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Which Bike? Comments and Questions on what is the best bike for YOU, for YOUR trip. Note that we believe that ANY bike will do, so please remember that it's all down to PERSONAL OPINION. Technical Questions for all brands go in their own forum.
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  #1  
Old 19 Mar 2010
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is a itger 855i good enough for nrth , central and south america??

Hi im ben newbie here , i have a triumph tiger 855i and am wondering does anyone know if this bike would be god enough for a trip from new york to ushia in south america?? although i know yo ucan do any triip on any bike really lol, i just want to gauge ideas as i was thinkin of selling it and gettin a lighter bm 650 etc before i tool my tiger up for my trip.

Its the 855i injection model , 15 ,000 miles .and mint conditon lol

And also want to say hi to everyone as i m new to this site today .

Cheers ,Ben
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Old 19 Mar 2010
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So you have a '99 or 2000 Tiger? Good bike. Much better than the original 855 carb'd Tiger. Your bike has a better head and valve gear. I put 35K miles on my '99 Tiger, no problems and it's still running far as I know. (sold it) Take care of it and it will be fine and should make a 20,000 mile S. America trip.

Keep the valves adjusted, change the oil every 3 or 4000 miles. Do a really good service on the bike, new Iridium plugs, have Triumph load a nice fuel efficient Tune into the bike, make sure wheel bearings are OK. Start with new chain and sprockets, new tires/tubes, double check nuts and bolts. You're good to go.

The Tiger is a bit tough to handle off road but no worse than any BMW twin. Go with TKC 80 Conti tires and go. Don't over load the bike. The suspension is great on the rough S. American roads and non roads. My Tiger got decent economy, could go about 180 to 200 miles on a tank.
Learn as much as you can about the bike before you go. Put together a really good tool kit, including tire changing stuff.

Don't sell it! If it's in good condition, take it. But know that after S. America it will be well used!

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  #3  
Old 20 Mar 2010
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Go for it.

Good advice from Mickey.
Make sure you check your valve clearances as they tend to close up every 4 to 5ooo miles on the pre 2002 fuel injected bikes.
Balance the throttle bodies and download the correct map to the E.C.U.
(Needs to be done at a Triumph dealer)
Also, fit an extra relay to the spare relay plug beside the main power relay and indicator relays, this will turn both of your twin headlamps on for dip and high beam (they usually have just one on for each).
Triumph relay part no. is T2501901 although you could probably buy one cheaper from an autoparts store, just ask for a 5 pin 30 amp relay.
The 885 f.i. Tiger is a great bike with loads of character and is more than up to the job.
Have a look at Richard Lindleys blog in travellers stories on this website (left hand column) he done a rtw on a 955 Tiger.
Also the book "the road to gobblers knob" tells the story of an Irishman riding a 955 tiger on an epic journey south to north on the pan American highway.
Have a safe trip.
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Old 20 Mar 2010
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There is no doubt you can make this trip on your Tiger. However, without getting all abrasive and adversarial.....note that the trip will be about 20k miles one way. Double if you're thinking both directions. Note that this means four or five valve settings one way. Double that, too. Note that TKC's will wear out and won't be as easy to find as other tires. Finally, note that 180-200 mile range will leave you high and dry in certain areas, so you'll need a way to carry extra fuel. I've had some 250-280 miles stretches between fuel stops.

Again, none of this means you shouldn't take the Tiger. It just means you need to think about these sorts of issues, regardless of what you're riding.

Hope that helps.

Mark
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  #5  
Old 20 Mar 2010
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Smile Thanks for the advice guys

Hi guys thanks for the advice , im not overly concernd wth high mileages and the bike lookin rough after the trip as many of the bikes i have had i put on at least 35,000 a year .

The main thing is the weight of the bike and am thinking is it goin to be managble against something smaller and more lightweight???.

Also what tyres would you guys recomend? , the main body of the trip is goin to roads (all be it bad ones ) and sme light off road from time to time. I have heard good reports on the Tourances tyres but im thinkin longevity and grip .

Your replies have been v handy so thanks again

Ben
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