2012 Triumph reviews

First comment is that this review site, along with CycleTrader itself, has motorcycle categories that have not kept up with market trends and definitions. Adventure style or type motorcycles are not selectable as a category which leaves them misplaced wherever else one puts them for sale or reviewing. That is a very large number of motorcycles, so shame on cycletrader for this oversight. As for the Triumph Tiger 800 xc, reviews are readily found on the internet at other sites, so people really should go there. As for my personal experience with the bike, I have owned approximately forty motorcycles over the years in the groups of dirt bikes, scooters, standards, sport bikes, sport touring, on and off road, classics, Japanese and European. Even as a younger rider, comfort was important to me and all the bikes I have owned over the past 20 years have gravitated even more in that direction. The Triumph Tiger is one of the motorcycles that exemplifies quality in every possible area as a street bike. Enough power for solid acceleration from any speed due to a strong low and mid-range; gearing that makes interstate travel pleasant, i.e. not revving beyond it's comfort zone for vibration. This bike's suspension soaks up large and small bumps compliantly without excessive front end diving or bottoming or rebound stiffness. It turns quickly but is not twitchy due to it's tire sizes and geometry. It is slightly top heavy at low speeds, but heavy enough to be stable at all speeds in windy conditions. Seat and handlebar vibration are minimal. I have not experienced the stock windscreen as I nearly always change that for added wind protection. Tire choices are adequate for the stock rim sizes for either a street bias or off road work. The xc model has spoke rims that can take tubeless tires---nice, if harder to keep clean. The Tiger has a larger than average fuel tank capacity and gets excellent fuel mileage on regular gas----that feature won't be found on most other bikes in this class, the smaller vstrom notwithstanding. Versatility won't matter to some riders, particularly those who think fun only comes at speeds 20 over the limit on public roads. For those of us who want to keep our licenses and our bodies intact, while still getting the excitement that two wheel speed can create, the Triumph Tiger is a standout motorcycle. Reliability is top notch, servicing costs are average, home maintenance ease or difficulty is better than average. Should readers want any additional feedback, I will try to be helpful. Enjoy safe and fun riding one and all. Show less

I bought this brand new in 2012 with in six months noticed an oil smell there was a hole in the block . They replaced the block the next year battery would not charge had to replace the rectifier . Then again the next year just frustrating I didn't ride it for a while 2 years later not charging again noticed oil on the top of the rectifier (can't sell a broken bike ) the person who repaired the bike ( the block replacement) pinched the wire from the stator in the block now oil travels along the line into the rectifier shorting it out the connections rotted out.ive had the bike 9 years only have 6000 kms on it most the first year (the dealer I bought it from went out of business) love the looks rides real nice just a lemon and getting expensive Show less

I love this bike. I am a sport tourer. I'm pushing 74 years old and my '07 Moto Guzzi Norge is starting to feel tall and heavy. I have a 28" inseam. This SE has a 29" seat. My only complaint is suspension (our roads in New England are pretty rough). I plan to install emulators in front and new (better) shocks in the rear. A windshield and center stand will be installed tomorrow. I rode it in the twisties in Vermont last week. It handles very nicely and has more than enough power. Throttle feel is great. Seating position is perfect for me. Gas mileage average for the first 900 miles is about 48 mpg. (hwy and back roads). Jim: Thanks for working with me in getting my bike purchased and shipped to Connecticut. Show less

I will be riding this bike a lot into my retirement years. I can't get enough, averaging 100 miles a day the first week. I have owned three 650 twins, albeit 35 years ago; this 865 cc is what we all wanted back then. It's powerful, smooth, quieter than the old bikes; coupled with today's tires, fuel injection and better electrics. I'm very satisfied with this bike and with the seller: staff at the shop was very easy to deal with. They phoned me with a price that I didn't refuse. Now I'm stoked to experience this type of machine once again. Show less

I've owned everything from RZ350's to Husqvarna 510 Supermoto's to a Triumph Scrambler to a Yamaha R1 and several other bikes as well. I tour, do several track days a year and ride MX so I would consider myself a pretty well-rounded rider. I bought my Street Triple at dealership in Whitby, Ontario, Canada in the fall of 2012. I couldn't believe the torque and horsepower that the triple motor could make. It handles lightning fast like a Supermoto and hauls like a Superbike. I have already ridden from Toronto to New Brunswick and back, and just recently returned from a trip to Tennessee and North Carolina. I'm sure there may be more comfortable touring bikes, but the Street triple really is that versatile. This bike definitely is going to be around for the long haul. Show less

I have been riding for several years off and on. And I've also ridden several different brands of motorcycles. I just sold my old 1978 Goldwing which was a good ride. But after riding the America, the only thing I can say is that, this is the most comfortable motorcycle I've ever ridden. It handles great, has good power, great fuel economy and even with my wife on the back it is still very stable, plenty of power for me and a real joy to ride. Not to mention that it's not a clone, but pure British engineering that I think is superior to anything I've ridden so far. It's much more comfortable than my old Goldwing and a hundred pounds lighter. I'm also hearing impaired, so the quiet and smoothness of the engine is right up my alley. We can even have a conversation while riding which I never could on the Sportster which was all hollering over the exhaust trying to be heard. Whenever I buy another motorcycle it surely will be another Triumph, and the sales and service personel at the Roanoke dealership are top notch. They were very friendly and helpful. I wouldn't hesitate to buy there again. I give them and my Triumph five stars across the board. Show less

I started riding motorcycles on the road in 2006, started on an '02 GSXR750. I learned a lot on that, but one day I rode an SV650s and never knew what a bike like that was capable of. I thought I was on the right bike, for LIFE, but then I saw a street triple R and feel in love all over again. I didn't need to ride it, I knew it was a go as soon as I laid my eyes on it. I rode it on 18 mountains in Laurel Springs and was dragging knee in the first turn just cruising, it handles like NO other! I hope this bike is the last for me for 20 years, because it's everything I want/need for the mountains of NC/TN. Show less

The Triumph America is my first motorcyle. I put on 6,000 miles of recreational riding in five months. We often ride two-up and there has been no problem with comfort even when riding five or six hours in a day. Reliability has been 100% and there have been no quality issues. The seam on the saddlebag separated and the dealer immediately honored the warranty. Power is about what I expected. I could not be happier with my choice of a Triumph and intend to move up to the Thunderbird as soon as the warranty expires. Show less