I can't put it off much longer, I am nearly at the 12000 mile point, judging by previous posts my kids could be going hungry this Christmas due to dealer labour charges.
In order to keep the cost down could any of you mechanically orientated people out there answer the following questions for me.
1. Anyone here attempted to do this themselves, and what did they think about the Tiger as opposed to any Jap bikes. I did look after my own ST1100 without any problem apart from getting the carbs balanced.
2. I can change oil, filters pads etc, and I have a friend who could check the shims, are there special tools I would need.
3. What about throttle slides and computer downloads?
The only part of your questions I can really address is the very last one. You will not be able to obtain or load any new FI maps yourself. On the other hand, unless you are having problems with the one currently installed, you shouldn't have to worry about it.
If you maintained your previous bike then the Tiger shouldn't present any problems. The only things you can't do yourself are the throttle bodies and The CO levels, unless of course you have the specialist equipment.
Doing the valve shims is just like any other bike with over bucket shims, just measure the gaps with a feeler guage.
Doing most of it yourself will certainly cut down on dealer costs, that's what I do.
If you're happy with the way the bike is running then personally I wouldn't bother with a new tune, it's not always better.
Hope this helps.
There is no reason why you cant do the whole job yourself.
When replacing valve shims, you can pull the cams or buy Triumph tool T3880012 which allows you to pull the shims without removing the cams. I just did this job this weekend, the tool is highly recommended at $110. I had 5 tight valves BTW.
There is no reason why you cant sync your own throttle bodies. I bought a fuel hose extension kit which allows me to run the bike with the tank sitting on the workbench next to me. the P/N is T3880127, $110. I use a twinmax synchronizer. Triumph "recommends" the use of the Sagem unit but the Twinmax, Morgan carbtune, Pro Motion etc will work. Just make sure you use a unit with internal dampeners. My understanding is that old mercury columns will bounce all over the place.
To adjust/lube the head bearing you will need 2 38mm flat spanners, T3880140-T0301 at $32 each. I scoured the world looking for another source as the price is outrageous but eventually gave up and bought the triumph tools.
If you are replacing your fuel filter you will need a new fuel pump mounting plate gasket, the filter is inside the tank. I haven't gotten to this yet (the bike is still in pieces).
You may also want to have a cam cover gasket on hand, mine was so mucked up with silicone sealant from the factory that I tossed it and fitted a new one.
Lastly, you can load and edit your own tunes with this; tuneboy. It will also allow you to run all the diagnostics that Triumph's computer can do. I haven't bought it yet as I spent enough on tools for a while, but I will in the near future.
With the right tools it's not a bad job. Even with all the tools I bought, it was still cheaper than paying the dealer, and it will be downright cheap at 24,000 miles.
Many thanks for your opinions, the tools certainly seem worth the dosh. I will probably get the slides and FI chip sorted at the dealer.
I like the bike as it is stands but would like to try to service it myself and then go for some of the improvements mentioned here like the new Hagon shock and progressive Fork Springs etc.
You will find the Tiger no problems at all to service, personally I have my dealer check the cams and do the throttle bodies and nothing else. If you are happy with the way the bike is running do not have another download done as once they have you can not go back to your old one. As most people on the forum will tell you, if you find a download your happy with stay with it. With the money I saved on servicing ther bike myself about 250 quid, I replaced the springs with Hagon and put in Iridium Plugs and these made a great bike even better.
If you have any problems just ask the forum there are thousands of people out there who can answer any question.
I got the throttle bodies synched and valves done on my Daytona at a Triumph dealer for £150 and did the rest myself, which was easy enough. They should do the tune and CO included as it's a 10 minute job. Was just going to say you can get the head bearing spanner from Halfords for a tenner but the one I got for the Daytona looks like it won't fit. *****.
I got a Ford Sierra rad fan spanner and ground it on a bench grinder to fit the head nuts.
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