Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Pro: Having a bad day out riding.

Borrowing a Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Pro for a few hours, while my Triumph Thunderbird Nightstorm 1700 being in the workshop for a replacement sensor at the Triumph Dealership.
I was starting to enjoy the first ride out on a Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Pro when a slight mishap caused me to cut the day short. Dropping the bike, on gravel after losing the front wheel in a pothole.
At least I was out on one of my favourite rides, one I've done many times on the Thunderbird and Speed Triple, so I could compare how each motorcycle handles familiar roads.

[@markjones464]

Wrong Tyres , I have a 1200 and are Running 50 / 50 Tyres I live in Australia We have Ball Bearing Gravel , the Standard TYRES are only good on the sealed Roads I don't see the point of having a Adventure Bike and haveing road tyres on , the 50/ 50 Will still hang on , and want to go faster I would not sold my KawasakiZxr14r , now That Quick , you need the right tyres

[@AManAstray]

Mark, I tend to agree. I've ridden on gravel with road tyres but at slower speeds. I grew up in Brisbane and am a regular visitor to see family... I'm aware of the condition of the roads especially out of town. Definitely better tyres needed. 😁 Thx G

[@MrEtnorb]

Shows how useless plastic hand guards are.

[@AManAstray]

True. They were good at keeping the wind off my hands on a cold day. 🤔😁

[@susanowen5505]

Glad to see you were not hurt, thank you posting this, I have dropped twice, I am clumsy though not sure I should be riding a bike, but my Triumph Tiger 660 is fab

[@AManAstray]

The 660 and was actually quite nice to ride in hindsight, the only drawback was this rider being too heavy 😁 Hopefully you weren't too hurt with those two drops you experienced. Riding a motorcycle is enjoyable, stick with it and the more you ride the less you'll drop it......maybe. 🤣 Thx G

[@CoastalKRH]

9:08 love the mournful music accompanying the drop. Bet you’ll think twice about stopping there again 😂

[@AManAstray]

Maybe...or just enter sooner, where there's less pot holes and gravel. Thx G

[@ToWi1989]

I dropped my tiger 1200 on my first day after coming to a stop on a sideways inclined road, not being able to properly reach the ground. By the time I had my foot flat on the floor is was at such an angle there was simply no way of holding the weight. Luckily just a minor scratch on the crash bars

[@AManAstray]

Thank goodness for crash bars eh? It's certainly a tall motorcycle, I'm 6'3" and It's the first motorcycle I'm still in contact with the seat, while standing with my feel on the floor. 😁 After my recent loss of my Thunderbird, I'm looking to getting an adventure bike, with the Tiger 1200 being a front runner. Thx for the comment. G

[@lestersmyth692]

Thanks for posting I actually have this bike which is what drew my attention to your vid. I’m pleased you’re OK with only damaged pride to show from your mis-hap. Looks to me that the puddle you rode through was actually a pot hole full of water, this really upset the front end then the gravel finished you off….ride safe 👍

[@AManAstray]

Thanks Les for the comment. Yes, it wasn't until I'd seen the replay that I'd seen how far the forks drop. One deep pot hole. I'd been on this car park a few times with the Thunderbird and Speed Triple but entered a few metres earlier, so never expected that to be an issue. Lesson learned. I am tempted to get one myself in the future, as they seem good. Just need some more space in the garage 😁 Hope you're enjoying it? Thanks again for the comments. G

[@slava4792]

Что ты как лошадь дышишь,хоть бы микрофон выключил!

[@austinmatthews347]

I have just taken that same bike out up baildon mate sales guy paul with the beard sorted the test out. Firstly all i can say is quite dissapointed with the staff attitudes. They like to forcefully remind you about the £1000 excess that needs paying as soob as anything happens. Ffs talk about setting the tone. They were fully aware i was testing with a future plan after 3 years of my gsa. And i stressed i reasoned if i test new bikea now i will have a greater idea of what bike may or msy not rellace my lovely gsa. So to the test i rode as far as halfway up towards baildon that was quite enough for me. The bikes on off throttle was terrible the transmission feels dreadfully sloppy and noisy. The bike has not alot of low end grunt the mode stick was sticky the ns mirrow was facing away and couldnt be adjusted i was on it ten mins and that was enough convince me my gsa is far superior in every way.

[@AManAstray]

Hi Austin. I agree that the explanation of excess does come across a little strong. I don't know if they do get a lot of bumps, knocks or drops with their demo bikes so they have to make it clear to people. It used to be £500 a few years ago, as I'd always get one while mine are being serviced. Interesting to hear your thoughts on the tiger 1200. I thought the throttle was sharp, it had the low end grunt (I'm not a light guy) I'd want. I really had only two critical points. Being noticeably top heavy and the seating was pushing me towards the tank and narrow end. The one you tested, was it left in rain mode or something, because it's surprising to read your experience. Thx for your comments. G

[@austinmatthews347]

@@AManAstray it was in road i managed to get sport mode on but mate if you havent already tried a gsa try one allen jeffries or vertu as it is now are way nicer to deal with i use rotherham they are so professional. I was just taking a ride out of curiousity and i can assure you the tiger cant live with the gs or gsa its on another level of refinement apart from the qs which the boxer engine is the best its a wee bit jerky i adjust my throttle in the low gears to smooth it out but other than that the gs has way more room i am 6ft and i am comfy on stock height your 6ft 3 so you would be fine the tiger has no immediate grunt compared to mine

[@uttamgala7186]

Ah! Sorry my friend, that sucks - happens to the best of us. On the bright side - that was the best possible scenario, dumping it on gravel coming to a stop. Thanks for posting and hope you have a great riding season!

[@NicePantsLance]

Ouch, atleast you kept your cool!! These bikes are so tough, they can handle a drop 🤘 I have to say though, you basically aimed right for that pot hole. You put the entire front end on a dive coming out of that hole in a gravel lot, of course you're gonna lose all front end traction! Mistakes happen though, its only natural. Hopefully the dealer wasnt too mad at you! Carry on and ride safe 🤘 youve got a sub from me brotha

[@AManAstray]

I agree. It wasn't until I reviewed the footage that I basically had target fixation for the water. I didn't realise there'd be a pot hole there. Surprised by the amount of drop. I'd been on that car park a few times with the Thunderbird and Speed Triple, without issues. However, it did seem that an extra layer of gravel was added since my last visit.😁 Totally my fault and the off road riding I did as a teenager, 30+years ago... I'd forgotten it all. I'm thinking of updating my skills and doing some off road. As for the dealer, they've seen worse. I'd paid for the damage, so all was good Thx G

[@gilvietor1918]

@@AManAstray accidents can happen to anyone, random weird stuff happens in the brain and poof you make a mistake. Monday morning quarterbacking is so easy to do when sitting in a comfy chair. With that said, I think you're spot on with getting some offroad training to get those cobwebs off! For me, I am an offroad guy, and the street is where I am constantly trying to learn.

[@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff]

Gravel, the "Arch Nemesis" of a road bike, aaaahhhhh! Take the positives, you could of had a broken ankle or shoulder blade, you got off lightly. Coming into that stop in fourth probably didn't help, I suspect you had little engine control at that speed in such a higher gear. I've done worse, dropped it right over thinking my side-stand was down snapping off my clutch lever.

[@AManAstray]

True...It was a last minute decision to stop. I've been here many times on both my Speed Triple and the Thunderbird, but entered a lot earlier. It was a slow motion fall (hence the idea for the video) so instinctively I had a way to fall off. Even the dealer told me people fall, the bike pins their legs, and bones break I was lucky in that respect. Thx G

[@overwatch65]

Was that the off road part of the test ride lol, everyone has done it, worse with an audience of fellow bikers!

[@AManAstray]

Unintentional drop for sure. It's an area where I've parked several times before, on my Speed Triple 1050RS and my Thunderbird Nightstorm 1700, which isn't light. However, I entered the area further down than I usually do, and it seems the authority had added several inches of new gravel. The pot hole was unexpected that caught me out. Anyway lesson learned, and now I've actually bought a Tiger 1200 GT Explorer. I'll try not to drop that. 😁 Thx G

[@overwatch65]

​@@AManAstraywas it a 'you break it you buy it scenario?' Will be a great bike to own

[@AManAstray]

@@overwatch65 I paid for the repair (excess) on the GT Pro However I'd bought the GT Explorer in September. So far, very enjoyable

[@paulocelso68]

Glad to see you did not hurt yourself a lot, but the pride !!! Questions: 1. Do you think the front suspensions forks were too soft ? 2. The seat height influenced about the event? thanks for posting the video... It happens to all of us... (sorry about my English. I am brazilian and a Tiger 900 owner)

[@AManAstray]

Hi Paulo. The forks were ok, not too soft. I think the hole got me by surprise so I was not expecting it to be so deep. The bike is tall and top heavy. I am 6'3" (190cm) so it wasn't a problem for me, but I think because I was top heavy, I found it difficult to lift on gravel. I am about 118kg so that helped. 😁 Glad you enjoyed the video. Thx G.

[@andrewshore262]

My GT Pro was delivered a few weeks ago an ex demo 🤣, fortunately no signs of accident damage lol. I’m impressed you got the thing back up and on an even keel - lightweight they are not! I’m only 6’ and felt the GT Pro was high enough for me, I came from a 4 year old V Strom 1000 also top heavy and not a light beast so I knew even before riding it these big ADV’s don’t give you much room for error at slow speeds over difficult terrain. Anyway - glad you’re okay and all things considered the damage looked minimal, the 3 things I wanted on mine before I even swung a leg over it - the optional heated seat (great) upper and lower crash bars (not needed them yet).

[@AManAstray]

Hi Andrew. I'm sure you've got a good one. The damage was minimal, but I paid an excess to get it all replaced. It was heavy for sure, also on gravel. I intentionally didn't include all of the heavy breathing to get it upright. 😁 Thx for the comments. G

[@peterrichards7387]

Yep loose stones & gravel, deadly. I've not dropped my bike yet (touch wood) but it has jammed be to the car parked next to me which was rather embarrassing when I tried to get off the bike without dropping the stand. Luckly my left leg took the weight and with my left arm was able to right myself. No damage to my bike or the parked car just to my ego. Happens to the best of us.

[@AManAstray]

It's one location that I'll be careful on next time. 😁

[@Slycarlo]

Its all part of driving experience, just like what people say Charge in experience.

[@AManAstray]

Certainly will chalk that up...not to do it again. 😁

[@susanowen5505]

I hope you didn't damage your leg too much, my first comment when you picked the bike up I thought you were unscathed. Thank you for a honest account on ride, sorry this happened.

[@AManAstray]

Hi Susan. No issues with the leg. The knee ached for a couple hours afterwards but pride hurt a little more. 😁 Everything happens for a reason, this poor judgement, a little target fixation on the puddle (not knowing the pot hole was lurking) so it's all experience. Thx G

[@alanjohnstone2539]

Sorry about wee spill, it can happen to anyone especially on heavier bikes. Glad all sorted with dealer, don’t worry about it, no injuries is 100% the main thing.

[@AManAstray]

Cheers Alan. Yeah the only injury was pride, oh! and may be the wallet. I'd ridden a lot off road as a teenager, but that counted for nothing. Both this bike and I are both heavier than I experienced way, way back then. Thx G

[@kevinwigham3033]

Something every biker will have already experienced or is likely to at some point. Not the end of the world. Happy rides

[@AManAstray]

Thanks Kevin. That seems to be the case. Even the dealership said exactly that when I returned the bike. It caught me out, as I'd been on that parking area with my other motorcycles without issues. Thx G

[@Rayk76]

No doubt disgust and outrage went through your mind, it has happened to many of us, glad ur ok

[@AManAstray]

Hi Ray, yes those plus a little embarrassment as I had to tell the dealership I dropped their bike. The more I thought about it the more annoyed I became. The guys at the dealership were great, telling me, not the 1st time loan bikes have been dropped, even brand new bikes dropped by customers in the car park straight after purchasing. It all goes in the book of experience. Thx G

[@adrianmasterson6388]

we`ve all done it. Thanks for posting. 🤭

[@AManAstray]

Cheers Adrian. I agree, but when the last bike I dropped was a dirt bike as a teenager a very long time ago, it still was annoying. I'll describe it as a right of passage. 😁 Thx G

[@shegocrazy]

I know that feeling at opening scene. Same breathing pattern lol. That was on my thunderbird lt. Pouring rain and tight roundabout and the bike just wouldn't turn. Maybe diesel on road or skated on the water. I've got the gt explorer and still have the thunderbird.

[@AManAstray]

Hope you were ok after the roundabout slide. The 1200 Tiger is about 250kg and my Thunderbird Nightstorm is about 300kg. If I'd gone over on that, not sure if I'd lift that on loose gravel. There would be more heavy breathing for sure. 😁 Thx G

[@shegocrazy]

@@AManAstray Yes by miracle I stayed upright with the front wheel sliding along the curb at 45 degreed lol. Only damage was bottom of sideboards which were digging into the siding. I still don't know how I managed to keep it up and not getting hit by a car from behind. Longest 5 seconds of sliding I've experienced lol. Bike was fully loaded with the missus on the back. Probs 550kg all up?

[@paulchambers2296]

Hope the tumble didn’t put you off buying one, next on my list👍

[@AManAstray]

Hi Paul. No, far from it. Maybe think twice about going into the dealership without some sort of disguise so they don't recognise me 🥸 but for the short time I rode it. Very nice. Have you had a test ride?

[@wombal177jim]

Vstrom every time for me ATB hope your leg is ok 👍🏻

[@AManAstray]

Yes, the day after it was feeling better. Thx G

[@CorporateAdventurer]

Refreshing to see this! Not many post their drops..it’s highly time we normalise this. I’ve had my share of drops on my GSA. Good to see you walked out off this unharmed and obviously more experienced! Your confidence takes a beating but you handled it really well. Always tricky to manoeuvre gravel and sand. Keep practising 👊

[@AManAstray]

I agree. It's funny because after I posted my video, I started seeing even some of the bigger KZbin channels posted their drops as well. 😁 A trend setter.

[@Pete128]

Well done! Welome to the tiger 1200 club. You have been christened, now you definitely need to buy one :)

[@AManAstray]

Cheers Pete. With two motorcycles and a car in the garage, the space is at a premium. The options are: Leave the car outside the garage. Move to a home with a bigger garage. Park a motorcycle in the house. 🤣 Thx G

[@Pete128]

@@AManAstray all seem like viable solutions :). Dont worry about dropping the beast.. I've dropped mine 3 times so far, on and off road. It's almost a mark an experienced rider, I'm told, to have dropped an adventure bike and carried on. They are a good motor.

[@danjf]

Ah mate gutted for you but these happen to us all.... just when you least expect... a silly annoying, often very expensive drop. Hopefully the dealer was understanding and the main thing is that you aren't hurt.... beyond some bruising. I'm seriously thinking of buying one, I just can't decide between the GT Pro and the Rally.

[@AManAstray]

Thanks Dan. Yeah, the dealer was ok. There's an excess on all loan/demo bikes so I knew I had to pay. If it was my own bike, there's nothing that any bike in your garage doesn't already have, slight scuff on the leaver, tiny scratch here and there, stone chip etc. ..but because they need to sell it , the list of parts and decals was long The dealer was sympathetic too, explaining that even people who've just bought brand new bikes, have dropped them in the car park before setting off. Both are great bikes, rally is a little taller than GT, different wheels and tyres but aimed at those who maybe want to do a bit more off road. Take a rest ride...but don't drop it.😁 Thx G

[@JazzFunkSoulHouseYT]

@@AManAstray Yep don't know.... I bought a brand new CB600FS Hornet in 2001... my first "big" bike... it was parked at the dealer, looking pretty and I pushed it out to the road, which had a severe camber. I hadn't even ridden the bike, lost my balance, over it went.... minor damage but very bruised ego. Didn't help I had fractured my heels about 6 weeks before (ladder fall) so my legs were still a bit weak. Anyway, we will be checking out the bike this weekend and take it from there. Take care, avoid gravel!

[@AManAstray]

Hopefully the bike wasn't too scuffed up after that incident. So "Warning Gravel" is now at the back of my mind whereas "Warning Camber" is at yours😁 We'll both keep at least 1 or 2 tyres maintaining contact with planet earth. Enjoy. Thx G

[@LinhNguyen-im4uu]

Dealer should have put crash guards on their demo bikes even if they weren't standard issue. That way any damage that occurs during test rides is minimized. Glad you were OK.

[@AManAstray]

A good point. I can see that on certain motorcycles. They let me have a Ducati Supersport a few years back, too small for me, but that wouldn't look right with crash bars 🤣🤣🤪 Pride was hurt more than anything else Thx G

[@ScottREID-zy6qg]

@@AManAstray Was there any scratches or damage to the plastic shrouds ? I have just purchased crash bars (uppers only) for my GT Pro.

[@AManAstray]

@@ScottREID-zy6qg Hi, no damage as such. Just minor abrasions on the shroud, and a scuff mark on the mirror, brake lever etc caused by gravel. Nothing broke other than the hand guard. If it was my own bike, I'm sure most would polish out.or you could live with it. Not sure if crash bars would have helped me as the gravel could still make contact. The dealer said that the bike was designed so that the shrouds will be replaceable so you don't damage the tank. Hope you're enjoying the bike?

[@ScragNath]

If you think the GT is top heavy, you haven't tried the Rally Explorer with 30 litres in the tank. That with a full top box and pillion is a challenge for the most experienced riders. (Dropped my Rally Explorer on a right turn full lock after stalling it, full crash bars saved the day).

[@AManAstray]

Very true. I was thinking the same thing when I was standing next to the explorer in the showroom. It's top heavy for my experience with adventure motorcycles...given the 2 I own and the enduro I used to ride 40+ years ago. 😁 I'm sure one would get used to it over time. It's certainly making me want to do some off-road training in the future. Hope you were ok after the drop? Thx G

[@ScragNath]

@@AManAstray Bought it new last November and just getting used to it before my next trip over to Spain shortly. Having owned a GSA and a KTM super adventure S until recently, it is as good as both bikes. The stalling at slow speeds to me is the thing to get used to most, more clutch use. Like you, I am 6'-2" and the seat is at it highest making it very top heavy. The GSA slings it's Boxer very low and compensates for the weight.

[@AManAstray]

@@ScragNath I'm looking to get one, for two up...but the missus is also tall. That concerns us both...so may end up with a goldwing....or she can stay at home. 🤣

[@ScragNath]

@@AManAstray All the more reason to get the Rally Explorer 🤔

[@jimjoelliejack]

The first thing I do with triumph hand guards is bin them and stick on some bark busters. Nice to see Kex gill and the road to skipton, we are lucky living in such a nice area.

[@AManAstray]

Yeah such a great County, great roads (excluding the flippin' pot holes in the cities) The triumph guards were ok, but snapping off with a drop into gravel, was their limit Thx G

[@jackwright9102]

You live to ride another day!😁

[@AManAstray]

Thanks Jack...and with a little more experience too. 😁 Thx G

[@schemkesa]

Lol So much for the offroad capabilities 😂

[@AManAstray]

Very true. Maybe if I was expecting the drop and had better tyres. 😁