Triumphrat

donbcivil · 10-21-2007

This year, I started riding again after 13 years off. After a check on a friend's FJR1300 to make sure that I would likely get the skills back decently, I bought a Speed3 this May (then took the MSF class and got reendorsed). Had it's 6,000 mile service yesterday. I adore the bike, if I could own only one bike that would be it.

I also want to do some long range touring, however, so I'm thinking about also getting either a sport-tourer like the Tiger or a reasonably comfy sport bike in a couple years.

I'm thinking about the Tiger especially because it has a wind screen and hard luggage available, yet can ride like this: http://tinyurl.com/2zuh3b

On the other hand, the current Bike magazine (God, I love UK motorcycle magazines) talks about having problems with one that started burning oil fast and seizing. Have other heard about similar problems or is this a fluke? My Speed3 has been utterly reliable and has not burned oil...and the engine is the same or virtually identical...

Thanks, Don

blacktiger · 10-21-2007

Problems? '02, 955i, 48000 miles, burns no oil & still going strong.

I hope that's not "famous last words".

Joe S. · 10-22-2007

Haven't read the magazine but there was some talk about that on here. From what I gather the dippy test rider took the bike to a track, didn't check the oil and proceeded to thrash it and seize the engine. naturally, it must be the bike's fault. Uh huh.
Motorcyclist tried that a few years ago with a BMW R1150 GS that they ran low on oil and proceeded to destroy an engine on. Basically it was "well, yes, we should have checked the oil but it shouldn't use any"
Lots of people on here say their Tigers don't use any measurable oil. Mine uses a little, perhaps a quart over 5k miles. I certainly am not going to sit around worrying about it.

Kiwi Tiger · 10-22-2007

Man talk about forward planning! My advice is to search the threads for 2 years and then make your choice.

Diego · 10-22-2007

The 1050 engine is no more susceptible to oil consumption than any other. But in two years, it may not be the powerplant used in Tigers anyway.