Triumphrat

02-16-2005, 04:08 PM

Hi Folks,
I've wanted a triumph tiger 900 for ages, and finally, after doing all the sensible things (getting a proper job, getting foot on the property ladder etc) I now can buy one.

I prefer the looks of the carb ones rather than the fuel injected ones, but not having ridden either I'm open to opinions from all.

First, I want to do a bit of research on what to look for, can somebody direct me towards any FAQ section or anything similar? I just want to know what goes wrong, what upgrades to look for, whether there was a spec change one year that greatly improved it, all the usual stuff that a newbie wants to know.

Lastly, I am 6 foot 6 tall and weigh 103 kg (thats 16 stone in old money). Have any taller riders here changed anything to suit their height?

thanks in advance.

Chris,

PS I'm in Edinburgh in Scotland, in case there's anyone from my area.

02-16-2005, 04:08 PM

Hi Folks,
I've wanted a triumph tiger 900 for ages, and finally, after doing all the sensible things (getting a proper job, getting foot on the property ladder etc) I now can buy one.

I prefer the looks of the carb ones rather than the fuel injected ones, but not having ridden either I'm open to opinions from all.

First, I want to do a bit of research on what to look for, can somebody direct me towards any FAQ section or anything similar? I just want to know what goes wrong, what upgrades to look for, whether there was a spec change one year that greatly improved it, all the usual stuff that a newbie wants to know.

Lastly, I am 6 foot 6 tall and weigh 103 kg (thats 16 stone in old money). Have any taller riders here changed anything to suit their height?

thanks in advance.

Chris,

PS I'm in Edinburgh in Scotland, in case there's anyone from my area.

Timtiger · 02-16-2005, 04:56 PM

Ho Big C,
Shouldn't that be tall C?

Hard to give you advice without a little more information such as
- how much money you plan to spend?
- where and how often you plan to ride?
- luggage capacity?
- Pillion?
- do you want comfort or sporting performance?
- will you travel off road? etc

Based on your height and mass, I would look at the Tiger for comfort and room. I would recommend that you look at the most recent model you can afford. The way i lookm at the Tigers, the first models were 80% good, 20% really hopeless. The rear suspension is pretty bad and the air filtration system is a complete joke. They are also quite heavy. On the plus side, apart from a few minor niggles that should have been attended to by now, the motor is very strong, reliable and lasts a long time.

The newer bikes have gotten better and better. I have had owned them all and the 955 is a really great bike. I am 6ft 2 an about 98Kg and there is no other bike available I would rather ride.

Sit down with a lager and search through this website for comments and information on different models. Don't be put off by the long lists of people seeking answers to problems or bike issues. This can look a little negative, but it is the prime function of this site. I think Triumphs well designed and reliable.

Finally, draw up a short list and test ride a few to see which you really prefer, buy one and have fun.

Good luck

Timtiger · 02-16-2005, 04:56 PM

Ho Big C,
Shouldn't that be tall C?

Hard to give you advice without a little more information such as
- how much money you plan to spend?
- where and how often you plan to ride?
- luggage capacity?
- Pillion?
- do you want comfort or sporting performance?
- will you travel off road? etc

Based on your height and mass, I would look at the Tiger for comfort and room. I would recommend that you look at the most recent model you can afford. The way i lookm at the Tigers, the first models were 80% good, 20% really hopeless. The rear suspension is pretty bad and the air filtration system is a complete joke. They are also quite heavy. On the plus side, apart from a few minor niggles that should have been attended to by now, the motor is very strong, reliable and lasts a long time.

The newer bikes have gotten better and better. I have had owned them all and the 955 is a really great bike. I am 6ft 2 an about 98Kg and there is no other bike available I would rather ride.

Sit down with a lager and search through this website for comments and information on different models. Don't be put off by the long lists of people seeking answers to problems or bike issues. This can look a little negative, but it is the prime function of this site. I think Triumphs well designed and reliable.

Finally, draw up a short list and test ride a few to see which you really prefer, buy one and have fun.

Good luck

BigStripey · 02-16-2005, 05:17 PM

Big C,

Welcome along.. Firstly, there are several Tiger Tamers north of 'the wall', Tango is not too far from you near Dundee, KuzzinKenny is in Queensferry, BigD is in Glasgow i think...and there others

I am 6'3" and 16 1/2 stone and the 955i fits me well. The 'Steamer' (carb tiger) is a very capable bike but did have it's little problems as TimTiger has stated. But if you do find one that has been looked after and well maintained, it will still be a hell of a bike :razz: (see GAHewsons comments...he's well happy! :razz: )

But there is no getting away from the 955i, it is a stonking engine with power everywhere, it handles so much better than you expect and is comfortable as you like (Gel seat is a must for long runs)

No bike is ever free from problems and niggles, but the 955i has been in so many Triumph variants with very few problems overall.

Like Tim says, it will be down to what you want and what you can afford?. Can't help you with that one i'm afraid :-D

Let us know what you decide ok?

cheers

BigStripey · 02-16-2005, 05:17 PM

Big C,

Welcome along.. Firstly, there are several Tiger Tamers north of 'the wall', Tango is not too far from you near Dundee, KuzzinKenny is in Queensferry, BigD is in Glasgow i think...and there others

I am 6'3" and 16 1/2 stone and the 955i fits me well. The 'Steamer' (carb tiger) is a very capable bike but did have it's little problems as TimTiger has stated. But if you do find one that has been looked after and well maintained, it will still be a hell of a bike :razz: (see GAHewsons comments...he's well happy! :razz: )

But there is no getting away from the 955i, it is a stonking engine with power everywhere, it handles so much better than you expect and is comfortable as you like (Gel seat is a must for long runs)

No bike is ever free from problems and niggles, but the 955i has been in so many Triumph variants with very few problems overall.

Like Tim says, it will be down to what you want and what you can afford?. Can't help you with that one i'm afraid :-D

Let us know what you decide ok?

cheers

Diego · 02-16-2005, 08:46 PM

> I prefer the looks of the carb ones rather than the fuel injected ones, but not having ridden either I'm open to opinions from all.

I wouldn't be thinking in terms of the 900 (actually 885) at all these days, carb or not. They were great in their time, but the 955i is sweet...and parts are much more widely available.

> Lastly, I am 6 foot 6 tall and weigh 103 kg (thats 16 stone in old money). Have any taller riders here changed anything to suit their height?

In my experience, taller riders are the ones least likely to be making changes to the Tiger.

[ This message was edited by: Diego on 2005-02-16 18:48 ]

Diego · 02-16-2005, 08:46 PM

> I prefer the looks of the carb ones rather than the fuel injected ones, but not having ridden either I'm open to opinions from all.

I wouldn't be thinking in terms of the 900 (actually 885) at all these days, carb or not. They were great in their time, but the 955i is sweet...and parts are much more widely available.

> Lastly, I am 6 foot 6 tall and weigh 103 kg (thats 16 stone in old money). Have any taller riders here changed anything to suit their height?

In my experience, taller riders are the ones least likely to be making changes to the Tiger.

[ This message was edited by: Diego on 2005-02-16 18:48 ]

djr · 02-17-2005, 03:23 AM

all the points previously noted are very true, the main one being (if you can afford it) go with the 955i.

I read an online comparison from a US/Canadian (?) bike mag who did back to back testing on the old and the new models.

Basically the said the while the older model was a decent bike all the niggles they had had with the older model had been put right with the 955i.

There are many more differences between the two than eye of the beholder looks.

djr · 02-17-2005, 03:23 AM

all the points previously noted are very true, the main one being (if you can afford it) go with the 955i.

I read an online comparison from a US/Canadian (?) bike mag who did back to back testing on the old and the new models.

Basically the said the while the older model was a decent bike all the niggles they had had with the older model had been put right with the 955i.

There are many more differences between the two than eye of the beholder looks.