Decision Time -- Any Input Welcome!
- Thread starter SarahP
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After riding for so many years these are thing that you don't think about useless really applying the mind, this one sort of just slipped my mind
It is something that you do really need to consider when looking at bikes.
Nic800Xc
Member
Hey Sarah, I'm a bit late to the discussion, but Easter celebrations have kept me busy!! Very sorry to hear about Barney. He looked every bit part of you, and I can only imagine how hard it is to say goodbye to such a good friend.
As for the new one, talking from my limited personal experience, don't make any decision before you take a test drive on a Bonneville T 120, a Street Twin AND a Tiger 800 XR (tubeless tires)/XC (tires with tubes).
Before i bought mine, I was riding my husbands Street Twin and it's an absolute dream of a bike. It's low, it's light, it likes to do the twists and turns. Absolutely loved it. I was set to buy the new Bonneville T 120, because I liked the look, the ABS, the double front brakediscs, ... the whole package. I had all but made up my mind to go and order one.
Then I took a test drive on my Tiger 800XC and never looked back to the other models. The comfort of that bike is simply not available on any Bonneville:
- it has a high seating position (good view, easily seen by others, safety),
- comfortable (on the Street Twin I can ride for 2 hours and need a rest - on the Tiger, I have gone for hours on end and still felt fresh enough to chase my kids around),
- suspension allows you to take every bump in the road and is a huge difference with the bonnevilles;
- the bike is heavier, but you only feel that if you have to push your bike back and forth at a stationary position,
I've gotten used to that by now, it just takes a little training. Once you're riding, the Tiger is so easy to handle and it feels light.
- it's got all the creature comforts that come standard (windshield, heated grips, fog lights, protection of the motor and levers, ...); the mods on the bike are endless.
As for the height of the bike, try a lowered model, there really isn't much difference between the seat height of the ST and a lowered Tiger. I'm 1m.74 and took the first test drive on a normal high model while only having the half of my both feet on the ground. I never felt not in control of the bike, and felt immediately confident on it.
So my advice, at least try every model (T120, ST, Bobber and a Tiger) before you make any decision. Don't rule out the Tiger because of its height, because that just might not be an issue once you've tried it.
Good luck and enjoy the chase for your new bike.
As for the new one, talking from my limited personal experience, don't make any decision before you take a test drive on a Bonneville T 120, a Street Twin AND a Tiger 800 XR (tubeless tires)/XC (tires with tubes).
Before i bought mine, I was riding my husbands Street Twin and it's an absolute dream of a bike. It's low, it's light, it likes to do the twists and turns. Absolutely loved it. I was set to buy the new Bonneville T 120, because I liked the look, the ABS, the double front brakediscs, ... the whole package. I had all but made up my mind to go and order one.
Then I took a test drive on my Tiger 800XC and never looked back to the other models. The comfort of that bike is simply not available on any Bonneville:
- it has a high seating position (good view, easily seen by others, safety),
- comfortable (on the Street Twin I can ride for 2 hours and need a rest - on the Tiger, I have gone for hours on end and still felt fresh enough to chase my kids around),
- suspension allows you to take every bump in the road and is a huge difference with the bonnevilles;
- the bike is heavier, but you only feel that if you have to push your bike back and forth at a stationary position,
I've gotten used to that by now, it just takes a little training. Once you're riding, the Tiger is so easy to handle and it feels light.
- it's got all the creature comforts that come standard (windshield, heated grips, fog lights, protection of the motor and levers, ...); the mods on the bike are endless.
As for the height of the bike, try a lowered model, there really isn't much difference between the seat height of the ST and a lowered Tiger. I'm 1m.74 and took the first test drive on a normal high model while only having the half of my both feet on the ground. I never felt not in control of the bike, and felt immediately confident on it.
So my advice, at least try every model (T120, ST, Bobber and a Tiger) before you make any decision. Don't rule out the Tiger because of its height, because that just might not be an issue once you've tried it.
Good luck and enjoy the chase for your new bike.
I have short legs so have to be very aware when I put my foot/feet down.After riding for so many years these are thing that you don't think about useless really applying the mind, this one sort of just slipped my mind
It is something that you do really need to consider when looking at bikes.
On most of my bikes I can't get both feet flat, but as long as I have one flat and the other with the toe touching, I'm fine.
Most of the time I'm so comfortable with just one foot down that I leave the other on the foot peg - especially on flat pavement.
After 25 years it's quite natural now and I don't even think about it.
There so many things that after years of riding you don't think about but for a new rider are very important things that should be taken into account
100% agree. A newbie needs to concentrate on what they're doing until it becomes second nature.
Part of the joy of riding is not having to think about it.
Foot and hand movements become instinctive and it just happens - but at the same time not become complacent and careless.
kathy
Member
Hi Sarah Im only 187cm tall and have a cranberry street twin with shorter ikon shocks fitted and the low seat. I love the light clutch and find the bike really easy to ride and park and she was very comfortable on a recent 8000km / 2 month trip. Fuel economy was fantastic. Brakes are good but twin discs would be better, but thats the compromise with my preference for light weight and height. Happy safe travels.
Nic,
So my advice, at least try every model (T120, ST, Bobber and a Tiger) before you make any decision. Don't rule out the Tiger because of its height, because that just might not be an issue once you've tried it.
Good luck and enjoy the chase for your new bike.
Your post had some excellent advice. I didn't know that the seat could be lowered on the Tiger, or that it comes tubed or tubeless. Thanks, that was excellent information. And I just figured the T120 would be too heavy! And don't even talk to me about heated grips -- I love heated grips. Creature comforts indeed!
Thanks for your post, it was really informative and interesting!
So my advice, at least try every model (T120, ST, Bobber and a Tiger) before you make any decision. Don't rule out the Tiger because of its height, because that just might not be an issue once you've tried it.
Good luck and enjoy the chase for your new bike.
Your post had some excellent advice. I didn't know that the seat could be lowered on the Tiger, or that it comes tubed or tubeless. Thanks, that was excellent information. And I just figured the T120 would be too heavy! And don't even talk to me about heated grips -- I love heated grips. Creature comforts indeed!
Thanks for your post, it was really informative and interesting!
Hi, Kathy --
Wow, that's quite a testimonial for the ST! And I'm leaning toward the cranberry if I get one -- so let me ask you. You said you had 'shocks fitted and the low seat.' Does that mean you replaced the OEM seat? I've read some negative reviews abut that seat, most notably Rider magazine, that you can't ride more than a couple of hours without feeling bruised and battered. What was your experience? And what type of shocks did you get?
Hokay, here's where all you Aussies and Brits and Canucks (and everyone else, just pile on!) can feel free to laugh at this Yank using Freedom Units. You said you were 187 cm tall. By my calculator, 187 cm is a bit over 6 feet. So did you lower the seat????
Did you post about your trip, and maybe I missed it? If you haven't I'm sure we'd all love to read about your adventures!
Thanks for your post!
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S, sorry about Barney, you do seem to be taking this quietly however i know you must be PO ed about all of this. I don't know if you can do it but if you can you should ride every one of these bikes to get a "feel" for them, well maybe not the bobber.
I'm 188 cms which equals 6'2". If she is claiming to be 'only' 187 cms then they must make 'em tall on the Sunshine Coast of Aussieland. 
Me thinks it may be a typo. Hopefully Kathy comes back to straighten us out. She would not need to install shorter shocks and lowering seat at 187 cms tall.
Me thinks it may be a typo. Hopefully Kathy comes back to straighten us out. She would not need to install shorter shocks and lowering seat at 187 cms tall.
kathy
Member
Hi Sarah i must have made a mistake in centimetres - i am 5 foot 2 inches tall and have the low seat for the street twin and was never uncomfortable during our 8000km trip. We stopped every 2 hours for a stretch, and rode 400-500km / per day maximum. I think the shorter Ikon shocks i have fitted are much better than the standard ST shocks. I have started but yet to finish a story about our trip. Maybe when the weather isn't so great for riding. Sunny and 24 degrees C here -autumn in sunny Queensland. Perfect!
kathy
Member
I'm 188 cms which equals 6'2". If she is claiming to be 'only' 187 cms then they must make 'em tall on the Sunshine Coast of Aussieland.
Definitely not 6 foot 2! Ha ha only 5 foot 2inches.
From what I can get from your photo: 5 foot 2, and eyes of blue.
kathy
Member
Exactamo!From what I can get from your photo: 5 foot 2, and eyes of blue.
Turp
Member
I too am late to the discussion and am sorry you went through the incident, but am glad you're well and the desire to ride is unfettered.
Just another humble opinion. Since you have the ability to start afresh, it sounds like you're keeping options open and are open minded. What about the Yamaha SCR950 ????? OKAY! I am so just kidding!
Please don't banish me!
My thoughts, if still allowed: you obviously are thoughtful about your equipment and riding. Do you recall if you had thoughts of improving the motorcycle experience? What were they? and how can you test them before buying again?
Personally I like the Bonneville and Street Twin because they provide a very neutral platform for modifying to suit riding preferences/desires. They can be dressed up to tour, cafe'd out, or raised and treaded up to nudge them off payment for some exploring. As a rider, weighing in at an athletic 200lbs +, my T100 manages me and my adult sized daughter just fine. I don't see any power issues on the air cooled Bonnevilles.
I wish you well and hope your search goes well.
Just another humble opinion. Since you have the ability to start afresh, it sounds like you're keeping options open and are open minded. What about the Yamaha SCR950 ????? OKAY! I am so just kidding!
Please don't banish me! My thoughts, if still allowed: you obviously are thoughtful about your equipment and riding. Do you recall if you had thoughts of improving the motorcycle experience? What were they? and how can you test them before buying again?
Personally I like the Bonneville and Street Twin because they provide a very neutral platform for modifying to suit riding preferences/desires. They can be dressed up to tour, cafe'd out, or raised and treaded up to nudge them off payment for some exploring. As a rider, weighing in at an athletic 200lbs +, my T100 manages me and my adult sized daughter just fine. I don't see any power issues on the air cooled Bonnevilles.
I wish you well and hope your search goes well.
Well, have you decided yet Sarah?
Don't mean to rush you, but we're waiting here.
Don't mean to rush you, but we're waiting here.
Q there is another thread where she bought the Street Twin (picture too) and is slowly breaking it in.Well, have you decided yet Sarah?
Don't mean to rush you, but we're waiting here.
Darn, I must be losing it.
Thanks Rocky
Thanks Rocky
