Going to look at a 95 tiger(update)

[dmerc]

Local triumph dealer told the seller the motor needs to have valve stems replaced. I find this highly unlikely since the bike has only 17,000 miles. Owner says bike doesn't smoke or knock. What should I keep my eyes open for when I look at this bike. Thanks for any info.   dave

[Sin_Tiger]

With that sort of milage at that age I'd guess the biggest issues will likely be fuel related, lying unused for long periods. Tank residues, carb O rings, maybe coils with age and damp. Unless there are signs in the oil, I wouldn't expect anything scary in the engine, sticky clutch plates at worst.

If she starts easy but runs rough, then that's as good an indication the engine is ok as you will get. Clearly the sellers information is suspect at best.

[MIMbox]

I'd want to know why the dealer says valve stems are shot?, Valve seat recession seems to have been an issue on later bikes, but the main things with Tiggers of that age would be valve clearances closing on exhaust valves, meaning reshim, no big deal, Most important is that the bike starts well, and battery is good, as the internal sprag can be damaged from weak battery/ kickback when starting. If you dont have a "trapdoor" early engine, its a strip down to replace.It should start with no clonks, and spin well. They don't like being left without use. They generally run poorly for 5-15 miles, until jets clear. We don't have "Seafoam" readily available in UK, but it is championed as a good option for intake/carb cleaning. Normal rules when buying, does it looked cared for or not etc etc. Good luck..

[dmerc]

Thanks for the replies fellas, I couldn't figure out what he meant by valve stems either. Ive revived lots of bikes from the dead and some have been successful and others were a disaster. This one has been sitting all winter but the guy said it should start. I don't really want to get involved with the model that you have to split the cases(starter) but who knows. Maybe I can pick the bike up for 500 bucks and have a go at it. Always liked the Tigers, just never bought one. I have a KLR 650 now and  TL1000S Suzuki for when I want to scare myself!

[BruKen]

Valve stem? Do they mean valve stem seals? Yes it is possible they may have gone on a motor that experiences v long periods between runs. If the valve stem itself has lost that polished surface through tarnish and inactivity the seals can be easily damaged. Also the stated tolerance of valve stem thickness is comparatively marginal and tight. Having said that, I'd say you would be unlucky if this turns out to be the case. Look for clues of corrosion on the bike motor that hint this might be the case. If mine was anything to go by the metullargy is particularly susceptible to galvanic corrosion.

[dmerc]

Valve stem? Do they mean valve stem seals? Yes it is possible they may have gone on a motor that experiences v long periods between runs. If the valve stem itself has lost that polished surface through tarnish and inactivity the seals can be easily damaged. Also the stated tolerance of valve stem thickness is comparatively marginal and tight. Having said that, I'd say you would be unlucky if this turns out to be the case. Look for clues of corrosion on the bike motor that hint this might be the case. If mine was anything to go by the metullargy is particularly susceptible to galvanic corrosion.

I'm guessing it is  the valve guides that are out of spec. The Triumph dealer said the top end had to come off. With only 17,000 miles I doubt that. Not sure if the seals can be replaced with the head on the engine. Sometimes you can use rope or air pressure to keep the valves closed and do the repair from the top(on cars anyway)

[BruKen]

I wouldn't though. The collets leave a burr on the valve that should be chamfered down before sliding the seal over. If the guides are gone I'd walk away tbh, unless you prepared to take the head to a specialist.

[Mustang]

from the factory service manual ................

The valve guides are fitted using liquid nitrogen to contract the guide prior to fitment in the cylinder head. Considerable force would be required to remove and replace the guide which could possibly cause the head to warp. As liquid nitrogen is not generally available to the public , it is  not recommended that valve guides be renewed . If a valve guide is found to be worn beyond the service limit , the complete cylinder head must be replaced.

Valve/valve guide clearance

inlet        0.01-0.04 mm   0.07mm max service limit
exhaust   0.03-0.06 mm   0.09 mm max service limit

[dmerc]

from the factory service manual ................

The valve guides are fitted using liquid nitrogen to contract the guide prior to fitment in the cylinder head. Considerable force would be required to remove and replace the guide which could possibly cause the head to warp. As liquid nitrogen is not generally available to the public , it is  not recommended that valve guides be renewed . If a valve guide is found to be worn beyond the service limit , the complete cylinder head must be replaced.

Valve/valve guide clearance

inlet        0.01-0.04 mm   0.07mm max service limit
exhaust   0.03-0.06 mm   0.09 mm max service limit

Very interesting. Not very user friendly is it? Well, with only 17K miles I just don't see how they could be worn out. But anything is possible. Given all the feedback i won't pay much for it that is for sure. 500 bucks tops if he can't get it to run, and that is if everything else looks good with no signs of abuse.

[Mustang]

Local triumph dealer told the seller the motor needs to have valve stems replaced. I find this highly unlikely since the bike has only 17,000 miles. Owner says bike doesn't smoke or knock. What should I keep my eyes open for when I look at this bike. Thanks for any info.   dave

my guess is the dealer told him that the valve shims needed replacing which is about normal for a steamer with 17 k
usually you will find that a few of the intakes have tightened up at that mileage and most owners don't realize there is a problem until it becomes hard to start , because some intakes have gone to zero clearance and the valves are not closing completely .

the shims are easy to do .......if the bike is in good condition overall .....it is easily worth 1500 bucks or more depending how pristine it is .
if it hasnt been maintained at all at 17 k it will need brake pads , chain and sprockets , a fork oil change , chain slider and rub block as well as some new tires, and if it has set long the carbs ARE going to need to come apart and the pilot circuit cleaned out  . and a new air filter .and a new battery

this service will cost dearly at a dealer to the tune of over 1k dollars
doing it yourself you are going to spend 600-700 bucks just in parts.

[dmerc]

Local triumph dealer told the seller the motor needs to have valve stems replaced. I find this highly unlikely since the bike has only 17,000 miles. Owner says bike doesn't smoke or knock. What should I keep my eyes open for when I look at this bike. Thanks for any info.   dave

my guess is the dealer told him that the valve shims needed replacing which is about normal for a steamer with 17 k
usually you will find that a few of the intakes have tightened up at that mileage and most owners don't realize there is a problem until it becomes hard to start , because some intakes have gone to zero clearance and the valves are not closing completely .

the shims are easy to do .......if the bike is in good condition overall .....it is easily worth 1500 bucks or more depending how pristine it is .
if it hasnt been maintained at all at 17 k it will need brake pads , chain and sprockets , a fork oil change , chain slider and rub block as well as some new tires, and if it has set long the carbs ARE going to need to come apart and the pilot circuit cleaned out  . and a new air filter .and a new battery

this service will cost dearly at a dealer to the tune of over 1k dollars
doing it yourself you are going to spend 600-700 bucks just in parts.

I think you are probably right. And like you it's the carbs that I think will be problematic. I'll know right away when I smell the gas and look into the gas tank. Been there and done that. If the tank is rust free and the gas doesn't smell like turpentine I'll probably make him an offer. Ive always liked the triple ever since the trident(The original) came out. A guy on our block had one and it made the most glorious sound! dave

[dmerc]

Another pic

[BruKen]

Well with fortitude and a bit of lady luck smiling on you you shouldnt regret buying a steamer. As time goes by I get to love mine more and more. Difficult to work on, sure, expensive parts, sure but that's what the winter layup is for when you cant be experiencing the huge grin factor these bikes seem to give. There is an intangible something about the steamer that turns heads and thrills the rider. For me the joy of ownership is a big factor when biking, the steamer delivers!

And dont worry too much about superficial appearances, these bikes scrub up well with a little effort.

[Mustang]

much better than the green queen eh bruce ................. :D

[BruKen]

Ahh shame, The Green Queen had her place. Have you see what Geoff did to it though? :shock:  Bloody spectacular job if not radically OTT and just shows you what OCD brought about by Tiger ownership can do to a fellow. I think the bike was nominated and was running for an MCN award for eccentric nutters :lol: