Hello, I am a brand new member and I just wanted to introduce myself.... :wave
I must admit, right now, at this moment, I do not own a tiger. :cry:
But that will be changing in less than 24 hrs. :D
I have found these type of forums to be a great source of support and inspiration, so I wanted to share the journey of my 1st Tiger with everyone....
Some background:
Currently I ride a 1978 Honda CX500: (hence the clever screen-name)
(http://munchie.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/PNWGG-3/i-z3ZmvQx/0/M/1003167-M.jpg)
It has been a great first bike, one I have rode the snot out of for the last 2 1/2 years. I had been riding a 08 CRF450X (unplated) prior to this bike.
The CX was my first venture into being a licensed rider, and I quickly developed a major passion for exploring the world in this wonderful new fashion. I rode all the excellent back roads around the Gorge and took about a million photos....I had found something that I didn't know had been missing in my life, adventuring. While these have been relatively small rides, they have felt like adventures to me, and I knew I should get a good pair of riding legs under me before even thinking about getting a "real" bike and going on a "real" adventure.
So I went on rides like these:
(http://munchie.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/PNWGG-3/i-9BwTGNX/0/L/1003265-L.jpg)
(http://munchie.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/PNWGG-3/i-Jh96r68/0/L/1003262-L.jpg)
sometimes with bikes like these:
(http://munchie.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/PNWGG-3/i-94WGLwc/0/L/1003276-L.jpg)
And when I did ride with those kind of bikes, I was envious. I loved my CX, but I longed to ride a modern, more capable machine. At that point I didn't know what kind of bike I wanted to move up to - just that at some point I would have to.
I am part of another popular moto site, and about one year ago exactly, I went to my first gathering with that crowd -my first moto-gathering ever!
(http://munchie.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/PNWGG-3/i-hzrpHnP/0/L/1003182-L.jpg)
and no, I did not pack all that on the CX. I was part of the entertainment and had set up camp from my car earlier so I had a place to store my drums.
I was meeting fellow riders from the website, most for the first time, and it was great! Cool people, cool bikes....
(http://munchie.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/PNWGG-3/i-NVktS6V/0/M/1003175-M.jpg)
After a successful first evening, I was surprised and elated to be asked to lead a ride for a couple of guys who wanted to stick to a mostly paved route. This was awesome, it was pretty much a perfect day weather-wise, and since my CX couldn't go on the other planned dual-sport route, I thought I would be riding by myself for the day.
Enter this guy named Sasquatch and his buddy Mark.
Sasquatch had this strange green Triumph machine and Mark had a Vstrom as I remember. First time I had seen a Tiger or a Triumph up close. Hmm...very interesting....
At any rate, off we went. I just improvised the route, stitching together roads I know. It was a fantastic day...
(http://munchie.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/PNWGG-3/i-2pk5Xvz/0/L/1003197-L.jpg)
(http://munchie.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/PNWGG-3/i-RK7bQDZ/0/L/1003200-L.jpg)
(http://munchie.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/PNWGG-3/i-z2XBD62/0/L/1003202-L.jpg)
(http://munchie.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/PNWGG-3/i-5jJrSDz/0/L/1003204-L.jpg)
Just after this shot, Sasquatch hit the throttle hard and just FLEW by me, the triple engine making such a different, sweet sound....I think that was the moment I knew: THAT was the bike I was looking for... Not only was the sound impressive, but the way the bike picked up Sasquatch and launched him (Sasquatch is NOT a misnomer) was just amazing. Oh yes, I would own one of these bikes, one day....
And so, since that day, I have dreamed of the Tiger I would eventually have. In talking more with Sasquatch, I learned that I could probably find a nice 2000 in the $3000-$4000 range. I haven't been looking in earnest, rather, just keeping an eye on the market. I figured I would be riding my CX for at least another couple of years before I had the money.
So, earlier this week, I was checking out the flea-market on aforementioned other popular site, and there it was! A 2000 in excellent shape with a bunch of goodies for $3000......"Oh yes, you will be mine" unconsciously tumbled from my lips in that husky/reverent way...
So I got my ducks in row in short order and tomorrow morning I am heading out to pick up this sexy,sexy beast and ride her back to her new home, with me:
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(http://munchie.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/PNWGG-3/i-bFScSxZ/0/L/DSCF1064-L.jpg)
:wings
This Tiger will be my entry into modern day adventure-touring, I cannot even fathom what it will be like having a 22 year jump in technology under me, but I'm gonna find out soon!
Well, that about wraps up my introduction here, looking forward to sharing my new adventures on my new Tiger with y'all....
Nice first post, enjoy your Tiger :)
welcome .ya did good ,
`kin nora..most newbies just say hi :wink:
Great write up....and enjoy the 885 they realy are a nice machine :thumbsup
That's some introduction, welcome. You're lucky getting the right help with your first choice.
welcome aboard 8) now that you have the tiger, you cafe that cx.
BOOM! What a first post. Welcome.
I had a CX back in the day...my first street bike. Great bike, but your gonna LOVE the Tiger 8)
Quote from: "nadahonda".... so I had a place to store my drums....
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:ImaPoser :ImaPoser :ImaPoser
Welcome mate, you're gonna fit right in here..... :lol:
Gulp :shock:
Great first post. The bike looks great: black is the fastest anyway. Just ask Mustang.
Sasquatch rebuilt my suspension on my 96 Tiger. It changed the bike radically for the better. If he's handy on a trip you might ask him to take yours for a ride to check out the suspension. It might be 22 years newer than the CX, but it's still 13 years old. :wink:
Thanks Everyone - just finished the 250 mile ride home.
About all I can muster for now is: Wow.
...more later
Wow indeed, we have our own resident Keith Moon 8)
Welcome aboard .....
And PLEASE tell us you're going to keep that gorgeous example of a classic Honda!!!! Beautiful bike ...
nadahonda wrote:-
Sasquatch hit the throttle hard and just FLEW by me, the triple engine making such a different, sweet sound....I think that was the moment I knew: THAT was the bike I was looking for... [/quote]
Welcome aboard nadahonda :D
From now on it'll be you flying past other riders & giving them them same yearning for the bike they're really looking for :D
Enjoy... 8)
Got a little more time in today, mainly to dry her after giving her a nice wash.
I can't believe how incredibly smooth these engines are and how manageable the power is. The shifting is nice and crisp, and the brakes actually make me stop quickly. Quite a difference...
@ Col. Nico....Yeah, I hear yah, I'm sure Sasquatch will be checking her out next time I see him.....
@ Topher....Nope. The CX will be staying in the family - my son will be inheriting it as his starter bike. I will probably keep it after he's moved up as well - those bike are undervalued and under appreciated. I could probably get $800 for the bike - but it's worth far more than that to me, I might take aeroncas advice and cafe it....but it's got it's own charm as is.....
The only thing that is "wrong" with the new Tiger, is she is afflicted with the bubbling gas-tank paint issue.....I am a function over form kinda guy, so I can live with it, unless there's an incredibly inexpensive way to take care of it....
Other than the bubbles, she is on tip-top shape. Probably going to have to do something about the windscreen as well - My head felt like the poor vibrating creature in that Tool video "Sober"after a few hours. The PO had mentioned some people experienced bad wind buffeting with this shield - he had not. He is 5'10 - I am 6' - If I dropped my head about 2" while riding, the vibrating buffeting action stopped completely....oh well, what can ya do? I have already got a potential fix in place, we'll see if it works....
After the wash, all stripped down......
(http://munchie.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/2012/i-xtWXJmz/0/L/1004270-L.jpg)
Some of the bigger guys find mirror extenders help too as some of the buffeting comes form the mirror tops.
Not saying you have that problem, just making you aware.
Yeah Bixxer - I will be extending the mirrors soon - I kept adjusting and adjusting, until I realized it was fruitless - half of the mirror was taken up by my shoulders no matter how they were positioned. Kinda bugged me, but I got used to it, sorta....didn't think they might be adding to the turbulence...Thanks for the tip!
I also was checking out the Vario windshield - they look like they may be the ticket...any thoughts on those?
Hey, another quick question - easy fix for a too-long kickstand? I have read a few suggestions - should I just go ahead and hack it down?
Again, thanks to everyone for their comments/suggestions, they are much appreciated....
Quote from: "nadahonda"Hey, another quick question - easy fix for a too-long kickstand? I have read a few suggestions - should I just go ahead and hack it down?
Hi and a very warm welcome to the ultimate madhouse! You are right the CX500 was much underrated, over here we called them 'maggot'.
The sidestand issue is a cut down job, a good excuse to make a larger foot. Before you do have a look at the chain as your adjusters are on their limit, this will give the too long feeling.
To lower the rear wind the eccentrics round so the axle is to the top, a spacer is required between the swing arm and chain guard. Alternatively to raise saddle height rotate so the axle is at the lower.
Quote from: "nadahonda"Hey, another quick question - easy fix for a too-long kickstand? I have read a few suggestions - should I just go ahead and hack it down?
Too long kickstand? I've found it is rarely about the stand being too long, and more about the suspension riding too low (too much sag). At 6', you likely have the legs for it, so let 'er stand up tall and proud. Mine is a 2003, wire wheel Tiger too, and side stand is perfect.
Quote from: "nadahonda"I also was checking out the Vario windshield - they look like they may be the ticket...any thoughts on those?
http:
Fitted one recentely...cant say I its makes that much difference but Im still playing with the adjustment.
As for the tank bubbles...decals might push out if you rub em with your thumb or another digit, paints going to need cutting out and a quick spray...also had this done recentely.
As for the CX.. check out the facebook Iron & Air....wrenchmonkees.
Wow, you guys are great! (assuming you are all guys)
QuoteThe sidestand issue is a cut down job, a good excuse to make a larger foot.
QuoteToo long kickstand? I've found it is rarely about the stand being too long, and more about the suspension riding too low (too much sag). At 6', you likely have the legs for it, so let 'er stand up tall and proud.
Thanks for the tips, Metalg & JTT....I'm gonna figure out how to adjust the suspension, see what happens. Would be nice to not have to monkey with the kickstand...
QuoteFitted one recentely...cant say I its makes that much difference but Im still playing with the adjustment.
Hmm..as far as the windshield goes, seems like there's not an ultimate answer out there, which is fine - I am an inventive fellow and
will find/make something that works.
Quotepaints going to need cutting out and a quick spray
Does this mean cut the whole paint job off, or just the bubbles? And is this spray job something one can do himself, or is it a specialized thing?
Anyone know how Sharpie ink takes to the plastic? I'm gonna try that as well.....I'll report back...
Thanks again for all the warm welcomes, you guys make a yank feel right at home....
I have a vario screen and mirror extensions and I don't get any buffetting. I keep the handle bar area clear as possible as I found as soon as I put a sat nav on the noise was terrible.
Don't write the screen off until you try one, you could always extend the foil cheers Spud :wink:
Quote from: "nadahonda"Wow, you guys are great! (assuming you are all guys)
Thanks again for all the warm welcomes, you guys make a yank feel right at home....
you are at home
TIGERTRIPLE is actually USA based , but the membership is
GLOBALtry sticking a pin in the bubbles on the decals then work the air out with the edge of a credit card .
more will show up over time though , whats happening is gas fumes / vapors are leaching thru the plastic tank . and there aint no way to stop it once it starts .
and a black sharpie works real well to hide scratches , but over time the ink fades to the wrong color , and sticks out like a sore thumb. A black paint pen works better.
looking at your pic , your chain is either set way too friggin tight ,or it is completely shot and time for a new one . a new chain that has the right amount of links when adjusted properly will have the axle near the 12 oclock position on the eccentric adjuster. Which may well solve your sidestand dilemma
QuoteDon't write the screen off until you try one, you could always extend the foil cheers Spud
I'll keep that in mind Spud, gonna try some homemade "fixes" with my current shield before I look closer at the Vario - I think it looks like it should be effective - how tall are you?
Quotelooking at your pic , your chain is either set way too friggin tight ,or it is completely shot and time for a new one . a new chain that has the right amount of links when adjusted properly will have the axle near the 12 oclock position on the eccentric adjuster. Which may well solve your sidestand dilemma
Thanks Mustang - I think for now I can live with the paint, but this chain thing...not so much...Having limited experience with chains, I want to make sure it is correct, or that I need a new one....hows it look in this photo.....?
(http://munchie.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/2012/i-3N5dVTw/0/L/1004274-L.jpg)
And, lacking a manual, I might need some direction in how to adjust it - I'll go look for a "how-to" in the tech section later.....
Again, I want to thank everyone!
even though it looks too loose that is about perfect adjustment for a tiger .
what would concern me is that it could well be stretched out as there is no adjustment left , unless of course someone has put a chain on that is too long (too many links)
A 2000 885I should have a 116 link chain on it , someone could have easily put a 120 link chain on it though , which would explain the lack of adjustment .
count the links ...........if you have 116 links you need a new chain
if you have 120 links you need to remove 4 links . Unless you have a chain breaker and riveting tool with a new master link , that is a job best left to a dealer .
the sprocket looks like an original equipment one , odds are you are due for a chain and sprocket job . they should always be changed at the same time , new chain = new sprockets
p.s. start a new thread about repairs and questions about repairs in the Girly section .
Quote from: "JTT"Quote from: "nadahonda"Hey, another quick question - easy fix for a too-long kickstand? I have read a few suggestions - should I just go ahead and hack it down?
Too long kickstand? I've found it is rarely about the stand being too long, and more about the suspension riding too low (too much sag). At 6', you likely have the legs for it, so let 'er stand up tall and proud. Mine is a 2003, wire wheel Tiger too, and side stand is perfect.
Quote from: "metalguru"Before you do have a look at the chain as your adjusters are on their limit, this will give the too long feeling.
I think your side stand issue is a combination of the above replies.
Either your chain is knackered or the PO fitted one that is too long. The spindle is normally somewhere in the lower half of the eccentric's travel which has the effect of making the bike sit higher and, therefore, lean further over on the side stand.
Also, as intimated, if the rear preload is set too light, the bike will be sitting lower than normal which has the opposite effect.
The chain on a 955i is 114 links. I'm not absolutely sure but I'd guess at the 885 like yours being the same but Mustang may well be right in saying 116 links. In any case you need to start counting. I'd check on the condition of the front sprocket. If the teeth are pretty straight (not hooked) it's probably an indication that the chain is too long rather than too worn.
If you're 6' I'd guess at you weighing around 180+lbs???? Try the preload on "3".
Best check all that out before chopping bits about.
Oh, and don't tighten those pinch bolts on the eccentrics too much as it has been known to snap the swing arm.
steamers = 114 link chain 1993-1998 sprockets 18/48
Girly 885I =116 link chain 1999-2000 sprockets 18/48
Girly 955I = 114 link chain 2001- 2006 sprockets 18/46
it's the sprockets that make the 885 I take a bigger chain
unless you go with a 955 rear sprocket than a 114 will work fine :wink:
Quotep.s. start a new thread about repairs and questions about repairs in the Girly section .
10-4 good-buddy, will start one up with the chain link count tonight...... :icon_salut
If you would like to view or add to the chain/sprocket and other tech questions above, as well as find out how many links/teeth are on the bike, please click on the following link, thanks... :thumbsup
http://tigertriple.com/forum/index.php/topic,11238
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great first post :D welcome aboard this is a good knowledgeable bunch who will keep you on the right track , nice bike with so nice goodies on it too :occasion14
Great read and welcome to the best Tiger-forum I've known during my 14 years as a Steamer owner.
Hello again,
Well, a lot has happened to my Tiger (now affectionately named "Bubbles") since riding it home 2 months ago, I have managed to put just under 2000 miles on her, about 75% pavement and 25% gravel/dirt - Bubbles has continued to impress me through it all.
Remember the chain issue (2 links too long)? Well that, coupled with a very slow, undetected leak in my rear tire and my silly under-experienced mechanical decision has led to Bubbles getting a new rear tire and a new trend-setting facelift ( I'm pretty sure all the Girlies will want to look like this now :wink: )
(http://munchie.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/2012/i-LkTzLLq/0/L/IMAG0255-L.jpg)
(http://munchie.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/2012/i-72Vss4M/0/L/IMAG0256-L.jpg)
story goes like this:
After finally getting my wife to take a short ride with me, upon returning home I noticed the rear tire was noticeably low (I know, I know...but my wife is only 140 lbs or so) Hmm...I inspected and was able to find the leak - a metal object embedded deeply in the rubber. Well, here's my first chance at tire repair on a tiger, I thought. Out came the as yet unused TUBELESS tire repair kit, you see, the rear tire said TUBELESS in big letters on it, so I finally got to try my hand at repairing a TUBELESS tire....I think I did a great job actually, until the fugger was still not holding air, and I visited TT, where I was able to ferret out that the rear tire was not TUBELESS at all....rather the opposite.... :oops: .....well silly me, not knowing that spoked wheels are always tubed, lets just say I learned that "tip" the hard way.... :roll:
Anyhow, we were off to see Tenacious D that weekend, so I had to let the tire thing go until the following week. I decided I was going to post up pictures of the tweaking I had been doing with my Cee Baileys windshield (which was actually working pretty great) the morning we were leaving for the show, when I hear this BOOMCHRUNCH from my carport, where Bubbles is kept.
:shock:
"What was that?"
I ran out, and sure as shit, there lay my baby ON HER SIDE :x........ :evil:.........:cry:
Had to yell for the wife to help, and got Bubs back upright...
Windshield mangled:
(http://munchie.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/2012/i-CZVkpnK/0/M/IMAG0183-M.jpg)
Lever Bent:
(http://munchie.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/2012/i-VhBF3XS/0/M/IMAG0184-M.jpg)
Plastic shattered:
(http://munchie.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/2012/i-pzsDTFZ/0/M/IMAG0181-M.jpg)
(http://munchie.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/2012/i-DhGSKhp/0/M/IMAG0182-M.jpg)
These pics are obviously after my mend jobs, which were thankfully pretty simple.
I have seen the warnings all over this site:
:!: TIGERS LIKE TO TIP OVER :!:
and they really do......
So, I have somewhat of a different looking Tiger, but she is in pretty good shape now.....Like I said: new rear tire - a Dunlop Tr-91, which seems to be doing very well both on and off the road, and I broke the too long 118 link chain and made it the proper 116 links. Eccentric is in the proper spot now, and Bubbles is much more stable when at rest on her sidestand.
I Like the way she looks now, and guess what - NO BUFFETING!!!
(http://munchie.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/2012/i-QF979d3/0/L/IMAG0199-L.jpg)
(http://munchie.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/2012/i-ZKkkCzP/0/L/IMAG0200-L.jpg)
(http://munchie.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/2012/i-VMKptv3/0/L/IMAG0250-L.jpg)
(http://munchie.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/2012/i-DsNJkB4/0/M/bubbcomp-M.jpg)
Hope you are all having a great season so far!!
strewth you two are getting off to a rough start :shock:
funniest thing ive ever seen was a mate reeming out his tubed tyre to fit a plug , and his face when i told him of his folly , but to top my mirth off he then tried filling it up with a can of instant repair :ImaPoser :ImaPoser with the stuff blasting over him from the hole :lol: :lol:
ye live and learn mate :friday
Quote from: "Chad"strewth you two are getting off to a rough start :shock:
funniest thing ive ever seen was a mate reeming out his tubeless tyre to fit a plug , and his face when i told him of his folly , but to top my mirth off he then tried filling it up with a can of instant repair :ImaPoser :ImaPoser with the stuff blasting over him from the hole :lol: :lol:
ye live and learn mate :friday
To make this funny wouldn't it have to be a 'tubed' tyre?
Quote from: "Bixxer Bob"Quote from: "Chad"strewth you two are getting off to a rough start :shock:
funniest thing ive ever seen was a mate reeming out his tubeless tyre to fit a plug , and his face when i told him of his folly , but to top my mirth off he then tried filling it up with a can of instant repair :ImaPoser :ImaPoser with the stuff blasting over him from the hole :lol: :lol:
ye live and learn mate :friday
To make this funny wouldn't it have to be a 'tubed' tyre?
that it would bob :lol: :lol: :lol: :qgaraduate
Yep, Tubed definitely makes it funnier! :P
To make matters worse, when I brought the tire in to the local moto-shop for replacement, they did not put a new tube in for me - "Well you didn't specifically say to put a new tube in" - No, I thought that explaining the whole situation (how I mangled the tube) and showing the salesman the plug sticking out of the "tubeless tire on a tubed rim" would be enough info for you to deduce a new tube was needed as well.....my bad, I guess,,,,at any rate, made this discovery after everything was back together, and had to pull it all apart to bring the tire back so they could put a new tube in for me....."Gee, I don't know how our mechanics missed it, it looked like you stabbed it with a screwdriver a few times....".........DUH! :?
Well I guess that's the whole deal with tubeless on a tubed rim - if yer tube fails, the bead will hold in air for some time (unless your bead has been compromised somehow).......is that why they have it set up that way???
Quote from: "nadahonda"Well I guess that's the whole deal with tubeless on a tubed rim - if yer tube fails, the bead will hold in air for some time (unless your bead has been compromised somehow).......is that why they have it set up that way???
no you were just lucky.
and that's also the reason most of us do our own maint.
the bike shop so-called techs are IDIOTS :shock:
Hi there welcome aboard, hmm i did enjoy my CX silverwing too!! until the frame broke. You sound like we may hear from you a bit :lol:
Really nice photos
A little late to the party here.........but a big CONGRATULATIONS! Fine looking ride. Welcome. I am certain you will enjoy that new bike. :D
Hello all!
Just wanted to share a teaser pic from the day-trip report I have just started over in RR: http://tigertriple.com/forum/index.php/topic,11604
(http://munchie.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/2012/i-KgbSvsg/0/L/1004489-L.jpg)
Hope you are all having a fantastic summer!!
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