Bonneville America Forums Forums General Motorcycle Forums Other Bikes Tiger vs. Sprint

Threw out this solicitation for opinions a while back and received some great input (as well as a nice offer on a Sprint) but just couldn't put the funds together to add another horse to the stable. Don't know if it's the onset of winter or what but I'm once again thinking about another bike. The two on the radar are of course a Tiger and a Sprint as the title would indicate. Looking for more opinions from those that have experience with either or both. As luck would have it the closest dealer with any stock I'm aware of is about 150 miles away so a quick shopping trip isn't possible. Just so you know what my situation is, I'm on the far side of 50, 6'1", 250 dainty American pounds with an artificial knee and a rebuilt wrist. Other than that I'm not in too bad a shape for a man in my condition. I'm looking for input as to which of these wonderful bikes might be best suited for a long-range hauler given what I've got to work with. Any advice is appreciated!

Thanks.

The first thing I would suggest is for you go to http://www.tiger1050.com/ and pose the question there. There are a number of Tiger riders who have also owned Sprints and can give a direct comparison. I have an '08 Tiger and it is as they say, "the best all round bike" available. I am about your height, but have considerably less "mass". I think at 250 you might find the suspension a bit soft, but that is only my sense from reading other comments.

I just had this conversation with a Sprint rider a few weeks ago. Height was the reason he went with a Sprint. Given your knees and wrist issues I would really want to check out the riding position on the Sprint. My impression is that it is more compact and you are leaning forward more heavily on your wrists. The Tiger is very much "sit up and beg".

I think in terms of power and handling, both perform very well. Good luck with your decision.

Good advice Brian...thanks.

Hi blackdog..well I can give you some input as I am very close to your Size..and close to 50 years young...
and I own a tiger 2007..it is the most comfortable bike I have ever ridden ..and as far as a long-range hauler this bike is the real deal and can do it all... me and the wife have done 750+ miles days very easy with the Tiger...
and talk about power dang this bike has it even 2 up with all our gear does not bother it at all.. just twist the wick & so don't worry about your size..

Ed

Thanks Ed...

I ride an 07 Tiger and have a riding buddy with an 05 Sprint.

The Sprints got a bit more power, but not so you'd notice when we're riding. He's not dusting me!

I'm 6'3" 240 lbs, the suspension is a bit soft, but not so bad. You definitely sit more upright, though I understand they've changed that a bit on the Sprint for 08 or 09 with taller bars and a bigger wind screen.

If you've narrowed it down to those 2, why not call the dealership and tell them you want to ride them back to back to make your decision?

If you go Tiger, I’ve had a few very minor gripes. The stock battery would give me trouble in the cold. I’ve swapped it out and am OK now. The Triumph bags are small. They look great though, so it’s your call. I would consider the triumph side bags for the looks and an aftermarket trunk for more space. My trunk won’t hold 2 full face helmets which is the only reason it would be on my bike most of the time.

The heated grips from Triumph are OK, but I’d prefer an aftermarket set up with a wider range of temps. Also, the triumph hand guards don’t actually keep the wind off of the backs of my hands.

I’ve got the ABS. It’s probably better than me in some circumstances, but the back brake kicks in the ABS way too quickly and can be a bit spooky at times.

I agree with Biker, it’ll go all day 2 up with luggage, but I don’t know about just twisting the wrist at that point. With my bags on it wheelies way too easily.

Thanks Jim. Yeah, the dealer visit seems the way to go. Still interested in actual owner/rider experiences that may not be reflected in a test ride.

The Tiger is one of the world's GREAT bikes. I've had plenty of seat time on both and like them both but if I had to choose it Tiger all the way. The riding position is perfect. Trish (editor from RoadBike mag) did an iron butt on a Tiger and could not say enough positive things about the bike.

I LOVE my Sprint S ('97) but am now ocassionally getting "spikes" in the wrist...not often , but......Am starting to think of a Tiger or T-Bird....lean more towards to Tiger.....at 6'1" and 230 the Tiger fits me pretty well.... but my Sprint is paid for and money has suddenly gotten tight so ....buy one so we can live vicariously

Another good reason...

Are you tiger fans all quite tall?

you like my seven inch leather heels, & going to all of the shows, but......do you love me?

Bill, I'm almost 6'2" and I can barely touch the ground with both feet on a stock Tiger. Apparently though, there is a 1 1/2 " lowring kit from Triumph. I've seen some Tigers on e-bay with it. But once you get moving you don't care , cause it's so dang fun.

I bet you could do it with the lowering kit, Bill. I don't think it is that expensive. My inseam is only 32. Actually I can picture it in my mind, you arriving on your new Tiger to Chy's house for the Ga. rally. Ha.

I am still trying to picture him slinging that milk crate around. I have to admit, I have looked at the Tigers with lust in my eyes but they are just a skosh too tall for me and I am just not that flexible.

I am 6' tall and can just stand flat footed when on my Tiger. I am using the stock suspension and seat.

Probably the best person to answer this question would be Ryan777. Ryan has had an 03 America, 07 Sprint and now a Tiger.

I love my Tiger, but it is a little top heavy, which I don't think anyone would say the same about the Sprint. For long distance running the Tiger is probably the better of the two.

Tom

Seems like the consensus goes to the Tiger. Now if I can just find one around here to give a spin. Might be the spring mission.