Tiger 955 buying advice needed

[Lee]

As many of you know I've been running around on an XT660Z for the last 14,000 miles and very happy with the old girl I am too. However, my recent trip taught me one important lesson, which is the Tenere isn't going to work loaded up and sporting a second body too so for two-up touring I'm looking at another bike with rather more go, and a bit more road bias (though I've grown rather accustomed to the sit up and beg riding position of the Z).

With a budget around the £3-4K mark I'm finding choices a little thin (especially as I like bikes with character), but think I'm now err-ing towards an older model Tiger 955. I've seen quite a few in my price range locally and they all look to be in reasonable condition with mileage ranging from 10,000-26,000 or there abouts.

Main question is what should I be looking for on this model (known faults etc.) and are there any other bikes in that price range that I'm overlooking?

Would love an 1150GS, but they all seem to be hugely up on miles and I gather they have their problems too.

[gebrauchtwagen83]

ive got a mate in exactly the same position as you, has exactly the same bike as you and wants exactly the same bike as you.

[africajim]

My only concern involving the 955i Tiger is the suspension. I loved mine one up, loaded was fine too but two up I found it a bit soft. Alun seems to have sorted his one out with a change of shock so hopefully he'll come along and clear that up.
50+ mpg, sweet sounding triple. The Tiger's a stunning bike, I ran mine 20k miles all over Europe. I now run the new 800 Tiger and love it to bits.

[Redmurty]

My only concern involving the 955i Tiger is the suspension. I loved mine one up, loaded was fine too but two up I found it a bit soft. Alun seems to have sorted his one out with a change of shock so hopefully he'll come along and clear that up.
50+ mpg, sweet sounding triple. The Tiger's a stunning bike, I ran mine 20k miles all over Europe. I now run the new 800 Tiger and love it to bits.

I have an 06 Tiger 955 and I dont have a problem with the suspension, perhaps its down to riders wieght. cheers Spud

[knobblywobbly]

...sporting a second body too so for two-up touring I'm looking at another bike with rather more go, and a bit more road bias (though I've grown rather accustomed to the sit up and beg riding position of the Z).

With a budget around the £3-4K mark I'm finding choices a little thin (especially as I like bikes with character).......

Main question is what should I be looking for on this model (known faults etc.) and are there any other bikes in that price range that I'm overlooking?

Same problem for me with my Africa Twin, and I narrowed the replacements down to the following:

Honda Varadero 1000
Triumph Tiger 885/955
Suzuki Vstrom 1000
Yamaha TDM 850/900
Aprilia Caponord

The choice was made for me when I found a 2003 Aprilia Caponord with 19,500 miles for a ridiculously low price. It needed a little work doing to it but was a bargain I just couldn´t refuse.

Only had it a few weeks - I´m happy with it and it´s great for 2-up riding.

[Alun]

The stock Tiger one up is a great tourer, as long as you change the screen. The buffeting and wind noise from original is brutal - I'm 6ft 2in. I've now a vario up front and its fine.

The performance was seriously upped by the addition of the 'race can' and an engine re-map. It also solved the problem of low speed hunting and there is nil snatching. I'd recommend this mod as worth every penny to any Tiger owner.

There is a notable difference in handing when two up and fully loaded on the stock suspension plus the front end dives under braking. I solved this by fitting progressive front forks and a better quality fully adjustable rear sus. This mod transformed the bike into a serious two up long distance tourer. Lee I've just PM'd you.

[gebrauchtwagen83]

alun if you were forced to throw either your 955 or your ten in the bin tomorrow, which one would you keep?

[das boat]

Well this is my first post(had to happen sooner or later).I was lucky to be in the same position as Alun, in that i did own a 955i,660z tenere and a DR350.
In the end one had to go, so the 660z ten has gone.
The tiger is a much better road bike and the 350 a better dirt bike.
Just done 220 miles around the yorkshire dales and lakes today,everything from a bit of scratching to cruising and all on one tank of fuel.
In a word, a fantastic bike and an excellent step up from a ten.
Wouldnt do much off road though, it's bl**dy heavy.

[koala]

I.d have to agree with Alan about the 955's handling when 2 up and loaded, the front end goes very light, not good around the alpine passes:ohmy:

Owned one of the 06 models for 3 1/2 years and overall was an excellent bike. A few issues with bits dropping of last year i.e footrest holder and losing the front brakes on the route napoleon:sick: Keep an eye on the sidestand bracket. I've found that they bend quite badly on the Tiger and Trophy's, so much so that the bike leans at 45 degrees on the stand. It also cuts the sidestand switch off.

Awesome engine though and plenty of

[Lee]

Thanks for the tips guys – I'm going to try and get a test ride this weekend to help with the decision. Sounds like they're solid reliable bikes too which is good as it'll be mainly used for longer distance tours if I get one.