Total Motorcycle Community Forums

New at this, thanks for any input. I live in the Boston area and plan on riding to work (into the city) as often as possible starting this spring. I started looking at a Tiger (right price range) then a GS, Capanord, Multistrada, V-Strom, and eventualybegan looking at sport-tourers; ST3, VFR, etc. I've been riding a 94 Intruder 1400 (NOT a good highway/commuter bike!) for 5 years.
I'm 6 feet, 195 lbs. I ride fairly conservative. I don't need to go 120 mph, but wish to have plenty of power for the highways. I would like good, locking, removable bags. I want pretty decent mileage (above 40mpg would be nice). I want good protection from wind/rain. I would also like a bike that doesn't mind if I forget to cover it all the time. Something that won't cost an arm and a leg for routine service. There are dealers for every major manufactuer within 35 miles.
Funny, I came full circle to the Tiger in the last couple of days.
Any thoughts?

dont spend alot of money on your first bike, get something thats easy to repair, cheap for parts, and easy maintenance, I wouldnt go out buy a ducati, they are really enthusiasts motorcycles, and exspensive if you drop um..a Susuki GS500 small and easy to learn on. a Kawasaki EX500. if your tall, may a duel purpose like a Kawasaki KLR 650, easy to ride and good for building your skill level.

Thanks for your input. As I wrote earlier, I've had a 1400cc bike for 5 years, and I've been riding for 6. I've ridden Harleys and tested the Multistrada, so going toa 600cc bike is going backwards. I guess I'm just looking for someone who has ridden some adventure/touring type bikes to tell me what they think. I figured a guy named "BritishJoe" would praise the Triumph!

It sounds like you've made your decision and are seeking confirmation. The Tiger sounds like a great bike, and I believe it will do what you need it to do. I also think the V-Strom 1000 would be an excellent alternative since it's set up about the same but would be much cheaper to maintain.

Have you ridden any of those types of bikes? I've read so much in magazines, I just want an opinion from some "living", "breathing" riders who may have spent some time on one or more.

The trouble I find with the triumphs Now is the finishing is bad, the paint isnt great, stickers replace paint, that kind of fing, Thoug I do have a soft spot for the speed tripple