The loaner and a Xmas present

It's been a while since one of my bikes has been in to a shop for a service but with the Tiger still under warranty I dropped it in to Courtesy Motorcycles in town last week for its second service (first service was done in the Hutt by TSS).

And I needed a ride to work...

Apparently both the usual loaners were out so Phil had to dig something out for me.  Firstly he had to shift a full dresser Harley (careful of the oil Phil) which he suggested I'd look good on...I quickly put him right!

So he gave me this:

Yeah, it's a pretty little thing and it fired up just fine, warming up while I sorted out my gear.  

Riding up the road, it took me a little while to get to used to its tiny size and low weight and I also was surprised that it needed to be prodded a bit to get moving - I think I was expecting a bit more from a 650 twin, having ridden a few from the land of the rising sun.  I was kinda expecting a low revving, but reasonably torquey thing.

Heading across town in rush hour traffic, it was an easy little bike to ride but getting off the line needed about 3,500rpm and careful use of a clutch that seemed to only take up in the last little bit of travel.  Changing up required another 1,000 revs or so to keep up with the cars - definitely not a pocket rocket but it did sound pretty sweet (lovely at idle and low revs).

Anyway, it got me to work just fine and a few of the guys thought it looked ok (so at least I was probably right about that) and then when I rode it back to the shop in the afternoon I actually found myself enjoying it...a little bit 😉

After returning the keys I went to pay the bill and then got a bit of a surprise.  Apparently there is a recall on the rear tyre for the Tiger and Triumph are wanting to give me a new one!  I wish all manufacturers would give you new tyres when they're worn out...