A 1999 tiger for touring the States??

[Jem]

Hello from San FRancisco - where you'll be pleased to know that it's pouring with rain and quite chilly - don't want you all to be too jealous now
So I'm considering getting a tiger for my States tour....
After much scouring the bike ads over here (BMWs too beyond my budget, KLR's too dirt orientated - I'll be mainly on tarmac, and I just don't like cruisers at all)

So what do you biased Tiger owners/ex-owners think??
I've two main queries...
How reliable are they mechanically (I'm no mechanic by any means)
How is the wind buffeting (on one forum there was a huge thread about being pummelled by the wind....
James also said that he found the panniers to be a bit small and leaked (doesn't sound great eh? but I think they're great looking bikes and have a decent engine for mile munching....)

Quick responses would be great as I may get on a plane to LA tomorrow and get one I've seen advertised (1999 with 26000 miles, had 24000 service).... I'm completely doing my own head in trying to decide what to get and have been looking at ads for a while now and about to start pulling my hair out...



thanks

[DoctorLaw]

I wish I had the first idea what to suggest Jem, but as you know I'm not the one to ask. Well done you on going after a huge adventure however. It's the not knowing that makes it so fantastic and worth it when the great surprise comes along and makes you grin like an idiot and roar wheeeeeee! as you fly down the road . Enjoy every bumpy, exciting, frustrating and wonderful moment. Keep us all updated and please do make us very, very jealous.

Ros x

[Whealie]

Sean did thousands of miles on his. he did have a few issues mechanically but you won't be doing anything like those miles.

I'd say go get it and get on the road. Enjoy. and Keep us posted.

[Jem]

Thanks Guys
I think I'm having my first "I'm a long way from home, on my own, I don't know what the f**k I'm doing, and it's not as warm as I expected" day!!! Still, just read the Elephant Rally report - those 3 are barking!!

The internet is just amazing hey? It's really lovely to be able to have some connection through it.
Will let you know what happens....

Fingers crossed

[sean]

Sean did thousands of miles on his. he did have a few issues mechanically but you won't be doing anything like those miles.

I'd say go get it and get on the road. Enjoy. and Keep us posted.

+1 go for it Jem

[Buggles]

As far as the technical reliability goes, 2 English guys did a round the world on Tigers (admittedly a bit younger than 1999, 2003 and 2004 models I believe) and apart from the regular maintenance, they didn't have any issues...

Check out . for the stories!

Enjoy!

JB

[BobA]

Hahahahahahahahaha I wondered why you weren't answering your home phone!!!

Fancy that, you went all the way to California to avoid my calls!!!





I guess Tiger's good, but what's the dealer situation out there, are there plenty on you route?? You need to ride one first as well, as I'm pretty sure it might feel a little top heavier than your old TA.


Have a great time, and treat yourself to breakfast at The Eagle Cafe down at Pier 39 before you leave. Oh, and a visit to Alcatraz, and a trip acorss the bridge to see the big Redwoods in Golden Gate national park.

Once you've got some wheels, there's a great weekend bike meet up in the hills around La Honda just south of SF (ROUTE 84 I think). The roads are amazing, so check it out!


KEEP TO THE RIGHT!!!!

[Cabby]

Ride whatever is commonplace Jem......they 're pretty good at fixing stuff in the the States.....full of small towns with helpful people.

If it helps, most American bikes have a higher handlebar position than bikes here (sports excepted) so the riding position is a lot like your Alp....may widen the choice.....

Gold wings (or PC800's more economical)) are built for those roads....(I Know )

DO NOT come back without riding The Pacific Coast Highway...you'll regret it forever ........(This I know)

Don't head East before late May (or later) the Rockies are brilliant......

DON'T forget to be stupid......Trust no-one .

Jealous?...me.....I've got Eastbourne at my feet ("Sunday thru toosday Ma'am").....

Onwards and upwards girl..

[Traveller]

Hello Jem,

Good advice from the forum as always. I think cabby makes a good point when he suggests:

"Ride whatever is commonplace Jem......they 're pretty good at fixing stuff in the the States.....full of small towns with helpful people."

Regarding your travels, I admire and envy what you are doing. What an adventure.

Keep us posted via the forum. I am sure ther are many of us who will follow with interest. Enjoy the opportunity you have created for yourself. Remember Ted Simonds view was that breakdowns, problems etc were all enhancements to the journey as that was when he became involved with people.

Best wishes

[digitalcaptive]

I can only comment as regards the 955i (being a 1999, yours will be the 885) In the 13 months that I owned the Tiger I had absolutely no mechanical issues and I covered 10,000 miles, other plus's are the comfort factor the seats and riding position suited me really well and that triple engine is silky smooth........go for it