2010-2012 Triumph Tiger 1050 Review

2010 Triumph Tiger 1050

The Tiger 1050 is what you get when you combine a Speed Triple into a touring based chassis. The best of both worlds.

This particular 2010 Tiger 1050 featured is in showroom new condition and has less than 300 miles on the clock. It runs, looks and rides just as you would expect it to.

The beauty about the Tiger 1050 is that it is basically a Speed Triple that has been morphed into an adventure touring bike. It has the handling & power of the Speed Triple but the chassis, function and capabilities of a touring bike. It is a truly an amazing riding experience to have that level of performance in a touring bike platform and is unmatched. Because of it, the Tiger is at home being ridden sensibly for adventure riding as it is carving twisties. And that I might add, is one of its specialties.

Fully adjustable suspension increases its capabilities even more. Whether you plan to use it for adventure riding and want to soften the suspension, or, firm it up for sport touring, it is fully capable for the desired task. Due to a 32.8” seat height, you sit up nice and high with a clear open view over the top of most automobiles. The windscreen does an adequate job at blocking wind but is not adjustable. A relatively steep steering rake combined with 17” wheels make it very agile and feel similar to, well, a tall Street Triple thanks to a conservative weight of only 443lbs. Because of its inspiration, I found myself wanting to ride it more like a sport bike than a touring bike. The brakes have steel braided lines on both ends that are connected to Nissin calipers, both of which provide excellent performance and get it stopped on a dime. I liked how the foot pegs were positioned a bit further back to go along with the performance oriented handling. The seat offers lots of room for you and a passenger and I did not notice any discomfort.

The 1050 triple makes power everywhere you ask it to. Open the throttle while chugging along in a high gear up a mountain pass or downshift into a low gear; you’re going to get the same level of performance no matter the scenario. There are no rider modes to hinder your direct control with the throttle. Due to the increased height and taller suspension over the standard Speed III, I did notice a very slight bit of headshake around 70mph.  

Triumph included not only a fuel gauge, but also a countdown of the miles that have been ridden after the fuel light has lit. With an MPG rating of around 42.5, it leaves you with around 200 miles of range from the 5.2 gallon tank.

Our dealership currently has two of these left, both new. A 2010 and red 2012 SE.

Experience the feeling of an adventure touring bike that has a Street Triple hidden within it.

2013 Triumph Speedmaster Review

2013 Triumph Speedmaster

"More than what you expect"

One look at the Triumph Speedmaster and you might think that it’s a miniature toned down version of the Rocket III but after riding one, it is clear that it was built for greater overall usability. One of the Speedmaster’s eminent abilities is lending itself to a wide range of rider demographics. Experienced riders who appreciate the eye catching stripped down styling to novice riders who can build confidence from a low seat height and forward controls makes itself demandable to riders from all different backgrounds.

Contrary to its bad to the bone styling, the Speedmaster is a pleasure to ride, very comfortable ergonomically and actually somewhat sporty. The 19” front wheel allows for a secure, surefooted, feeling in all situations without ever giving the rider a sense of nervousness. The seat has a nice molded shape that supports the lower portion of your back which I appreciated for longer stints down the highway. Albeit any wind protection for the rider, the bike itself remains compliant and more stable than expected at highway speeds and during wind blasts.

While motoring along, the Speedmaster continually gave me the impression that it was more than capable of a multi-state road trip and all that would be needed would be a pair of accessory panniers. It is already setup with a 5.1 gallon fuel tank offering a wide range in between fuel stops and the 5^th cog is high enough to make the engine not scream at 70mph.

The suspension was a bit firmer than I had anticipated and did not offer a slushy ride that is felt on many cruisers. Because of this, it can be pushed into corners harder without a feeling of being underdamped. My only real gripe about the riding position is the long reach from the seat to the handlebar which may cause some awkwardness for shorter riders. I found the brakes  to work fine and the overall 550lb wet weight was easy to manage.

It is amazing what a jewel Triumph’s parallel twin 865cc power plant really is. In combination with a remarkably smooth shifting 5 speed, the two work in harmony with each other with a sense of diligence. The entire experience is almost electric as you do not detect any sound from the drivetrain other than the surrounding environment once you get going underway. It is very relaxing but if one wanted more sound to better match its appearance impressions, I have no doubt it could turn itself into a bit of hooligan. Although it does not have the shear grunt that a v –twin does down low, the parallel design offers a flatter torque curve making its power delivery more usable all throughout rev range. Power is more than adequate and there when you need it, but not over the top.

It is a wonderful thing when bikes like the Speedmaster are more than what they were intended to be. It separates itself enough from the America model to appeal to a broader rider network. Sometimes motorcycles will be designed to be so focused around looking one way or the other that their true intentions were forgotten. This is not so with the Speedmaster.

2001 Ducati ST4 Ride Test- (Pre Owned Inventory)

2001 Ducati ST4

For the individual who appreciates both Italian machinery and sport touring, this is the bike for you. With just over 7k miles, this ST4 is in beautiful condition and the way that you would expect a Ducati to be. The paint has a very lustrous shine throughout and there are zero dents in the tank. The frame, rims and engine are all in very clean condition as well. Mechanically, this bike is sound. It fires right up immediately with zero hiccups and runs strong all the way through. Unlike many Ducatis that commonly have some surging in the lower rpm’s, this one runs remarkably clean down low and isn’t a problem to manage at slower speeds. Take a test ride and find out! J It is also outfitted with a few tasteful accessories such as an aftermarket exhaust system which is a must on any Ducati. A high quality Corbin seat is also included which will be appreciated for long rides and the ProGrip tank pad has been doing its job helping to prevent zipper scratches. If you are unfamiliar with the ST4, it is based off the 916 sport bike and has been one of Ducati’s more recognized models over the years. Because of the heritage, the ST4 combines performance with touring capabilities making it a favorite among riders who favor a racing edge. Once you take this bike for a test ride, you quickly realize what it and riding a Ducati is all about.

Phone: (425) 774-3538

2013 Triumph Trophy SE Review

2013 Triumph Trophy SE

The feeling of the clutch alone tells a great deal about the Trophy’s character; comfort, ease and reassurement.

Despite a dry weight of 662lbs, the Trophy immediately looses half once you are under way, even when maneuvering at single digit speeds. It makes it a delight to handle in all types of situations no matter the physics of the particular rider. There is such a sense of class that can be felt all throughout and this is truly what the Trophy is all about. Whether it’s the way it gracefully pulls away from a stop without any sort of lurch from the drivetrain as if it were already in motion to the exceptionally smooth throttle transitions that somehow make it feel automatic, it is made for the individual who has no compromises.

Power plant:

The heart of the Trophy is the famous Triumph inline triple that is world be known. The beauty here is that it puts out the same power everywhere at all rpm’s which in combination with a sport tourer, works hand in hand. This means that no matter the gear, it’s going to pull away effortlessly in the HOV lane past that semi without requiring you to downshift.

Features:

The SE does not disappoint in options and accessories when it comes to modern technology and innovation. Some of the highlight features are the three adjustable riding modes, electronically load adjusting suspension, adjustable on-the-fly windscreen, cruise and traction control.

Triumph Electronic Suspension “TES”

The SE offers three different suspension settings; normal, comfort and sport. The normal setting I found was a good balance that combined the other two into one making it the preferable choice for most types of riding. Switching into sport yielded a noticeable decrease in fork dive under braking and there was no mistaking the firmer rear suspension. This setting works well for when you want to kick things up a notch and put the touring side of things into to sport. There was not quite as big of a difference between the normal and comfort settings that I could detect. The suspension did feel a bit more plush but was hard to notice the change when switched back to the normal setting versus sport.

Both “one up” and “two up” options + luggage are offered as loading options for the suspension. Unlike the previously mentioned three suspension settings that can be adjusted on the fly, the bike must be stationary to make these changes in this parameter. I did not get the opportunity to carry a passenger but it was interesting to feel the bike raise the suspension for the “two up” setting and lower itself for the “one up” setting. In the case there are going to be multiple riders, they each may create their own user profiles to store their personal settings and configurations.

Adjustable Windscreen

The adjustable windscreen is a convenient feature for the times when you need additional coverage at higher speeds, but still want the airflow around town. The screen itself actually has a quite a wide range of adjustment in itself. I found that I always put it in the fully extended position for highway riding for the least amount of buffeting but had it in the lowest setting for everything else.

Cruise Control

Triumph has setup the cruise control system to allow you to increase and decrease speeds of 1mph increments at a time which is handy so that you are not always having to make corrections with the throttle itself. The heated handgrips and seat both warmed up quickly and are a must for the cold days.  

Other key features include iPhone & iPod compatibility, Bluetooth hook-up, automatic volume adjustment based off speed, USB port, 12V power socket, adjustable traction control and linked ABS brakes.

Whether it be the headlight brightness, display info arrangement, or particular suspension setting the Trophy can be configured and adjusted for many different aspects and preferences to suit.

On the highway:

It comes as no surprise that the Trophy simply eats up the miles without you even noticing how far you’ve actually gone or how fast you’re actually traveling. I kept thinking to myself how much it felt like I was sitting at home in a comfortable arm chair, only while going down the road. 70mph feels like 50 because of how unstressed and relaxed it is at those speeds that you may even find yourself setting the cruise simply around the fact so that the speed doesn’t get carried away without you even noticing!

There is enough storage in the bags that it allows for one to easily travel cross-country without having to carry extra unnecessary hardware in order to do so. Triumph has also implored a design feature into the bags themselves that allow them to move a given amount. This is to help stabilize the bike and make the additional weight less noticeable when making side-to-side transitions.

Overall, the Trophy presents a shear sense of class in the way that it feels and is equipped. For one who enjoys doing sport touring, the Trophy live up to it's name offering every bit and more.

Adventure in Scotland

An adventure touring machine is just the ticket for Scotland.  Blasting down motorways and carving up B roads are achievable on many types of motorcycles, but it takes an adventure machine to handle the really good stuff.

Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park in central Scotland is the perfect place to start your adventure.  Mountain pass B roads make up a majority of the riding in this region with most riders choosing to stay at a B&B during their time here. The really great roads, if you can call them that, are unpaved dirt and rock tracks climbing through the mountains to the most remote of the Lochs and providing access to the most distinctive vistas. 

One area worth mention is about a 30 minute ride outside of Balquhidder along the south side of Loch Voil. This dirt and rock track will out your skills as a rider to the test as it hugs the banks of the loch past deserted crofts and old caravans left from a band of hippies during a surge in the 1960s. Eventually this will land you at the Loch Voil Hostel.  A nice choice for cheap accommodation but the owners also allow camping on their working sheep farm. 

Using this spot as a base camp will allow you to enjoy great walks along two lochs separated by a tiny spit of land as well as explore around a great example of an ancient standing stone circle. The hostel also has a row boat available to explore the lochs, but be careful as it also serves as the local ferry for hikers and bicyclists from across the way. 

If you're not interested in walking around and prefer to drop your gear and ride, head past the hostel and go explore miles upon miles of unpaved challenging roads. Ride up above the tree line.  If you can make it, be prepared for possible stream crossings as the tracks haven't been maintained in this area for some time. Though to me, that just adds to the adventure. Of course as always in Scotland, mind the sheep!

A Motorcyclist's Perspective of Riding a Scooter For The First Time

Ask any motorcyclist if they have ever considered a scooter and a majority will give an answer of something along the lines of how they would be a disgrace to their ego. Ask a scooter rider why they decided against a motorcycle and they will most likely tell you their social life has never been more prominent.

Being a motorcyclist for all my life I had never ridden a scooter before but always secretly wondered what it would be like. I am here to tell you, in a motorcyclist’s perspective, what a scooter is really like to ride and how it may actually be something that is not just solely based around being economical as possible.  

The scooter I had the chance to ride was a 2013 Vespa LX150, a fuel injected 4 stroke that gets 70-75mpg , can be ridden by anybody and is very affordable.

The biggest difference to get used to was the absence of a clutch. The bar still has levers on both sides, but the left control operates the rear brake instead. Starting requires holding one of the levers in while pressing the button and the little four stroke immediately comes to life without any fuss. To move, simply roll into into the throttle and a moment later, after the revs build up to a certain rpm, the sensation of a clutch being let out begins and away you go. I will admit, this procedure took a bit to get used to at first but after a few stop lights you easily get the hang of it and it becomes second nature. Coasting had a different sensation as well because letting off the gas at cruising speed would yield a neutral type feeling but as you began slowing down, engine braking became noticeable.

One of the most common things a motorcyclist thinks of when it comes to a scooter is passing one who’s on the shoulder of a hill. Contrary to the belief, this was not the case at all in fact with the Vespa 150. I actually found myself checking my speed to make sure I wasn’t speeding! No, you’re not going to be winning any races but the power for the type of riding that it was intended for, an urban environment, works wonderfully.

In terms of enjoyment and fun, the old statement of riding a slow bike fast vs. a fast bike slow proves more true than ever with a scooter.  The 11/10” wheel combination provides for some ridiculous side to side flickability, more than I had never felt before on any motorcycle no matter the size or the cc. It was like riding an oversized pitbike on the streets in terms of agility. I found myself giggling inside my helmet like I had just got my license while carving up a favorite backroad…all the while keeping my license safe!

I challenge you to take a scooter for a test ride. If you are a motorcyclist like me who once had the initial impression that scooters are built for one purpose only, you will be surprised to find they not only combine efficiency but secretly have a huge fun factor built in as well and that’s what riding is really all about, isn’t it?

A Sample of England's Best

During my time riding the Tiger while on this amazing trip in the UK I had a specific goal, to make it from Land's End to John o' Groats. Not an overly strenuous task on its own, but coupled with a packed schedule and only two days to complete it, it was a whirl wind tour. The schedule caused me to be forced on to motorways and dual carriage ways more often than I would have liked and it was not until I visited the roads outside of Keswick in the northern section of the Lakes National Park did I realize exactly what I missed.

Possibly one of the most amazing roads I have ever been on in terms of dramatic scenery, the Honister Pass loop just outside of Keswick is mind blowing. This one isn't just for adventure bikes either as the single track B road is paved all the way to the top at the Honister slate mine, and around the other side looping back into Keswick from the east. 

The road gives you a bit of everything from lush fern covered mountains, small lakes, winding rivers and water falls. Not to mention loads and loads of curving twisted turns cutting through the mountains. 

Should you plan a trip to England and are lucky enough to have access to a bike, this road must be on your itinerary. Even without a bike, it is well worth your time. Pack a picnic lunch and make an afternoon out of it. With almost no traffic and a ton of pull outs available, chances are the only ones you'll share your view with are the sheep, and of course they were there first.