Triumphrat

Medic09 · 09-13-2009, 06:40 PM

Hey all, I presently ride an '01 Sprint ST as my daily transportation. All tasks, all distances until there is ice on the road.

My wife has it in her head that I should get a Tiger. I admit the idea appeals to me; but the seat height deters me and I'm afraid it will give me nose bleeds. We recently saw an '05 in great condition for a 'high end of reasonable' price.

I'm 5'7" with a 30" inseam. I like to have control over my bike with my feet on the ground. Is there a genuinely workable solution for short folks on a Tiger, and is it affordable?

If it makes a difference, I'm inclined to look for a 955i, like my Sprint ST.

Thanks!

joe tabler · 09-13-2009, 06:52 PM

I now have 2700 miles on my Tiger. I had them install the lowering kit when I bought it. The mechanic that installed the kit loved it so much that he did his bike also. I'm 5'9" and also have a 30" inseam. The bike looks exactly like any other Tiger. Some riders report the bike handles better. It is also nice to put both feet firmly in place when when my wife climbs on.

Medic09 · 09-13-2009, 07:09 PM

I wonder if there are lowering parts for a Tiger 955i?

What I hate about this is that my wife is 2" shorter than I, but has an inseam 2" longer! She can be more flexible with comfortably buying a ride than I can!

KuzzinKenny · 09-13-2009, 08:16 PM

Hey Medic09 !! the 955i Tiger can be lowered but will require a new rear shock unit, i think Hagon do them 30mm and 50mm lower, then you pull the forks up the clamps !! you will need to get the sidestand reduced also !! there are seat mods you can do but as you know everythin costs $$

hope this helps !!

KK

Medic09 · 09-13-2009, 08:37 PM

I'm guessing a Hagon custom shock to lower 50mm must be about $500 USD or so?

Cutting the side stand and welding it shouldn't be too bad. We have a local fellow who does that sort of stuff.

Skidpan · 09-14-2009, 01:56 AM

Email for Hagon sales@hagon-shocks.co.uk

Get the info from 'the horses mouth', (the standard Tiger shock is £275 or so.)

turboarrow · 09-14-2009, 04:33 PM

Hi
I just got me a standard tiger 1050,
im only 5'7 with 30" legs and im having no trouble,
I would like a little more feet on the ground and was told about taking the seat and carving an inch off, something i would leave to a pro, its about £50.
Im tempted to have a go myself.
Go for the tiger, I just sold my fz1 and wasnt sure the drastic change would work but im a happy bunny

epynt1050 · 09-14-2009, 04:58 PM

The 1050 Tiger is about 50mm lower than the 995 as standard.

n4naked · 09-14-2009, 05:56 PM

i'm 5'9" with a 29" inseam.....i got the hagon shock which lowered it by 40mm, i should have gone for the 50mm option but it's still fine.
pushed the forks up also.

i'm thinking of getting the sadddle lowered also (told you i should have chosen the 50mm

) just for that little bit of extra assurance.

if you have a centre-stand you will definitely have to have it shortened, it's impossible to get the bike on the stand after it's been lowered.....i'm still using the stock sidestand with no problems.

incidentally, mine's is a 05 955i tiger.

Medic09 · 09-14-2009, 05:56 PM

turbarrow and epynt, thanks for that info.

I was of the impression that the 955 Tigers were a little better suited to unpaved roads. Of course, if I can't ride one then that is immaterial, eh?

Are folks happy riding the 1050s on upaved roads? We have lots of dirt and gravel out here (never mind the more rugged stuff). Is the 1050 that much better off-pavement than any other street bike?

Thanks all, keep the insights coming.