Opinions please - Triumph Tiger

**Blackbird** · 28th June 2006, 17:48

Originally Posted by Hammer

Folks,

Keen to get some opinions on how you find the tiger, how well made it is and how reliable it is. Appreciate your views.

John,

I think I might have a Tiger test somewhere-will have a look. You're not thinking of swapping your lovely blue beast for it are you? Err... you haven't binned it and haven't let on?

**James Deuce** · 28th June 2006, 18:55

Originally Posted by Jamezo

Find a willing Tiger owner in two months or so and give me a call....

Sels would be happy to provide the learn you so desperately seek.

**Oscar** · 28th June 2006, 20:53

Big Dave is the man fer Trumpys.
I hear good things about 'em.

Ps. As part of the crew that took the Trumpy Scrambler to Wellington for KR, I can recommend that as a alternative...

**Big Dave** · 28th June 2006, 22:06

Thank you Oscar - as you may have observed there is a similar discussion taking place at ADV rider - my comments there were:

The Tiger is a really good motorcycle.
I don't own one because of the aesthetics. I just don't like its looks much, but it's hard to fault as an all round motorcycle.

They run with the guys on 955i sportsbikes up to 180kph (more if you are happy to chew the filler cap), are pretty cabable on the dirt because there is a good range of tyres available, comfortable, have a great motor, good luggage - stick a race can on it and it's honey to listen to and they are pretty good on passenger comfort and very good touring.

The standard back shock is a shocker. Stick something decent on it and.....niiiice bike.

There are plenty of blokes who find them good looking as well.

bit of a photo report here:
http://www.davidcohen.co.nz/sthtig/sthtiger.html

**Hammer** · 29th June 2006, 20:39

Originally Posted by Blackbird

John,

I think I might have a Tiger test somewhere-will have a look. You're not thinking of swapping your lovely blue beast for it are you? Err... you haven't binned it and haven't let on?

No Sir Mr Blackbird, honest I have not binned the beast. Sort of wanting to get out the back blocks a bit more. Would love to keep it and get an adventure bike but new home has priority - can't have everything. Not committed yet but am giving it some serious thought.

**tigs** · 30th June 2006, 20:36

I just had to join KB to post an opinion about Tigers. Well I have owned one for almost 3 years and bought it because it offered a large capacity adventure bike that was comfortable and capable of touring 2up and carry our camping gear and luggage. Previously owned a couple of Transalps and a Dominator but see no need to change at present. But its big, but then so are all big adventure bikes. Had a few small niggles repaired under warranty but we have covered a few of the SI backroads (well the famous ones) plus a lot of gravel in the NI. And so far, we love it.

**98tls** · 30th June 2006, 20:40

Just a thought....have you looked at the new Buell adventure bike option...have heard some good things about them.

**Edbear** · 30th June 2006, 20:53

Originally Posted by Big Dave

bit of a photo report here:
http://www.davidcohen.co.nz/sthtig/sthtiger.html

Well done! Nice! Just makes me more frustrated that I can't get down there for a while!

**warewolf** · 2nd July 2006, 19:10

I had a used '94 model for 20,000km. Fantastic "real world" bike. The shock on those was perhaps the best of the first batch of New Triumphs - but was not carried forward to the newer models.

The Tiger has improved with each revamp.

As well made and reliable as all the new Triumphs.

**sels1** · 2nd July 2006, 19:46

Originally Posted by Jim2

Oh God, now we have to listen to Sels bang on and on again. Sigh.

Dont be harsh Jim, just cause you cant touch the ground on one.......

Yes the Tiger is good bike, if thats the sort of thing you are after. Very comfortable neutral riding position, very good 2 up. Add the panniers/topbox and you can carry heaps of gear. The new 955i are a bit more road oriantated than the older ones. They are a tall bike, you would want to be around 6ft upwards. They are good on gravel roads and rough roads but are not really a trailbike - would suggest a 650 single (F650, XT, XR etc) if you want to do the dirty stuff. Reliabilty not a problem. Great fuel range - good for those long backroads with no servos
Before I bought mine a had a wee holiday in Nelson and hired one for the day from Thunderbike ( www.Thunderbike.co.nz ) and went 2 up over Takaka and loved it.
Most of the Tiger owners I have met really love them but I guess its like buying shoes - you gotta get something that fits you
Feel free to pm me if you want more info

**sels1** · 2nd July 2006, 20:11

Originally Posted by Jamezo

oh roffle....

Tiger vs RG150 down the coast side of paecock, smart money's on the RG.

unless, y'know, I'm riding it, and there's a piece of gravel or errant cager within 15 kilometres.

Yeah there is often washed down rocks and gravel on that road, I ride it regularly, last time was a couple of hrs ago. Rode up there with an RG with a good rider aboard a few weeks ago. Waited for him at the top.....

**Troll** · 2nd July 2006, 20:19

triumph are moving a lot of their production to Thailand to produce complete bikes

make up your own mind as to what that will do to the quality control

**Jamezo** · 2nd July 2006, 21:36

Originally Posted by sels1

Yeah there is often washed down rocks and gravel on that road, I ride it regularly, last time was a couple of hrs ago. Rode up there with an RG with a good rider aboard a few weeks ago. Waited for him at the top.....

hence why I said *down* :P less about HP, more about lines/balls.

I'll have to practise the road when I achieve locomotion again. personally I prefer it to the takas, though I've only ridden it a deuce of times. (sacrilege on both counts!?)

**Shadows** · 2nd July 2006, 22:33

Everything I've heard about them says that they are excellent bikes. The only thing that lets them down a bit is that new Triumph parts can be very expensive which can make them very easily "written off" rather than repaired, even if only put down at a low speed. I guess if you're insured that doesn't matter too much.