By the way, anybody got a centerstand and/or service manual for an 05 they might not be needing so much? I've decided that when i move back to Cyprus next year, the Tiger's going with. I love that freakin bike.
I just got my S-W Motech centerstand via UPS yesterday. I'll be bolting it on this afternoon. Nicely made piece. http://www.twistedthrottle.com/trade/productlist/124/ Scroll down a little more than 3/4. They have two models - one for '99-'04's, and another for '05-'06's. Cyprus, huh? Sounds sweet. Good riding there, or are you going to get Island Fever there, like I did in Hawaii years ago? (riding in circles...)
It's home If Island Fever should happen, the Continent, Middle East, and North Africa are all between 12-24 hours away by ferry boat
I hope i'll be able to do that. We'll see what the savings will be. Moving back won't be cheap, and i have to consider the bike shipping, blah, blah, blah. After consulting extensively with a bunch of people about maintenance, despite the absence of Triumph from Cyprus, the Tiger will go with.
Near Algonquin, Ontario. Sinister in small-town Ohio Fitting in in SE Quebec. Tiger taillight 50km into "illegal" gravel in N. Maine. Catch me if you can.
I wrote that 2.5 years ago. Now I'm in the market again ... and a Tiger is still very high on my list.
My honest, quite biased take on it... If you think you can live with going from shaftie to chain and going back to a more basic type motorcycle than your ST (RIP), the 955 Tiger is an excellent motorcycle. The 955 Triple is a fantastic powerplant and anyone that thinks that it lacks power or torque is . For real world riding, it's more than adequate. Obviously, you won't have the wind protection you're used to on the ST. People always bitch about the stock screen, and they're usually right. It gave me a head shake that was annoying as all hell. I picked up a Triumph tall screen for an excellent price from our own Stanegoli (thanks Stan ) and although it's a bit noisier (started using earplugs since and no prob), it's better for longer distances. Good things are said about the MRA Vario Screen, which is pretty affordable as far as screens go. Comfort...check. Of course, that's all in the rider's butt, but the stock seat on the 05 has been good for a few 500-600 mile days, and a 900 mile day when i was coming back from Colorado. Aftermarket options are there. Luggage...i'm a bit of a believer in minimal touring, so the 1 and a half bags that come stock, plus a tankbag and a bungee net have always been sufficient for me. My dealer GAVE me a slightly abused top box he had in the warehouse the other week, and that about completes my touring needs. Suspension...weell, as basic as it gets. Non-adjustable front, basic pre-load and rebound on the rear. I might sell a kidney and get a new suspension before i move back to Cyprus. That.will.hurt. However, it is sufficient...for me. Bike handles great too. My dealer regularly embarasses squids on his 04. Here's the bottom line for me. I'm just 30, haven't owned many bikes, and i have constant bike lust. I always look around, and always want to get something else. But every time, i look at my funky looking, outdated , underpowered , orange piece of shit and think: "But i love my freakin Tiger". So much, that i'm going to crate it and ship it home, even though there's not a single Triumph dealer there...probably...that's what i'm thinking anyway My .4 cents Dan. If you're ever in Reno, i'd be more than happy to let you take her out.
Cos, thanks very much for the summary and impressions. I'm much obliged. I've ridden one and really liked it. It's gotta be big enough for me and Cyndi, so I'm looking at one over the weekend, I think. I'll let you know how it goes.
Cool. Oh, i forgot about the maintenance aspect. I have to do mine at the dealer since i have no garage, tools, etc. 150 for the 500 mile 170 for the 6k Closing in on 12k now, and the guys quoted me no more than 400, IF the valves need adjustment. If not, probably around 210. That's pretty damned comparable to most Japanese bikes i would think, and not even close to what you'd pay for a BMW....i think, but i've never owned a Beemer.
I'm having so much fun riding, that I forget to snap any new pics of it. But, I'll be at PJ's this Wed.....