What have you done with your bike today?

[Mick B]

  too high for me!!!! I would Cinnamon Swirl myself when I had to climb the big 'trunk route' poles way back in the 70's. They would have been around 60' if memory recalls. Too f*****g high for me anyway!! 

[Asmith61]

NorthumBryan wow you wouldn’t get me up there  I doff my cap to both you and Mick B …. I suppose it’s what you get used to ? But I am terrible going up a ladder but on the other hand 10 floors up in a hotel or something I am ok leaning over the balcony 

[NorthumBryan]

To be fair I wouldn't get up there these days, I live in a bungalow so a set of stairs has me wheezing....

[Asmith61]

  

[Mick B]

 

[Mick B]

Just a little story about climbing things.......
I hadn't climbed a ladder higher than to clean the bedroom windows nor any poles for about 20 years when I decided we needed a new TV aerial on the gable end of the house.....no problem, been there done that me thinks!
So got the ladder out put on a pair of trainers to grip the tiles (no roof ladder....who needs H&S at home) and proceeded to climb up to the apex with the new aerial and sat on the ridge tiles sorting it. The height never occurred to me until I stood up to 'walk' back down the roof to the ladder. "F**K me" I say to myself, "that's not safe"!!! Stating the bleedin' obvious. 
After shouting the wife to ring my brother to go to a mates to fetch a roof ladder I sat on the roof for a good half an hour for him to come round. 

[Rusty Nuts]

Your trainers must've been grippier than Rod Hull's.

[NorthumBryan]

Class Mick, class 

[Asmith61]

Bloody hell mick 

[Mick B]

Little ride out today. The first for a couple of weeks. Went up to Ladybower & had a bite to eat. Stopped on the way back for an ice cream. Just short of 100 miles but very enjoyable.

[NorthumBryan]

Nice one 

[NorthumBryan]

Today saw the Tigger dropped off at Triumph Newcastle to have it's rear shock replaced under warranty tomorrow. To get me home I managed to blag the Tiger 900 Rally Pro demonstrator until tomorrow night when I get the 'bigger tigger' back. It's a hoot to ride and feels so light in comparison. The engine is a modern miracle and pulls almost as hard as my 1200 does from 2000 rpm to 7000 rpm, the 1200 has a cheeky top end rush which the 900 cannot match. In all honesty it is a true gem of an engine and if you get the chance take one for a test ride. I've never been a fan of 21" front wheels but the steering is so light and neutral you would think it was a 17" item fitted. Loads of feel and plenty of grip but the beastie Brembo Monoblocks can get the front tyre squealing with just a gentle pull of the brake lever. it's fairly comfy but I would have liked the pegs a bit further back and a set of bar risers. It has heated grips & seats as standard and has a very nice, clear & easy to read TFT dash.
However, the big fly in the ointment for me is the screen. This thing just generates noise & buffeting and is even worse on the higher setting. As I'm typing this now my ears are buzzing, despite ear plugs and a very quiet Shark helmet. It's a shame as it's a very good bike (except the colour scheme, but they do some nice colours as well) let down badly by a poorly designed fairing screen. And it's got a chain...

[Asmith61]

It’s good of them to give you a demonstrator to borrow 👍 always good to ride different bikes, glad you are getting the shock replaced under warranty👍

[Mick B]

  nice you got to 'test' ride another triumph. Good review as well.

[NorthumBryan]

Cheers folks. I've got the 'big un' back and what a difference, soooo much more comfortable. The 900 is surprisingly sprightly but the 1200 just has that little bit more everywhere, especially at the top end where is is noticeably more brisk. It's very blustery up here today but I had a very nice run home behind a very large piece of plastic which didn't try to deafen me. Couldn't feel any difference whatsoever with the new shock, but that's maybe a good thing? Happy to have it back and very pleased I've not had to stump up £1,800...

Oh, I had a chance to sit on the new 1200 Tiger, it's almost identical in size & riding position to the 900 but with a lot more go. The screen looks a bit more promising than the 900 but still seems very short. It definitely feels lighter than mine but not the 25kg lighter that it is (or is claimed to be). Frightened to test drive one in case I like it....