Triumphrat

03-05-2005, 11:45 AM

Hello everyone.
I've spent the morning on this forum reading about your beloved tiger. I'm going to buy a new bike within the next couple of weeks, and it will either be a 2004-05 Tiger or a 2004-05 Suzuki V-strom.

My first question is: did any of you chose the tiger over the v-strom and why? (I did do a search for the strom on this board but didn't come up with anything)

My second question is: are there any reliability issues that have hampered the 04-05 Tigers?
I saw a couple of coolant leak posts and the head gasket posts. Have many of you all experienced those baddies?
If I buy a Tiger, my nearest dealer is 100 miles away. So reliability is a huge issue with me.
Thanks and by the way, you all have a great forum!!
Pat :-D

pigpen955 · 03-05-2005, 01:36 PM

I chose the Tiger over the vStrom (my local dealer sells both Suzuki and Triumph) so I had a first hand look. I was riding an SV-650 at the time (not the same as the 1000cc v-twin in the vstrom at the time but close enough (now they have a vstrom model with the 650 engine as well, not sure which one you are interested in)). I took the Tiger out for a test drive first and then didn't even bother with the Vstrom because of the smoooooothness. After riding the v-twin which is a great motor and a lot of fun I had become used to its elemental feel (a lot of people love this, for good reason) but the Tiger was an eye-opener.

There was a question about the cost differential so I just bought a used Tiger with 6,500 miles and haven't looked back. Occasionally I think about the newer 650 vstrom just to have a lighter bike for around town and then I just get on the Tiger and all those thoughts are gone.

As far as reliability goes. I ride the Tiger in every sort of weather (except active snow or ice on the ground) and it has never done anything except start, stop, and go where I point it. Yesterday it was 10F (-13C) on my way to work and the Tiger worked better than I did (you probably won't have to deal with that

).

The SV-650 had this annoying design flaw (once again I don't know if this is on the 1000cc engine) that when riding in the wet occasionally water would fill in the front cyllinder's plug access region shorting the plug wire out to the head. Worse was it would be running fine until you tried to down shift and the bike would only then decide not to fire on the number 1 cylinder causing it to stall. There is a weep hole to drain the area that worked fine as long as you kept it clean which meant blowing the weep hole out with compressed air every month or so. Sounds easy but you had to take the plug wire off first which is a very close fit with the radiator. Again, this was not a problem once it was diagnosed but it was more non-routine maintenance than anything I have experienced on the Tiger to date.

Sorry for the ramble but it is the weekend and I have a car that needs brake pads and this more fun. Hope it helps.

Fred

doitright · 03-05-2005, 02:20 PM

I had a short look at the DL 1000 but after my test ride on a Tiger I was sold. The Tiger has a wonderful torque peak at 4400 rpm while Suzuki has its peak at 6400 rpm. One of the reason that Tiger has so smooth engine.

I believe that Tiger also are better on fuel consumption.

Go for the Tiger!

djr · 03-05-2005, 02:47 PM

I cannot comment on the Suzuki as it did not get any consideration with me (didnt like the looks). I have an 03 Tiger which is the same as the 04 and IMHO better looking than the silver framed 05 model.
As far as reliability goes the Triumph is no worse than ANY other marque out there. Go to any board for any make of bike and it will be full of posts showing some fault or another. The important thing is that if it does develop some fault then it is handled properly. Most Triumph dealerships do this but there are the odd bad ones out there. Ask around, on here and elsewhere, about the dealer you would use if you bought the Tiger.

I have ridden twins and without doubt the triple engine offers the best of the twin combined with the best of the 4's.

Test ride one and you will be convinced of this yourself.

BigStripey · 03-05-2005, 04:00 PM

Pat,
Thanks for your kind words about the forum. You are welcome here amongst us.

I have ridden all of the 'competition' (V-strom, Varadero, GS1150, Multistrada) and tried to keep an objective head on and not make a snap decision. The V-strom was very vibey and felt spongy, but it was very comfortable. Motor was ok, but nothing remarkable. The Varadero was a pretty good bike, loads of grunt from the honda V. I felt cramped sitting 'in' the bike rather than on it ? handled pretty well too.
The BMW is BIG, or maybe just seems that way?, Handles well but too vibey and just a bit too 'clinical and efficient' for my taste. Not a patch on the power of the Tiger either.
The multistrada was weird to ride, but it really does go! and handles really well. But i questioned the build quality and the amount of plastic on the bike.
The Tiger just felt right for me. The test bike i rode had the aftermarket can on and that sound hooked me :razz: . I would argue that the Tiger is the best handling of the lot, and the engine is marvellous.

Reliability wise, my Tigers have been really reliable. I had one warranty issue with the ECU, but it was solved straight away with no fuss or bother by my dealer. Yes, there have been people with problems, but no more and probably less than most other brands. Dealer support is the one area that Triumph now need to divert time and resources into. Some dealers are superb and really appreciate your business. Others need a good kick in the ass :evil:
Especially for a company that is known for brand loyalty amongst it's bike owners, it can do without the moans about SOME......dealers.

But there is plenty of experience of the dealers here, so go on and ask if you want to know?

Just my thoughts.............

noivson · 03-05-2005, 04:30 PM

Greetings Firedog, I'm just a few choices ahead of you on the bike. Settled on the L. Orange Tiger. Gathered up all the info and feedback l could find. This forum is loaded with facts and opinions...I'm trying to be patient on arrival of ride :-D gues the ole' standby Yamaha FZ1 will need to do. Size does matter! With apologies the BigStripey, I'm in PowerRanger Mode until funds allow new attire! :-D Ever visit FZ1OA.com? OK did some digging...kirk 75?

[ This message was edited by: noivson on 2005-03-05 14:33 ]

knarf · 03-05-2005, 06:01 PM

The engine is something else, its triple not a twin like the Suzi. The torque is there from 1k to top line and it'll pull a hippo out the mud.

There is also quite a few sold so ebay is not bad supply of parts and enhancement. Its also getting cult status and I love the way folk stare at me when I drive down the street. Its really good in heavy traffic and you can easily scrape the pegs on the back roads.

03-06-2005, 12:18 AM

Thanks for all your input! I sold my Harley about 10 days ago and I'm about to go nuts from not riding.
Noivson, I still go to the FZ1OA but I'm mostly in lurk mode there. I'm Wannabefizzy there. the FZ-1 is a great bike. I sold the FZ and the Sportster to buy the wide glide. Rode that for less than a year and just sold it. It just wasn't for me. I was never comfortable on it. I was more comfortable on the FZ.
Anyway, I'm rambling now. I appreciate everyone's input. I'll be hanging around here chekcing things out.
Have a great day.
I'll be talking to you soon.
Later,
Pat :-D

whoa · 03-06-2005, 11:35 AM

Quote:

I sold my Harley about 10 days ago and I'm about to go nuts from not riding.

I used to ride a Superglide and was about to buy a Sportster when I encountered the Tiger. Since I can only own one motorcycle it was the Tiger. But that Sportster (with the cam) sure is a fun ride. Never was into the bigger iron, so something like Road King doesn't do it for me either.

Keep us posted on your hunt. I love hearing about shopping for new rides. Have fun picking your next bike.

03-06-2005, 11:28 PM

Whoa,
Nice to hear from another ex-harley dude. I love the look on peoples faces when I tell them I sold the wide glide. It's sacrilegious to people down here in Florida to not like your harley.
Next week, I'm going to go look at a 2004 tiger with 5000 miles, bar-end mirrors, color matched top-case, engine guards, off-road exhaust, center stand, sport windshield and oh yeah, it's Lucifer Orange. The gent wants close to $9000, but he's willing to deal. He's also changed the oil every 1500 miles. The guy is very particular about taking care of his bikes. He's going to let me take it for a long test drive.
Still considering a v-strom as well. But the Triumph is really on my mind.
I'll let you all know,
Take care,
Later,
Pat :-D