Tiger 1050 So...erm...considering A Change To A Tiger

Great find @DanielB

I don't think that bike had any particular issues or weaknesses. Some of the very early ones had a cracked piston issue. Had a mate experience that. Nightmare.

The bike would have been due a major service at 24k. Worth checking that was done. Other than that just the usual checks, consumables, damping in the shocks etc.

Good luck. Just shout out if you have any specific questions.

 

Yes the 12000/24000 miles service are big ones. My Tiger 1050 is booked in for early May for the 12000 mile service at my local dealer. It has been quoted at circa £700, so make sure the bike has had them done.

 

When I had my Tiger 1050 I covered 20k+ miles on it without issue. Always did my own servicing and kept all receipts and records which the buyer was quite happy with when I sold it privately. I would keep a close eye on the battery as it always struggled to turn over if stood for more than 2 weeks.

 

I went from a T595 Daytona 955i to a '99 Tiger 885i (same as the Tiger 955i really) to do some touring and lazy-day riding in the countryside and have found that it's an excellent bike.

The main plus point compared with the Daytona is that you don't feel that you have to go everywhere fast, but it will still tramp along with surprising rapidity when you want it to. The long travel suspension is very well controlled so it's comfy yet quick, while the engine is quite poky enough for spirited road riding and safe overtaking and flexible enough for gear changes to be optional rather than essential. Brakes are excellent, especially the front.

To get comfortable I had to fit lower Renthal bars as the originals felt like ape-hangers and for more relaxed motorway cruising I added one tooth to the engine sprocket when the chain and sprockets needed replacing.

The only real downside is that the bike is too bulky and top-heavy when at rest. This is a big and heavy beast, especially with a full tank. Mine has the factory Triumph luggage and that's heavy too - the factory top box weighs more than a stone on its own, and again this makes it even more top heavy.

Also, the side stand puts the bike at a very upright angle so watch out if the surface isn't quite flat or you'll end up with the bike on its side, and if this happens you're unlikely to put it back on an even keel unaided. The centre stand would normally be my preferred option but you risk a hernia to get it on or off the stand, so I rarely use it. Perhaps at just under 6ft and weighing 12 and a bit stone I'm just not big or heavy enough, but I manage my BMW R100/7 without any problems.

Despite the awkward top-heavy feel when the bike is being parked up or manoeuvred, it's actually a doddle to ride as soon as you're moving, even at walking pace, and bend-swinging takes no effort at all.

So, it's a great bike and very adaptable to different riding styles, but you do need to be fairly big and strong to get on with it safely. I gather that the 1050 is lower and perhaps lighter, so probably a better bet. But the 885i/955i versions are incredibly good value. I acquired mine for well under £2k and it came with three-piece factory luggage, which is very sturdy and well made.

I'll be selling mine after the summer as it's simply too heavy and cumbersome when you're off the bike to the extent that it's a liability, but it will be a reluctant sale because in every other respect it's a fantastic bike to ride.

 

Far worse than the Speed Triple/Daytona simply because it's on stilts!
But when you're on the move it's fine.

 

Wheel and linkage(swing arm) bearings? Definitely headstock ones too?
Second hand shock is a maybe as it’s going to be showing it’s age a bit?

 

Lean on the back and let go. If it kinda “bounces “ up and down then the damping’s shot. Same on the front too.
I now remember your woes on the swing arm! Round 2 coming up!

 

Congratulation, what a lovely looking bike.

 

@DanielB: Ride it, enjoy it, love it!!!!

 

Congratulations @DanielB

Lovely bike at a cracking price. Your pillions will find that a much more comfortable ride.

Let the fun begin.