Advice on first Triumph

Hi Big C, if you're thinking about a Tiger, how tall are you, as they are all quite tall bikes?

As my siggy shows I'm a tiger owner - 2006 955i in Caspian blue as per the avatar. It's a truly great great bike. Mine has done about 36,000 mls and feels like it's just getting into it's stride.

Re specific advice : if you buy privately you need to buy at a price which will allow you to deal with any issues that might arrive such as new chain kit, tyres, brakes etc.

If you buy from a bike dealer you'll pay more money, but if it's a proper Triumph dealer you'll probably get looked after but you be buying something a lot newer/more expensive. If you buy from a 2nd hand bike dealer don't cound on any help if anything goes wrong.

Bottom line ? If you have a budget of say £4000, spend £3000 on buying the bike so you have money left to do work.

If you buy a 995I, I can give you the low-down on them.

 

Hi Jez, having ridden both my take would be that the 800 is similar in height, slighter narrower than the 955, and slighter lighter.

I didn't find there was a huge difference in the two, although the 955 is obviously a less modern (although perfectly competent) motorbike.

Just one other remark. To get an 800 within a non-credit budget of £4000 is going to be a tall order. And as this will be the guys first big bike, it might be wise (only he can decide) to not spend too much, as it will get dropped - we've all done it

 

Whoever is the seller, YOU need to keep your wits about you mate. Prepare a list of things to check and have a printed copy with you when you go to see bikes, a tick-list if you know what I mean?

Also a general point, Tigers are very often used as touring bikes, so it is quite normal for them to have more miles on the clock, than an average sports bike for example.

When you ask about service history of a bike, ask specifically if the seller has invoices for work done, or just a stamped service book. There is an important difference - I know someone who had a bike garage stamp made up to put service stamps in the book, even though the bike had never seen this garage.

So a service book on it's own is, imo, worth very little unless it has supporting invoices.

 

2 things to watch out for, sprag clutch issues due to bad battery, if it struggles and /or makes funny noises on trying to start on a cold engine,avoid. Also, see if the valve clearances have been done coz that is a 400 quid plus job at a dealers, should be done every 12000 but people dont bother if selling

 

The 955i is a bigger bike than the 800, which is definitely lighter, narrower and with a slightly lower seat height as biglad says, so it should suit you just fine. Great bikes - met a guy here in Winchester recently who regularly commutes back to Kent on his.

 

I have just bought a 2007 Tiger 1050 from my friend and it is without doubt like new, totally unmarked 20,000 miles and comes complete with triumph colour coded paniers and after market top box. I am struggling with the weight and more importantly the height so would consider selling straight away. Its £5000 but in my opinion you will not find one better. Locate in Wakefield West Yorkshire

 

sounds to me like our finances could go for a tiger 1050, Which I think you suit you well.