Hello just bought a new 1050. Love the bike and is an awesome ride.

However, I'm planning the big trip to SA in Jan/Feb 2012 and thinking I might trade the Tiger for a more ADV style bike like the upcoming Tiger XC if its as good as everyone expects or the GS perhaps. Bottom line is I'm looking for some advise from those who have done it! I love the 1050 but I am very much aware of its street only limitations.

Modifications that I could do to prep the machine so far seem limited. Touratech have some gear but they too have a limit for the 1050. Any advise??
Thanks

Beef - this might not be what you want to here (as the Tiger is an awesome machine) but for what it's worth my advice would be get a GS. I had a Tiger 1050 in the UK and loved it, but as you say it's off road capability is very limited. I sold mine and bought a GS.

HOWEVER - you coud totally ignore this and just go with the tiger if thats what you like. As you sat Touretech do stuff for it and I'm sure there are people out there who've been around the world on a Tiger.

The new Tiger 800 is out this weekend so there is another option. However many peope will tell you NOT to undertake a big trip on a new model as it hasn't had time to iron out the issues. Again, who knows.


All I know is that you need to be happy riding the machine you have. Luckily for me I'm 16,000 miles and 3 months into my trip and I love my 1200GS. I'm sure I would have loved every minute on my tiger as well. - Not helping really am I

What I'm trying to say is any bike can work as long as you are happy and you know what it's capable of. If you're crossing Africa then I wouldn't suggest a Tiger but if your spending a eyar in South America for example then it would probably be fine. People have taken Haleys all over the world need i say more...

PS Whatever bike make sure you know a little about how it works and that you cna at least change the tyres.

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Cheers LG

Sounds like you're well into your trip. Hope your having the time of your life! How do you find the reliability of your GS? I have heard various stories about a few snags with the electrics and starter? Also, I hear Metzler make a good tyre called the touram?? Do you know if there are any dual purpose tyres out there for my Tiger??
Thanks

Hum... apart from a new drive shaft, triple clamp and front and rear rotor blades my GS has been perfect!

I've also heard that the ring antenna can pack up at any moment - I'm looking forward to that happening. I have no idea what tyres would be good for your tiger. Sorry. Have you looked at the Tiger 1050 forum. Triumph Tiger 1050

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Cheers LG

Had a look and will check it out. Also had a look at your blog. Looks like a great trip. I'm 45 and thinking of doing the same thing. Maybe its the age we are at eh?
Have a good one!