised counterbalance shafts to smooth it out!

Simon Hargreaves. Yep, like I said, you’re a moto-sommelier! I’d just say, “it tingles funny but works okay” but I doubt that would spark much interest. Like seeking out a fine single malt because it’s been well characterized, now I want to ride the new Tiger just to see if the experience aligns with your description.

@@writestuffmedia I went to test ride and buy. Felt the vibrations immediatly, did not buy.

Good question. I reckon - and just my opinion - is that off-road, there wouldn't be a massive amount in it if you were on a dry Spanish trail, doing a bit of off-road during your road riding tour. It'd be close enough for personal preference to be the deciding factor. If it was a piss-wet Derbyshire bog in winter, I think the 790 R would probably be a bit easier to manage. Against the AT, depends what AT you're thinking of. The Adventure Sport is a much bigger machine and with a full tank it's a hefty thing to take off-road. On road, it's lovely and has a big, luxury waftiness to it. But the base AT is probably the nearest thing to the Tiger Rally Pro & my guess is they be fairly evenly matched off-road. Still think the Tiger might edge it, but only way to be sure is to test them - and the KTM - together. I'd like to volunteer my services 😉

PLEASE DO test those 3 back to back to find the best all rounder! 😃 Looking forward to it!

I picked one up yesterday. Soo much power compared to my old CB500X. I am going to love putting miles on this Tiger.

The previous year was the bike I had in mind; 2018/2019.

I feel your pain.

Thumbs down can mean: "I don't want similar content in recommended videos" - not necessarily "I don't like".

The engine, frame, brakes and electronics are the same; it's really the riding position, front wheel size and suspension that's different between GT and Rally. I prefer the Rally, even on the road, because with its long travel springs and bigger riding position it fits me better. But in terms of pure tarmac handling, the GT gets the nod because it has less weight transfer, better road rubber and its mass is lower (although ground clearance is limited if you start going crazy).

But, as a buyer, I'd get the Rally because really, having some sort of off-road ability is kinda the point of an adventure bike, even if you never use it. It's what separates, in my mind, the Multistrada 950 in the class - it's not an off-road bike (I wish Ducati made a 950 Enduro - that would be awesome!) and it doesn't look like one. If I wanted a Tiger 900 pure road bike, I'd want it to look and behave more like a Tiger 1050 Sport...

Yes, admittedly I talk about the Rally Pro a lot, but the red bike is the GT Pro; there's plenty of road action of that! I mention it at 18:26 and talk about what it's like. There just isn't one parked up at the end. The motors and electronics are the same, so they apply to both - the GT Pro is more like the old Tiger 800 than the Rally Pro, so that's probably why I focus on it. Also, there's the off-road element...

Yeah, sorry. I've been listening to it for longer than that - it took me about a month to edit the thing. Music is often the most contentious thing in bike vids - we'd all rather not have any because it makes me cringe too. But capturing good, wind-free engine sound to match random shots is almost impossible, and obviously the slo mo shots are silent... so music fills an aural vacuum. There's limited choice (on a budget) so I try and find something that suits the mood. And (say it quietly) I'm a bit into synthwave atm.

Sorry Si, didn't realize it was yourself doing it all. But have to say, the on road bits was a bit like music to sell kids candy, and the off road bits was like taking a chain saw to them. Anyway, that's what popped up into my malnourished mind. Actually, not a bike that interests me, but watched it because I enjoy your presentation, and humor. Thanks for your input into the biking word. Cheers.

@@markreynolds8630 🤪 all good mate

I naively bought a new Ural in 1972. I had used the spare set of piston rings within three months. While it was a pile of shit, I have fond memories of all the spanner work to keep it running. You live and learn as they say!

Ray Collington I haven’t learned yet as I bought a new 2020 and it should be in today. I do not know why I choose to do stupid things on a regular basis but I have contemplated the dependability and maintenance issues ; nevertheless still moving forward. I guess owning a brand new 1978 AMFHarley has taught me nothing. I guess I’m just stupid. Ha ha.

@@stupollock6851 Well done you. Are you in UK and does it have a sidecar? Ural, like many russian companies they could have achieved so much more if only they tried to make it as good as they can, rather than as bad as they can. I might be envious and remember, fortune favours the brave. Enjoy and good luck 😁

Ray Collington no. I am in Northern Ontario. My plan was to buy in Russia and travel then ship back. I never got answers and just grew tired. Perhaps after I try this contraption sidecar 2 w d I will give up on that dumb idea. They certainly are expensive. When I look around the show room at wonderful dependability at a fraction of the cost it does tend me to think - give your head a shake.

@@stupollock6851 Yes I've puzzled at the price. If they reflected their true value. I might be tempted back to the future. Good luck

Standard unleaded is fine.

@@writestuffmedia thanks Simon, found out when I test rode ot last week. That and the AT standard back to back....my only problem now is deciding which...nice problem...leaning towards the triumph though...

Simon did you ride on the tarmac with the scorpion rally tires? If so how did they do on the tar? I see they are not standard.

Thanks, it makes me happy you get that. I basically want to buy pretty much every bike I ride, so it's easy to get into that frame of mind because my starting point is positive, and then see where it ends up afterwards. There are very few bikes I walk away from thinking, "No way." It's just a question of where it fits.

I agree, most revewers don't even mention the vibes. acknowledgeing them and explaining some may find them intrusive even if he doesn't.

I take your point. I think, as I say, the Rally Pro's superior off-road manageability is as much to do with the new engine position and riding position as much as the motor's firing interval, so I'm happy to agree some (I'd hesitate to say 'all') of the engine's contribution is psychosomatic. But I know which I'd find easier to ride though a bog in the Peaks (maybe not by much, but I'll take help where I can find it off-road). I guess like any motor, on road or off, less torque is always more manageable wherever in the revs it peaks - but it's not as much fun; the key is being able to use it for a given level of skill - off road, regardless of torque output, you're balancing engine size v delivery (among many other things). Singles have many advantages, with size and delivery foremost. Twins tip the balance, and a triple tips it even further - and let's not even talk about inline fours off-road!

@@writestuffmedia Completely on point. Great review, presented with insight and valid points of reference. This is one of the best reviews of any bike that I have seen over the last 35 years.

@@35goaltender That's very kind. Thank you!