Not quoting everyone in my response, since the post will be too long. But thank you everyone for your lovely wishes.
Thank you very much Rush! I owe you a ride!
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Hey
Axe77, yes we had met once at the Triumph showroom a couple of months ago. I face an almost similar situation - cannot do very long rides due to a bad back - but 300 Kms total in a day is manageable.
Enjoy and have a safe ride to Hampi! Will look out for your travelogue
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Thank you
Sujai!! Yes, I remember your post very well on the Z800 thread. The Duke was just a filler and the Versys decision was just made with a practical mind. As we know when it comes to motorcycles, you cannot listen to anything but the heart. Thank you for all your wishes and hoping you become a Traitor too very soon
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Thank you for your wishes
//M! I wish to cover a lot of miles on the Tiger too. Hopefully will be riding this much more in the coming weeks than I did with the Z and Versys. The power is more than adequate for my style of riding - so definitely I am not gonna be wishing for more for a long time to come.
Regarding the service costs, yes the overall costs are reasonable. Before I forget to mention, the service cost did not include the cost of the brake pads, headlight bulbs and the grips. Regardless, I was happy with the service experience at Shaman Auto - friendly staff and they did a great job.
Yes I agree with you - visually the Tiger is not a handsome or a beautiful looking motorcycle. But like they say "Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder". The Tiger has minimal body work compared to its Japanese and Italian counterparts - the rest is all frame and mechanicals. But it all serves the purpose. Less body parts, less stuff to break etc.
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Thanks
Redliner,
Regarding the tyre pressure on the Tiger, these were the recommended tyre pressure on the manuals. Probably this could have been the setup for a rider and pillion - will need to check it again.
On the weight part, yes it is heavy to haul out of a parking lot or when you just have to drag it back and forth. It's a task to even put it on the main stand.
Probably I may have done it wrong - but everyone I tried standing on the footpeg, the Versys would tilt on my side. It was scary at all times - and I stopped doing that. Probably the stand extender would have helped in getting a good grip and balance.
And yes, that's a ladies belt buckle - it just looked so good that I had to buy it. If I had a Bonnie, I would have bought 2 and used them as tank pads. Not kidding hahahah
Don't have any long rides planned - just the usual breakfast rides with friends in and around Mumbai. My brother, a close friend and me were planning a ride to Ahmadabad on a Duke, Dominar and Tiger. Am sure the Tiger would do the ride effortlessly - but not sure if my back would take it or not. But someday, I plan to do a long ride. Have heard that the Mumbai Ahmedabad road is amazing.
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Amods! Yes, the comparison was with the Versys mainly. But it also could be as Jaggu mentioned that the suspension needs to be adjusted depending on my weight and luggage I carry.
With regards to the price, let's say I got this for almost the same price as a brand new Versys. Obviously I also had to spend some amount in getting a few parts like the brake pads, grips, headlight bulbs and other basic stuff. All the best to you too in your ambition - take your time and get what you really want and don't compromise or anything less. As my friend Odeen mentions below - Good Things Take Time.
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Thank you
Deepfreak for your wishes. We all are a confused lot when we have to buy a new motorcycle. The best thing is to ride and try them all and see what appeals to your heart (and pocket obviously) more. Whats on your mind? What have you planned?
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Thank you
Tarik! With the Versys, the "Zing" was missing right from Day 1. The best solution for the "zing" itch is to rent the bikes that you have mentioned for long rides and then make a decision. For me, the decision was made immediately when I rode the Tiger 4 years ago. Everything else that came in between were just compromises. All the bikes that you have mentioned - Z , Street Triple, CBR650 etc are good in their own ways. You have to ride each of them and see what clicks with you. Frankly speaking, I always wanted a faired superbike - that's what I grew up reading about. Street / Nakeds / Adventure motorcycles were never on my list at all. The Z is close to my heart because it was my childhood dream come true. In today's world - if you are on a budget - pre-worshipped is the way to go. You save a lot of money + get a better motorcycle than a brand new + get a loaded one (if you are lucky). The Tiger is extremely comfortable for long and looooong rides. But I have also seen people on supersports who comfortably do long rides. So it's all about what clicks with you. If you have made up your mind - dont hold on to the N650 for long - since it will just depreciate more. Sell it and then take your time renting and trying out the list of motorcycles. You save up on your EMI (of any) on the N650 and fuel/maintenance cost for those few months. When you get a good deal - just seal it!!
All the best in discovering your "zing" motorcycle!
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Thank you
Nilesh for your wishes! Call me old school - but I am not on Facebook or Orkut or whatever social media platforms we have. Never knew C_D also was as old school as me
probably on a TeamBHP meet - we may meet.
That's the best part of a used motorcycle, you could get a good loaded / accessories one without even having to pay for it. This one was really loaded with a lot of options. Only missing important accessory was the Radiator guard - will probably get a Evotech rad guard soon.
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Rahul Rahul - you have seen this right from Day 1. I remember telling you one the first test ride "I want this" and would keep blabbering and blabbering about it whenever we met or spoke. Thank you for all your support and advice as always.
Hahaha and I thought the same thing. I think I was faster on this times Charoti ride than all other rides we have done. Let's time me on the next ride wherever it is.
Thanks for your wishes Rahul!
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Thank you for your wishes
Sunny_ST3. The name Bagheera did cross my mind - bit being a fan of Calvin and Hobbes, I have named her (or him) Hobbes. The Tiger is indeed a special bike (for me too). Ride Safe!
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Thank you for your wishes
Jaggu and hope your Tiggu is fine too
With regards to the tyres, these were replaced just a few months ago - so pretty much sorted on that. The service kit, I believe, is replaced in the 3rd year / 3rd service which was already done last year at Shaman Auto. I believe that's the one they call a "major service", right? Thank you for reminding me - I have to get the entire service history checked and prepare for the next service.
Regarding the suspension settings - you are right. Probably the setting is considering the previous owner used to ride with the top box. I will definitely try out the other setting (without the box) and see if it improves.
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Thank you
Majumon, yes I have heard too that the Tiger is comfortable even with a pillion. My brother and me are planning a small ride (probably Lonavala) - will keep posted on how we feel as pillions.