Dirty Bling (above) bought my 2006 Tiger that had 72,000 miles. The clutch was like new with only minor adjustment to the clutch cable, the original cable btw. I bet the clutch on that bike is good for another 50K.
Nice. Any issues with getting an older one with lower miles? I guess the displacement is different and the older ones with spokes took tubed tires? If you had a choice between a low miles (15 K) '99 or '00 and a high mile (50k) "04 and "05 with both having about the same extras and price tag - what would you choose?
I don't ride off road and only occasionally on a dirt road. I'd buy the higher mileage "05 or "06 because it has cast wheels and tubeless tires. I've had a blowout on the rear tubed tire on an earlier bike and it wasn't fun.
Go to the hardware store and get some teflon tape. Get the yellow stuff that is for natural-gas fittings. It's tougher and will do better in your tool bag than the wimpy white stuff for regular plumbing jobs. When you wrap it on the threads of your drain bolt, wrap it so when you tighten it in the threads the tape is winding so the threads tighten it. if you wind it the other way it loosens the tape and it bunches up and sometimes it doesn't even work. Put about 2 full wraps of the stuff on the bolt. Put the rest in your tool bag, I've used it for other tricks too. Once for a very sloppy brake pedal pivot. I wrapped a bunch on the shaft and slipped the pedal back on. It tightened up the fit and lasted a long time..
Well I found the culprit and will be replacing the oil pan this winter. I tiny bit of metal broke off at the bottom of threads and a small crack in the threads. So I used some permatex high temp thread sealant and ultra black smeared thinly on top edge of bolt and top edge of washer. Going to let that all cure for 3 days and add oil and see what happens. Just hoping it gets me through he summer and then a new pan. A new pan is a much better option after consulting the shop manual. Only oil cooler and head pipes need to be removed to access pan. I was worried tank and radiator would have to come off.
Pray tell. What does a new pan cost these days? I may be looking for one too. Thanks. Have a great trip to inuvik!
Its a little over 300 bucks on bikebandit.com. Unfortunately two days later the thread sealant is still not dried. It said 72 hours to fully cure, so we'll see tomorrow.
Guys, looking for a little info as I'm hoping to be loading a nice 05 British racing green tiger into the back of my truck on Saturday. 12,500 miles, looks mint, owner stays it is and and boughgt it from the shop with 1000 mile son it. Alway serviceed witrh synthetic oil, stored in a heated gargage. It's a 160 miles one way, not a big deal, nice little trip with the wife. Anything I should be looking for? Very excited about this bike! Tom
Tom, Look for prior service records and for the 12,000 mile service to be done which would include valve inspection and adjustment if needed. Ask about any issues with the regulator/rectifier/alternator and battery output. Does it need new tires?
Not sure what your paying for it. But an 05 with that few miles has to be in decent shape, Photo Boy hit the nail on the head really. Post up some pics if you get her. Sounds an excellent deal.
Wow you found this with only 12,500 miles on it, you better grab a lottery ticket while your luck is in! Sounds like an excellent deal, check the service records of course and the usual obvious things tires, chain etc (dummy stuff). With that few miles on it there shouldn't be much to check TBQH I would also ask about any mods that have been done, like the charging system, dual headlights change, remaps and things of that nature. Then I would go over them very closely to ensure they were done right, but I am weird that way. :eek1 Remember to post photo's when you get it!
Heading out at o"dark hundred with cash! Of course it just friggin' snowed here today...WTF? :eek1 But I've got my truck loaded with ramps and tie downs. I do know that it has brand new tires, new battery a few weeks ago. Always had synthetic oil changes. Still has stock chain and sprockets, and he said it will be due for the first valve adjustment check at 15,000 but runs and sounds perfect,says it's like brand new, stored in a heated garage and always covered, it was his his baby. Talking with the guy and he sounds solid! When I get it I'll post pics (when I figure out how....)
Congratulations! You might be able to cut a slightly better deal since the valve check was due at 12,000 miles. Stock chain and sprockets might be needing replacement before 18,000 miles as well. A good DID chain and sprockets will last over 25,000 miles but the stockers don't. Good luck and be sure to post photos!
OK, I don't do this normally but sometimes it's just get's under my skin. First I think your getting an excellent deal on the Tiger, and I am sure you will be happy with it. Now, about the valve check thing. I know someone will come at me but I have been riding bikes for over 35 years now and the valve check is not that important if the bike is running strong. It is a recommendation for the dealer to make some cash. That said, how about people like me who do there own work and servicing in my garage.... I don't have Service records except what I write in my Mead Composition Book for each of my bikes. BTW if someone tries that lowball crap on me I tell em to have a nice day I assure you unless the guy abused it somehow I say just get on and ride it, stop worrying about trying to figure out how to chump the guy out of a little money. If it excites you and when you turn the bike on it turns you on whatever price you willing to pay is worth it "opportunity cost" Enjoy it would like to see some pictures when you get it. Sorry for the rant but it really pisses me off to hear someone what to screw someone just for a couple bucks . 15K Hell it's still new. OH! and I can promise you when you take in for a valve check it'll be in tolerance. Mechanic or service manager says "she's good just a little tight" 300 dollars please. Just ride the bike, and have fun; END of My Rant............. stepping off soapbox now.
Nice find Tom. Bring it down to the Berkshire Big Adventure in May. an AMA Nat'l Adv ride: http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=854192 I wanna ride one so bad!
Some bikes need a valve adjustment at the first inspection at 12000 miles and some don't. Mine did. Unless they're checked you won't know. If I was buying a used bike that hadn't had a proper service/inspection done when it was called for, I'd want to know. It's an expense, like replacing the crappy drive chain within the next couple of thousand miles that's coming up soon, and the OP should be aware of it. In fact he specifically asked about what things he should be aware of before purchasing the bike. Whether he uses that in his negotiations to buy the bike is up to him but it is definitely part of the cost of buying that bike.
Here is why I would reduce my offer on a Triumph that has not had the 20k kilometer service, it is about 400+ dollars. Not only are valves checked, but ALL fluids are flushed. Secondly my Sprint ST manual specifies one year or 10k kilometer intervals. So should have had 4 inexpensive and 3 due for the 4th expensive services. So yeah should have all that.
Finally!!!!! We had snow here in New England and I had to go to Northen Vermont (160 miles, one way) to get this. Had to use 4 wheel Drive on my Tundra to get up his driveway. It was everythng he said it was,this thing is BEEEE-YOU-TEEE FULL!!!!! I did not get ride it due to the snow conditions as it would NEVER make it back up his driveway. It also has Brandy new Anakees on it. I'll have to figure out how to post pic because this bike deserves it. Looks friggin brandy new. My neighbors are :eek1 this thing. The owner was a totally stand up guy and we spent almost two hrs. just BSing, Wish he was my neighbor as he'd fit right in!! lol!
Finally getting mine out after a long winter...very cool bike...my third season with it Would recommend it in a heart beat.
What levers are on your tiger? Is the reach less than the stockers? I have been tolerating the stockers with my not of gargantuan sized hands for long enough!