Opnions welcome for new bike on return to biking

[mrjaytee]

Hello!

Returning biker here. I am a time poor almost 40 year old with young children and a small business. My riding will likely consist of 2-3 trips per year over three or four days such as down to the alps, Devon / Cornwall, Wales type things by myself. Almost zero Sunday riding (I also have a minor golf addiction and the kids will typically come first before both bike and clubs).

My last bike was an Yamaha XSR 700 that I sold in 2023. Before that it was a Ducati Multistrada 950 which I did a took to Barcelona from Santander, via the Pyrenees which is one of my greatest memories of all time let alone just biking. Before that i had a Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 and back in 2008 when I pass my test I had a Kawasaki ZXR 400 which I have seen they have re-released.

Being me I have watched way too many YouTube videos to get up to speed with current bikes in the market. I have a very specific need and have an idea for what would work. I have considered the slightly older Tiger Sport 1250, 1250GS, KTM 890SMT to name a few but I have now shortlisted two bikes which on paper tick my boxes - Triumph Tiger Sport 800 & Tiger 900 (GT Pro or Rally Pro, 2024 onward).

For me I want quickshifter, cruise control, hard luggage, something that can handle 500 mile days, comfort (I am a leggy 6ft 1in) and of course is fun. I am not a fast rider by any means but like most bikers, always like to open a bike up at opportune moments but certainly have no need to blitz through A and B roads overtaking everything. However, I have always appreciated a good engine and in my opinion I have always owned a bike with one albeit with varying characteristics.

There are no plans to do off-road but I do want a bike that handle battered, pot holed roads of Exmoor for example. I like a plush / smooth ride which is why the KTM 890 SMT didn't make the shorter short list.

I know there are comprimises with any bike but would appreciate any feedback on my two shortlisted bikes (Tiger Sport 800 and Tiger 900s) or if there is anything else to consider test riding. I am doing a back to back of the GT Pro and Sport 800 next week.

I have written way too much so thank you if you have read this far and thank you even more for any comment however long or short!

[stinkwheel]

500 mile days Euro-touring with hard luggage?

Sounds like a job for a blackbird. Shame they stopped making them.
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“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.