Triumph Tiger 955i - to spoke or not to spoke?

[*Touring Ted*]

A 'Two-up' Dual purpose tourer for £4000.

Hmmmmmm. You really want your cake don't you haha.

You will have to compromise. Only smaller lighter bikes do offroad better but you will then suffer for saddle space.


On seecond thoughts, I think an Africa Twin might suit you well actually. As long as you''ve got a half decent inside leg.

I did a few two-up trips on mine. Get a touring saddle on it (loads about) and it will do everything you ask.

It won't be a rocket ship, especially two up but you will easily cruise at 80mph and it won't be too bad offroad either with it's 21-17 wheels and long suspension.

It's well within your budget too and mega reliable. You could get a VERY sorted Africa Twin for £4000. Probably with all the luggage and a touring saddle, screen etc etc.

Also look at the KTM 950 Adventure. Again, it's a tall bike but has very good offroad credentials and it should be in that price range if you look about.

The 650-V-strom ain't that bad either. I know you tried one but consider alternative saddles. They can make a huge difference. Not great offroad though. I have one of those too

I know a couple of tour on a Transalp 650. That will do 80mph all day and it handles okay on unsealed roads. Again though, the sadde space isn't great..

[suffolk duke]

Thanks Touring Ted. We seem to be on the right lines because the bikes we have left on our list are in no particular order:
Honda Transalp 650
Honda Africa Twin
Triumph Tiger 955i
BMW F650GS
BMW F800GS (if cheap enough)
KTM 950 Adventure
Triumph Tiger 800 (if cheap enough)
Unfortunately, we have not ridden any of them as there are none for sale locally so we will have to wait. Do you think the roads will be bad enough not to contemplate the Triumph Tiger 955i? I am put off the KTM by short service intervals and how awkward some tasks apparently are. The two Honda's are both good contenders and maybe the BMW's although the Charlie Boorman 1200GS brigade puts me off BM's big time but I would give them a try.

We are looking to go next August, so I may buy the bike this winter, although travel through Iran looks very doubtful now so we may change our plans.

[*Touring Ted*]

Where are you going ?? The Tiger is a fine bike but two up offroad would be unbarable for me. Hard packed graded trails will be okay but its sooooo top heavy.

www.touringted.com

[suffolk duke]

The original plan was UK to Oz spending about 3 months there - a year in total. However, we really wanted to go through Iran and this may not be possible if we bomb Syria. Plan B would be to miss out Iran and Pakistan or plan C would be South America and head north!

[*Touring Ted*]

Africa twin..... For more reasons than you list. I've had three. For two up it will be good. If you want lighter then a 660 tenere would also work if a little on the cramped side.


Do you think Iran will close door to the Brits if we bomb Syria ???

www.touringted.com

[suffolk duke]

I certainly hope not but I wouldn't be surprised. I suppose it may depend on who does the bombing, the US and us or the UN. If the UN it might not be so bad. Thanks for the advice on the bikes, I will try to find one to test ride. Will it be possible to use soft panniers if I make a frame outside the exhaust? Also, are the seats comfortable or should we look at an after market one (we will add a sheepskin) - I have a feeling we sat on one of these several months ago it the seat was a rock!

[*Touring Ted*]

Stock seat is terrible for two people.... I would go soft luggage on any bike. Its way lighter, cheaper, easier to repair, carry etc etc.

Leave heavy boxes and frames for the Starbucks wanna-bees...

Just my opinion obviously.

www.touringted.com

[suffolk duke]

Thanks I totally agree. We use Enduristans now and love them so will probably use those although we will probably replace our rear dry bag with a lockable top box to give us some security. Had a look at bikes for sale and most are 20k plus mileage. From your experience are there certain mileage bikes that we should avoid bearing in mind possible issues on a 20k plus trip?

[Tiger68]

( THIS IS A STORY I WROTE ABOUT MY 955 I I HAVE SOLD IN JUNE THIS YEAR.I NOW AND HAVE A 800 TIGER

My Triumph 955 I 2006 Tiger

I have owned my Black tiger for about 3 years, since this time I have ridden around Tasmania, Great ocean road Victoria Grampians Victoria, from Emerald QLD to Bathurst in central NSW and Fare north Queensland (Australia) have done almost 30,000 kms, and numerous rides around the area where I live (which has some of the best riding in Australia) I brought the bike with only 10500 kms on the clock and now have almost 40,000 kms. Overall I am happy with the bike and have only had a few problems so far which will cover latter.

Overview of 2006 Triumph Tiger

The bike from my prospective is one of the best bikes I have owned. The late 05 and 06 models come standard with the following
1. Heated grips
2. Panniers
3. Centre stand and
4. Some of the 1050 parts (like engine casings and smother gear and shift operation)

The Tiger

Handling: Is very good, I am no Casey Stoner but I do enjoy riding through the hills and twisty sections very much. I organise rides in the local area once per month and have done some track days. On these local rides many types of bikes show up, Cruisers, sports, sports tourers, Adventurer tourers etc.
In general I always give the sports bikes and others a run for their money, like 1098 Ducati’s, Ninjas etc. on the long straights and sweeping corners these bikes tend to have the edge on speed and high speed corning’ were the Tiger gets some steering wobble around 160 kph in high speed bends ( that’s with track day only ? ) . But in the very twisty sections like 15-60 kph sections I am most of the time in front. The Tiger in these sections has the ground clearance to really lay it over, (in these situations I use a twin compound tyre harder centre softer edges for traction like the Michelin Polit road 3 front and rear), I have considered looking at fork braces etc, but what type bike is this? On the dirt the tiger is very good (with the front fork springs replaced makes a big difference to the standard front end dive) the rear is ok. Remember this is no KTM 990, and is a great bike for dirt roads and maybe some fire trails that aren’t washed out or rocky (this is where I would consider two sets of rims with off road tyres on the second set). The Tiger does feel top heavy and is a high bike (I am 5 foot and 4 inches tall) those of you that have a Tiger may wonder how I touch the ground. Simple with tippy toes and have to slide of one side of seat a little at lights etc. I figure that I have had to do the same with dirt bike racing for years so why change now. Two up touring is great just set the preload to max ( 5) this on the standard rear will handle two up with panniers and back box ( packed up) the front will feel a little light , to up with no gear (4) setting.


Handling improvements

I have made to help with control ect.

1. Adjustable Brake/Clutch levers, this may not seem like a handling improvement but it does give quicker brake and clutch operation it turn better control and handling.
2. Harder progressive front springs, will stop front end dive under heavy braking and on the dirt bottoming out etc.
3. Tyres as I said Michelin Polit 3,s stick like shit to a blanket.

Engine

1. The engine is well what can I say (Bullet proof) the triple engine is so smooth through all the Rev range, it’s a great bike on the open road or around town and will sit comfortably in any gear.

Servicing

1. If you can service a bike yourself ( the basics, oil, plugs, air filter oil filter chain etc) then some stuff on the Tiger is easy ( other not so much) doing an oil change is easy, ( replace with K&N filter as it has a 14 mm nut built into end of the filter) Chain adjustment easy and straight forward. But doing plugs and air filter is a pain.

(To get to the plugs do the following)
1. Take of side covers
2. Take of blinkers covers connected to the front fairing
3. Take of seat
4. Take of tank
5. Disconnect fuel lines
6. Take of Air box

THEN YOU CAN GET TO THE PLUGS (EASY???)
2. Same with Air filter ( except 6 don’t remove air box)

The best way to do this is replace Plugs and Air filter at same time with K&N air filter and Iridium Plugs and you will not need to do it again for 40,000 kms.


The Problems so far

1. I was riding back from a day out with mates, and it was raining very heavy. My blinkers stopped working so when I returned home I checked the Triumph Blogg site Triumph Forum: Triumph Rat Motorcycle Forums very handy) said it may be “relay 7” gone ( this is the blinker relay) as the fuses were good. I also got some electrical repellent spray cleaner, and air pressure hose pump, sprayed out the blinker connections, relay connections and fuse box connections after this all worked, the front blinker wire connections hang down past the fairing, cable tie up under fairing to avoid water getting into the electrics.

2. Did an Advanced motorcycle course with stay upright in Bradford raceway Victoria Australia, My brakes failed and I almost ran off the track (overheated the brake fluid), the brakes on the 955 are not the best for high speed braking etc. (are looking at other solutions at present but Adrian’s web site (adrianmol@yahoo.com ) has what looks like a good fix, Also read another forum that did this as well and he rated it. Tiger mods#1Neils bike page.

3. Had engine Management light come on,( was not long after turned on GPS-before starting bike) The sensors on the 955,s are very sensitive and will come on if there is a sudden spick in power.( I should of started the bike first) It’s not a big problem, Get Triumph to plug in and reset. Or do it yourself by turning and starting the bike on and off three times, ( this resets the system ) ,It happened to me about 3 times I ended up putting standard plugs back in ,( after spraying out all wiring with electrical spray ) So I think the iridium plugs were the problem ; it hasn’t happened since.

4. I have just finished a 2,500 km ride from Emerald North Queensland to Bathurst NSW ( by all the best road) the bike had only one problem on the trip, I had the high beam light come on ( and stay on) I couldn’t turn it off, well it couldn’t be the fuses ( and wasn’t as the lights wouldn’t work at all) so when I got to Bathurst I replaced the high beam relay, thinking this would be the problem, “ it wasn’t” , turned out it was tit was one of the headlight globes, I replaced with stronger watt globes, problem fixed.

3 years of owning the bike and almost 40,00 kms all the problems above have been electrical ( most minor)

" A WORD OF WARNING IF THE BIKE LOSES POWER AND THE ENGINE MANGEMENT LIGHT COMES ON IT IS IN LIMP HOME MODE TAKE IT TO YOUR NEAREST TRIUMPH DEALER ASAP" but if not power loss, its more than likely an over sensitive sensor.




Items to buy to improve bike (most off eBay)

1. Adjustable levers ( if you have small hands or fingers)
2. Radiator / Oil coiler guard protectors (protect against rocks etc.)
3. Headlight protector ( name says it all)
4. K&N air filter (smother power 100,000 km life)
5. K&N Oil filter (has built on nut easy to remove)
6. Indium Plugs ( more power, last longer, ) MY UPSET SENSOR
7. Taller screen ( for winter or touring there are many different types’ I used a Cee Baileys only downside reduces turning circle ) there are many types
8. Engine crash bars ( I used Thunder bike, just make sure you use high temp sealant CRV, for bolts that go into crankcase, and don’t over tension) I got mine through Thunderbike NZ (The best I think and you can put cruiser pegs on.)

9. Front and rear fender extenders ( can use from 94- 2001 Yamaha XJ 900 Division will fit with minor mods)
10. 19 front sprockets will lower revs by 500 rpm (better for open rd.) and
11. Non slip rear seat cover ( stops passengers from moving forward on braking)
12. X2 Leather round large pouches from eBay (with Triumph written on them) I use these to put my tool role in one side, and sockets and other stuff in other side. (The 955I does not have a lot of space under the seat.)
13. The plastic chain Guard will break after a while ( mine was 28,000 kms) so I got one from eBay Germany with TRIUMPH cut into the guard, is steel, may have to drill two other holes for bolts as there ones did not line up)
14. Front progressive fork springs ( not from eBay but IKON Suspension Australia) again there are many brands out there
15. Mine came with a Triumph sports pipe (increases RPM by about 3 HP) so I have about 108 HP, instead of the 105 HP.
16. I also put smaller blinkers on (LED and changed the Blinker relay) Looks better, I guess that’s an improvement.
17. Gel Seat (for front only, got off gum tree for $ 65.00 Aus.) makes long rides in the saddle more comfortable and the seat is narrower at the front which makes it easier to move around. It seems lower to the ground?
18. 7. Smaller mirrors from local bike shop, look better than standard ones, needed to replace after bike fell over (originals were too expensive)

MODS I HAVE DONE

1. I moved the rear shock adjustment from under the seat to the inside of the RIGHT passenger peg mount area (means you don’t have to take the seat of every time you have a passenger or luggage ( BMW style or latter tiger)
2. Cruiser pegs fitted to the crash bars (from Thunderbike) brought from a bike swap meet for $ 5.00, I think they are Harley Pegs, had to do a bit of grinding to fit, took about 1 hour, but work well on long open roads were it gets a bit boring, can stretch the legs out, and pillion can put their feet on your pegs to do the same.
3. 4. Have put a padded beck rest on rack for wife and kids when they come for a ride, they love it, (fall asleep a lot- don’t know if that’s a good thing?) will be keeping the rack for my next bike.
4. I lowered the seat by taking the rubber mounts off and a few other things (the mod is on (adrianmol@yahoo.com ) this web site has some very good ideas which I have used a few.

Overall

I am happy with the 955i ( All I have done has cost my about & 1500,00 AUS in parts ) and some of my time, They are a great bike with heaps of power 105 HP ( more than a BMW 1200 GS ) and handle very well. Seat high is a problem for shorter riders (like me). They have a great tank size 24 Lts you will get between 350-400 kms on a tank (the fuel gauge is not very accurate the low fuel light will come on between 300-400 kms. The Tiger is very comfortable on long trips but you can get an even more comfortable Gel seat as well.

I do most off my own servicing, I agree with another blog that getting to the air filter is a big job. Make sure you have a work shop manual; when you change the air filter do the plugs at the same time (kills 2 birds with the one stone)

If your 6 ft tall plus and like a bike that can go all day every day without any problems in traffic and highway or mountain and some light off road riding then a Tiger 955 i 05-06 model is for you, at between 4000-9000 dollar’s second hand depending on condition.

I know live in Cairns Queensland Australia and have ridden all the Atherton Tablelands heaps of times and also done a trip out western QLD near Chillagoe and down near Townville via Valley of the lagoons.
Future Trips
Have just got back from riding down to central west NSW via Cairns at Christmas (about 3000 by all the best roads)
Other trips not on Tiger
I also own a DRZ 400 E and last weekend did the crap track and Bloomfield track are doing Cape Yoke this year , ( top of Australia) I have also not long got back from New Zealand, I hired a Suzuki 650 V-Strom in the North Island and a BMW 650 GS in the South Island .
Well the Triumph Tiger 955I is a great bike (It have almost 40,000kms know and will be selling this year)

"IT, S ALL ABOUT THE RIDE"

[suffolk duke]

Thanks Tiger68, thats a great review. I am 6 feet tall so don't think the height will be so bad but what about cast wheels for off road - do you think they are ok for my trip from uk to oz taking in iran, pakistan, india, etc?

[Tiger68]

Sorry about the late reply , I would say yes about the wheels ,I have taken my of road heaps of times with no problem

Just to let all know I sold the 955i and now have a Tiger 800 ( havent had it that long to give any feedback or done any trips away. But will say is better for a pillion ( more leg room) not as much power ( only a 800) Handles better ( but not as much ground clearance ,a bit better on the XC ) Most of all the Tiger 800 not the XC has a quite low seat hight 810mm lowest setting , good for short or female riders.

Regards

Paul

"IT, S ALL ABOUT THE RIDE"

[Walkabout]

[QUOTE=Tiger68;440717]
3. Tyres as I said Michelin Polit 3,s stick like shit to a blanket.
[/QUOTE
Yep, Michelin Pilot 3 dual compound tyres are excellent!

Originally Posted by Tiger68

Just to let all know I sold the 955i and now have a Tiger 800 ( havent had it that long to give any feedback or done any trips away. But will say is better for a pillion ( more leg room)

That's interesting: one would expect the bigger Tiger to have more leg room for a passenger.

[Tiger68]

Yes Dave you would think

I have taken my wife and my oldest daughter on a few day trips, and they both have spent allot of time on the 955i before I sold it, and they said their legs were more stretched out on the 800, (they like the grab rails as well), the rear seat not as comfy, but could be fixed with a GEL.

I think the Triumph 800 Tiger would be a great long distance tourer, has lots of accessories , great for two up ( if required) excellent on the open road ( I will be looking into sprocket set up as it does rev a little high around 120 kms per hour. Also not too bad of road from all the reviews I read’ and owners have had little or no problems.
The only problem I had ‘was the mapping redone as sometimes after stopping it was hard to start and would not idle. This is mainly on the 2011 models I heard, fixed with a remap (cost me $ 80.00 Aus) I do all other servicing myself. The bike only had 7000 kms when I brought it, its just clicked over to 10,000 (Iv only done an oil change using a K&N filter and Castrol 4T oil an easy job ) I do like that the new 800 has an oil window ,a lot easier to check level.
I also have a Aprillia Pegaso 650 IE 2009 model, which (I have read some mixed reviews on this bike) I have moded the Air box and put a K&N air and oil filter in’ as it was a bit snatchie between 3500-4000 rpm ,this is a common mod on the Aprillia forum site and it seems to work well (The bike has only done 9500kms) these are a very comfy bikes with HEAPS of storage space under the seat, and also a storage spot on top of the tank ( great for wallet, phone and sunnies) The bike is light and handles very well , not as low a seat height as would like , I think the one I brought came with a high seat? It’s about the same as the 800. The bike runs a Yamaha XT 660 engine (same as the 660 tenarne)
Not sure if this would be a round the world bike, by reviews can have some electoral problems, and you do need a service code to input into the bike after servicing, it’s easy to do. (And I am not a tech-head) also it is hard to put aftermarket blinkers on (the standard ones are very big) and if you do a light on the dash keeps flashing also the fuel pumps can go (they are in the tank like the old GS BMW,s ) the genuine ones are very expensive , but there is a mod with a BMW 650 one , smaller and by reviews works better. Also the dash can have problems if used in a lot of wet weather riding (also very expensive (around $ 700.00 Aus)
I have had none of these problems, in saying that the bike has only done 2,500kms since I brought it. Would I do a big trip on a Pegaso ? Well maybe if I took a spare fuel pump and say 2 genuine replacement blinkers, and done some sort of mod on the dash to water protect it better.
I have got bit of track, I will give some more feedback on the 800 after a few big trips (which I am doing early in the New Year)
Also I do rate the Triumph tiger 955I I had mine for 3 years, and only had 3 minor electrical problems which I cover in a post above. Also another SOFT of roader to think about is the Yamaha TDM 900, (Great fuel range, low seat, handles well, very reliable, great 2 up, ) I,m still considering buying one of these in the future

[Tiger68]

Ok an update of the 800 Tiger, well l, m selling the bike, basically I must say I preferred my 955i tiger. A few points to note
POSTIVES
1. lower seat hight ( no xc version) 810 mm lowest setting, great for shorter riders.
Better of road , xc not much different , just wire wheels more ground clearance. In saying that if you drop this bike you are up for big dollars in repairs.
2. Lower rear peg position for pillions.
3. Oil level window ( 955 did not have )
4. Gear incataor ( a good idea )
5. Fuel guage is very accurate.
NEGTIVES
1. Does not handle the twistes well
2. Bad ground clearance ( xc would be better)
3. Fuel range could of been another 50 kms
4. Not fast enough, or exciting enough, a very boring bike to ride.
I have come to a conclusion, there is no true of/ on road Adventurer tourer, the only bike that comes close for being able to take a hammering in the bush, not to heavy, comfort is ok handling is also ok speed is good , well im talking about the Suzuki DR 650, simple to service , simple engine, simple electronics , ( the only 2 things missing are a kick starter and 6 speed box ) that would make it the perfect all rounder.
Well thats my option , but whatever you ride , just remember " its all about the ride "

[mollydog]

Originally Posted by Tiger68

Ok an update of the 800 Tiger, well l, m selling the bike, basically I must say I preferred my 955i tiger. A few points to note
POSTIVES
1. lower seat hight ( no xc version) 810 mm lowest setting, great for shorter riders.
Better of road , xc not much different , just wire wheels more ground clearance. In saying that if you drop this bike you are up for big dollars in repairs.
2. Lower rear peg position for pillions.
3. Oil level window ( 955 did not have )
4. Gear incataor ( a good idea )
5. Fuel guage is very accurate.
NEGTIVES
1. Does not handle the twistes well
2. Bad ground clearance ( xc would be better)
3. Fuel range could of been another 50 kms
4. Not fast enough, or exciting enough, a very boring bike to ride.
I have come to a conclusion, there is no true of/ on road Adventurer tourer, the only bike that comes close for being able to take a hammering in the bush, not to heavy, comfort is ok handling is also ok speed is good , well im talking about the Suzuki DR 650, simple to service , simple engine, simple electronics , ( the only 2 things missing are a kick starter and 6 speed box ) that would make it the perfect all rounder.
Well thats my option , but whatever you ride , just remember " its all about the ride "

Excellent comments on this very old thread. The OP, "Suffolk Duke" has probably come and gone already!

Agree about your conclusions about the DR650. Too bad not available in UK.
My '06 DR650 is past 55K miles now .. going strong. I don't ride two up and I can't recommend it for that ... unless very small humans on board and a custom seat.

I also agree with your Tiger 955i comments. Lots of guys hammered the Tiger, but not sure how many owned them or rode them off road? I've owned three Tigers and ridden twice with my buddy all over Mexico and Baja, he on his '06 955i. That bike has taken a beating ... now up over 70,000 miles.

I had a '95 885 Tiger, a '99 885i Tiger and currently have an '07 1050 Tiger in the garage. Both earlier Tigers did OK off road, the 1050 is NOT for off road. Also rode the 955i extensively ... attended Triumph product launch and had a test bike for a month, 2000 miles.

But the Tiger 955i is a bit top heavy and you have to "adjust" to it and learn it. Obviously, you won't be doing much single track or serious off road on the 955, but we did some crazy stuff in Mexico and Bob made it through just fine.
He fell a few times ... but we were in WAY over our heads. On normal dirt roads the Tiger is JUST FINE and easy to handle. Comfy 2-up, easy to pack up ... and overall, very reliable in my experience.
And one of the best things? Used prices are very reasonable! A bargain IMO.


Bob's '06 Tiger ... beaten and scratched, but never missed a beat on the 5000 mile Mexico trip. Here seen in Copper Canyon.


My 1995 Tiger ... 1st year of the Tiger!


My '99 in France in 2003


My 1050 at an old Western Gold mining town. (Bodie, CA)