Bike Test - The New Triumph Tiger 900

 

 

Those that know me will be aware that I love my Tiger 800. So when she was in for a service the opportunity arose to try out the new Tiger 900. Let’s see what the difference is and what has Triumph done, to better the great all rounder in the 800.

If you research the new 900 there is lots of information of how they have changed the crank timing and firing order to improve the bike. So how does if differ. A first casual look around the bike I must say it looks very similar. Perhaps a little taller and a bigger tank but other than that, not much change to the 800 concept. I am not surprised at this as the 800 is such a competent bike.

So let’s throw a leg over and crank it up. First thing you notice is the larger TFT screen with its multiple setting for appearance (as per the 800). Press the starter and the difference in engine is very evident.

Triumph claim that it sounds and performs much more like a twin. So let’s find out.

Pull out of Bridge and wow what a difference. The 900 has a lot more low down grunt. Yes a bimble through Alphington and it’s all very pleasant in 2nd or 3rd gear.  It is easily controllable to ensure the speed limits are adhered to, with little effort. Out on the open road then this thing really does perform. It will pull from 30 MPH in 5th and pull hard it does. You can also tootle along in 6th with little drama. And yet with a flick of the right wrist it’s off with a lovely exhaust note which is so different to the 800. Dare I say it’s more like riding the Africa Twin, but better? On over run it has a very nice burble from the exhaust and its does have more engine braking than the 800. More importantly the “whine” is gone. The 800 and my Trophy before it produced a running whine which made the bike sound like a turbine. This is now long gone.

The gearbox (like the 800) is a dream. No clunk into 1st and a nice click click as you slip up and down the gears. So there I was behind a truck not really hunting for an overtake but the opportunity presented itself. No need the change down just give it a small twist and we were off and the overtake completed.

I do find my 800 a little buzzy on the motorway. So much so I changed the front sprocket, which has reduced the revs at 70 by 500. No problem with the 900. At 70 MPH its is rotating at 4100 rpm and sounds lovely. The handling is great a quick run up through the Teign Valley Confirmed this. Stopping is also good with Brembo units on the front and a good rear brake with plenty of feel.

I did notice that the screen was smaller than the 800. However this did not seem to make any difference. There was no buffeting from the screen and whilst I kept it in the tallest setting if produced a comfortable on what was a warm sunny day.

So to sum up how did I find it? I one word -  great. Triumph have done a great job on improving the 800. I loved every aspect of this bike. Light, agile and yet would tour all day. I did not look a fuel consumption specifically but do not see it much different to the 800.

I have done a direct comparison to this new beast with my current 800. However if you are looking to move to and adventure type of bike then you must try this. The new 900 would hold its head up with all the competition. Would I buy one? Yes I think I have found my next bike when I am ready for a change

My thanks go to the Team at Bridge Motorcycles for making the bike available to me. Model tested - Triumph Tiger 900 GT Pro.

Adrian Veale