Bike Fever, Again

[Alun]

After over 30 years of contracting new bike fever at the break of spring this year's no different and I'm scouring the web and dealers as I dream and drool over the thought of a new bike. Not sure what I'm going to get yet but I'd lay money on ending up with a newer Tiger.

[Treadtrader]

Pal of mine has recently rebuilt two accident damaged 1050 Tigers, both now sold i think.

Not much of an adventure bike, more a speed triple with handlebars.

But, what a motor! and who's going to take one of them off-road?

[Alun]

That divergence of head and heart is all part of the fun, eh.

I've been looking close at the TDM900 over the past few months as it's a seriously under rated bike, especially in the UK. As a concept, I reckon it's similar to the Tiger 1050. You get a riding position close to a big traillie but there's nothing off road about it.

I'm having a similar 'heart' issue looking at the Tiger 955i and the 1050. My head is saying go for the 1050 and yet my heart is saying 'if I choose the 1050 I'm giving up on my dream of travelling the world and sleeping in the wilds of Africa and crossing those unpaved Alpine passes. I keep telling myself that by choosing the 1050 I'm on that slippery slope which ends with a Goldwing.

The Caponord is looking good value these days.

[Treadtrader]

The 955i is a good looking and useful bike that could still cope with an "adventure".
Don't think the 1050 is made of the same stuff.

Did'nt you mention moving over to the dark side? Ideal for Bavarian touring.

[Alun]

I was seriously flirting with the idea of getting a GS but then, then, then, I fired up the triple and thought no way do I want to downgrade.

The 955 is also looking good value for money these days. I've my eye on a 2007 reg with just over 2000 miles on the clock at £4,800. It's as good as brand new, I think the owner covers it with a lecky blanket every night.

My only reservation about the 955 is the looks, I know its a personal thing but my old 885 steamer beats it hands down on the catwalk. Have you not considered the 955? It's defo a do everything bike.

[Treadtrader]

You know what it's like. Start by seeing something, then go looking and find the best bike is the one you have.

Maybe i'll stick with what i have, still think the Africa Twin is the best ADV bike ever made. And the Trophy takes some beating as a tourer.

Did i mention i've also bought this.

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[Alun]

So you bought a GS after all!

Are you planning on entering trials or just out for a bit of green lane fun. Mark 11 is it not?

When I lived in Ireland I had one of those and would be out a couple of times a month down the Curragh.

If you want to add to your collection my VW van will be up for sale soon.

[Alun]

What do you think about this for a deal;

05 Tiger 955i
Private Buyer
5,200 miles
FSH
Silver (not my fave Tiger colour)
Side Panniers
Heated Grips
Hand Guards
Centre Stand
Trickle charger
No scratches
One owner
Last serviced 06 but only done 1000 miles since
No been run for 6 months
Price £3900 but will accept £3500

I am seriously tempted but the invisible hand is holding me back, or maybe it's the fact that I have two perfectly good bikes already. It's the fever.

[Treadtrader]

I would say, if you fancy a change then that's a good buy. Must say i don't like the graphics on that model, tiger stripes don't work for me. Be interesting to see one with some uptodate graphics.

Right, back to my landy.
Made in 1960, first owner, the RAF, so it should be blue/grey. Not grotty back emulsion!!!
In amazingly good condition, for fifty years old.
The plan is a body off restoration, repaint back to RAF colour, then it's going to be my runaround. Free tax, cheap insurance and no fancy electrics to go wrong.

[Alun]

That sounds like your summer taken up there Dave. Is it running?

By the way, I've offered £3100 for the Tiger, seller said he's think about it. If I get it at that price, I'm happy. There does seam to be a hell of a lot of bikes coming up for sale right now though and I get the feeling it's very much a buyers market.

What sort of price range are you looking at with the TDM?