Tiger - how old would you go?

[MidLifeMike]

The price of a new Tiger 1050 in Canada is about $14,500 - no ABS, no cases. That's way out of my league so I am browsing used deals. I can Google old reviews but from experienced owners, just how far back in model years would be sensible without inheriting glaring shortcomings? eg. right now there is a 2002 ($4000) and a 2005 $5500 within a half day's drive from me.

I've only had a 15 minute sit on a 2008, with my pillion and it was very comfortable for both of us. The roads I use are asphalt almost exclusively. Night riding is common for me and I'd like to power aux lights (LED next time) and a GPS at minimum. I hear Tigers have weak factory lighting.
Other factors:
- doing my own routine maintenance (oil, filters, plugs)
- 5' 10  and 240 lb.,  +110 for my occasional passenger
- definitely will want cases/bags
- weather protection of some sort that's better than a naked bike
- current bike is an old XS750 - ~530 lb. 65 HP, 325km per tank and I love the sound and tractability.

[Croak]

Pre-2007 Tigers are VASTLY different bikes.  They're solid, heavy, reliable, economical, and thoroughly unexciting to ride.   They were "big trailies" with 19" front wheels and an even longer travel suspension than the current Tiger.

Long story longer, don't buy a 2006 or older Tiger without spending some saddle time on one, because all they really share with the current Tiger is a name and a common engine ancestry.

2007-2011, there were no substantial differences between the models, just colour choices.

And I can't speak for Ontario, since it's a different country and all, but in BC deals quite a bit lower than $14.5k  can easily be had on 2009-2010 Tigers, and of course you can find new old stock all day long for under $10k south of the border, and importing ain't that much hassle these days, nor does Triumph play warranty games with imports.  

But if you're looking at a Triumph, rule number one is try to avoid buying new because they take a wicked hit soon as they're titled if they're not Speed Triples or Street Triples.  

Used, farkled 2007 Tigers in the US are going for about what you'd pay for that 2005.

[Rincewind]

Pre-2007 Tigers are VASTLY different bikes.  They're solid, heavy, reliable, economical, and thoroughly unexciting to ride.   They were "big trailies" with 19" front wheels and an even longer travel suspension than the current Tiger.

I wouldn't say the 955i's are thoroughly unexciting, or that they are VASTLY different either.  The main focus is much the same despite big styling and technical changes.  The pre-1050 Tigers are generally softer sprung and have longer seats, more pillion space, and (depending on the year) larger gas tanks.  The 1050 is more advanced technically, with adjustable suspension and better brakes, but they are all tall, all-round bikes with growling power from triple engines.  If you can live with more of a touring-oriented than sport-oriented bike then the 955i Tigers are worth a buy.  I would not have a problem buying any of the Tigers, but the 2005-06 Tiger 955i's with tubeless tires are very good bikes and arguably better for 2-up then the 1050's.

[bomber]

Older Tigers are big fun, just different big fun is all . . . . .

My 07 is an outstanding bike -- well, it's good bike with THAT engine!

It is, however, not nearly as happy off pavement as the earlier versions . . . . .

[scottzilla]

The price of a new Tiger 1050 in Canada is about $14,500 - no ABS, no cases. That's way out of my league so I am browsing used deals. I can Google old reviews but from experienced owners, just how far back in model years would be sensible without inheriting glaring shortcomings? eg. right now there is a 2002 ($4000) and a 2005 $5500 within a half day's drive from me.

I've only had a 15 minute sit on a 2008, with my pillion and it was very comfortable for both of us. The roads I use are asphalt almost exclusively. Night riding is common for me and I'd like to power aux lights (LED next time) and a GPS at minimum. I hear Tigers have weak factory lighting.
Other factors:
- doing my own routine maintenance (oil, filters, plugs)
- 5' 10  and 240 lb.,  +110 for my occasional passenger
- definitely will want cases/bags
- weather protection of some sort that's better than a naked bike
- current bike is an old XS750 - ~530 lb. 65 HP, 325km per tank and I love the sound and tractability.

Pretty sure they are running fantastic deals on 2010 leftovers.

[djpaulie]

My $.02, speaking only for the pre-2007 955i models -

It's not a sportbike, but I find it to be extremely enjoyable to ride, and FAST. The 955 motor is fantastic. You can really hammer on it without a huge difference in MPG (on my bike anyway, YMMV). If you're a good rider and have street tires on, you can keep up with literbikes in the twisties without an issue.

My girl and I did a weeklong tour (camping along the way) with everything bone stock on my 2005. My pillion was comfy for almost all the trip, I was NOT. ONE BIT. The stock seat should be used at Gitmo as a torture device. Expect to drop more coin to replace the stock seat and fix the ergos. I'm taller (6'1") but about the same weight as you. The stock reach is a little long for me too, my arms extend a little too far to be comfy and I get a nasty knot between my shoulder blades after a few hours riding.

With these two major issues fixed, the bike will be a thoroughly enjoyable two up touring machine.

Anyway to address your bullet points, in order:
- Factory lighting: low beams are kinda weak, visibility-wise. but the pattern on the high beams is fantastic in my experience. It would definitely benefit from some aux lighting, I feel. One caveat is that the bike doesn't have that awesome of charging system. It works well, but there's not much extra juice for all kinds of extra stuff. You won't be able to run any PIAA 510's or anything without some electrical compromise elsewhere. There are a few little "secret" mods that can help with this though.
- Maintenance: Expect to be forced to take the tank off for anything that requires access to the motor.
- Body type: At 5'10, you may have trouble flat footing the bike with any sort of aftermarket seat. I have a Corbin now, and w/ 32" inseam I still can't flat foot w/ both feet. I flatfoot with one, then stabilize with the ball of my other foot. I'm used to it. Your combined weight will be fine, even with the bike fully loaded w/ camping gear. And, the engine won't even show any signs of the additional weight, it will pull just as strong as when it's just you riding
- The factory hard bags are not waterproof. You can a good set of metal hard cases with the mounting brackets for like $1k or less if I recall correctly.
- All you get for weather protection really is the windscreen. I've got a tall "barn door" screen on mine, and that's enough for me - keeps the rain off my helmet visor, thats about all I can ask for aside from complete cover Oldwing style.

I'd be happy to answer any other questions

Otherwise there is a wealth of info over at http://www.tigertriple.com


PS, I bought my bike knowing that I may have to spend additional cash to "fix" some things. If you factor that going into the bike, you'll absolutely love it. If not, then you'll be disappointed when it's not all comfy and fit for you straight away, and have to shell out some more cash.

[expatbrit]

How about 1972?  

Yes please!!

[nferr]

How about 1972?  

Love it......