Triumphrat

Kegel · 08-16-2004, 05:05 AM

Triumph 1997 Tiger 900cc
7389 miles 6 pd red, one owner meticulously maintained, showroom cond. $4200

Is this a good price? How many miles can one expect out of this bike before major repairs? Any idea how much I should offer or is 4200 fair? Havent seen the bike yet.

Timtiger · 08-16-2004, 11:41 PM

I had one for 2 years before upgrading to the 855 and now the 955.
My opinions are:
Overall the bike is 80% brilliant and 20% really bad.
The good bits are
handling, comfort, dirt road ability and carrying capacity.
The bad bits are:
1. The airbox design is a joke. You are not supposed to clean it but replace the entire airbox which requires carb removal.
2. This is made much worse by the air intake being from the rear wheel arch. Ride on a dirt road for an hour and you have blocked the airfilter. I opened both intakes and fitted unifilter pods on both sides and rejetted with a Dynojet kit - much better.
3. The rear shock is not very good.
4. Lots of fork dive under braking.
The motor is heavy but very very strong and unbreakable.
They had a starter clutch problem that should have been fixed under warranty - check this has been done.
This has the first Hinkley motor and one german courier bike did 300,000 miles (I think) without any significant wear. They are reputed to run for ever with no wear - but this depends on synthetic oil. Check the service records and the oil used.
Can't really comment on the price but seems OK to me. Check the chain, brake pads, sprockets and tyres as these can add up if they are worn.

Take it for a ride and see how you feel, but don't ride the 955. It makes the carb model look like a pedal trike in the power stakes.

sycamoredave · 08-17-2004, 07:35 AM

I have a '96 with 25K on the meter, and pretty much agree with the prior posting. If the starter sprag clutch has not been fixed, count on spending $1000 - $2000 somewhere down the road. The "fixed under warrenty" or "recall" on this is a very bad joke. Triumph has been totally irresponsible in dealing with a major engineering flaw. Even with the challenges, I love riding the bike, or would have sold it by now.

Tigertrax · 08-17-2004, 09:49 AM

My '98 has 48,000 with no major issues.

WHen I ride distance ... I push .... 80+ for 7 - 10 hours at a time. The Tiger will do you good.

The price is fair for the mileage and reported condition.

Some people have 'issues' with every bike. I find the Tiger to be a very good bike. It's brakes aren't the best; the suspension is not perfect for canyon racing ... but you know what? It's forgiving.

Your major issues:
1. Changing the airbox .... *****.
2. Changing front sprocket ... *****
3. Grin-factor ........ Priceless!

Come see us at the Tiger Ride-In June 9-11 2005 in
Jasper, Arkansas where you can Twist & Shout in the OZarks with 70 other Tigers from across the country!