Vintage Tiger 2006 Triumph Tiger - Review of my latest bike.

Thought I might share this for those interested in buying a Tiger.

Background: I was only interested in the 955 and found out that there were some important changes throughout the life of this model.

2004 - change of swingarm and chain tension method; option of alloy wheels

2005-ish - change of engine cases; change of backlash thingy to do with clutch - not sure how important this is, but I decided I would get the latest spec 955 I could afford, so this is the version I bought.

So to the review. I'm a big, heavy bloke so please take this into account when you read my comments.

Engine - an absolute peach! I ride very gentle, on A roads about 100kph (roughly 60mph) and the availability of torque even in 6th for overtakes is just great. She pulls smoothly in 6th from 2000rpm (roughly 30mph) right up to as fast as you want to go. However if you 'encourange' her through the gears she feels really quick - no, not as quick as a Hyabusa/GSXR thingamejig - but much more than fast enough. Fuel consumption? Don't know yet but suspect it'll be easily 50mpg as she floats along so easily.

Suspension/handling/steering - the ride quality is the very best I've experienced. I don't know if the previous owner did any modifications but honestly the ride is almost 'magic carpet' like. Control with suppleness.
Handling and steering - I've got new Dunlop 'Trail Smart' tyres on and the steering is so nice nice - completely neutral - light without being over quick. Going through a series of bends with undulating and or broken surface she is so reassuring and stable. Encourages attacking the corners style riding . Overall very comfortable and reassuring.

Gearbox - a little stiff to change gear when cold, gets a bit better when warm but still requires position prodding. No false neutrals found.

Body/cockpit - idiot lights are pretty useless in sunshine, I will need to change them for LED versons if possible. Screen - mine has a slightly larger ERMAX touring screen - ABSOLUTE CRAP !!! All it does is to generate large amounts of turbulence and noise. Removed it before riding away from the sellers garage it was that bad. Currently riding with no screen and MUCH quieter. My bike has had the headlight relay mod done, so both headlights are on when in dip or main beam modes. Mirrors work really well for me.

As you can see in the pics my bike has the Triumph matching paniers and topcase. The rhs panier is pretty useless due to the exhaust pipe, but the lhs one is good and the topcase will be very useful for longer distance work.


Altogether the first impressions are very favourable. I didn't expect her to be this good, to be honest.

 

I know this is wrong, but I've only ridden her twice since picking her up on Friday - been too busy with new house stuff and today out to lunch with friends.

The first thing she needs is a good wash !

 

Hi Pete, a few months ago I bought 2 x 4ltr cans of Mobil 1 specially formulated for Triumph bike engine oil (7€ apiece!!). That'll be going in this week.

 

Oh really Peter, I hadn't thought about that

 

Hi Peter, I bought it from the Triumph dealer in Limoges. It's a 1 owner from new bike and the bloke who had it before me traded it in for a Tiger 800.

Happy Days.................................