Triumphrat

tango · 03-15-2005, 08:12 AM

I've been watching the comparison in the second hand price between the 955 black frame, (what are the model no's) and the new silver frame. Not a lot between them really, I recently saw an 02 and an 05 with only a Â£1300 difference between the two.

Compare that with the Sprint ST.
Since the annoncement of the new ST second hand prices are taking a hammering.

Is this because the latest tiger is a slow seller?
Are the changes to the latest tiger enough to warrant an upgrade!?
Is the latest tiger a short term stop gap?

I haven't ridden the latest tiger so have no experience of seat of the pants difference, only visual, but I do think it was a retrograde step making the frame silver, but having said that I didn't buy a tiger for its stunningly good looks in the first place.

I'm not flaming the latest tiger, it's still gotta be a great bike, but just curious as to why the older prices are holding up so well, and also not an awful lot on the market.

bigD · 03-15-2005, 08:44 AM

Davie

I think you sort of answered your own question there. Here in the UK the market seems to be on the up for our style of bike (thanks to two guys on BMWs?) and the Tiger is getting quite good press in comparisons with the others of similar stature. you just had to look at the stands at the Scottish bike show, most makers have a big Trailie style bike in the stable now. Sad really, cos when they all move on to the next fashion "must have" it will glut the market, good if you are after a second hand bike, bad if you are trading up.

Having said that perhaps the sports bike riders moving over will realise what they have been missing & find a whole new lease of life in their interest in bikes.

Might make the weekend warrior round here realise that there is tarmac beyond their usual Sunday morning loop round the Trossachs.

D

knarf · 03-15-2005, 09:00 AM

Secondhand Sprint prices are really good, its a real bargain for the bike you get.

Diego · 03-15-2005, 09:59 PM

I don't think the Tiger has ever been a really huge seller for Triumph, but it's finally earning quite a bit of respect. All the old stock of unsold machines dealers had on hand here in the States two years ago disappeared pretty quickly once the prices were adjusted, and now there seems to be pretty favorable response to the newer ones.

Unlike sport models, which by conventional wisdom (?) are outdated the month after they're reviewed by the motorcycle magazines, or even sport-tourers which drift in and out of fashion, a critter like the Tiger is relatively timeless. Even with the recent changes, they still go almost everywhere you want to ride them, and even sportbike fans who try them rave about them.

Unless Triumph have unrealistic expectations for what Tiger sales "need" to be to justify their existence, I think it really should remain part of the fleet for quite a long time yet, albeit with ongoing improvements, of course. Lately I've encountered quite a few people while I'm out on one of the other two bikes, who ask me if I have any other Triumphs. When I mention the Tiger, it's surprising how many times their eyes light up and they know exactly what I'm talking about.

I don't know how this correlates with sales numbers, but in terms of name recognition among modern Triumphs, the Tiger seems to be at least as well known as the Rocket. That ought to count for something.

[ This message was edited by: Diego on 2005-03-15 20:04 ]

Timian · 03-19-2005, 03:58 PM

The 05 changes are certainly worth while. They put the bike firmly where it belongs: All road touring.
The revised suspension gives better roadholding, and eliminates the yo-yo effect of the earlier versions. Steering is sharper and the bike is a lot more fun on the twisties. Slight yawing when cornering hard with touring load is gone, thanks to new swinging arm. Chain tensioning is a lot more precise and also easier to do. There is less buffeting form the windscreen. Spokes don't snap anymore thanks to cast wheels. Oh yes - the changes really are worth while!!

djr · 03-20-2005, 04:54 AM

Quote:

There is less buffeting form the windscreen.

how is this possible when the plastics are the same as the last model?

New rear swing arm and suspension "may"make her handle better on-road but making the bike more road orientated cannot help those that take them offroad - same with cast wheels, plus the bike is no longer height adjustable so kinda rules me out from now on :???:

whoa · 03-20-2005, 02:59 PM

Quote:

same with cast wheels

I've read the cast wheels are not a factor for offroad unless under severe conditions. I don't pretend to know either way, but I'll offer to trade my spokes for your cast if you like.

Timian · 03-20-2005, 05:40 PM

I am as puzzled as you are regarding the buffeting, DJR, but I moved from 04 directly to 05 and believe me: For my 6'6" the 05 is better. Don't ask why, though! Could it be that it sits lower at the front?
As for offroad: I feel the offroad capabilities of the Tiger are about 100 kg's and 500cc's ago. I haven't got the guts, glory or muscle to take her offroading. Not the purse, either. Mind you, I don't count dirt and gravel roads as off-road. Not that it really matters, anyway: Up here in Norway we've got laws prohibiting the use of motor vehicles off road.
Anyway, the Tiger is the best allround touring alternative I've come across so far. It will handle any road I'll ever come across with ease and as far as I'm concerned the 05 is the best yet.

djr · 03-21-2005, 04:53 AM

Quote:

Could it be that it sits lower at the front?

possibly but plenty of Tiger riders have lowered the front on the older models and plenty (me) have lowered front and back.

Quote:

I've read the cast wheels are not a factor for offroad unless under severe conditions. I don't pretend to know either way, but I'll offer to trade my spokes for your cast if you like.

cast wheels break easier and it doesnt need to be so extreme. I dont do offroading on the Tiger and I dont have cast wheels. I dont particularly like the Triumph ones but other options are waaaaayyyy too expensive.