[neil.jericho]

Originally Posted by anshumandun

BMW 900XR = 10.5L
BMW 900XR Pro = 11.5L

Multi 950 = 12.8L
Multi 950 S = Not available in India

Tiger GT = 13.7L
Tiger GT Pro = Not available in India

In terms of pricing and features, the 900XR Pro with the electronic suspension is a clear winner.

Just updating the list so we get all the competitors side by side.

BMW 900XR = 10.5L
BMW 900XR Pro = 11.5L

Multi 950 = 12.8L
Multi 950 S = Not available in India

Tiger GT = 13.7L
Tiger Rally Pro : 15.5L
Tiger GT Pro = Not available in India (maybe to avoid sticker shock at launch?)

Africa Twin Manual : 15.5L
Africa Twin DCT : 16.1L

BMW R1250GS Standard : 16.85L
BMW R1250GS Pro : 20.05

BMW R1200GSA Standard : 17.25L
BMW R1200GSA Pro : 20.95L

Ducati Multistrada 1260 : 17.8L
Ducati Multistrada 1260S : 19.6L
Ducati Multistrada 1260 Pikes Peak : 24.15L

I believe the Ducati Multistrada offerings are not BS6 compliant and hence are not available right now. I dont know whether the big BMWs are as well.

[//M]

Seems like the first lot of Tiger 900s have arrived !

The 900 Rally Pro is apparently from the Chandigarh dealership, while the 900 GT has been clicked outside the Pune dealership.

Got these pictures as Whatsapp forward, due credits to the photographers.

The 900 looks a lot sleek and a size compact when compared to the erstwhile Tiger 800 as seen in the pictures below.

[Axe77]

Just on looks, older one anyday!! I feel I got the best of both worlds - have the older look 800 with the 2018 onward TFT etc.

Some of the features on the 2020 are awesome though.

[//M]

The Pune dealer has started offering test rides too. A couple of Tiger 800 owners who got a chance to ride the 900 yesterday said that it feels noticeably lighter, more flickable and is a little more fun to ride compared to the 800. However, the 800 looks much more purposeful and industrial.

The Onroad prices from Pune are as below,

Tiger GT = 16.51 L
Tiger Rally = 17.26 L
Tiger Rally Pro = 18.44 L

[//M]

A friend shared these images of the Tiger 900 GT and Tiger 900 Rally Pro from Pune.

He rides a Tiger 800 XCx and says that his initial impressions on the 900 Rally Pro is that it is a lot more fun to ride than the 800. The weight saving is noticeable and the motorcycle feels more lively.

[Red Liner]

Originally Posted by //M

He rides a Tiger 800 XCx and says that his initial impressions on the 900 Rally Pro is that it is a lot more fun to ride than the 800. The weight saving is noticeable and the motorcycle feels more lively.

Still looks too heavy on paper.

All approximations
Tiger 900 Rally: 196 dry / 215 wet
KTM 790 Adventure Rally: 189 dry / 205 wet
Yamaha Tenere 700: 180 dry / 196 wet

Both the tiger and the tenere carry all their weight high up. The 790 does that low a la the 1200gs. Having tried riding a Versys offroad which carries all its 21 litres of gas high up, I can tell you that it does not make for an enjoyable experience.

I think these bikes will work for a road touring experience. If things get gnarly, you better have experience and skills under your belt.

[mohansrides]

Originally Posted by //M

A friend shared these images of the Tiger 900 GT and Tiger 900 Rally Pro from Pune.

He rides a Tiger 800 XCx and says that his initial impressions on the 900 Rally Pro is that it is a lot more fun to ride than the 800. The weight saving is noticeable and the motorcycle feels more lively.

Are they offering TRs on both the GT and the Rally Pro at Pune? I am asking because dealerships are notorious for having only one TR bike. Normally that would be fine. But in cases like the Tiger 900 where the Rally (with its long travel suspension) is a different bike from the GT in some major respects, getting to TR both variants would be immensely helpful.

[//M]

Originally Posted by mohansrides

Are they offering TRs on both the GT and the Rally Pro at Pune? I am asking because dealerships are notorious for having only one TR bike. Normally that would be fine. But in cases like the Tiger 900 where the Rally (with its long travel suspension) is a different bike from the GT in some major respects, getting to TR both variants would be immensely helpful.

Yes both the GT and Rally Pro are available for test rides with the Pune dealer. Almost everyone I know who have test ridden the 900 Rally Pro in the last two days (including a few Tiger 800 owners) are all singing praises about the flickability and manoeuvrability of the motorcycle.

[mohansrides]

Originally Posted by //M

Yes both the GT and Rally Pro are available for test rides with the Pune dealer. Almost everyone I know who have test ridden the 900 Rally Pro in the last two days (including a few Tiger 800 owners) are all singing praises about the flickability and manoeuvrability of the motorcycle.

So what’s the word on the GT?

I get the feeling that the GT is going to get whooped in the sales charts. I can’t see why anyone would buy it when the Rally distances itself so far ahead in the specs and in the reviews. The spoke wheels and the long travel suspension (240 mm and 230 mm of travel) alone are worth the higher price. The only fly in the ointment is the high seat height of the Rally. Riders below 5’ 10” are going to struggle.

[GoBlue]

Originally Posted by mohansrides

So what’s the word on the GT?

I get the feeling that the GT is going to get whooped in the sales charts. I can’t see why anyone would buy it when the Rally distances itself so far ahead in the specs and in the reviews. The spoke wheels and the long travel suspension (240 mm and 230 mm of travel) alone are worth the higher price. The only fly in the ointment is the high seat height of the Rally. Riders below 5’ 10” are going to struggle.

The BMW F900XR TE which comes with electronic rear suspension is priced at 11.5 ex-showroom. The Tiger 900 GT doesn't seem to offer any added value at 13.7 ex-showroom, which makes it appear over-priced.

The Tiger 900 Rally Pro is positioned between the Africa Twin Manual variant and the GS1250 STD as far as price is concerned. It's fair to say that Triumph hasn't made it easy for prospective buyers to make up their mind when it comes to the atrocious pricing.

Having said that, the Tiger 900 Rally Pro is a great competent product and there's no denying the good fit and finish which Triumph bikes have. But whether it's worth spending more than an Africa Twin is debatable and more of a personal preference (light weight vs. bulky / triple engine vs. twin).

The Triumph Scrambler 1200 seems to offer better value for money and is worth considering. The BS4 version was priced at 10.7 lacs ex-showroom, BS6 is yet to be launched.
The Ducati Multistrada 950s (with front/rear semi-active suspension) was also expected to be launched this year, hope Covid-19 hasn't delayed proceedings.

I am usually a fan of Triumph bikes, but not a fan of the Tiger 900's pricing. It seems aspirational and perhaps has the inevitable discount margins factored in.

[Axe77]

Originally Posted by mohansrides

Are they offering TRs on both the GT and the Rally Pro at Pune? I am asking because dealerships are notorious for having only one TR bike. Normally that would be fine. But in cases like the Tiger 900 where the Rally (with its long travel suspension) is a different bike from the GT in some major respects, getting to TR both variants would be immensely helpful.

Triumph has historically always had two test ride bikes - one XRX and one XCX. I am 100% sure that approach will continue as both have distinct customers.

Originally Posted by mohansrides

So what’s the word on the GT?



I get the feeling that the GT is going to get whooped in the sales charts. I can’t see why anyone would buy it when the Rally distances itself so far ahead in the specs and in the reviews.

Again, this has always been the case between XR series and XC series even in past edition when it came with that legendary WP suspension. But they both have their distinct customer base and each will pull its own distinct client. The factor that may swing a few extra votes towards rally is the tubeless spoke wheel factor which is the big change and was missing in XCX previously.

Originally Posted by GoBlue

The BMW F900XR TE which comes with electronic rear suspension is priced at 11.5 ex-showroom. The Tiger 900 GT doesn't seem to offer any added value at 13.7 ex-showroom, which makes it appear over-priced.

The Tiger 900 Rally Pro is positioned between the Africa Twin Manual variant and the GS1250 STD as far as price is concerned. Its fair to say that Triumph hasnt made it easy for prospective buyers to make up their mind when it comes to the atrocious pricing.
.

I think on engine alone the tiger will have a March over the F 900 XR TE. I would say (perhaps controversially) if you are in the market for a F 900 XR, just buy the street triple RS - hands down!! That is the comparison I would make. And leave tiger comparisons to the 750/850 GS twins.

[GoBlue]

Originally Posted by Axe77

I think on engine alone the tiger will have a March over the F 900 XR TE. I would say (perhaps controversially) if you are in the market for a F 900 XR, just buy the street triple RS - hands down!! That is the comparison I would make. And leave tiger comparisons to the 750/850 GS twins.

The F900 XR is a relaxed sports tourer while the Street Triple RS is a committed naked. You were right, this comparison is indeed controversial.

The F900XR and Tiger 900 GT are direct competitors in the sport touring segment. The other competitor being the Yamaha Tracer 900 GT.

As far as the engine is concerned (triple/twin), it is indeed a personal preference considering the substantial premium being demanded for the triple.

The 750/850 GS are great bikes, BS6 models are yet to be launched.

[//M]

Originally Posted by mohansrides

So what’s the word on the GT?

As per people who rode the GT, it feels great as well but at that price it will be difficult to convince buyers who might get swayed by the F900XR instead.

The Rally Pro will have takers though. Honda being Honda, won't really go aggressive with the Africa Twin and buyers in that segment might consider the Rally Pro simply for ease and availability of cross spokes, and hence tubeless tyres. Africa Twin is fantastic, no doubts about it, but Honda is too lazy to aggressively pitch it in the market.

Originally Posted by Axe77

I would say (perhaps controversially) if you are in the market for a F 900 XR, just buy the street triple RS - hands down!! That is the comparison I would make. And leave tiger comparisons to the 750/850 GS twins.

I am glad someone said this. The ideal competition to the F900XR would have been the Tiger Sports, had it been available off the shelf in India. The Tiger 900 should be compared to the BMW F750/850 twins. But pricing is a critical game and when two different products are priced similarly, comparison is inevitable.

[Axe77]

Originally Posted by GoBlue

The F900 XR is a relaxed sports tourer while the Street Triple RS is a committed naked.

The F900XR and Tiger 900 GT are direct competitors in the sport touring segment. The other competitor being the Yamaha Tracer 900 GT.

Originally Posted by //M

I am glad someone said this. The ideal competition to the F900XR would have been the Tiger Sports, had it been available off the shelf in India. The Tiger 900 should be compared to the BMW F750/850 twins.

You are right GoBlue, maybe the RS is pushing it on comparison. But like //M said, the perfect comparison would actually be the Tiger Sport which is not sold in India and it is indeed the Tracer 900 that it is compared MOST with.

I'd make the following points. I believe the 900 BMW is CBU while the Tiger is CKD. Before landing on a verdict, will be useful to see in your respective city, what that relates to as on road price difference.

If the final landed on road price difference is bridged to some extent because of the CBU/CKD factor, the Tiger GT will have an edge with its inline 3 over the BMW. If the difference is still vast, the BMW definitely has the edge for any rider that only wants to road tour long distance. For our kind of roads though / if you want to do even some nominal offroading as a supplement to long touring, I would the GT will be much more capable and it would be worth taking a careful call on the Tiger's rough road / off road abilities.

The cost of ownership of the BMW will definitely be higher than the Tiger and again if the purchase cost differential is bridged then worth keeping this in mind.

[neil.jericho]

I got a chance to take a close look at the new Tiger 900 in the Cochin dealership. To be honest, the reviews from the international journalists didnt have me too impressed and the side by side pictures of the Tiger 900 against the older 800 on this thread made it look as though the old bike had gone through an extreme Keto diet and become too skinny in the process.

However, once I got a chance to take a proper look at the bike, I was very impressed by the ground up work that they have done to improve what was an already very capable motorcycle. I will post more detailed thoughts in a later post, for now this is 5'11" me on the new Tiger 900.