Bike Review - Triumph Tiger 955i
The “adventure” style bike has been one of the fastest growing sectors of the motorcycle industry over the last few years. Messrs. Boorman and McGregor can take some of the credit for this, but the main reason is the improvement in the machines themselves. BMW and KTM offer the only real bikes with genuine off-road capabilities, but most of the main manufacturers build their own take on the theme, albeit more road focussed.
Triumph produced an 885cc Tiger in 1992 which didn’t sell well in the UK, but was popular in europe, particularly in Germany. This was the last Tiger with any real off-road ability. Since then, the model has gradually evolved into the current out and out road bike.
The 2003 model was one of the last to have spoked wheels and as such could cope with some of the rougher stuff. The three cylinder fuel-injected engine comes from the Daytona 955i and scores with its smoothness of power delivery and huge amount of torque.
Many bikes are tagged as all-round motorcycles, but this is one of the few that genuinely lives up to the label. A 200 mile tank range, giving up to 50mpg when ridden in the right conditions, great, upright and comfortable riding position means all-day stints are no problem, even when loaded with luggage and pillion.
Decent weather protection, helped by heated grips and hand guards add to the comfort. Power delivery is smooth and predictable, the bike can almost be ridden as a twist and go, no need to constantly change gear to hit the right rev band. On the minus side, OK it’s not the prettiest bike in the pub car park, I think the earlier model was more appealing. The single sided silencer spoils the view from the rear. Definitely more suited to taller riders, the bike is top heavy but surprisingly nimble once you are used to it.
Overall, if you are after an all-year, do-it-all bike, you can’t go far wrong, there are plenty out there with many accessories available....and of course, it’s British!