“I have had several motorbikes since the 1970s , Initially a BSA C15 single, then second-hand Meriden Triumph 650s (Thunderbird , Bonneville and Trophy Sport), All with the usual problems (i.e. if they didn't rattle, they weren't working, and if they stopped leaking oil, you'd better put some in soon!). But at least they were maintainable without any special equipment. - Would that modern motorbikes were so!. For reliability, I then owned a BMW R100 RS for about 18 years- a wonderful tourer, but not really a town bike. Then a BMW FS 650 "Funduro" - a great town bike, but not ideal for trecking to and from the airfield.
Then, at a routine service in 2002, I sat on a Triumph Tiger 955i. It felt great, nice and high to see over the top of traffic, and be seen by other drivers, A test ride, and I traded in, and have had it ever since. Ticked all the boxes - good in town, and a lively performer on the road. It is a reasonably comfortable ride, bags of torque even relatively low down, a satisfying "noise" - and has been very reliable. Fuel economy is not great - I get about 45 to 55 mpg, depending on how "enthusiastically" I drive. It uses no oil between services, and does not seem to eat tyres, disc pads or discs. I see no reason to change for a smaller machine - it is my "freedom". Since retiring from full time work, my mileage is relatively low, and I use it mainly to ride to various airfields where I exercise my other passion - flying light aircraft as a private pilot. There's a lot in common between biking and flying - especially to do with safety, attention to detail, getting cold in winter (I fly some open cockpit types), being conscious of what could happen to the unwise etc.
All in all, I can't see my changing for a smaller machine - for as long as I can get the Tiger on and off the centre stand, and get my leg over (it).
Whoever inherits it from me eventually will get a much loved, well serviced, low mileage classic!”
“I was a cruiser rider riding a Suzuki Intruder 1500VL and a MR1800, then a mate said try his Triumph Tiger and that was it I was converted and have never looked back, I brought my tiger 955i for £2200 and it was the best buy I have brought, wish I could afford the new Tiger but one day.”
“i love my bike , every time i get on it , it has a feel of quality, great engine and gearbox semi automatic daytona box < dont need to use clutch all da time > . never sat on the back but gf says sooooo comfortable . as with all big bikes ,they dont feel right in the city , they need to be out on a trip .”
