Triumph Tiger 900 - mid 90s - experiences?

[Capitano]

I have some limited experience of mid 90s Triumph triples as a mate had a Mk1 Speed Triple when I had my Buell. Latterly I also ran a 955i Sprint RS alongside my Harley for a year.

I always liked the Tigers from the early 900s (885cc) to the early '00s 955i but lost interest when the 1050 came out.

Back to present day and a 35000 mile '97 plate black Tiger 900 may be heading my way, if it proves suitable to ride for me in my post-surgery condition.

Has anyone any experience with this particular model? Anything to look out for, particularly?

Cheers!

NB: Photo of a similar vintage bike, not this one!

[Diesel Dave]

I can offer no opinions on the driveline as I ripped mine out and put in a diesel triple and Harley box.

On the rest of it.

It’s waaaay to tall for me even with the forks dropped 40mm through the yokes and the rear axle rotated to the top of the adjusters.

All the callipers will need rebuilding annually and the front disks crack bi-annually.

Those rear high mounted exhaust cans weigh over 10 kilos each.

Plastic tanks dissolve in ethanol.

Rear suspension gets blasted by crap off the rear wheel and needs regular attention.

Buy the aftermarket mainstand, your gonna need it for maintenance.

Stu’s Wheels fell apart but that might have been because of the Smart Car diesel power delivery.

All this fades into insignificance when compared to the seat, you sit on it initially and you go ‘ooooh that’s comfy’, 20 minutes later and you are doing the ‘right cheek, left cheek, clench’ trying to get some blood flow back into those regions. Also because of the shape (that front bit that curves upwards to the tank), you roll onto your testicles when braking.

[Capitano]

Thanks, Dave.

Fair points, particularly the seat, given my restrictions and need. Although said mate is roughly the same height and leg length as me and rode it to the South of France and back in a week last year with his Mrs and luggage and could still walk so it may have been "doctored" already.

I'll check out the brakes. At 35000 I would imagine that issues have risen their head by now.

It has the mainstand fitted, along with aftermarket rack and pannier frames.

Is there a simple fix for the shock vulnerability, like fitting a rubber flap or something?

I am going to check it out with a test ride, which will tell me if it's a worthwhile prospect.

I don't want to be asking too many questions, gift horse and all that, ya know.

[Capitano]

The story behind it (and there's ALWAYS a story behind it) is that he's a good friend who had some hard times a while back. I've done work at his houses and he's done the odd job at mine, and no money has ever changed hands. That kind of mate.

He knows of my situation, obviously and is now in a position where he is going nomad with his Mrs for at least a year in their camper, simply because they can, and why not?

His view is that if the Tiger suits my needs I can have it and he'll sign the V5 over to me. From my point of view, even if it isn't quite what I want, if I can ride it, it might be useful for a year, after which time I'll give it back to him if/when he returns.

[dmw1950]

A coincidence I am about to help someone out with his 80's Thunderbird 900. He's had it from new and laid it up after 2 years (8000mls). Not sure what I will have to do to it, or if I want it. I assume it has a metal tank thankfully, The engine has not run for 30+ years and I will have to get help moving it uphill from his garage to mine.
Back to your bike Ged, I visited the factory when they were making them and I was impressed with the quality control in the factory, but they are a tall beast to manage and on the heavy side. People rated them at the time, when most where of the head down arse up brigade.

[bikerbaker]

Sounds like a no brainer for both you and your mate as long as you have the space for it. You get the use of it, he knows that if/when he has it back it will be in better condition than now.

I have no experience of them apart from seeing Dave's but that was always on his lift so it looked dangerously tall to me. A lifelong friend had one for many years and only sold it after his bypass op as he hadn't ridden it for a year. He had taken early retirement and was miffed when I turned up on a Suzuki after my sudden return to bikes, we rode together in our teens and early twenties and he regretted selling it. He is under 6 feet tall and had no problems. Every vehicle he has ever owned has been of top quality, totally immaculate and kept for many years. He has had a Healey 3000 since 1977 and now a 1970 E type. I know he would recommend!

[horobags]

If you dont want it I'll have it Ged!!!

[Capitano]

Cheers, guys!

[davebike]

Don't use standard unlead always super the ethanol in the standard softens the tank ! to the extent if you take it off it will not go back and the brass inserts where the fairing mount eventually fall out leaving a hole end of tank !

Dave
seen 4 all bikes eventually scrapped !

[Chimp]

Had same problem with the plastic tank on the KTM, religiously used super but still was a PITA to refit the tank whenever I removed it.