Tiger 955i - Your Opinions - Page 19

Danno88 · 01-22-2013, 10:35 PM

I've run Tourances to TKC's on my 04 955i. Both good tires but the Tourance is to street and the TKC's are too dirt(great tire, just wear quickly). I am currently running Hiedenau Scout K 60's and am happy so far. They have handled everything from pavement to mud to wet rock and everything else Colorado can throw at it and I've gotten through it all.

Hatley Rocket · 01-23-2013, 03:09 PM

I got an email from Chapparal Motorsports indicating that my fullbore radials had been shipped! I've got the tiger in the basement now(no mean feat) and its awaiting its new shoes. Now I need to come up with a way to keep the tiger upright while removing the wheels. I think I need that centerstand, sooner than later. And the lowering pegs. And taller bars. And.... And..... And.....

Tyler

Drunk_Uncle · 01-23-2013, 03:42 PM

Rocket,

Do you have exposed support beams under the floor above the basement? Just attach ratchet straps to the handlebars and around the support beams and bingo you have a motorcycle lift. I had a really think nail in one of the support beans in my garage in MO and used that. Worked on the Tiger, XR605L, and my Ulysses

Hatley Rocket · 01-29-2013, 03:24 PM

Drunk,

I do have open joists in my basement, and I could lag some bolts into and make up a gantry lift of sorts. I guess I am just kind of chicken to do that with such a big bike. I did it with my C70 passport, but that was with 1/4' braided nylon rope, and it only weighs 200 pounds. I guess I just need to get my head around it, especially now that my tires are here.

On another thought. I have the tiger in the basement, and I thought I would take the time for maintenance. I have all the plastics off, the tank and the airbox, and now the valve cover. I was going to check the valves, because I don't know if it was done at 6K or not. Change out the plugs, for the same reason. New coolant, same reason. New radiator cap, because I have the tank off, and I noticed a small leak coming from somewhere. I have a few questions. Am I asking for trouble if I put in Autolite Xtreme Sport Iridium spark plugs? I don't really care about the cost of them, there are after all only three, but if this can cause problems then count me out. The second question is, should I just clean the stock air filter, or is a K&N type filter a better choice? The bike has 7300 miles on it, and the air filter is still pretty clean. Is there any value in an aftermarket type? Does UNI make a replacement for the tiger? As much time as it takes to get at it, like the plugs, I don't want to have to dive into there anytime soon. Then, number three, I read about some airbox mod, is this worthwhile? What is involved? I saw some pictures, but never understood what was different, or what was done. I already have the TOR pipe with the off road tune. Do they make a heavier spring for the rear shock? Can you get heavy duty tubes for the tiger sized tires? I'm going to give the valves a check then.

Tyler

mustang · 01-29-2013, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hatley Rocket

Drunk,

On another thought. I have the tiger in the basement, and I thought I would take the time for maintenance. I have all the plastics off, the tank and the airbox, and now the valve cover. I was going to check the valves, because I don't know if it was done at 6K or not. Change out the plugs, for the same reason. New coolant, same reason. New radiator cap, because I have the tank off, and I noticed a small leak coming from somewhere. I have a few questions. Am I asking for trouble if I put in Autolite Xtreme Sport Iridium spark plugs? I don't really care about the cost of them, there are after all only three, but if this can cause problems then count me out. The second question is, should I just clean the stock air filter, or is a K&N type filter a better choice? The bike has 7300 miles on it, and the air filter is still pretty clean. Is there any value in an aftermarket type? Does UNI make a replacement for the tiger? As much time as it takes to get at it, like the plugs, I don't want to have to dive into there anytime soon. Then, number three, I read about some airbox mod, is this worthwhile? What is involved? I saw some pictures, but never understood what was different, or what was done. I already have the TOR pipe with the off road tune. Do they make a heavier spring for the rear shock? Can you get heavy duty tubes for the tiger sized tires? I'm going to give the valves a check then.

Tyler

TIGERTRIPLE.COM.....ALL TIGERS ALL THE TIME

Sir. Waffles · 01-29-2013, 05:32 PM

Hatley,

I'll try to answer a most of your questions, but you should really hit up tigertriple.com you should be able to find most of your answers there in the Girlie Wisdom and how to thread.

Girlie Wisdom
Part Cross Reference

As for plugs I would run NKG Iridium. It's what the bike calls for and the consensus of what most uses. Plugs are not something I like to experiment with I've had issues with non-AC Delco plugs in GM before.

Air filter I feel is a matter of opinion, the one from Triumph is 40$. The K&N is about the same but reusable same with the UNI (PN# NU-3007) which I is slightly less in cost. The benefits from the K&N besides cost, is performance(I use that term lightly) but in my opinion they don't filter as much allowing them to pass more air. So I run the stock for dusty gravel roads and because I was to lazy to try the UNI. Overall I feel 40$ every 12,000 miles isn't to bad still a ripoff but motorcycles are expensive.

Air box Mod, I'm in the same boat you. Essentially I think it just allows more air to pass though the box but not 100% on that. I mean if its not broke, don't fix it?

Also if my memory serves me right there is pretty much no modification you can do to rear shock besides replace it ($$$$). Maybe just increase the preload?

Heavy tubes I've been told are bad on big bikes at high speeds something about heat and etc.

500~lb Tiger doing front and rear one at a time is about 250lb......Redneck logic says Do It.

Best info I can give ya is how many miles do you plan to ride this season. Major service is at 12,000 miles and most of the things you are asking about happen then. If you only ride about 5,000 miles a year do it this coming winter. If you ride more or would rather get it done for peace of mind change the plugs to Iridium NKGs and check every thing else. Something that probably really needs done is a coolant change. I don't know the year but it probably been 5 years (the book calls for 2), old coolant becomes acidic. Also brake fluid needs flushed every few years as it collects water and things rust. Spent it where it counts on the road.

My two cents at least, others feel free to correct me. Also Mustang knows his stuff.

bouldertag · 01-30-2013, 07:02 AM

Seriously considering a 955. Are the tanks painted? They are plastic right? But they look professionally painted on metal.

If they are plastic can they be painted?

Thanks,

Boulder

Photo Boy · 01-30-2013, 07:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bouldertag

Seriously considering a 955. Are the tanks painted? They are plastic right? But they look professionally painted on metal.

If they are plastic can they be painted?

Thanks,

Boulder

Ye,s the tanks are plastic and they can be painted.

mustang · 01-30-2013, 07:21 AM

They are plastic ,
They are painted
the paint can and usually does bubble up as the bikes get older .
This is due to gas fumes leeching thru the plastic .

Drunk_Uncle · 01-30-2013, 10:34 AM

Generally its just the decals that bubble. I have an 06 with only that issue and an 06 Sprint ST 1050 I bought new that has no bubbling. Well I shipped it up here to Alasak there wasn't any. Its been under a cover in the garage since it got here in June. Been riding the Tiger.

mustang · 01-30-2013, 12:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Drunk_Uncle

Generally its just the decals that bubble.

starts with the decals ......... and as they get older the paint joins the party ...................not all do it .

bouldertag · 01-30-2013, 01:25 PM

Thank you gentlemen for the reply concerning painting the plastic tank.

Now I am really digging this 2002 Tiger 955 for sale but it is more than 500 miles away and I cant do a fly and ride due to weather alone. Really icy snow roads. it is a 2002 black 3,850 miles on her for $4,900.00 w/panniers tall screen and a corbin seat.
and this is the Closest one to my home that is for sale.

The only other option I have within this category style of bikes is a 2001 1150 BMW with 38k miles Jesse panniers and engine protectors. For $6,500.00.

Yes there is some KTM's around but i need reliability. My pockets aren't that deep for the katooms.

Yes i will be going off-road exploring and 500 mile tarmac trips. Allot of 2 up.

I could try a fly and ride when the weather gets better but not sure if bike will be gone before then.

My question is what do you feel is the better bike from the 955 VS the BMW GS 2001/2002?

Boulder
P.S.
So is this thread considered the official Triumph tiger 955 and maybe 1050 tiger thread? I know it didn't start out that way but it looks like it is turning into it. I don't see an official Triumph Tiger 955 thread.

lvscrvs · 01-30-2013, 02:15 PM

Tiger 955i and 1050 are two different cats. This thread is for the 955i. 1050 has a 17" front wheel and is more street oriented. Probably has less suspension travel, although I;m not certain about that. 955i is more in the big trailie category, especially the earlier years that came with longer travel suspension and spoke wheels.

1150GS and 955i have very different motors. You really need to ride them both and see which one appeals to you. I had a 2001 1150GS for a short time and liked the motor, but it had zero farkles, and by the time I added up the costs to outfit it, it was in 1200GS territory. The biggest cost was the shocks. The suspension on mine was very harsh - it had low miles too, less than 10k. Quality shock f & r were in the $1800 range. 01 was a good year for those bikes however.

Of course, if you ask this question in the GS forum, you will get raves on the GS...

My 06 Tiger - last year of the 955i - has been a great bike. I really like it for backroad adventures and some mild off-road riding. Never ride 2up.

have fun shopping

BTW, my buddy is selling his 06 Tiger. You won't find a cleaner, better running example. It is currently listed in the Flea Market.

brad1098 · 01-30-2013, 02:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mustang

TIGERTRIPLE.COM.....ALL TIGERS ALL THE TIME

Wut he said. All these ? Have been answered hundreds of times. As in you almost certainly do not need to check valves and on tiger triple you will learn about those pesky tank fuel disconnects.

Edit-the 3,800 mile bike sounds like a great value, you will not be disappointed. Tigers are great two up.

bouldertag · 01-30-2013, 02:47 PM

Right, I just cant believe i have been overlooking this bike all this time.

I have been looking at your buddys bike also. Very nice. About the same distance away.

bd

01-22-2013, 10:35 PM	#271
Danno88 Eyeless Tiger Joined: Jul 2009 Location: Centennial, Colorado Oddometer: 42	Tires I've run Tourances to TKC's on my 04 955i. Both good tires but the Tourance is to street and the TKC's are too dirt(great tire, just wear quickly). I am currently running Hiedenau Scout K 60's and am happy so far. They have handled everything from pavement to mud to wet rock and everything else Colorado can throw at it and I've gotten through it all. __________________ 04 Tiger 955i 92 FJ1200 77 XS750 78 DT400 Danno88

01-23-2013, 03:09 PM	#272
Hatley Rocket Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Feb 2002 Location: Hatley, WI Oddometer: 263	Full bores I got an email from Chapparal Motorsports indicating that my fullbore radials had been shipped! I've got the tiger in the basement now(no mean feat) and its awaiting its new shoes. Now I need to come up with a way to keep the tiger upright while removing the wheels. I think I need that centerstand, sooner than later. And the lowering pegs. And taller bars. And.... And..... And..... Tyler

01-23-2013, 03:42 PM	#273
Drunk_Uncle Beastly Adventurer Joined: Dec 2009 Location: Anchorage, AK Oddometer: 1,446	Rocket, Do you have exposed support beams under the floor above the basement? Just attach ratchet straps to the handlebars and around the support beams and bingo you have a motorcycle lift. I had a really think nail in one of the support beans in my garage in MO and used that. Worked on the Tiger, XR605L, and my Ulysses __________________ "I refuse to tiptoe through life only to arrive safely at death" 2009 Buell XB12X(sold), 2006 Triumph Sprint ST, 2006 Tiger 955i, 01 XR650L replaced by a KLR, and now a 2010 Honda NT700V for the wife.

01-29-2013, 03:24 PM	#274
Hatley Rocket Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Feb 2002 Location: Hatley, WI Oddometer: 263	Three questions for three cylinders Drunk, I do have open joists in my basement, and I could lag some bolts into and make up a gantry lift of sorts. I guess I am just kind of chicken to do that with such a big bike. I did it with my C70 passport, but that was with 1/4' braided nylon rope, and it only weighs 200 pounds. I guess I just need to get my head around it, especially now that my tires are here. On another thought. I have the tiger in the basement, and I thought I would take the time for maintenance. I have all the plastics off, the tank and the airbox, and now the valve cover. I was going to check the valves, because I don't know if it was done at 6K or not. Change out the plugs, for the same reason. New coolant, same reason. New radiator cap, because I have the tank off, and I noticed a small leak coming from somewhere. I have a few questions. Am I asking for trouble if I put in Autolite Xtreme Sport Iridium spark plugs? I don't really care about the cost of them, there are after all only three, but if this can cause problems then count me out. The second question is, should I just clean the stock air filter, or is a K&N type filter a better choice? The bike has 7300 miles on it, and the air filter is still pretty clean. Is there any value in an aftermarket type? Does UNI make a replacement for the tiger? As much time as it takes to get at it, like the plugs, I don't want to have to dive into there anytime soon. Then, number three, I read about some airbox mod, is this worthwhile? What is involved? I saw some pictures, but never understood what was different, or what was done. I already have the TOR pipe with the off road tune. Do they make a heavier spring for the rear shock? Can you get heavy duty tubes for the tiger sized tires? I'm going to give the valves a check then. Tyler

01-30-2013, 07:02 AM	#277
bouldertag WannabenarlyADV'rrrr Joined: May 2008 Location: Utah Oddometer: 325	Tiger 955 tank Seriously considering a 955. Are the tanks painted? They are plastic right? But they look professionally painted on metal. If they are plastic can they be painted? Thanks, Boulder __________________ Burn out dont fade away!!

01-29-2013, 05:32 PM	#276
Sir. Waffles Adventurer Joined: Jun 2012 Location: Salem, MA Oddometer: 47	Hatley, I'll try to answer a most of your questions, but you should really hit up tigertriple.com you should be able to find most of your answers there in the Girlie Wisdom and how to thread. Girlie Wisdom Part Cross Reference As for plugs I would run NKG Iridium. It's what the bike calls for and the consensus of what most uses. Plugs are not something I like to experiment with I've had issues with non-AC Delco plugs in GM before. Air filter I feel is a matter of opinion, the one from Triumph is 40$. The K&N is about the same but reusable same with the UNI (PN# NU-3007) which I is slightly less in cost. The benefits from the K&N besides cost, is performance(I use that term lightly) but in my opinion they don't filter as much allowing them to pass more air. So I run the stock for dusty gravel roads and because I was to lazy to try the UNI. Overall I feel 40$ every 12,000 miles isn't to bad still a ripoff but motorcycles are expensive. Air box Mod, I'm in the same boat you. Essentially I think it just allows more air to pass though the box but not 100% on that. I mean if its not broke, don't fix it? Also if my memory serves me right there is pretty much no modification you can do to rear shock besides replace it ($$$$). Maybe just increase the preload? Heavy tubes I've been told are bad on big bikes at high speeds something about heat and etc. 500~lb Tiger doing front and rear one at a time is about 250lb......Redneck logic says Do It. Best info I can give ya is how many miles do you plan to ride this season. Major service is at 12,000 miles and most of the things you are asking about happen then. If you only ride about 5,000 miles a year do it this coming winter. If you ride more or would rather get it done for peace of mind change the plugs to Iridium NKGs and check every thing else. Something that probably really needs done is a coolant change. I don't know the year but it probably been 5 years (the book calls for 2), old coolant becomes acidic. Also brake fluid needs flushed every few years as it collects water and things rust. Spent it where it counts on the road. My two cents at least, others feel free to correct me. Also Mustang knows his stuff.

01-30-2013, 07:21 AM	#279
mustang Lurker Extraordinaire Joined: Oct 2007 Location: Cow Hampshire , Frozen Wasteland Oddometer: 590	They are plastic , They are painted the paint can and usually does bubble up as the bikes get older . This is due to gas fumes leeching thru the plastic . __________________ c-ya****mustang Tiger Foot Pegs Scrambler Foot Pegs 1200 explorer & Thruxton , too !

01-30-2013, 10:34 AM	#280
Drunk_Uncle Beastly Adventurer Joined: Dec 2009 Location: Anchorage, AK Oddometer: 1,446	Generally its just the decals that bubble. I have an 06 with only that issue and an 06 Sprint ST 1050 I bought new that has no bubbling. Well I shipped it up here to Alasak there wasn't any. Its been under a cover in the garage since it got here in June. Been riding the Tiger. __________________ "I refuse to tiptoe through life only to arrive safely at death" 2009 Buell XB12X(sold), 2006 Triumph Sprint ST, 2006 Tiger 955i, 01 XR650L replaced by a KLR, and now a 2010 Honda NT700V for the wife.

01-30-2013, 01:25 PM	#282
bouldertag WannabenarlyADV'rrrr Joined: May 2008 Location: Utah Oddometer: 325	Another Triumph noob question Thank you gentlemen for the reply concerning painting the plastic tank. Now I am really digging this 2002 Tiger 955 for sale but it is more than 500 miles away and I cant do a fly and ride due to weather alone. Really icy snow roads. it is a 2002 black 3,850 miles on her for $4,900.00 w/panniers tall screen and a corbin seat. and this is the Closest one to my home that is for sale. The only other option I have within this category style of bikes is a 2001 1150 BMW with 38k miles Jesse panniers and engine protectors. For $6,500.00. Yes there is some KTM's around but i need reliability. My pockets aren't that deep for the katooms. Yes i will be going off-road exploring and 500 mile tarmac trips. Allot of 2 up. I could try a fly and ride when the weather gets better but not sure if bike will be gone before then. My question is what do you feel is the better bike from the 955 VS the BMW GS 2001/2002? Boulder P.S. So is this thread considered the official Triumph tiger 955 and maybe 1050 tiger thread? I know it didn't start out that way but it looks like it is turning into it. I don't see an official Triumph Tiger 955 thread. __________________ Burn out dont fade away!! bouldertag screwed with this post 01-30-2013 at 01:39 PM

01-30-2013, 02:15 PM	#283
lvscrvs Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Jan 2010 Location: norcal Oddometer: 446	Tiger 955i and 1050 are two different cats. This thread is for the 955i. 1050 has a 17" front wheel and is more street oriented. Probably has less suspension travel, although I;m not certain about that. 955i is more in the big trailie category, especially the earlier years that came with longer travel suspension and spoke wheels. 1150GS and 955i have very different motors. You really need to ride them both and see which one appeals to you. I had a 2001 1150GS for a short time and liked the motor, but it had zero farkles, and by the time I added up the costs to outfit it, it was in 1200GS territory. The biggest cost was the shocks. The suspension on mine was very harsh - it had low miles too, less than 10k. Quality shock f & r were in the $1800 range. 01 was a good year for those bikes however. Of course, if you ask this question in the GS forum, you will get raves on the GS... My 06 Tiger - last year of the 955i - has been a great bike. I really like it for backroad adventures and some mild off-road riding. Never ride 2up. have fun shopping BTW, my buddy is selling his 06 Tiger. You won't find a cleaner, better running example. It is currently listed in the Flea Market. __________________ Tiger 955i / DRZ400S < FJR1300 < DL1000 < BMW R1100RS < Ducati ST4 < DL650 * 30+ years * 125 Honda Elsinore < Suzuki TM250 < Yamaha 90 Enduro < Taco

01-30-2013, 02:47 PM	#285
bouldertag WannabenarlyADV'rrrr Joined: May 2008 Location: Utah Oddometer: 325	955 Right, I just cant believe i have been overlooking this bike all this time. I have been looking at your buddys bike also. Very nice. About the same distance away. bd __________________ Burn out dont fade away!!

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