Every day we get updates since I added this little map widget to our BLOG….it is wicked to see when and where people check in. Where are you on the map? Click to enlarge the pictures.
Once again Cheryl and I thank everyone for keeping this BLOG alive!
Since October 28th, 2011
If this is true from the Triumph Facebook page and also thanks to markbvt & walker from the Triumph Tiger 800 Forum, then I know Cheryl & I waited for a reason to see what Triumph would do with this great bike. Now…did they or will they add handlebar controls and ambient temperature with on/off ABS button???? 
Tubeless spoke tires? Notice the loss of the Nissin brakes and the fact Triumph has join the band wagon using BREMBO??? BMW uses Brembo brakes. I would say in my remedial knowledge this is a step up.
Triumph has been listening! Good on Triumph! Apparently this was indeed at the show in Italy…so, the next question is this a real release bike or just for show? Any thoughts? Comments, opinions??
***I believe that some folks from Triumph might be still be reading this BLOG…why not post comments to them…who knows they might read this post! 
***
From Triumph’s Facebook page:
Originally Posted by Triumph
Also debuting is this one-off Tiger 800XC concept created as a showcase by Triumph’s accessories division. Built using official Triumph accessories, most of which feature new finishes, and high spec components such as Öhlins mechatronic suspension and tubeless Kineo wheels, it’s the ultimate version of Triumph’s best selling bike and guaranteed to be a real showstopper!
One of the best investments we made for our trip this past summer was buying fork seal protectors. For $25 these little things can save you a lot of inconvenience. Although we have no proof that using fork seal covers worked, I guess you can say since we never had any issues perhaps they did.
We ran into a few folks where a blown seal halted if not ended their trip. There are many ideas out there like DIY covers and other brands, but we went with KRIEGA covers. They fit perfectly on the Triumph Tiger 800XC forks and also looked the part too.
Fork Seals
Increased service life for your USD forks with more effective protection from mud & dirt. Made from NEOSKIN (coated neoprene). Easy fit/clean, no fork disassembly required.
Kreiga Fork Seal Covers
Completely understated, yet so valuable when traveling in general. Very easy to install and every once in a while we would take them off, rinse them and put them back on. Every time we hit the gross stuff up North practically the only place on the bikes that stayed “clean” were the forks.
The forks would stay clean even when the bikes were caked in this!
Do you have to buy KRIEGA? Nope…but when you want something practical that only costs a few bucks but can save you a possible PITA (pain in the ass) situation, some sort of seal cover is in your best interest.
BTW, we have them on our BMW’s now, and although the forks are not inverted they still fit and if needed there are little loops to use cable ties just in case. Check them out, or at least think about doing something to protect your seals. You can’t go wrong by doing something and not over looking this area of the bike.
So, nothing too new here either for the BMW F800GS. That might not be such a bad thing for the F800GS die hard out there. No changes except colour choices and some options. Like I have said we will be in the market for new bikes next year. We were really hoping BMW would update the GS series more than they did. Our bikes have remained mainly the same since 2008. For us, the Triumph Tiger 800XC that we took on our summer adventure this year is the front-runner mainly because of the adjustable seat and comfort.
I just really do not like the Tiger’s ABS set up to turn it off and some other “minor” pet peeves. No bike is perfect but as far as the street comfort that we are now looking for in a bike the Tiger’s are front in line. We might wait until next Fall and see yet again if BMW makes a move in this market other than raising their base prices. Part of the reason the MSRP has gone up is that all 2012 BMW models will have ABS as standard.
We do like that triple black though
Info found on BMW San Francisco
Here is the 2012 BMW F800GS
2012 F 800 GS (MSRP: $12,355*)
Model Year 2012 Changes
100% Options
| Code | Description |
| 524 | ABS (disengageable) |
| 588 | White Turn Signals |
Special Packages
Colors
| Code | Description | MSRP |
| N93 | Triple Black (Deep Black); includes black and rallye grey seat, black spoke wheels, granite grey metallic matte frame, black fork, and nurburg silver metallic swing arm | $250 |
| N96 | GS Trophy (Desert Blue / Alpine White) (only with option 210) | $0 |
| 986 | Graphitan Metallic Matte | $0 |
Options
| Code | Description | MSRP |
| 210 | Special Model GS Trophy: includes color N96 with black and rallye grey seat, aluminum engine guard, hand protection bars with large protector and spoiler | $450 |
| 519 | Heated Grips | $250 |
| 539 | On Board Computer | $295 |
| 603 | Anti Theft Alarm | $395 |
| 636 | Center Stand | $175 |
| 774 | Low Seat | $0 |
Standard Package (MSRP: $12,900*)
| Code | Description |
| 519 | Heated Grips |
| 539 | On Board Computer |
Premium Package
Rules
2012 F800GS Triple Black (color N93)
2012 F800GS ‘GS Trophy’ (color N96)
2012 F800GS Graphitan Metallic Matte (color 986)
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We have added some easy ways to navigate through all the months of posts. There is a pull down menu to the right or on the bottom of the page, depends on your browser, that shows Pictures, Videos & More. There is also a category search, pulled down menus in the header, and a general search. If you are looking for something and can’t find it just post a comment. I will try to help.
Click on the menu you will see past months. Click on the month you want to view and you will see the posts made in that month. Our summer Triumph Tiger 800XC trip went from June 29th – August 11th 2011. Prep began in April. There is also a calendar at the bottom of the Blog that shows all dates and months with posts as well. The day is highlighted when a post was made. I try to post everyday if I can.
Back in April 2011 I found a black bear eating my bird feeder seed and he would not go away. I tried throwing rocks even making a lot of noise. In the video you will see how agile this bear is when he climbs our fence and walks the tight rope. All I could do in the early morning hours was to record his antics so I would not wake the neighbourhood. Needless to say I have learned my lesson and also learned how smart and what a sense of smell these creatures have. Oh, and they have a great memory. He came back numerous times thinking I would have something for him.
According to the Wild Life experts he most likely will be back before he dens this year just because he knows I was stupid enough to have treats for him in the past. I am smarter this Fall.
HD is best!
The other day Cheryl replaced her Chain and Sprockets, see video
Then someone mentioned he did not see us flare the rivets after we used the rivet press. He was correct because we forgot that step. Cheryl has since then finished the project by flaring the rivets with the same RK Pro tool we used to break and set the plate on the DID chain. Here is the rivet flaring addendum to the above video.
Vimeo Version
Next video will be a simple one showing how Cheryl adjusted her chain. She has learned all this herself and trial and error. Good that someone in the family has the instincts and patience to learn and want to do all this maintenance.
Reason for posting the videos is because it is part of the BLOG but also because we have had requests to make these videos if we could. Hope they are somewhat useful.
Over the years it seems we have been trying to find ourselves when it comes to the type of bikes we would really LOVE. If we had the space and money we would probably own one of each model, make etc….in any case, we have spent too much money in searching but worth it that we finally found our “TYPE” of bikes. The “BIG” bike Dual Sport has found its home with us at least during this phase of our lives. Although this search has been about trial and error, you live and learn. In the end I am sort of happy the Triumph deal did not go through at the end of the trip. Leslie that is. Although Cheryl did not mind the manual button dash I did. For the amount of money these bikes cost these days I also look for convenience.
I have been accused of being a bit of a spoiled brat wanting an easy on/off ABS button, the ability to see my odometer all the time and ambient temperature gauge on the Tigers. I still stand by my criticism of the Triumph bike. After riding our Beemers I love the fact that you can toggle through the informatics by pushing a button, I like to know the temperature and most importantly the ease of the ABS on the BMW is just smart. So, maybe this will change on the Triumph Tiger 800′s maybe not. I am just one rider.
Our very first bike together. Single cylinder and a great intro to riding. After 1/2 hour Cheryl all ready out grew the bike. I grew up riding, Cheryl did not. But it was a piece of cake for Cheryl to learn the mechanics of riding and we really thought this 500 would be around for awhile. Only lasted a few months until we bought the Suzuki SV 650′s.
2005 Suzuki 500
The SV650 not a bad little bike at all
2007 SV650
2008 Honda CBF1000
We both give the CBF 1000 a thumbs up. Nice weight, great on the track, enough power, comfortable for the most part and really fun to ride.
Great Street Bike
Black was Cheryl's
2009 Fat Boy
Leslie's 2009 Fat Boy
Cheryl’s HD
Street Bob
Fat Boy before mods
Cheryl’s 2009 HD Street Bob.
Cheryl's HD
That was a nice Harley but man did we impulsively buy two expensive Harley’s only to keep them for about 4 months. This is the only real regret I feel we made when it comes to buying bikes. If we had the money I think we would have kept the Street Bob but in the end these are really not the bikes for us. I see Harley’s as show pieces and really one-dimensional. I rarely see any HD riders in the rain but that is the beauty of all different makes of bikes. What ever floats your boat I say.
So, here we are in the present and after taking the Triumph Tiger 800XC’s out for a jaunt we are still satisfied with our 2010 BMW F650GS bikes but will be seeing what is out there in the next year. As we get more experience with DS riding we are now going to be looking for a bit more HP in our next bikes, street comfort since we ride on the street 90% for work and a bike that can handle the back country roads.
Our Beemers
Will our next bike be a Triumph? Will BMW revise the F800GS? Time will tell and it is exciting to see other companies trying to get into the ADV bike business. Competition is good to have and will only make all companies strive to develop the best bike they can.
Triumph Loaned Tiger 800XC
** WARNING -The addiction to riding can be severe. Anyone out there contemplating getting into riding in general but more specifically ADV riding, BEWARE! It is almost all we think about….planning the next trip, saving money, figuring out how we can get a lot of time away from work…you get the point. Addicting and just so much fun! 
We use the Cardo G4 intercoms every time we ride. I use mine while commuting especially. Great review and to be honest we could never ride without a communication system anymore. Been using the Cardo G4 since last summer, although not perfect they are pretty close in many ways. One thing I LOVE about this pair is that you can up load any firmware updates from the Cardo web site when they are released. We have only had one update since we bought them but Cardo listens to their users and made some really good upgrades. Take a look at this review.
Click here for the web site CYCLE MATTERS
Cardo G4 Powerset
IntroductionThe Scala Rider G4 Powerset (G4) is a communication system of exceptional capabilities but it is a bit complicated. So, new users may want to set aside sufficient time to prepare mentally to absorb the extensive instruction available from Scala Rider. The G4 also requires preparation including installation to your helmet, charging, setup and configuration, and memorizing numerous button-pushing sequences to achieve the maximum benefit of the system’s capabilities.
This review will be limited to commenting on the capabilities of the G4 because Cardo Systems has done an excellent job of providing detailed instructions in the G4 “User Guide” and the tutorials on their website. So expecting readers to spend time reading yet another iteration of how-tos would be presumptuous and a waste of the reader’s time. We will try to keep replication to a minimum.
The G4 Powerset comes with two G4 headset units (and chargers) already paired so that rider and passenger can begin communicating as soon as installed and charged.
What capabilities should a new owner expect from the G4?
- Rider to passenger to rider voice activated communication with noise canceling microphone
- FM Radio stereo listening built into the Powerset
- Mobile phone communication using Bluetooth compatibility with Priority Management: Operators do not need to manually disconnect from intercom or music to receive incoming phone calls or GPS instructions!
- Stereo music streaming (wireless) utilizing Bluetooth and MP3 player compatibility
- Stereo music through cable=connected audio devices
- Bike-to-Bike (3 bikes) intercom for communication with up to two other G4 or Q2 headsets
- Bike-to-Bike (2 bikes – rider/passenger each bike) intercom for communication between 4 G4 headsets.
- Intercom connections with any G4 biker within intercom range: Click-to-Link™. No need for advance pairing or any preparation. Just “Click-to-Link” and create your own roadside social network.
- Receive GPS Navigation instructions and streaming audio from compatible Bluetooth devices
- An intercom range up to 1 mile
- The scala rider G4 PowerSet offers multilingual status announcements allowing bikers to maintain smooth and safe Bluetooth hands free motorcycle intercom communication while on the move. The device transmits, to your mobile phone, useful information regarding connectivity status with other bikers.
- Software updates can be downloaded from Cardo System’s website.
- In addition to the above, the headsets will automatically increase and reduce volume based on ambient noise and driving speed.
OperationWhen you purchase a Scala Rider G4 PowerSet, you receive a very detailed manual and you will have all of the instruction you need to operate the G4. If you are considering a purchase, you can download the manual by clicking here.
The PowerSet system can be installed on virtually all helmets.
The G4 Headset units mount easily either by clamping to the side of a helmet via a latch that tightens with an Allen wrench, or by using a sticker surface that is included with the kit. A microphone attached to a flexible arm reaches inside the helmet. Two thin foam-covered speakers are routed to either side of your helmet above or below your helmet’s interior padding, and attached with Velcro.
The G4 features a rechargeable Li-Polymer battery that recharges via USB cable. The fully charged battery (charges in 3 hours) supports 10 hours of talk time with standby for 7 days.
Scala Rider G4 Powerset is waterproof, dustproof and certified to meet IP67 standards
Summary and ValueWhile value in this economic climate is a very personal consideration, Cycle Matters editors believe this product to be a very viable choice for motorcyclists aspiring for increased communication with their environment. The G4 is reliable and sophisticated while performing many communication tasks. Pricing will vary so shop around. We found a new G4 Powerset on the internet for $252.00. MSRP is $449.95.
Consider warranty also. While the G4 appears indestructible, things do happen and any device modification will void your warranty. The G4 comes with a two-year limited warranty including customer support. Use it and don’t abuse it and you should be covered.
One final note: if you are a rider that prefers to jump on your bike and go…then the G4 may not be for you. To operate the set efficiently, operators must memorize multiple functions and sequences of button pushing. This can be a bit frustrating for some, but not all. Aptitude is a wonderful thing when it comes to operating electronics and the magic of wireless communication.
Click here for more information on this product from Cardo Systems.
This is from April 12, 2011 and we were not sure if we were going to be riding the Tigers on our trip yet. This is a true impartial test ride.
Loon Bay right outside 100 Mile House BC, Our pit stop for 3 nights before heading home!
The cutest BUTT there is!
We loved this little cabin!
THAT’S A WRAP FOR OUR SUMMER ADVENTURE 2011
Most likely will be starting a new BLOG just about our motorcycle travels in general and no matter what bikes we own that will be our BLOG from now on. Feel free to leave a comment if anyone thinks this is a good idea.
Only time we road in the dark and it was in Skagway for about 1 mile
Saw nothing while riding through Whitepass
Trying to figure out how to stop the stalling
The little thingy I was using to clean my camera screen. never again could I get a picture like this again!
Part of our foot care!
Barkerville, BC
