V-Strom. Absolutely no contest, amazing value for money. And as others have mentioned cheaper to maintain and cheaper to insure. Brilliant bikes. I’ve ridden a few of them. And loved them.
Being a biker for so many years now, since the 80’s, my tastes have changed, superbikes/sportsbikes, sportstourers, and now on to adventures, currently riding a Ducati Multistrada 4vs, personally haven riding all 3 of those bikes, I’d go for the Tiger, fantastic engine, great position, good hp and torque, still nick my friends, when he lets me(parks it up for the winter) but I ride 365(no car licence)
Agree totally did 7000miles on a new vstom 2020 I bought new ... did own 2 tigers,but much preferred 1050vstom.... but age catches you up so I'm now on a vogeds525x ....much lighter and very affordable
Motorcyclist 50 yrs. 44 bikes bought 21 plate v strom 650- 70 bhp. Big fellah bike has plenty of room, fast if you want or tour/day trips. Totally reliable, long and easy maintenance schedules. 2 up no loss performance because of rich torque low down but equally red line no problem. Best do it all bike there is. Bmw will cost you. Triumph electric gremlins. Mrs will like pillion comfort. Sorry am bias but it’s from years of experience and my friends that have owned other brands. The Suzuki V twin is one of the best engine/ gearbox ever. Whilst you are pondering are you not test riding ?. The v strom 650 for you not 1050 I have ridden both. Look on line followers prefer the smaller bike. The v strom u will ride and not spend. When I down sized I thought a 650 would never fill the boots. Try one it will shock you rich torque and 100 quickly if you want or tour
Ténéré 700 all day. Yes it dont have all the bells and whistles of other bikes only abs on/off and for me its the only "adventure" bike that dont look stupid with an oversized front mudguard built into the rest of the bike. Its nice and tall could be wrong i think its the tallest of them all and makes you feel like a hooligan.
@DavidSkidmore-e5t the Benelli 500cc Adventure bikes look great and although small engine they have enough go in them for the type of bikes and also for a new rider and as they are physically big they will get ya used to a chunky bike...the Vogue are cracking bikes tons of features compared to a GS or Africa Twin.
Before you lay out all that money for the new Triumph Tiger I would find somewhere that would let you test ride one. I have bought 2 bikes over the years that by the time I got to the end of the street I knew I had made the wrong decision and they were sold within months. A test ride is a must in my opinion.
I thought I had finished at exactly the same 3 bikes that you are. But then I belatedly realised that a dual purpose bike was not what I needed. I can see you on any of those bikes and be happy with any of them.
Passed my test at 59, never ridden before. My 1st bike was a Kawasaki Versys 1000. Dont worry about size. Your approach is right. V-Strom absolutely bullet proof, great choice. 4 months after passing my test did the NC500. In 6 years I have now done over 70k miles, toured Europe. Buy the bike that meets your end use.
agree, the engine size of a bike isn't an issue if you are physically big enough. I loved my Versys 1000. I did 27k miles and the only issues I had was a few blown headlight bulbs.
Hi Andy, and lovely Clare 😊 Firstly, my wife said you would look fantastic in full leathers on the Triumph 😮🤨 moving on swiftly. I have owned most modern Triumphs, 1200,800, Triumph Rocket, Triumph Thunder Bird, Speed Triple, scramblers, T100, KTM Adventure, Ducati 1200 Touring, Honda Africa twin Manual and Auto, Hayabusa 1300, Honda 1300st touring, many others, so won’t bore you 😝 I would go for the Triumph for an all rounder, they are well built and reliable. I’m 6ft and had no problems even with my wife in the back, the y 1200 were better with the extra power, but you don’t need that until you get a few more miles under your belt. Keep them videos coming my friend, we love all you videos on both channels 😃🫶 Good luck with your bike hunting 👍 Take care both Lee&Lorrie
V-Strom, no contest. Great bike. I'm 61 been riding for over 50 years boy to man on various bikes from little scramblers, pit bikes, GP125, RD400, 350 power valves up to Fireblades & MV Augustas . The strom is everything I need, from a mile muncher to an insane hooligan. I love it!! I'm pretty sure whatever you buy you'll enjoy the journey.... The more people on two wheels the better.. Happy riding Brother.
I've had 3 Stroms (as well as a tiger / versys etc). I keep returning to the Vstroms. The tiger was unreliable and hugely expensive, especially valve checks, albeit it has a lovely engine. You have the option of lowering the feet pegs cheaply if needs be. The only change I'd recommend on the vstrom is to add a Givi Airflow screen. There are 2 types of rider, those that have dropped their bikes and those that will at some point. Tell Claire - they keep the wind off your hands too, a big difference in the winter. Adding bar risers to lift the bars and bring them back towards you is cheap and easy. I'd also recommend making sure you get. bike with a centre stand, it makes maintenance so much easier. The Vstrom looks like "A", the XT has cruise etc. Check the front wheel size on the tiger - 21" is a bit less nimble and in my personal opinion (although others will not necessarily agree) the spokes are a pain in the arm
@@gasman6163 good point about the spokes! They are fantastic for off road strength and the ability to true repair etc, but they a pig to clean and do need maintenance, plus the 21” isn’t a great solution for longer road rides, Suzuki 1050 has a 19” which is a great compromise between sporty and stability.
I’ve had a Tiger 800, loved it. Plenty of power, loads of fun. The XC variant you’re looking at here is the more off-road bias, the standard is more road bias, slightly shorter fork travel, smaller front wheel, that’s what I’d go for. Looks really similar but easier to ride on the road. Have fun exploring the options. Ride safe
Regardless to the cc or style, go with what makes you feel will suit you the best. Because at the end, most bikes will do most jobs good enough and thats actually all you need.
Go for it man!! That Triumph has got your name all over it.. You will love it and it will suit you down to the ground. Don't worry about what people say about the power or the CC... you are not an idiot and you will develop into a confident rider in no time with just taking your time. Just do it dude!
Go for the Triumph I'm 64 been riding all my teen life to now I have a triumph Rocket 3gt it's a monster also a Hayabusa and a 54 plate rocket 111 I had a go on my mates triumph tiger I was really impressed I might get one and get shot of a couple of the older bikes
I did the same as you, passed my tests in my late 30s but didn’t buy a bike straight away. Went for a Yamaha XJ6 Diversion F. Wasn’t interested in speed, just a different way to see the world. Great first bike. Few years later I sat on a GS and couldn’t believe how big it didn’t feel. I felt like could ride it straight out of the shop. And I wasn’t really a confident rider. So a year or so later when my bike went for a service, ended up coming home with one. The R1200GS. It was amazing. You’ll know the bike you want when you sit on it. Tiger’s are good too. I’m just a BMW Fanboy 😂. Safe travels with whatever you pick, need to keep the St Christopher vlogs going! Happy new year to you both. In both mine from CMC bikes - they let me have test rides, there’s one in Chesterfield so not too far (bought my first from them and second from South Wales as I’ve moved to the south west. Wouldn’t hesitate to buy from them again.
My youngest had the BMW and struggled at 70mph. and he's only about 9 stone. Terrible vibrations. I've had a Vstrom 650 and rode it all over the UK with a pillion and 3 piece fully loaded luggage. Brilliant, comfortable and would run all day at 80- 90 mph.
Did you look at the Honda NC750X? There are two variants. The manual and the DCT. I test drove the DCT version and became a convert. It's a fantastic machine.
I am 6ft 3 and 15st so similar dimensions to you and I ride my Tiger 900 around 80 miles a day on my commute to work and find it super comfortable. I also took it to Normandy and Belgium this year and it was ideal , plenty of room for luggage and it covered the 1000 miles no problem whatsoever . I don’t think you’ll go too far wrong with one. Good luck with the search, look forward to seeing what you finally plumb for
I moved to USA and I bought a v strom. Only because I couldn’t afford a GS. I’ve still got it but I don’t like it that much. I prefer a bike that you sit in rather than on. And I don’t think the finish is that great. The triumph really suited you and it looked like you were more enamoured with that one. You certainly want a bike when you open garage door you go yeah that’s mine !
You'll never find a single bike that does everything, however the bikes you're looking at are in the right area to do most things you want. You look great on the Triumph and clearly seem comfortable with it. Forget about the CC as long as you can afford it and the insurance. Most bikes have different engine modes so if you have the option for Wet mode, use it for 6 months as it smooths out the throttle and reduces the engine power as well as enabling full traction control. This will give you time to learn the bike in a safer manner, when you start to feel more confident then you can change to road, sport, race modes (depending on the bike). You clearly have your head screwed on so go with what you feel is best and enjoy the process, in a year you may feel different anout what you want/need and can look again. Keep up the great content. Looking forward to seeing what choice you make. Ride safe.
Tiger got heated grips,cruise control, auxiliary lights, possibly heated seats. Had mine 6 years & love it ! Rox risers will adjust any riding position. Bikeshed show(London )in May worth a visit
I downsized (power wise) to a Vstrom 650 not too long ago and would definitely recommend one if you want something super reliable and quick enough but truly versatile. I wouldn't worry about engine size or power in terms of being a beginner etc as you wouldn't have passed your full license test if you couldn't handle it. I have a review up of the 650 if curious
I’ve enjoyed watching your journey to this point, it’s been fun and interesting. My biking career has been a long one, started at 16 on a DT50, turned 17 and got myself an RD125 (deristricted like we all did back then!) crashed it and went onto car life. Came back to riding at 40 and did a 3 day course to get my full license, so much easier. In that time I’ve had lots of bikes, both new and second hand. My last 4 were a BMW F850 GS, an MT10 (best bike I’ve ever had) an old BMW K1200r and now a Triumph Tiger 800 which I love. It’s just about quick enough, handles our bumpy roads well and can be hustled along at a decent pace, comes with a topbox which I hated the thought of until I got one and was really good value, I paid 3K for a 2014 model with 29,000 miles in great condition with a lot of extras. I can highly recommend one, it’s a good all round bike. Good luck with your decision!
The thing about not going to a bike bigger than 600 straight away is a hangover from years past when bikes didn't have traction control and engine size and power were very tightly correlated. These days you can buy a 750 that produces 45hp or a 600 that makes over 120hp. Being that bit older and calmer, having plenty of experience driving under your belt and advances like abs, traction control and better tyres on bikes these days there is no reason to let the size of the engine dictate your choice of bike. I'm a classic and cruiser guy myself. I can't say I even look at the power output figures when deciding on a bike. If I had just passed my test at your age and wanted a do it all single bike to include commuting to get the first couple of years under my belt I'd struggle to look further than a second hand Honda NC750x. It isn't the most exciting bike in the world but it does everything and is simply amazing value. 3k gets a decent one with a few miles, 4-5k for a good low mileage one. 6k gets you a nearly new one. And being a honda they are as reliable as anything on the road and hold their value well.
I too, sat on 100’s of bikes at NEC. Versys fitted me the best, no bits of frame getting in the way, nothing snagging my big feet. Comfy riding position. Bought 1000gt and love it. (40k miles in 4 yrs) Thinking of getting the new versys 1100, but 650 will be fine.
Versys 650 is a near perfect bike for anyone …not a racing bike but a tourer, commuter, twistie and mountain road capable .So agree, thought about the Versys1000 but it’s one big and heavy machine.
H, I have had all types of bikes from 50cc to Honda Goldwing and have ridden all over Europe. Getting older I didn’t want the heavy comfy tourer that was hard to handle around the alpine roads. Now riding a Triumph GT Pro 900 Tiger. It does it all, commuting, European riding and subway rides. It’s light, fun and comfy. Ideal for the older rider that still wants a blast down the country roads now and then
I think you're on the right track now. Adventure bikes really are do it all bikes. Personally I'd ignore anyone saying getting a smaller CC bike, you're a tall man and you will be so much more comfortable on the tiger or V strom. 1 big benefit of the bigger bikes that you’ve not thought about or mentioned is better brakes, the CC and power isn't a worry, you're old enough to be sensible and know your current limits. It only goes as fast as you twist the throttle. It won't take long on a smaller bike for your ability to outgrow it and you will then want to change. I'm an experienced motorcyclist of 27 years, Rospa advanced and I ride in all weathers for the blood bikes.
The Triumph seemed a good size for you - 800cc is not a problem - you know where the accelerator, brakes and clutch are 👍. Good luck with your decision.
The Tiger suits you Andy and it’s a good choice. We had a 650 Triumph Bonneville in the day and we both loved it. Reliable, comfortable for both of us and it took us all over plus it’s British
Go for a Kawasaki Versys 650cc. Just been on the same journey as you. At the age of 52 I Passed my test in October after having a Keeway RKV 125 from new and so far seems to be doing everything I ask. Fun weekend ride and great commuter bike. It’s a hard choice but worth I look.
The problem you have Andy is not getting on various bikes and actually riding them because one guy says I have it it’s great doesn’t mean when you get on it and ride for a few hours you will think the same you might hate it and you’ve already bought it and either stuck with it or take a hit and trade it back in..and don’t get to focused on the torque or BHP you need to get on a bike and ride it and compare it to other bikes you try out before you pull the trigger..TRY BEFORE YOU BUY mate👍🏻
Bring back used bike heaven with Richard Hammond. Then you could ride all three before choosing. You can still find it on UA-cam. Good luck with your search .
Looks like you’ve come to the same conclusion as me - Adventure Bike style is the right way forward - so much flexibility for different riding scenarios 👍
Don't rush buying your bike wait till you see something you can't stop thinking about then you know it's meant to be you know like when you found your wife 😂
I've had a Tiger 800 since 2016. Great all rounder bike and I've not had a single issue with it. I've had a lot of sports bikes in the past, but the tiger is a great handling and nimble bike, with the bonus of comfort. Stock screen can be a bit noisy, but plenty of alternatives available. I'd always do a test ride though - bikes all have a character and it needs to work for you.
Triumph 800 is the best value for money and a great option. I have a tiger myself and you won’t regret it. If you take it green laning you need the XC model with a 21inch front wheel and spokes and make sure your tyres are appropriate for the riding your doing. Get it bought 👍
The right bike is the one that makes you smile when you think about riding it. There's loads out there, don't worry so much about what others think it has to be right for you . And...you could always trailer it around Europe behind the motorhome 😊
One of the mistakes I made with my current bike is not looking at the availability of aftermarket parts and dealerships. I bought an Indian Chief and it's a bit of a headache. Buying a popular British bike in Britain means you'll not have to worry about import charges for parts or difficulty in finding things, plenty of dealerships around to help you out it's just way less stress. I love my bike but it's all the things that have nothing to do with the bike that make it a headache, my "local" dealership is in England when I live in Scotland for example.
5' 8" tall. Passed my test at 64 yrs after not being on a moto for 42 years. Bought the Tiger 900 GT pro second hand with full luggage. Spent a year putting into practice what I had learnt on my intensive course before I felt comfortable for my wife to ride pillion. Two years and a few miles later I enjoy riding more than I ever thought I would....... Enjoy....
I went for the tiger 900gt and it is absolutely perfect as an all rounder adventure bike. I’m 5’ 11” and 54 and does everything I need. The 3 main bikes you’ve picked are spot on for your size and age and experience. They are definitely fun to ride and easy to maintain, and great for a pillion. Enjoy which ever you choose 👍
I'm a triumph man through and through on my 4th triumph, you will love the spread of power on the tiger. You could also look at a Honda Nc750 if your looking for a commute/tour/work horse. The suzuki v strom is definitely going to be a good bet as it's been around for ages. But for me it's the tiger.
Hi, great channel. So similar situation to yourself, I have just entered the world of motorbikes passing my test at the age of 52. I also looked at the Triumph, Suzuki and BMW. It was such a hard choice. I ended up with a Suzuki GSX8S with the idea of gaining experience on that and then moving to a Vstrom or Triumph Tiger. However since riding the GSX8S and doing some touring on that, I love it. Its perfect for my needs at the moment. But every week I change my mind when I see other bikes. I was thinking about a Scrambler 1200XE last week. But I seem to always come back to my GSX8S. So for me, I suppose really there are so many bikes available, there isn’t one perfect bike. They are nearly all perfect depending on your needs. I think whatever you get will be personal to you and the main thing it will put smiles on your face.
Clair’s spot on you won’t get everything in one bike but you’ve pitched yourself very nicely with the Triumph, not too big an engine yet a good strong engine that’ll probably do as much as you will ever need. If the bike makes you feel good and makes you happy then maybe you’ve found your rainbows end certainly for the meantime. You can spend your whole life umm’ing and arr’ing but eventually you have to make your choice. Great fun to watch as a viewer by the way 😂
@@bikerofatlantis don't forget about mt10 or similar. Cracking fast bikes that give a thrill. I ride a R1 and sometimes get envy of my friends on sit up bikes that are just as quick on UK roads. The best thing is to ride them all and see.
I have a Honda Africa twin 750 on an 03 plate , it’s one of the best bikes I have had , regularly do 400 plus mile days plus Europe touring, I also have a 2011 blade again comfortable easy do 400 plus miles on that in a day , don’t be frighten of getting an older bike , best of luck , and a happy new year to you both 👍👍👍
I’ve got a 2019 tracer 900 GT. great for commuting, around the lanes and also long distance. I personally think the tracer is one of the best bikes for the money.
I ve got my Mod 2 at the end of January. My instructor actively encouraged me to go for a bigger bike. Reckons it will help my growth as a rider. Speed up my progress from beginner to more advanced rider. ??? On that basis Santa brought me an XSR900. 😳
You make my day every time you post. So... a few points to mention: Yes, you get on adventure bikes with your left foot on the left peg first. The other foot goes over the bike easy after that. I'm glad you narrowed it down to 3. I'm a GS guy but the triumph looks amazing for you. If you still not sure, make a poll for viewers to vote 😁. But I find all 3 bikes very cool. No, it's not a mistake to get an adventure bike. You're gonna have a lot of fun. With the 800 you won't have any problems going with Claire thru Europe + lagguage. I also made a poor decision by buying a BMW car when I was younger. But I feel like with bikes its not the same. They are worth every penny. Every single one of them. "Asfalt uscat!" We say in romanian which means: Have a dry road. --> get safe home
You look best on the Triumph in my opinion, right size for you. Crash bars already installed, very nice, saves you denting the tank. Aux lights also good, both for you to see better but also for increasing your visibility for others. Big bikes also have more presence, makes them easier to see. Top box is really useful, saves you lugging your helmet with you once you have parked up and want to go for a walk. Panniers are excellent too, put all your gear in them and swap your riding gear for normal clothes when you go for a walk once you have reached your destination. Don't worry about the engine size, 40-48hp and up is sufficient for most rides. I rented a 96hp Africa Twin, didn't notice any difference from my 48hp Transalp. Like you said, function and comfort are paramount for grown up toys. Sit on bikes, get a feel for the ergonomics; how upright is the position, arms stretched can be tiring, acute angle for your legs can be tiring, seats that keep you in one place can be tiring. Good luck!
I had the BMW F650GS (800cc) which I liked, good on fuel, weight low down (fuel tank under seat) but 3 lots of steering head bearings in 12k miles from new so never touching a BMW again. Swapped it for the V-Strom 1000 when the new version had only just come out, loved it, that was a do it all bike with loads of power even two up fully loaded. The suspension was the best suspension I've ever had on a bike, returned around 50mpg. Only sold it has it got too heavy for me. Went down to the CB500X which was great but not quite enough humph, so now have the NC750X DCT which I absolutely adore, low down weight (fuel tank under seat) and amazing fuel economy. Never tried the Triumph but it certainly hasn't got the grunt and suspension of the V-Strom, out of the three I would go for the V-Strom every time.
I have the f750gs te 2021 and absolutely love it, I appreciate others feel the seem about its competitors but I wouldn't dismiss it until you take a look and sit on one!
Buy whats best for you, what you feel comfortable with/on, dont be put off by the "thats too fast" i jumped off an old retro Kawasaki gpz750 onto an R6 and then onto an R1, then when my age kicked in i went onto a Yamaha XJR1300, much more comfortable to ride and enjoyable - personally i think that Triumph looks a great deal for you Andy, you look good on it too - whatever you choose - good luck !
To be honest, I wouldn’t bother what people say about going for a bigger bike straight after your test with not much experience because I was on a 125 and went straight to an 850 and I found no problem at all because I was sensible if I had any of those bikes to choose from triumph tiger all day long and twice on Sunday no question, but that is me
Hi to both of you, from experience its all about how you feel on the bike, we've had lots of bikes over the years, when we change its got to be for the right reason, go with that gut feeling, all I can say is you have a Triumph shirt already. On another thought, we've just fitted a tow bar tto the back of our camper for the bike trailer for next years trips.
I own a 2019 v-strom 650xt. It is my first bike, and I've had it for 4yrs now and covered approx 20k miles touring the UK so far. It's a fantastic bike, economical 60-70mpg, cheap insurance, cheap service cost, and the warranty gets extended each year if serviced at dealer. However, they are top-heavy and spoked wheels are a nightmare to keep clean. If I had to change, I would go for Triumph Tiger 900gt first or second choice the v-strom 800RE.
Vstrom 650 - great first bike. Forgiving yet very capable even with a pillion. Good for insurance, cheap to maintain, really comfy on long distances. One decision you won't regret.
800 tiger is the swiss army knife of bikes,I got one my self (xc variant) slightly taller, Switched from sports bikes a few yrs ago & like your self im tall (6ft 4), very comfortable bike, aftermarket taller screen and gel insert in seat thats all i done to mine and love it,even ride it in the winter when i allways used to park my other bikes up.
Glad to see you’ve narrowed your search down a little, one of the things to consider is weight the tiger would be considerably lighter than the Suzuki and having had larger adventure style bikes BMW GS1200,Triumph explorer 1200 the weight is something to bear in mind, it was the main reason for my opting for the Tiger 800, having toured regularly with a pillion I didn’t find the Tiger 800 lacking in power when this was the case. As mentioned having owned a Tiger 800 same model you are looking at in the video it is one of the few bikes I’ve regretted selling, so much so that I’ve sort of returned to the fold and now own a new Tiger 900 if you go for the Triumph I don’t think you’ll regret it, you should also see good resale value when you come to change in the future or sell privately. Don’t be too much swayed by the LCD dash they look great but really… Speedo, rev counter, fuel gauge gear indicator are all you really need, I may sound like a real luddite, however, it’s the simple joy of riding that I have a bike for, sadly my new bike has an all singing and dancing dash and I much preferred the older style dash on the 800cc model as shown in your video. Check out the spec on the Triumph Tiger Xcx in the vid I think it has heated grips and heated rider, pillion seats; another bonus for carrying a pillion is easy access to remote pre-load adjustment for the rear shock this is fitted to the Tiger and does benefit greatly with the handling of the bike when two-up and carrying luggage. The crash bars would be a real benefit should heaven forbid you drop the bike, a set of metal panniers for the Tiger would be available second hand on e-bay or other online auction sites and shouldn’t cost more than £500ish including the mounting frames, you can also change the barrels in the locks to match your bikes ignition key for not a lot more cash. Good luck with your purchase whichever bike you choose enjoy your riding and keep safe.
The Tiger fits you well, and looks to have more room for Claire than the others. To start with don't worry about hard luggage a cheap tank bag will do to ferry your packed lunch, or even use a rucksack. Climbing on and off a fully laden bike can be done from the offside and stepping on the footpeg, you need to hold both handle bars and lean well over the centre of the bike as you board and place your weight about the centreline, to stop it toppling back towards you and if you overlean put excessive weight on the sidestand. Get Claire on the back for her to try it for comfort whilst your sat on it, even if she's not ready to pillion yet. Good luck on what ever you buy Andy and have fun and stay safe.
Your an English man on a British iconic brand , hard to say no. But But definitely don't make your final decision without taking the vstrom out for a few miles first. Best of luck in your final choice. Its a tough one , tiger v vstrom. Two great bikes . Very happy new year to you both. Many happy safe miles ahead on your new steed
I’m 62 now been riding bikes from 16 and still riding had a vstrom 1040 2 years ago and it was a lovely bike and comfortable but it was also top heavy which I found difficult to manoeuvre when parking or putting it away but you made it look small when you sat on it and it didn’t look right , your positioning on the triumph looked more suitable for your size and it looked like it had heated grips they are lovely this time of year and remember whatever bike you ride you will get a numb backside 😂 after a few hours , plus you already have the T-shirt I think we know you have already made your mind up 👍👊
Don’t worry about the stretch to the bars on the V Strom you can buy handlebar raisers which both raise the bars and swing them back to you , engine is a peach 👍
If you are not genuinely off-roading, try the V-Strom 800RE (not DE). Prices are great right now, around £8k brand new, up to 7 years warranty. I love mine!
The Vstrom engine has been around forever, for a reason. The Vstrom surprised me so much, i now own one (21 plate xt, in black & gold). But either the Suzuki or Triumph won't disappoint. 😄🏍️👍😄
Hi Been biking 30 odd years been all over Europe we normally go for the Africa twin or bmw never had a triumph tiger but that is the one I would have chosen for you as it fits you the best out of all of them.
An 800cc bike is exactly the right size to go for as a first bike to get your experience. As you get the miles under your belt you can part x it in a couple of years for something different if you feel the need. Above 800cc, your insurance will be so much more. Either way can’t wait to see what you’ve gone for in the big reveal. Keep safe.
All the advice in the world is great, but it has to be something you want. A good test is if you walk away and need to turn to have a look at it, it's the right bike. If you don't feel the need then it's not for you. You have to live with it and be proud to ride it. As a suzuki man that vstrom is lovely.
Andy, I messaged you on an earlier video. I was telling you about our BMW GS 650’s which are actually 798cc, we have been all over Europe, camping, loaded up and they never miss a beat. 70+ to the gallon. Also fine for a trip up to the Dales on a weekend. I know the one you showed was older but with a bit of warranty, surely you can’t go wrong for £3.5k….. You then could always squeeze another bike into your fleet without breaking the bank ! If you change your mind you can sell it without losing a fortune. We have two of them and would not change them. We also have other bikes and scooters but it is always the BM’s we choose !
I have an f800gs from 2009 with 80,000 miles on it. Its a brilliant bike and did just over 2,000 miles from the south of the uk, through europe and back in 10 days. It is a fantastic bike, though i know that one is the 650. My partner has an 800 tiger xc and doesnt get as good fuel economy on hers which is a 2011, when she is riding more twisty sections, however on motorways her bike does a little better on fuel economy. Realistically i think adventure bikes are a good choice, having been through sports, naked street, semi fared and finally adventure bikes, i have found the adventure segment offers more comfort over all with less drawbacks. The v strom is a good bike, but i think the narrow seat and more firm feel may start to cause discomfort over time. I think the bmw is a really good bike and has a lot of torque, however the one you are looking at has conventional right way up forks, not a major issue but has more unsprung mass than upside down forks that the triumph offers, this means that the handling of the bmw may not be as goodas those with upside front forks. The triumph engine is a little more exciting to ride than the bmw, but the bmw is more simple, so potentially cheaper to fix. Whatever bike you choose has to be right for you and your style of riding. Looking at you sat on the bikes i think the bmw looks a little small, an f800gs with a 21inch front wheel, making the bike taller would be better or a newer bmw with 19inch front wheel would be a good compromise. The tiger 800, looks well suited to your height and is a nice bike with lots of festures. The v strom is reliable but as i say people have said the seat can be a little uncomfortable where as the 2014 era of v strom or even 2017 had a more plush seat. Happy hunting and sorry for the long message
Gotta get the Tiger, you’ve already got the shirt. Saves on clothing costs! I’m in my mid 70s & don’t care about practicality I go for fun still, maybe one day I’ll grow up.
Hi, I found your channel quite interesting. The way you are showing your progress is amazing. You didn't ask me but because the humble way your are sharing your experience with us I will say it to you. Money can buy many things but it doesn't buy experience,. Motorcycling is an amazing activity and it can bring tons of joy but you can loose all this joy in one second not only if you make a mistake but for the mistake made by other people. Please don't hurry, don't cut corners take time to learn more about motorcycles , learn about different engines, ( Square, oversquare, undersquare) and enjoy your bike , ride it until you find it "small " for you, it will mean that you have fully control over the bike, Don't cut corners on your learning progress and don't be worried about dual carriage way and motorways for now enjoy the back roads ride as much as you can. And more important have fun. Ps,: My intention is not to upset or disrespect. Cheers.
1. The bike that fits best.
2. The bike you look at and smile when you open the garage.
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V-Strom. Absolutely no contest, amazing value for money. And as others have mentioned cheaper to maintain and cheaper to insure.
Brilliant bikes. I’ve ridden a few of them. And loved them.
Thanks for sharing
What bike of your short list, can you not get out of your mind?
Being a biker for so many years now, since the 80’s, my tastes have changed, superbikes/sportsbikes, sportstourers, and now on to adventures, currently riding a Ducati Multistrada 4vs, personally haven riding all 3 of those bikes, I’d go for the Tiger, fantastic engine, great position, good hp and torque, still nick my friends, when he lets me(parks it up for the winter) but I ride 365(no car licence)
V-Strom all day long, every time.... more reliable, much harder wearing, cheaper to fix, and cheaper to insure
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Agree totally did 7000miles on a new vstom 2020 I bought new ... did own 2 tigers,but much preferred 1050vstom.... but age catches you up so I'm now on a vogeds525x ....much lighter and very affordable
Motorcyclist 50 yrs. 44 bikes bought 21 plate v strom 650- 70 bhp. Big fellah bike has plenty of room, fast if you want or tour/day trips. Totally reliable, long and easy maintenance schedules. 2 up no loss performance because of rich torque low down but equally red line no problem. Best do it all bike there is. Bmw will cost you. Triumph electric gremlins. Mrs will like pillion comfort. Sorry am bias but it’s from years of experience and my friends that have owned other brands. The Suzuki V twin is one of the best engine/ gearbox ever. Whilst you are pondering are you not test riding ?. The v strom 650 for you not 1050 I have ridden both. Look on line followers prefer the smaller bike.
The v strom u will ride and not spend. When I down sized I thought a 650 would never fill the boots. Try one it will shock you rich torque and 100 quickly if you want or tour
Ténéré 700 all day. Yes it dont have all the bells and whistles of other bikes only abs on/off and for me its the only "adventure" bike that dont look stupid with an oversized front mudguard built into the rest of the bike. Its nice and tall could be wrong i think its the tallest of them all and makes you feel like a hooligan.
@DavidSkidmore-e5t the Benelli 500cc Adventure bikes look great and although small engine they have enough go in them for the type of bikes and also for a new rider and as they are physically big they will get ya used to a chunky bike...the Vogue are cracking bikes tons of features compared to a GS or Africa Twin.
Before you lay out all that money for the new Triumph Tiger I would find somewhere that would let you test ride one. I have bought 2 bikes over the years that by the time I got to the end of the street I knew I had made the wrong decision and they were sold within months. A test ride is a must in my opinion.
V strom mate. Cheaper to insure, cheaper to maintain, more reliable. Have a look at a 650 xt . Brilliant bikes. Trust me mate they are a winner
Agreed! I have a 2023 DL 1050 DE and love it!
I thought I had finished at exactly the same 3 bikes that you are. But then I belatedly realised that a dual purpose bike was not what I needed. I can see you on any of those bikes and be happy with any of them.
Go for the Tiger. Had one of those and now got a 900. Cracking bikes. Love mine.
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Passed my test at 59, never ridden before. My 1st bike was a Kawasaki Versys 1000. Dont worry about size. Your approach is right. V-Strom absolutely bullet proof, great choice. 4 months after passing my test did the NC500. In 6 years I have now done over 70k miles, toured Europe. Buy the bike that meets your end use.
Thanks for this
agree, the engine size of a bike isn't an issue if you are physically big enough. I loved my Versys 1000. I did 27k miles and the only issues I had was a few blown headlight bulbs.
Hi Andy, and lovely Clare 😊
Firstly, my wife said you would look fantastic in full leathers on the Triumph 😮🤨 moving on swiftly. I have owned most modern Triumphs, 1200,800, Triumph Rocket, Triumph Thunder Bird, Speed Triple, scramblers, T100, KTM Adventure, Ducati 1200 Touring, Honda Africa twin Manual and Auto, Hayabusa 1300, Honda 1300st touring, many others, so won’t bore you 😝 I would go for the Triumph for an all rounder, they are well built and reliable. I’m 6ft and had no problems even with my wife in the back, the y 1200 were better with the extra power, but you don’t need that until you get a few more miles under your belt. Keep them videos coming my friend, we love all you videos on both channels 😃🫶
Good luck with your bike hunting 👍
Take care both
Lee&Lorrie
Hi Lee and Lorrie, Thankyou!
V-Strom, no contest. Great bike. I'm 61 been riding for over 50 years boy to man on various bikes from little scramblers, pit bikes, GP125, RD400, 350 power valves up to Fireblades & MV Augustas . The strom is everything I need, from a mile muncher to an insane hooligan. I love it!!
I'm pretty sure whatever you buy you'll enjoy the journey.... The more people on two wheels the better.. Happy riding Brother.
I've had 3 Stroms (as well as a tiger / versys etc). I keep returning to the Vstroms. The tiger was unreliable and hugely expensive, especially valve checks, albeit it has a lovely engine. You have the option of lowering the feet pegs cheaply if needs be. The only change I'd recommend on the vstrom is to add a Givi Airflow screen. There are 2 types of rider, those that have dropped their bikes and those that will at some point. Tell Claire - they keep the wind off your hands too, a big difference in the winter. Adding bar risers to lift the bars and bring them back towards you is cheap and easy. I'd also recommend making sure you get. bike with a centre stand, it makes maintenance so much easier. The Vstrom looks like "A", the XT has cruise etc. Check the front wheel size on the tiger - 21" is a bit less nimble and in my personal opinion (although others will not necessarily agree) the spokes are a pain in the arm
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@@gasman6163 good point about the spokes! They are fantastic for off road strength and the ability to true repair etc, but they a pig to clean and do need maintenance, plus the 21” isn’t a great solution for longer road rides, Suzuki 1050 has a 19” which is a great compromise between sporty and stability.
I’ve had a Tiger 800, loved it. Plenty of power, loads of fun. The XC variant you’re looking at here is the more off-road bias, the standard is more road bias, slightly shorter fork travel, smaller front wheel, that’s what I’d go for. Looks really similar but easier to ride on the road. Have fun exploring the options. Ride safe
Regardless to the cc or style, go with what makes you feel will suit you the best.
Because at the end, most bikes will do most jobs good enough and thats actually all you need.
Go for it man!! That Triumph has got your name all over it.. You will love it and it will suit you down to the ground. Don't worry about what people say about the power or the CC... you are not an idiot and you will develop into a confident rider in no time with just taking your time. Just do it dude!
Hi. Thanks for watching
I can see you owning that triumph. great looking bike
Go for the Triumph I'm 64 been riding all my teen life to now I have a triumph Rocket 3gt it's a monster also a Hayabusa and a 54 plate rocket 111 I had a go on my mates triumph tiger I was really impressed I might get one and get shot of a couple of the older bikes
I think your heart says Triumph…. You wouldn’t go wrong with either the Triumph or the Suzuki. So enjoy the choice you make
Hi. Thanks for watching
I did the same as you, passed my tests in my late 30s but didn’t buy a bike straight away. Went for a Yamaha XJ6 Diversion F. Wasn’t interested in speed, just a different way to see the world. Great first bike. Few years later I sat on a GS and couldn’t believe how big it didn’t feel. I felt like could ride it straight out of the shop. And I wasn’t really a confident rider.
So a year or so later when my bike went for a service, ended up coming home with one. The R1200GS. It was amazing.
You’ll know the bike you want when you sit on it. Tiger’s are good too. I’m just a BMW Fanboy 😂.
Safe travels with whatever you pick, need to keep the St Christopher vlogs going! Happy new year to you both.
In both mine from CMC bikes - they let me have test rides, there’s one in Chesterfield so not too far (bought my first from them and second from South Wales as I’ve moved to the south west. Wouldn’t hesitate to buy from them again.
Thanks for watching 👍👍
My youngest had the BMW and struggled at 70mph. and he's only about 9 stone. Terrible vibrations. I've had a Vstrom 650 and rode it all over the UK with a pillion and 3 piece fully loaded luggage. Brilliant, comfortable and would run all day at 80- 90 mph.
Hi. Thanks for watching
Myself and my friend both got tiger 800s and we love them for big trips and commuting, touch wood no issues in 12 months, I'm 6,3 and fit fine on it
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Did you look at the Honda NC750X? There are two variants. The manual and the DCT. I test drove the DCT version and became a convert. It's a fantastic machine.
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Especially the frunk! Once you've had that convenience you wonder how you managed before 😊
I'm 6ft and I love my NC750X (DCT) but I'm not sure it will be a good fit for Andy given his height
@rimosky well he could try it for nothing 🤷🏻♂️
I am 6ft 3 and 15st so similar dimensions to you and I ride my Tiger 900 around 80 miles a day on my commute to work and find it super comfortable. I also took it to Normandy and Belgium this year and it was ideal , plenty of room for luggage and it covered the 1000 miles no problem whatsoever . I don’t think you’ll go too far wrong with one.
Good luck with the search, look forward to seeing what you finally plumb for
I moved to USA and I bought a v strom. Only because I couldn’t afford a GS. I’ve still got it but I don’t like it that much. I prefer a bike that you sit in rather than on. And I don’t think the finish is that great.
The triumph really suited you and it looked like you were more enamoured with that one. You certainly want a bike when you open garage door you go yeah that’s mine !
Thanks
@@bikerofatlantisGo Suzuki Andrew.
You'll never find a single bike that does everything, however the bikes you're looking at are in the right area to do most things you want. You look great on the Triumph and clearly seem comfortable with it. Forget about the CC as long as you can afford it and the insurance. Most bikes have different engine modes so if you have the option for Wet mode, use it for 6 months as it smooths out the throttle and reduces the engine power as well as enabling full traction control. This will give you time to learn the bike in a safer manner, when you start to feel more confident then you can change to road, sport, race modes (depending on the bike). You clearly have your head screwed on so go with what you feel is best and enjoy the process, in a year you may feel different anout what you want/need and can look again. Keep up the great content. Looking forward to seeing what choice you make. Ride safe.
A modern classic is the way for you to go IMO
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The Tiger looks right for your size Andy no doubt about it.
That Triumph definitely suits you Andy. Great 'all round' bike👍
Thanks 👍
Tiger got heated grips,cruise control, auxiliary lights, possibly heated seats.
Had mine 6 years & love it !
Rox risers will adjust any riding position.
Bikeshed show(London )in May worth a visit
Thanks
I downsized (power wise) to a Vstrom 650 not too long ago and would definitely recommend one if you want something super reliable and quick enough but truly versatile. I wouldn't worry about engine size or power in terms of being a beginner etc as you wouldn't have passed your full license test if you couldn't handle it. I have a review up of the 650 if curious
Thanks for sharing!
I’ve enjoyed watching your journey to this point, it’s been fun and interesting.
My biking career has been a long one, started at 16 on a DT50, turned 17 and got myself an RD125 (deristricted like we all did back then!) crashed it and went onto car life.
Came back to riding at 40 and did a 3 day course to get my full license, so much easier. In that time I’ve had lots of bikes, both new and second hand.
My last 4 were a BMW F850 GS, an MT10 (best bike I’ve ever had) an old BMW K1200r and now a Triumph Tiger 800 which I love. It’s just about quick enough, handles our bumpy roads well and can be hustled along at a decent pace, comes with a topbox which I hated the thought of until I got one and was really good value, I paid 3K for a 2014 model with 29,000 miles in great condition with a lot of extras. I can highly recommend one, it’s a good all round bike.
Good luck with your decision!
Hi, Thanks for watching
If it’s a choice between those 3 used bikes - the Vstrom wins for me!
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The thing about not going to a bike bigger than 600 straight away is a hangover from years past when bikes didn't have traction control and engine size and power were very tightly correlated.
These days you can buy a 750 that produces 45hp or a 600 that makes over 120hp.
Being that bit older and calmer, having plenty of experience driving under your belt and advances like abs, traction control and better tyres on bikes these days there is no reason to let the size of the engine dictate your choice of bike.
I'm a classic and cruiser guy myself. I can't say I even look at the power output figures when deciding on a bike.
If I had just passed my test at your age and wanted a do it all single bike to include commuting to get the first couple of years under my belt I'd struggle to look further than a second hand Honda NC750x. It isn't the most exciting bike in the world but it does everything and is simply amazing value. 3k gets a decent one with a few miles, 4-5k for a good low mileage one. 6k gets you a nearly new one. And being a honda they are as reliable as anything on the road and hold their value well.
I too, sat on 100’s of bikes at NEC. Versys fitted me the best, no bits of frame getting in the way, nothing snagging my big feet. Comfy riding position. Bought 1000gt and love it. (40k miles in 4 yrs)
Thinking of getting the new versys 1100, but 650 will be fine.
Versys 650 is a near perfect bike for anyone …not a racing bike but a tourer, commuter, twistie and mountain road capable .So agree, thought about the Versys1000 but it’s one big and heavy machine.
Thanks for watching
I've a Triumph Bobber so going to suggest the Tiger, the fit and finish on the Triumph is outstanding.
Thanks for sharing
H, I have had all types of bikes from 50cc to Honda Goldwing and have ridden all over Europe. Getting older I didn’t want the heavy comfy tourer that was hard to handle around the alpine roads. Now riding a Triumph GT Pro 900 Tiger. It does it all, commuting, European riding and subway rides. It’s light, fun and comfy. Ideal for the older rider that still wants a blast down the country roads now and then
Thanks for sharing!
I think you're on the right track now. Adventure bikes really are do it all bikes. Personally I'd ignore anyone saying getting a smaller CC bike, you're a tall man and you will be so much more comfortable on the tiger or V strom. 1 big benefit of the bigger bikes that you’ve not thought about or mentioned is better brakes, the CC and power isn't a worry, you're old enough to be sensible and know your current limits. It only goes as fast as you twist the throttle. It won't take long on a smaller bike for your ability to outgrow it and you will then want to change. I'm an experienced motorcyclist of 27 years, Rospa advanced and I ride in all weathers for the blood bikes.
Thanks for watching
I have Honda NT 1100 manual with voyager pack. I love it. Best service network, and most reliable brand.
Thanks for sharing
Excellent choice , i was going to say look at a honda africa, but the triumph looks like its a choice made , a good choice at that 🙌🙌
Thanks
The Triumph seemed a good size for you - 800cc is not a problem - you know where the accelerator, brakes and clutch are 👍. Good luck with your decision.
The Tiger suits you Andy and it’s a good choice. We had a 650 Triumph Bonneville in the day and we both loved it. Reliable, comfortable for both of us and it took us all over plus it’s British
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It’s getting close! Out of the three, the triumph is the looker though. 😉👍🏻
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I'm 61, Tiger 800 is outstanding, for all trips and tours
I have that exact bike, its great- you will love it.
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I think you've already decided on the Triumph 👍 my mate has always said to me any bike is better than no bike 😂
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V-STROM 800RE Great all rounder !
You're not that old. I am 59 and 60 next March, and I still feel young. I have lots of adventures ahead. Even after my bike accident.
👍👍👍👍 keep feeling young!
Go for a Kawasaki Versys 650cc. Just been on the same journey as you. At the age of 52 I Passed my test in October after having a Keeway RKV 125 from new and so far seems to be doing everything I ask. Fun weekend ride and great commuter bike. It’s a hard choice but worth I look.
Thanks for the tips!
The problem you have Andy is not getting on various bikes and actually riding them because one guy says I have it it’s great doesn’t mean when you get on it and ride for a few hours you will think the same you might hate it and you’ve already bought it and either stuck with it or take a hit and trade it back in..and don’t get to focused on the torque or BHP you need to get on a bike and ride it and compare it to other bikes you try out before you pull the trigger..TRY BEFORE YOU BUY mate👍🏻
Hi. This is a very valid point 👍👍
Bring back used bike heaven with Richard Hammond. Then you could ride all three before choosing. You can still find it on UA-cam. Good luck with your search .
Looks like you’ve come to the same conclusion as me - Adventure Bike style is the right way forward - so much flexibility for different riding scenarios 👍
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That tiger looks good. Fits you well. Nice colour too. 👍🏻
Thanks 👍
Tiger. Had mine since 2011 from new, never missed a beat. The only bike you’ll ever need and I’ve had a few.
Don't rush buying your bike wait till you see something you can't stop thinking about then you know it's meant to be you know like when you found your wife 😂
😂😂
You look Comfortable and part of the bike with the Triumph!
I've had a Tiger 800 since 2016. Great all rounder bike and I've not had a single issue with it. I've had a lot of sports bikes in the past, but the tiger is a great handling and nimble bike, with the bonus of comfort. Stock screen can be a bit noisy, but plenty of alternatives available. I'd always do a test ride though - bikes all have a character and it needs to work for you.
Triumph 800 is the best value for money and a great option. I have a tiger myself and you won’t regret it. If you take it green laning you need the XC model with a 21inch front wheel and spokes and make sure your tyres are appropriate for the riding your doing. Get it bought 👍
The right bike is the one that makes you smile when you think about riding it. There's loads out there, don't worry so much about what others think it has to be right for you . And...you could always trailer it around Europe behind the motorhome 😊
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One of the mistakes I made with my current bike is not looking at the availability of aftermarket parts and dealerships. I bought an Indian Chief and it's a bit of a headache. Buying a popular British bike in Britain means you'll not have to worry about import charges for parts or difficulty in finding things, plenty of dealerships around to help you out it's just way less stress. I love my bike but it's all the things that have nothing to do with the bike that make it a headache, my "local" dealership is in England when I live in Scotland for example.
5' 8" tall. Passed my test at 64 yrs after not being on a moto for 42 years. Bought the Tiger 900 GT pro second hand with full luggage. Spent a year putting into practice what I had learnt on my intensive course before I felt comfortable for my wife to ride pillion. Two years and a few miles later I enjoy riding more than I ever thought I would....... Enjoy....
Thankyou have a great day 👍
You look right at home on that triumph fella, out of the 3 that one definately suited you! cant wait to see what you bought!
I went for the tiger 900gt and it is absolutely perfect as an all rounder adventure bike. I’m 5’ 11” and 54 and does everything I need. The 3 main bikes you’ve picked are spot on for your size and age and experience. They are definitely fun to ride and easy to maintain, and great for a pillion. Enjoy which ever you choose 👍
Loving the videos, the choice is yours hope you pick the bike that’s right for you👍
Thanks 👍
V-Strom. All that’s great about the sv650 with the added height for your frame
I'm a triumph man through and through on my 4th triumph, you will love the spread of power on the tiger. You could also look at a Honda Nc750 if your looking for a commute/tour/work horse. The suzuki v strom is definitely going to be a good bet as it's been around for ages. But for me it's the tiger.
Sounds great!
Hi, great channel.
So similar situation to yourself, I have just entered the world of motorbikes passing my test at the age of 52.
I also looked at the Triumph, Suzuki and BMW. It was such a hard choice. I ended up with a Suzuki GSX8S with the idea of gaining experience on that and then moving to a Vstrom or Triumph Tiger.
However since riding the GSX8S and doing some touring on that, I love it. Its perfect for my needs at the moment. But every week I change my mind when I see other bikes.
I was thinking about a Scrambler 1200XE last week. But I seem to always come back to my GSX8S.
So for me, I suppose really there are so many bikes available, there isn’t one perfect bike. They are nearly all perfect depending on your needs.
I think whatever you get will be personal to you and the main thing it will put smiles on your face.
Thanks for this info
Clair’s spot on you won’t get everything in one bike but you’ve pitched yourself very nicely with the Triumph, not too big an engine yet a good strong engine that’ll probably do as much as you will ever need. If the bike makes you feel good and makes you happy then maybe you’ve found your rainbows end certainly for the meantime. You can spend your whole life umm’ing and arr’ing but eventually you have to make your choice. Great fun to watch as a viewer by the way 😂
Hi. Thanks for watching 👍👍
GS if I had to pick one of those three. Handle well plenty parts and resell well.
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@@bikerofatlantis don't forget about mt10 or similar. Cracking fast bikes that give a thrill. I ride a R1 and sometimes get envy of my friends on sit up bikes that are just as quick on UK roads. The best thing is to ride them all and see.
Proper GS,R1200 K25
I have a Honda Africa twin 750 on an 03 plate , it’s one of the best bikes I have had , regularly do 400 plus mile days plus Europe touring, I also have a 2011 blade again comfortable easy do 400 plus miles on that in a day , don’t be frighten of getting an older bike , best of luck , and a happy new year to you both 👍👍👍
I’ve got a 2019 tracer 900 GT. great for commuting, around the lanes and also long distance.
I personally think the tracer is one of the best bikes for the money.
I ve got my Mod 2 at the end of January. My instructor actively encouraged me to go for a bigger bike. Reckons it will help my growth as a rider. Speed up my progress from beginner to more advanced rider. ???
On that basis Santa brought me an XSR900. 😳
Best of luck
Sounds like good advice 👍
TRIUMPH definitely 💙 nice blue..
❤Phil/Tina x
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Best of luck in your decision, they are all great bikes , you can’t really go wrong with any of them , great content happy new year to both of you
Hi. Thanks for watching
You make my day every time you post.
So... a few points to mention:
Yes, you get on adventure bikes with your left foot on the left peg first. The other foot goes over the bike easy after that.
I'm glad you narrowed it down to 3. I'm a GS guy but the triumph looks amazing for you. If you still not sure, make a poll for viewers to vote 😁. But I find all 3 bikes very cool.
No, it's not a mistake to get an adventure bike. You're gonna have a lot of fun. With the 800 you won't have any problems going with Claire thru Europe + lagguage.
I also made a poor decision by buying a BMW car when I was younger. But I feel like with bikes its not the same. They are worth every penny. Every single one of them.
"Asfalt uscat!" We say in romanian which means: Have a dry road. --> get safe home
Thankyou have a great day 👍👍👍
You look best on the Triumph in my opinion, right size for you. Crash bars already installed, very nice, saves you denting the tank. Aux lights also good, both for you to see better but also for increasing your visibility for others. Big bikes also have more presence, makes them easier to see. Top box is really useful, saves you lugging your helmet with you once you have parked up and want to go for a walk. Panniers are excellent too, put all your gear in them and swap your riding gear for normal clothes when you go for a walk once you have reached your destination. Don't worry about the engine size, 40-48hp and up is sufficient for most rides. I rented a 96hp Africa Twin, didn't notice any difference from my 48hp Transalp. Like you said, function and comfort are paramount for grown up toys. Sit on bikes, get a feel for the ergonomics; how upright is the position, arms stretched can be tiring, acute angle for your legs can be tiring, seats that keep you in one place can be tiring. Good luck!
Thanks for this info
I had the BMW F650GS (800cc) which I liked, good on fuel, weight low down (fuel tank under seat) but 3 lots of steering head bearings in 12k miles from new so never touching a BMW again. Swapped it for the V-Strom 1000 when the new version had only just come out, loved it, that was a do it all bike with loads of power even two up fully loaded. The suspension was the best suspension I've ever had on a bike, returned around 50mpg. Only sold it has it got too heavy for me. Went down to the CB500X which was great but not quite enough humph, so now have the NC750X DCT which I absolutely adore, low down weight (fuel tank under seat) and amazing fuel economy.
Never tried the Triumph but it certainly hasn't got the grunt and suspension of the V-Strom, out of the three I would go for the V-Strom every time.
Thanks for watching 👍
I have the f750gs te 2021 and absolutely love it, I appreciate others feel the seem about its competitors but I wouldn't dismiss it until you take a look and sit on one!
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Buy whats best for you, what you feel comfortable with/on, dont be put off by the "thats too fast" i jumped off an old retro Kawasaki gpz750 onto an R6 and then onto an R1, then when my age kicked in i went onto a Yamaha XJR1300, much more comfortable to ride and enjoyable - personally i think that Triumph looks a great deal for you Andy, you look good on it too - whatever you choose - good luck !
To be honest, I wouldn’t bother what people say about going for a bigger bike straight after your test with not much experience because I was on a 125 and went straight to an 850 and I found no problem at all because I was sensible if I had any of those bikes to choose from triumph tiger all day long and twice on Sunday no question, but that is me
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I think you look really good on that Tiger. I haven't ridden any of these so I can't really comment on anything else than the looks.
Thankyou have a great day 👍
When logic fails, go with your heart. You seemed quite drawn to the Tiger,,, What a lovely dilema to have :-)
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Hi to both of you, from experience its all about how you feel on the bike, we've had lots of bikes over the years, when we change its got to be for the right reason, go with that gut feeling, all I can say is you have a Triumph shirt already.
On another thought, we've just fitted a tow bar tto the back of our camper for the bike trailer for next years trips.
Thanks for sharing!
We also want a trailer 👍
I own a 2019 v-strom 650xt. It is my first bike, and I've had it for 4yrs now and covered approx 20k miles touring the UK so far. It's a fantastic bike, economical 60-70mpg, cheap insurance, cheap service cost, and the warranty gets extended each year if serviced at dealer. However, they are top-heavy and spoked wheels are a nightmare to keep clean. If I had to change, I would go for Triumph Tiger 900gt first or second choice the v-strom 800RE.
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That triumph looks great on you!
Vstrom 650 - great first bike. Forgiving yet very capable even with a pillion. Good for insurance, cheap to maintain, really comfy on long distances. One decision you won't regret.
800 tiger is the swiss army knife of bikes,I got one my self (xc variant) slightly taller, Switched from sports bikes a few yrs ago & like your self im tall (6ft 4), very comfortable bike, aftermarket taller screen and gel insert in seat thats all i done to mine and love it,even ride it in the winter when i allways used to park my other bikes up.
Hi. Thanks for watching
Glad to see you’ve narrowed your search down a little, one of the things to consider is weight the tiger would be considerably lighter than the Suzuki and having had larger adventure style bikes BMW GS1200,Triumph explorer 1200 the weight is something to bear in mind, it was the main reason for my opting for the Tiger 800, having toured regularly with a pillion I didn’t find the Tiger 800 lacking in power when this was the case.
As mentioned having owned a Tiger 800 same model you are looking at in the video it is one of the few bikes I’ve regretted selling, so much so that I’ve sort of returned to the fold and now own a new Tiger 900 if you go for the Triumph I don’t think you’ll regret it, you should also see good resale value when you come to change in the future or sell privately.
Don’t be too much swayed by the LCD dash they look great but really… Speedo, rev counter, fuel gauge gear indicator are all you really need, I may sound like a real luddite, however, it’s the simple joy of riding that I have a bike for, sadly my new bike has an all singing and dancing dash and I much preferred the older style dash on the 800cc model as shown in your video.
Check out the spec on the Triumph Tiger Xcx in the vid I think it has heated grips and heated rider, pillion seats; another bonus for carrying a pillion is easy access to remote pre-load adjustment for the rear shock this is fitted to the Tiger and does benefit greatly with the handling of the bike when two-up and carrying luggage.
The crash bars would be a real benefit should heaven forbid you drop the bike, a set of metal panniers for the Tiger would be available second hand on e-bay or other online auction sites and shouldn’t cost more than £500ish including the mounting frames, you can also change the barrels in the locks to match your bikes ignition key for not a lot more cash.
Good luck with your purchase whichever bike you choose enjoy your riding and keep safe.
The Tiger fits you well, and looks to have more room for Claire than the others. To start with don't worry about hard luggage a cheap tank bag will do to ferry your packed lunch, or even use a rucksack.
Climbing on and off a fully laden bike can be done from the offside and stepping on the footpeg, you need to hold both handle bars and lean well over the centre of the bike as you board and place your weight about the centreline, to stop it toppling back towards you and if you overlean put excessive weight on the sidestand.
Get Claire on the back for her to try it for comfort whilst your sat on it, even if she's not ready to pillion yet.
Good luck on what ever you buy Andy and have fun and stay safe.
Thanks for this 👍👍
Your an English man on a British iconic brand , hard to say no. But But definitely don't make your final decision without taking the vstrom out for a few miles first. Best of luck in your final choice. Its a tough one , tiger v vstrom. Two great bikes . Very happy new year to you both. Many happy safe miles ahead on your new steed
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I’m 62 now been riding bikes from 16 and still riding had a vstrom 1040 2 years ago and it was a lovely bike and comfortable but it was also top heavy which I found difficult to manoeuvre when parking or putting it away but you made it look small when you sat on it and it didn’t look right , your positioning on the triumph looked more suitable for your size and it looked like it had heated grips they are lovely this time of year and remember whatever bike you ride you will get a numb backside 😂 after a few hours , plus you already have the T-shirt I think we know you have already made your mind up 👍👊
😂😂 well spotted
The VSTROM 1050 is a superb bike, i brought a 1050de back in the summer. I'm a big lad 6,6 and it feels great under my lanky frame.
Don’t worry about the stretch to the bars on the V Strom you can buy handlebar raisers which both raise the bars and swing them back to you , engine is a peach 👍
If you are not genuinely off-roading, try the V-Strom 800RE (not DE). Prices are great right now, around £8k brand new, up to 7 years warranty. I love mine!
Thanks for this info
@@bikerofatlantis I would definitely second that choice 800re is great bike
That triumph is a nice bike, more power than you need and you'll grow into it as you get more experience GO FOR IT SEE YOU AT THE ABR
We will be there!
The Vstrom engine has been around forever, for a reason. The Vstrom surprised me so much, i now own one (21 plate xt, in black & gold). But either the Suzuki or Triumph won't disappoint. 😄🏍️👍😄
Hi. Thanks for watching
Tiger tiger burning bright !! That’s the one for you 😊 x
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Hi
Been biking 30 odd years been all over Europe we normally go for the Africa twin or bmw never had a triumph tiger but that is the one I would have chosen for you as it fits you the best out of all of them.
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An 800cc bike is exactly the right size to go for as a first bike to get your experience. As you get the miles under your belt you can part x it in a couple of years for something different if you feel the need. Above 800cc, your insurance will be so much more. Either way can’t wait to see what you’ve gone for in the big reveal. Keep safe.
All the advice in the world is great, but it has to be something you want. A good test is if you walk away and need to turn to have a look at it, it's the right bike. If you don't feel the need then it's not for you. You have to live with it and be proud to ride it. As a suzuki man that vstrom is lovely.
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Andy,
I messaged you on an earlier video. I was telling you about our BMW GS 650’s which are actually 798cc, we have been all over Europe, camping, loaded up and they never miss a beat. 70+ to the gallon.
Also fine for a trip up to the Dales on a weekend. I know the one you showed was older but with a bit of warranty, surely you can’t go wrong for £3.5k…..
You then could always squeeze another bike into your fleet without breaking the bank !
If you change your mind you can sell it without losing a fortune.
We have two of them and would not change them. We also have other bikes and scooters but it is always the BM’s we choose !
Hi how things?
Thanks for watching
Passed my test at 65 ,I have had 2 tigers used to travel to work and fun weekend plus touring you cant do better fantastic bike
Thanks for sharing
I have an f800gs from 2009 with 80,000 miles on it. Its a brilliant bike and did just over 2,000 miles from the south of the uk, through europe and back in 10 days. It is a fantastic bike, though i know that one is the 650. My partner has an 800 tiger xc and doesnt get as good fuel economy on hers which is a 2011, when she is riding more twisty sections, however on motorways her bike does a little better on fuel economy. Realistically i think adventure bikes are a good choice, having been through sports, naked street, semi fared and finally adventure bikes, i have found the adventure segment offers more comfort over all with less drawbacks. The v strom is a good bike, but i think the narrow seat and more firm feel may start to cause discomfort over time. I think the bmw is a really good bike and has a lot of torque, however the one you are looking at has conventional right way up forks, not a major issue but has more unsprung mass than upside down forks that the triumph offers, this means that the handling of the bmw may not be as goodas those with upside front forks. The triumph engine is a little more exciting to ride than the bmw, but the bmw is more simple, so potentially cheaper to fix. Whatever bike you choose has to be right for you and your style of riding. Looking at you sat on the bikes i think the bmw looks a little small, an f800gs with a 21inch front wheel, making the bike taller would be better or a newer bmw with 19inch front wheel would be a good compromise. The tiger 800, looks well suited to your height and is a nice bike with lots of festures. The v strom is reliable but as i say people have said the seat can be a little uncomfortable where as the 2014 era of v strom or even 2017 had a more plush seat. Happy hunting and sorry for the long message
Gotta get the Tiger, you’ve already got the shirt. Saves on clothing costs!
I’m in my mid 70s & don’t care about practicality I go for fun still, maybe one day I’ll grow up.
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Hi, I found your channel quite interesting. The way you are showing your progress is amazing. You didn't ask me but because the humble way your are sharing your experience with us I will say it to you. Money can buy many things but it doesn't buy experience,. Motorcycling is an amazing activity and it can bring tons of joy but you can loose all this joy in one second not only if you make a mistake but for the mistake made by other people. Please don't hurry, don't cut corners take time to learn more about motorcycles , learn about different engines, ( Square, oversquare, undersquare) and enjoy your bike , ride it until you find it "small " for you, it will mean that you have fully control over the bike, Don't cut corners on your learning progress and don't be worried about dual carriage way and motorways for now enjoy the back roads ride as much as you can. And more important have fun. Ps,: My intention is not to upset or disrespect. Cheers.
Hi. Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment! I’ve been looking for some time now to get the right bike. It’s been a great process 👍