Triumphrat

03-02-2004

Picked up my 04 Tiger yesterday, and 160 miles in I'm very impressed. I took the A/B roads to work today (55 miles each way) to aid running in, and although the first 100 at 3500 revs was a bit painfull, now I can go upto 5000 it's much better.

I've got a couple of minor issues though:

Clutch Level

Is there anyway to adjust the span on the clutch lever? My stubby little fingers are finding it quite a strech to reach. Also, the clutch feels quite heavy, so after an hour or so of riding my hand is starting a ache. I've heard a rumour that you can fit a Kwak adjustable lever. Anyone done this?

Fuel Light

I'm not sure if the fuel light is working. Coming home tonight the fuel gauge got to the bottom of the red section, but still no light. In the end I assumed the light was bust, and filled up. I managed to get 18.34 litres in with the bike on the sidestand. Should the light only come on once the needle is below the red, or should it come on earlier?

Anyway, dispite the above, I still think the bike is great.

tango · 03-02-2004

BigFatj,

welcome to the club. If you like your bike now wait till it's fully run in, fandabbydozy. :-D
I fitted an adjustable brake lever, not because I need one but it was cheaper than the oe part. I had to drill a large hole in the bottom of the knuckle guard to give clearance for the nut at the bottom of the adjuster. I imagine it will be the same for the clutch lever.

I'm averaging over 200 miles before the fuel light comes on, which leaves 5-6 litres in the tank, don't go by the fuel gauge it's crap.

Enjoy your time with your tiger, lots of good info on this site from good honest :razz: experienced guys.

awra best,

glgavin · 03-03-2004

My low fuel light comes on with only 80 miles on the clock. (I purchased a new fuel level sending unit, just for fun, but have yet to install) I have gone 220 miles before refueling. One weeks commute. I like the lack of a gauge on my TBS which has a good old pet c o c k to flick when you run low.

It's a heck of a bike to commute on. Once it's broken in keeping it at the speed limit is hard.
:-g

djr · 03-03-2004

on my 03 the fuel light comes on with pretty much exactly 6l of fuel left which is the same as the manual states should be. yes the guage is empty before hand. If the light is not coming on at all get it checked. i tend to find the guage goes down reasonably evenly and treat the light like the old reserve switch.

i do believe that if you fit an adjustable lever you will need to cannibalise the knuckle guard. perhaps there is a shorter reach non adjustable lever that will fit.

03-03-2004

I think I've sorted the clutch problem. It wasn't so much the span that was the problem, but rather the angle the lever/mirror was set to. It was pointing downwards at quite an angle, which meant that I had to "grab over" the grip to get it.

I've adjusted the level of the mirror/level so that it's more level, and it seems a lot better. I'll see how I get on before going for the new lever option.

Regarding the fuel light, I'm going to let it run very low tommorrow to see if it comes on. By the time I get home I will have travelled 240 miles from full (at running in revs of 5k). If the light isn't on by then I'll assume it's fooked and get the dealer to check it on Saturday.

One last thing, I took the front seat off today to check that it was on the lowest setting. Man, that thing is a git to get back on. The air turned a distinct shade of blue while I struggled 10 minutes to get it back on. Got there in the end, but it's the last time it's coming off unless I need to change a fuse or something.

tango · 03-03-2004

BigFatJ,
Know what you mean about the seat, there's a definite knack to it.

djr · 03-04-2004

the angle of the levers is something I should have thought about. on my Tt600 i had the same problem. i still put a dog leg lever on to reduce the span but most of the pain disappeared after adjusting the angles better.

i never had a problem refitting the seat. the new gel one is a tighter fit than the standard one but even that goes on no problem.

One point to note on the seats (front and back); get some superglue and glue in the rubber grommets that sit on the rails, if not you will eventually lose one or more of them!

03-04-2004

Rode in today with the lever at the new level and it was much better. The traffic was a nightmare , so lots of gear changing required.

I'm still finding the clutch a tad heavy, but hopefully once she's run in things will improve.

Only downside today, S*** weather (mist and light rain) meant that my pride and joy is now covered with mud, salt, oil, diesel and assorted other road crud.

BigStripey · 03-04-2004

Alas, it goes with the season.....still crappy though. I got my bike in February last year and had the same thing!

TIP.....Scottoiler 365 protective spray. Brilliant for this time of year. Spray on and leave it (avoid discs and calipers) the water evaporates from it to leave a protective film over everything. When the nice weather (if?) returns, wash it of and hey presto!, nice clean bike underneath!

Top stuff...and that is coming from a clean bike junkie like me....

Jim

03-05-2004

Thanks fior the tip Stripey.

Can you use the protective spray on the engine, or is it just suitable for cold parts? Also, how do you get it off. Does it simply wash off, or do you have to use something special?

Once I've had the bike serviced on Saturday I'm intending to give it a good wash, so I might put the protective stuff on then.