Triumphrat

Ken Mac

G'Day there,

I recently acquired an 04 Tiger 955i. An awsome bike in all respects except for the seat height (even at the lowest setting). It is a tad tall for me. I thought I would get accustomed to standing there on tip toes, but have found it is annoying and not particularly safe when trying to move the beast around.

I understand there are after-market mods available for the rear end, and the front benefits from dropping the forks down a centimetre (half inch) or so. Has anyone had any experience with this issue? What works and what doesn't? Also, if I lower the suspension, can I still fit the center stand and expect it to work properly?

Regards,

Ken Mac
Darwin, Australia

graeme

Hey short-arse !!

How about stopping with left foot down, right foot on the rear brake - to show a brake light to the driver's behind you ?? That usually means the bike is leaning to the left when stopping, and easier to get your (left) foot down. It's what we teach new rider's over here in the UK, a brake light on when stationary - ALL THE TIME.

Would that work for you, or are you too short even for that ??

(apologies for sarcasm, I can't help it, I'm 6' 02" !!)


Edit: Whoops, just noticed it's your first post. Maybe a little too early to be taking the P!ss, we'll let you settle in first. Welcome to the forum.

piffs

I don't really think that helps answer his question, even with all the sarcasm. I stop using both brakes, don't switch to neutral since i might need to get out of there quick in case something doesn't look right on my mirrors, and put my left foot down. Sometimes the right foot down if the pavement is irregular on the left hand side. Sometimes I like to put both feet down especially if i have the girl in the back. Don't know how bikes are in the UK, maybe Triumphs shipped to the US are different, but holding your front break does keep that break light on when stationary (how's that for sarcasm). Now when that light is taking too long to switch, or you're up a hill, you'll want that right foot on the break. Being a shorter (let's call it more compact) rider, and having gotten used to ridding taller bikes, i ended up getting used to it. But if you have the option and that doesn't affect mudguard clearance, get a lower seat or lower that bike a tad bit. You'll ride more comfortably and you won't have a disproportionate left calf

As for the center stand, you'll need to lift her up a bit more to get that center stand vertical. Your tire will likely be off the ground. But hey the easier it will be to lube that chain nice.

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Ride safe!
Jay
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05' Bonneville Black
San Diego - California

miker

Welcome Ken, or should we call you Stumpy

I'm just on 6' and have no problems flat footing it on my 06. I'd get some of those neat Johnny Reb cuban healed boots, (you know, the kind Harley riders wear ) and add another inch to them, problems solved.
Or perhaps a pair of these?


Mick

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My Album

"We may not be able to change the direction or strength of the wind, but we can always trim our sails"

ww

i'm 1,78m and had the same problem. I had the front lowered about 8mm and that helped a lot. It will not change the mass you have to move around when you're idle. Have not changed the 'back'.
Hope that helpes

n.b. sarcasm has it place but not when somebody asks for help (just my opinion)

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Regards
Wim from NL

iansoady

There's loads of stuff here about lowering if you search for it, but briefly - if yours is a true 04 with spoked wheels - just rotate the rear eccentric chain adjusters so the spindle is at the top rather than the bottom, and raise the fork legs through the yokes by 25mm or so.

I did this to mine after dropping it twice at low speed in my first fortnight of ownership and it gives that extra little bit of confidence.

You will have to shorten the prop / centre stands but that's easy.

Oh, and welcome.

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Ian
2004 Tiger 955i
1955 Velocette Viper.

robbie

Hi Ken

please ignore the animals they haven't been fed yet

the 04 should have the eccentric chain adjusters that can be flipped over.

lots of posts on this but :-

you need to space the chain guard and be careful of the chain slack and the side stand.

i tried it once but went back to full stretch for ground clearance.
you do get used to it,
moving the beast about is tricky, I have to get off for reversing.

same as ian said

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Robbie and 'Mohan' the original Silver Tiger
TIGER 955i 2003
My Photos

miker

Yes it does, and if you understood Australian humour, you would find the sarcastic quotes humourous too. Especially since there were all kinds of posts about all kinds of remedies (Serious and no so serious).

That being said, I'll apologise openly if any vertically challenged were offended with comments about getting taller boots, or shorter bikes.

Mick

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My Album

"We may not be able to change the direction or strength of the wind, but we can always trim our sails"

CrazyCam

Is it just an Ozzie thing, getting boots built up?

I had to apologise on the Street Triple forum for suggesting the same thing.

It just seems so bloody logical, cheap and easy, compared to stuffing about with suspension links and handling problems.

BTW, for those interested, we teach stopping, left foot down, right on brake, in first gear, without front brake on.

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regards,
CrazyCam

PeteH

33"(UK) inside leg, seat at max adjustment, and can still get both feet squarly on the ground
Try sliding your butt to one side when stopping, then put your foot down. I frerer the right foot down, with left foot covering the gear change and the right hand doing any neccessary brake work