1999 triumph reviews

I bought this bike as a carry-over model the spring of 2000. Good for cruising around town and short 300-350 mile day trips. This bike is not a hot rod but it is still fun to ride. It is faster than stock ($20,000+)Harleys!. Only problem to date is a bad ground. Other that that it has been trouble free. No oil leaks(Take note HD). I will definitely buy another Triumph! If you are in the eastern North Dakota area stop by Ma's Cycles in West Fargo. Great bunch of guy's that back what they sell. Show less

I used to own an '86 600 FZ Yamaha - a crotch rocket that got me around quickly. However, I couldn't really tour or take riders. So I looked for a long time for a sport tourer. None to be found. The Triumph Adventurer was built for touring, but was still small enough to handle. I weigh 155 pounds and didn't need some of the heavy, awkward 1100 cc sport tourers out there. I put a fairing on this and I am looking for a back rest. Looks pretty well made, but the leather saddle-bags leak without LOTS of leather sealer. Bike is normally a noisy slowmo in first and second gear. Backing off the throttle always makes it clatter - normal? So I miss the performance of my old sport bike. But underneath it has lots of power and will get you there quickly if you work at it. The gearing ratios do need to be changed, as around the city blocks I barely get out of 2nd gear. This bike should last me awhile, but I think it is for the older rider. Show less

i love the way this bike looks:however it's geared too high in first gear and too low in fifth gear. This makes for a slow takeoff and a low top speed. with just a little gear change this bike could have awesome performance.my only other problem is Triumphs' unreliabilty in shipping parts, which can take months.I wish i'd gotten the Honda Shadow Saber Show less

I have had my Tiger almost a year. This purchase was a good decision on my part. I have had many bikes and have ridden for more than 30 years. The bike is a lot of fun to ride and will go just about on any surface. It is very adaptable to whatever riding conditions you are faced with. The smooth fuel injection allows for a wide range of power whenever needed. The high position allows me to see over vehicles as opposed to looking through the rear windows of the vehicles that I am behind. It also allows me to see and react to things a little quicker. The engine is smooth and responsive. I understand the 2001 is a larger 3-cylinder with more horsepower. I would like that, but am pleased with the quick acceleration of the 1999. The rider position is a more straight up style and comfortable. The dual disc in the front and single disc in the rear give the bike excellent stopping range. Besides it's the 1st bike that my wife has been a passenger on where she enjoys the ride without complaints. I would not trade it for anything out there. Show less

I bought my 96 in the fall of 97 as a demo with about 3,000 miles. I have had it now for three years. I have had one problem with the speedometer that the facory replaced at no cost. Other than that it has been riding bliss! This is truly a head turner. I hear "That sure is a cool bike. Y'know I used to ride a Bonneville." from someone at least every other stop. this really upsets my Beemer riding buddy! The upgrade to the six speed tranny in the newer models would definitely be a plus. Mine will go about 115 mph. After that it's too hard to hold on. It handles better than any other cruiser on the market in turns and has an incredible power band that goes from 3,000 to 7,500 rpm. Fast enogh to blow by their "American competitors." You should really give it a ride. Show less

I have a 1999 purchased new in March 2000. Currently only 1400 miles (July 2000)-- I live close to work. I looked at the BMW R1150GS and F650 and KLR 650 before buying this -- all good bikes, but the Tiger is probably the most fun. All of these dual sports have a loyal owner following and are probably decent choices.

Biggest pluses for the Tiger: excellent engine (good throughout the power band), excellent front brakes, good rear brake, good long-travel suspension and ground clearance, in summary a do-anything kind of bike. Handling is great in canyon roads once you are accustomed to the suspension travel. Looks seem to attract compliments from non-bikers. Factory accessories are good (panniers, heated grips, tank bag).

Biggest minuses: Wind noise is high, but that seems to be common to all the dual sports. Handlebars are a little buzzy at 60-70 MPH. Like all dual sports, it is a little top heavy. Some of the fasteners needed LocTite. Oil changes cost $50 because of the required Mobil 1. And the gas gauge is too pessimistic. Some older Tiger owners don't like the new looks, but that's a personal issue.

For all of the dual sports, remember that they are not true dirt bikes. If you are really serious about doing a lot of dirt (mine is less than 1%), look at the KTM 650, but that is not as good a long-distance bike. Or (better yet) buy two bikes, one each for street and dirt.

But if you can only have one motorcycle, you owe it to yourself to check out the Tiger. Try a test ride, most Triumph dealers will let you. I plan on trying for an Alaska trip next year on mine. Oh, I forgot to mention...it's FUN!!!!

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