Test rides of three Triumph motorcycles - Tiger XRx, Street Triple and Bonneville T100. Organised by Bengaluru's motorcycle riders group - The Kriegers.
Few of the core group members of The Kriegers – were in talks with the dealer of Triumph Motorcycles and managed to get a confirmation of Test Rides on some of their bikes. Date for the test ride was set and no sooner it was put forth amongst the group via email and whatsapp, than the list of takers poured in. The ride marshals, photographers and even event volunteers were chosen. Batches of three was charted out so all who attend would get to ride the test bikes in turns.
Requirements
Date: Saturday, 27th Feb 2016
Destination: Coffee Day near Kolar
Distance from Bangalore: 70 Kms (approx.)
Event End Time: 12 noon (12:00 hrs)
Bikes made available by Triumph were the Tiger XRx, Street Triple 675 and Bonneville T100.
Requirements and rules for and during the test rides were made clear time and again.
- Documents: To carry valid Driving Licence in original and valid Credit Card (as required by Triumph)
- Riding Gear: Full face helmet, Riding Jacket, Gloves, Riding Pant or Knee guard, Ankle covering riding Boots
- No wheelies, no stoppies, no drag / rash riding and no red lining of speedometer.
Tiger XRx
The Tiger 800 is perfectly suited to long distance rides with a second generation 800cc engine that features a ride-by-wire throttle system for smoother power delivery, better response, and lower emissions. The bike also comes with traction control, switchable ABS, cruise control, various ride modes, two 12V Power Socket to charge any electronic devices besides adjustable seat height, handlebar position, brake and clutch levers. Brilliantly stable and too easy to ride to make one forget the power of the machine. A tall bike so that would mean for those who are of height below 5’9″, it be a bit tough to balance when at stand-still. On-road price would be about 14 lakhs. Expensive this!
Street Triple
The 675cc inline three-cylinder engine on a Daytona sportsbike chassis add to the fun character, simplistic usability and lightweight agility. It comes with ABS, adjustable suspension, programmable rev lights. The bike is quick with smooth gear shifts and nimble for cutting corners. The handlebar position is forward but to low as that of a supersport race bike, so it’s not so race oriented but more street hence the name. On quick braking, it holds steady but can make one feel almost going off the seat and over the tank. Fun, fast and agile bike to ride.
Bonneville T100
The Bonnie comes with a fuel injected 865cc parallel twin and twin peashooter exhausts, chrome engine covers to give that retro shine.
This test bike came with arrow exhaust on, which on this bike didn’t quite fit right for it made this bike sound loud from stand-still and no great shakes considering it’s engine power. Wasn’t too happy about it but wanted to give it a try so as to not be prejudiced for my utter dislike to loud sounding automobiles.
Test rode the bike and it was not to my liking. On a positive note though, the handlebars don’t vibrate as much as that of the Harley set of bikes. With seating more upright, there is a good amount of wind blast on the torso making for not so pleasant ride at triple digit speeds. The bike is heavy at 230kg and not too easy to maneuver either. A street bike with retro styling.
Conclusion
Most if not all of us who sat on the Tiger had an instant smile when astride it and a big grin after the test ride. The Tiger is an undoubted winner here.
