I should have labelled which bike was which on the riding shots - the red bike is the GT Pro; the green bike is the Rally Pro. Apols. Also, I haven't got a really good example of how the new engine actually sounds - too much wind noise. But I hope on the few occasions you *can* hear it, you'll get the new lumpiness of it. There's a lot less of the classic Triumph triple whistle, and much more grumble. Feel free to ask more questions in the comments and I'll answer them if I can (offer open for a limited time 😉)

@N5Gunner

3 жыл бұрын

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!

@writestuffmedia

3 жыл бұрын

​@@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!

@N5Gunner

3 жыл бұрын

@@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!

I've pretty much seen all reviews on the Tiger 900 on KZread by now and this is by far the most detailed and best so far. thx!!!

Very good review Simon. Refreshing to here someone give such a true review of a bike thanks.

Fantastic review and editing Simon. Always enjoy your content. Thanks mate.

Thanks for the review. I really appreciate your bit about vibrations. Most other reviewers aren't covering that and I think it is worth discussion.

Great to see Simon back

Realy liked the editing in this video, especially becuase you guys supplied the firing order diagrams and compare both engines old and new both side by side and one after another to see the real difference.

@samimaakterrainy7653

2 жыл бұрын

লক

Great review having enjoyed your writing for many years its great to see you transitioning so well into video

Another great review from Bennetts, thank you sir 👍🏾💯🇯🇲

@SimonHbikes Great review, covering all the points a potential buyer looks at on a test ride, I think. Be interesting to see what a long term test would throw up! I'd also like to see more on road riding of the GT model, as that's where a lot will be ridden, in the real world. Good job SH.

Great vid, good commentary and content, solid job

As always a comprehensive review, look forward to a comparison test with the 1100 Africa twin 👍🏍

Thanks Simon for a great review and giving us your thoughts on a pecking order with the other competitive motorcycles in this market...Cheers!!

really cool and detail review with some great trick haha thumbsup bro!

As a fairly long term now (at least twenty odd episodes) FEC'er, it's nice to finally see what you look like Simon... Excellent review by the way, really enjoyed it! Despite the above however, as a baldy I found that your hair looked quite terrifying from the 13.43 mark... It went from looking quite normal to morphing into some rough approximation of the kind of nightmare barnet I would expect to see while watching The Beatles excellent Yellow Submarine... Very glad I didn't choose to drop any of my lockdown acid stash before I watched this bike review Simon. Thankfully, I dropped my full stash in one go last night during Boris' speech to the nation. As always, he did not disappoint, but I am really glad that it has now fully worn off.

Cracking review vid that Simon 😁👍

Best review of the new Tiger . I own a Tiger XRX 800 2019 , i see small things that i dont like in the 19 model have been change . Like pilion foot pags , front indicators , pilion seat . Simple things but make a lot diference when u are out in a long trip.

I test ride one of these today and wow... It's unbelievably good! My current adv bike is going up for sale to make room in the garage for my new Tiger 900.

good review liked the the bit on where it fits into the market place

Brilliant, informative review with a great comparison with its competitors. Just looking forward to the opportunity to test ride it!!

@writestuffmedia

4 жыл бұрын

I feel your pain.

Great review and well ridden thank you 😁😎

I'm liking this reviewer.

@richardbains5

4 жыл бұрын

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

Ha! Wow! I used to read PB RELIGIOUSLY, and remember SH’s eloquent sections through the mid to late 90s. Not sure if was he that wrote the article on the R1 in ‘98, but i’ll never forget the article, nor the impact the bike had on the industry at the time. 1395mm wheelbase on a thou was pure sorcery! I’m just getting back in the saddle and looking to buy a Tiger9 Rally Pro, and stumbled across this. Really enjoyed all your stuff ‘Greavesy! Great to put a voice to the words after all these years. Rubber side down chaps. E.

best reviewer on bennets

Great review thanks 😊

excellent review... again

Great review. Just ordered the GT pro in Paris. Tortoises are less of a problem than scooters here and sun is a rare event but looking forward to it all the same.

I am riding lots of really bumpy back farm roads and maybe 20% dirt and washed our gravel connectors. Nothing like single track but some rutted washed out bits on what we call "Town Roads" .. I have a short 29 inch inseam so to get a foot down means I may need to stick with the GT or even that starter Tiger .... You put the GT towards the top of your road to dirt list .At the moment I am enjoying a 2017 STreet Scrambler on the roads I love . Cant wait to try the line ...

Very well-done video & clear as always, but for me its the reliability of the Africa twin

Took one for a test ride, this is easily the best mid weight adventure bike out there, unbelievable engine, quick shifter is heaven, looks amazing, feels narrower than the old one, loved it!!!

@65BAJA

Жыл бұрын

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

Good review thanks

I now understand exactly what's new on the bike. And where it fits in the market. Will all the spec steal sales from the 1200 though? Appreciate the honesty. Still a lot of shekels for me and complexity worries me on long trips. No Triumph dealer equals headaches. Tenere 700 please. Lighter, cheaper, and much more adventurable... Think I could ride Cape Town on the spare shekels. Good stuff Mr Hargreaves

That has to be the best review of the rally pro yet Your review of the AT was one of the best too. It is one of these two bikes I am currently weighing up to buy. Tough choice. I'm looking at the standard At with some of the extras. I want a bike I can travel the world on with as much off road as possible (although at 50years old I'm no Dave Thorpe)... out of the two I'd be interested to know which you would pick??

brilliant review

This chap is the best motorcycle reviewer on youtube imho, brilliant. Should have his own channel. When I watch reviews like this with brilliant riders I realise how Sh!t I am on a bike!! A lot to learn!

@bennettsbikesocial

2 жыл бұрын

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

@thewoodster8607

Жыл бұрын

Completely agree.

Riding in Morocco is fun isn't it? I was down there last year on an in line triple. My venerable BMW K75 (1988).We had great fun. My only problem is that I can no longer get knobly tyres for my bike. I did the trip on some rather worn road tyres (now replaced). Just had to be a bit careful on the off road bits. I so want to get out for a bike trip again!

Enjoyed the video! Well done. I want one!! Lol

Poor turtle, it had taken him half the day to get to the middle of the road, and you go and put him back to the start 🐢

Great review Simon. This bike would be someway down my list and I can't quite put my finger on why. It maybe a confidence issue with Triumph reliability and wondering how many parts are as cheap as that brake reservoir. Is that crank innovative or just a gimmick, I remain to be convinced!

Nice review, nice Brits bike!❤️ Now, we will see the real “battle” in this segment between Triumph, BMW and Japanese bikes!

@writestuffmedia

4 жыл бұрын

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 🤜🤛

@jimenagulla9081

4 жыл бұрын

KTM 790R wins......

@1Mcoach

4 жыл бұрын

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

Be interesting to see what the base model is like as that is the only "semi affordable" one.

The “low” (smart) end is the Dr650 and XR650L

i would love to see a comparison between this, the f850gs and the new crf1100l.

Excellent review! And wow, grainy engine vibrations? I presume that balances with the shifter’s honeysuckle feel and the saffron overtones of the exhaust? Sounds like a Moto Sommelier more than the understated “novice like me” comment @ 20:20. Again, the most credible Tiger review I’ve ever watched . . . excellent.

@writestuffmedia

4 жыл бұрын

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!

@UncleWally3

4 жыл бұрын

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.

@billgilkerson5294

2 жыл бұрын

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

I always appreciate your reviews and the one I watch again from time to time as I am deciding about which bike I will purchase this year is the Moto Guzzi V85 review. You mentioned the V85, but left it out of the ratings chart. I suspect it would have been at the top for road biased?

@writestuffmedia

4 жыл бұрын

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.

@stupollock6851

4 жыл бұрын

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.

Hi Simon, are you wearing the Richa Atlantic GTX suit?

it's a good review. Great job. Pls work on audio, lot of buzz .

Great review, thorough and informative. Just curious, what model year of the Tiger 800 are you referencing in your comments ?

@writestuffmedia

4 жыл бұрын

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

I would like to see Simon doing a long trip in this motorcycle, like he did with the Guzzy. Want to listen about long trips capabilities.

I love the way you review a bike. You cover a potential buyers thought process very well by considering things others wouldn’t.

@writestuffmedia

4 жыл бұрын

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.

@billgilkerson5294

2 жыл бұрын

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 did a short test ride on a rally pro recently. As a current owner of a 2016 Tiger 800, I was a bit disappointed with the vibration on the handle. Everything else about the Tiger 900 is great, but I felt somehow the Tiger lost its super smoothness in the new version. May be I am too used to my Tiger's whistle!

Baffled by the few "thumbs down" dislikes. I always feel I know exactly how you think the bike feels after seeing your reviews. I get far more real-world information in these video reviews than I get from reading RIDE, BIKE or MCN (I subscribe to them all). Bad news for print media journo's but I'm sure you're seeing the writing on the wall with Bike Social and FEC as the future of motorcycle journalism. By the way, I love the way you try to pass yourself off as a novice whilst doing some pretty hairy speeds on the loose stuff. Wish I could do that 👍

@peterhatfield5632

4 жыл бұрын

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

That was a great graph. really handy to show for potential buyers like myself looking for an all round adv bike. Though I’d be curious to know how far apart in ability the Rally Pro is with its closest rivals, the KTM 790 Adv R offroad and onroad with the africa twin. Does each leave the tiger in its dust, or is the gap splitting hairs?

@writestuffmedia

4 жыл бұрын

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 😉

@k_plax

4 жыл бұрын

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

This is a great review! As far as the somewhat rumbly engine how would you say it compares to say a BMW GS 1200 or 1250?

@writestuffmedia

4 жыл бұрын

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.

@patgreenerides

4 жыл бұрын

@@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..

Good review but I wish you could have also included the Tiger GT Pro as well.

@writestuffmedia

4 жыл бұрын

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...

My next bike..................even though I bought a Honda crossrunner this year.

I want one

Is the GT really a better road bike? Or is the rally as good on the road

@writestuffmedia

4 жыл бұрын

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).

@writestuffmedia

4 жыл бұрын

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...

Kind of a comment/?, It is an,awesome piece of engineering and I was (and might still be?)ready to buy one in a heartbeat cash, now I understand uncomfortable hot engine gasses, actually radiator fan exaust dumps right on the knee I think ? Can anyone elaborate thanks

Does it have to be premium fuel in the new 900 rally pro does anyone know?

@writestuffmedia

4 жыл бұрын

Standard unleaded is fine.

@davidhyde2267

4 жыл бұрын

@@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...

@davidhyde2267

4 жыл бұрын

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.

Nice review ! But whoever chose the music should have to listen to it for a week.

@writestuffmedia

4 жыл бұрын

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.

@markreynolds8630

4 жыл бұрын

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.

@writestuffmedia

4 жыл бұрын

@@markreynolds8630 🤪 all good mate

Great video, thanks. Fantastic bike but crazy expensive. I guess they don't benefit from the economy of scale like cars do. I'll stick with my £4K Royal Enfield Himalayan!

was expecting a detail infotainment review but ok

I've always been a fan of the hinckley triumphs but, now they have moved production of all bikes to Thailand, it's put me off the brand. I understand why they've done it, totally, but I'd be far less likely to buy one now.

@writestuffmedia

4 жыл бұрын

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.

@robbikebob

4 жыл бұрын

@@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.

@gamekeeper687

4 жыл бұрын

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.

@thewoodster8607

Жыл бұрын

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

It's all about the sound. Technically, the 900 has MORE torque at a lower rpm, thus making it even harder to control wheel spin at low speeds without electronic aids.

@writestuffmedia

4 жыл бұрын

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!

@35goaltender

4 жыл бұрын

@@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.

@writestuffmedia

4 жыл бұрын

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

Review a Ural ha ha. I’d love your thoughts.

@raycollington4310

4 жыл бұрын

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!

@stupollock6851

4 жыл бұрын

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.

@raycollington4310

4 жыл бұрын

@@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 😁

@stupollock6851

4 жыл бұрын

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.

@raycollington4310

4 жыл бұрын

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

I know, everybody is thinking under the hat: "...what a maynificent ligjht enduro bike Triumph could do by eliminating (aaaargh!) just a cylinder..." P.S. I never wrote what above. If I've done that was just because the alien forced me by using their lethal psiconic rays.

Confusing discussion on vibration. You say its not bad, but then you go on and on about it. I think it's hardly noticable. The whole point of the engine reconfiguration was to make it lumpy after all. Other reports say you don't even notice it until higher than highway speeds. Going back and editing your work rather than just shooting from the hip immediately uploading your video can result in a more balanced and polished product.