By Bobbie Surber
Back in 2014, I had never even sat on a motorcycle. Then one summer afternoon, a friend tossed me a helmet and said, “Try it.” I wobbled, stalled, and grinned my way through a parking lot. That was it. I was done for.
My First Dirt Love: Yamaha XT225
In January 2015, I bought my first bike, a 2006 Yamaha XT225. She was small, light, and forgiving, which is precisely what you want when you’re learning how not to fall over every ten feet. We learned together: I tried not to panic on steep trails, and she patiently lugged me through it all.
I still have her parked in the corner of the garage. She’s like the loyal dog you don’t ride much anymore, but will never give away.
The BMW 310 Era
By 2016, I wanted a bike that could do more than chase dusty trails. I needed a solution that could connect dirt tracks and pavement without causing itself to disintegrate. That’s how I ended up on a 2016 BMW 310GS.
She was perfect, for a while. I rode her solo through Baja, mainland Mexico, and all over the Southwest. But with a top speed of about 80 mph, I started to feel vulnerable. There were moments where I’d look in the mirror and see a semi closing fast, me already full throttle, and think, “Nope… this isn’t going to work long-term.” That’s when I started looking for something bigger.
The Tiger 800: Love at First Triple
Then came the 2018 Triumph Tiger 800. Oh man, that three-cylinder engine. If an engine could flirt, this one winked at me every time I twisted the throttle. Smooth, growly, and just plain fun.
We went everywhere together: mainland Mexico (again), Colorado, Baja, Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, you name it. I thought we were set for life until Traci showed up.
Triumph Tiger and My Awakening
My friend Traci wanted to downsize from her BMW 1200, so she came to Sedona to check out my Tiger 800. A few months later, she’d found herself a shiny Triumph Tiger 900.
I had to try it, of course, strictly for research. Ten minutes later, I was hopeless. The Tiger 900 was like my 800 after a week at a spa: sharper, quicker, and somehow even smoother.
Meet Tippi: My Triumph Tiger 900 GT Pro
November 2022, and I’m signing papers for a brand-new 2023 Triumph Tiger 900 GT Pro. I named her Tippi because she has a habit of taking naps at the worst times, parking lots, trailheads, the occasional gas station, and the middle of a sandy road in Baja. She is a serious napper!
And then we took a big one: Arizona to Canada. Long, glorious days in the saddle. Wind that tried to push me back to Arizona, rain that soaked me down to my socks, and border guards who couldn’t believe I’d ridden all that way solo. When I finally rolled into British Columbia, I was tired, crusted in bugs, and grinning like an idiot. That trip sealed the deal, Tippi was the bike.
What Makes Tippi Different? (Specs with Soul)
The 2023 Triumph Tiger 900 GT Pro is built for riders who want one bike that can do everything without drama. According to Triumph Motorcycles https://www.triumphmotorcycles.com:
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- Engine: 888cc liquid-cooled, 12-valve, DOHC, inline 3-cylinder engine. 93.9 hp @ 8,750 rpm, 64 lb-ft @ 7,250 rpm.
- Transmission: ix-speed gearbox with slip & assist clutch.
- Brakes: Dual Brembo Stylema® 4-piston monobloc calipers with 320mm discs, single-piston rear.
- Suspension: Marzocchi 45mm upside-down forks (adjustable), rear shock with electronic preload/rebound adjustment.
- Electronics: Six riding modes, cornering ABS, traction control, cruise control, and a 7-inch TFT display.
- Comfort: Heated grips, heated rider/passenger seats, adjustable windscreen, and center stand.
- Weight: 423 lbs dry (476 lbs wet).
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Why I’ll Stick with Her (for now)
When I’m not riding, I’m outside staring at her like a teenager with a crush, sometimes having little chats about our next adventure. (Yes, I talk to my bike. No, I don’t need an intervention.)
Motorcycles come and go, but right now? Tippi’s my dream bike. My Yamaha was too small, the BMW too slow, but the Tiger 900 GT Pro was just right.
From first dirt wobble to a solo Canada run, I wouldn’t trade any of it, even the tip-overs. Especially the tip-overs, they gave her a name, and me, a story worth telling.
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A fun read of a good story of first wobble to big adventures. Well done.
Damn Suber! I am glad no damage to you from the tip overs.
XT 225 sounds about my speed. I will revisit them
The BMW 310 was a disappointment to me. I eagerly awaited them. The found them to be way too tall . So much for a 310 !!!!
Those big triumphs are out of my league. I never cared for the idea of adventure touring. In my day most bikes did it all. The Dual Purpose bikes I liked. And now I like them again as I slowly age out of most everything.
I could put one in a camper and head where ever.
No tipping for me. I might not get up .
Bad knees ain’t the bees!