Hello, I decided to start a new thread after my introduction thread started to escalate too much to the technical side.
What I need to know is what are the differences for the Steamers built in 1993-1998?
Do they all have same 'characteristics' like the DAR and sprag clutch problems?
What about differences in carburation, does that have any effect on rideability?
What has been changed in the last model (98) compared to earlier yearmodels, is the last Steamer the best? I may buy a '98 Steamer so I am very interested to know is it worth the higher pricetag?
I could get '95 for under 2000€ and '98 for about 2700€. Worth the extra Euros?
Thank in advance :icon_biggrin:
After studying this forum I'll answer to my own question :icon_biggrin:
The '98 has Keihin carburetors which is a good thing, right?
It should also have less possible DAR problem?
Since the inspection hatch was ditched on later models, the sprag clutch design should be better and longer lasting? The bike that I'm buying has 96000km on the clock. Could the sprag clutch still be original? And if it is I might expect trouble in near future? Not good. Should I go looking for a Girly...? I love the looks of the Steamer so that would be going for the second best :icon_razz:
Oh well....back to studying more about Tigers :icon_wink:
Keihins = better
Sprag 98 = better, but harder if you need to repair.
DAR = Not sure
Girlies are better in some ways but look worse and do have their own issues .... and newer with parts still freely available.
Later bikes have the improved, dual tube cockpit frame too
At leaset 3 types of crankcase, with last type having oil pressure switch on top crank case, not sure what other changes internally.
If sprag is ok, then its probably down to always ensuring good battery condition.
Not sure if the rims on later bikes have stainless spokes, or if thats the early girly??
Shock changed from KYB to Showa on later bikes.
Hey Tomcat!
I just picked up a 98' Steamer with about 20,000 Miles on the clock. The person selling it stated that "A Triumph dealer in New Hampshire said that the Sprag needs replaced". I have a new battery coming tomorrow. once the battery is here I plan on putting a 1/2 gallon of fuel in the bike and firing her up so see if it is indeed the Sprag. From what I heard it is very rare that a Sprag would go bad in a 98' that is why I am optimistic that there could be another issue with the bike (easier fix!). There is a wealth of knowledge on this website which is which ultimately led me to get a 98' Steamer. Good look with the purchase.
-If the Sprag is needing replaced. I plan of posting a video/pictorial of the entire process!
Not wanting to be a Debbie Downer here, but don't assume low mileage and last year of production are any insurance against multiple starting cycles with a weak battery. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you.
Thanks again fellows, it is nice to learn more about Tigers.
About sprag clutches: I had one worn out sprag clutch on my Laverda RGS 1000 Corsa. It jammed on by itself when I was in traffic lights. Battery was ok, but the rollers inside the clutch were jammed in engaged position which caused the started to run with the engine :icon_eek:
Repair was no big deal after I got new parts, but the design of the clutch was somehow agricultural.
Laverda was an agricultural equipment manufacturer before making motorcycles, but their bikes were built tough, with some weak points like the starter sprag clutch. Still, there were never a kick starter on 4-stroke Laverda :icon_wink:
Is there aftermarket parts for Triumphs that are engineered better than original?
Is the design of sprag clutch same in Girly than in Steamer? Girlies don't have sprag problems?
Is this sprag problem really so common that it could happen with every Steamer? Of course, it will break sometime. In Finland I haven't seen a Steamer on sale with low km's so I guess they all have rebuilt sprag's :icon_rolleyes:
Mines a 95, and so far, so good with original sprag ( don't worry, I've now called a priest.....)
Low Mileage at 36K, but lots of starting in garage and cursing Ethanol.
Good battery, and dealing with ignition issues/cam shimming promptly, so your not labouring the starting seem to help.
With the TT600 coil sticks, even with the crappy fuel blocking the jets, it still fires very promptly on choke
Its not inevitable, but if you labour it with a dying battery, your asking for trouble..
A bit OT, but what kind of fuel you have in UK? I was there early 90' so it must have changed since then :icon_lol:
In Finland we have generally only two grades of fuel (petrol), 95E and 98E, containing 10% and 5% of ethanol. I don't count 85E as petrol, as it's 85% alcohol :occasion14
In Russia, that's about 100km's from my home, they still sell good old leaded petrol but I think not even a Steamer requires lead for the valve seats :icon_wink:
So Steamer would like 98E more than 95E? Do you use petrol preservative over Winter to prevent petrol turning into something else than fuel? Works in lawn mowers and chainsaws.
Great thread, here's a question.
Would you guys advise buying a 94 Tiger with 20K miles or a 98 Tiger with 50K miles?
:ear
Depends on so many factors. Proper maintenance and thoughtful storage could produce a desirable purchase out of either one, while poor maintenance or improper storage could have the opposite effect.
All things being equal, I would always opt for the lower mileage versus the newer bike, even given Mikuni versus Keihin carbs. Of course, if mileage and condition were both close, then I would take which ever one is pimento red :icon_biggrin:
Being a cheapskate, I go for the average premium unleaded (95 RON?) and I use an Ethanol stabiliser when she isn't being used that much.
Most forecourts in Britain sell petrol with 10% Ethanol, fewer sell +5% and more are adding 15% even. evil stuff to carbed engines IMO.
Quote from: ssevy on April 07, 2017, 10:14:15 PM
Depends on so many factors. Proper maintenance and thoughtful storage could produce a desirable purchase out of either one, while poor maintenance or improper storage could have the opposite effect.
All things being equal, I would always opt for the lower mileage versus the newer bike, even given Mikuni versus Keihin carbs. Of course, if mileage and condition were both close, then I would take which ever one is pimento red :icon_biggrin:
You'd really go for an older bike for the lower milage?
Aren't the 97 Tigers with better rims, a better frame, improved DAR & sprag, and as you say better carbs not worth having with more miles?
My 95 suits me perfectly, so I'm sure I'd be happy with the 94 as well. Others might prefer the 98. Just remember that old saying about opinions and assholes and then go ahead and make your own choice; there's really no right and wrong here.
Good luck! :icon_wink:
I began to think of the mileages (or kilometres) on Tigers. If a Steamer is still in one piece after near 1000k km's what components have beer renewed? Not only for the sprag clutch, but the engine itself, clutch, gearbox, electrics etc. Is 1000k km's the end for a Steamer? I think it depends on the quality of service and even service intervals. Multiple owners and one 'bad apple' can ruin the bike. I just read about a guy who bought a Honda Varadero and in 1000k km's had only cam chain tensioner spring broken. Well.....a Honda has no soul and no character. And easy life makes people sloppy :icon_lol:
Quote from: Tomcat61 on April 08, 2017, 09:14:56 AM
I began to think of the mileages (or kilometres) on Tigers. If a Steamer is still in one piece after near 1000k km's what components have beer renewed? Not only for the sprag clutch, but the engine itself, clutch, gearbox, electrics etc. Is 1000k km's the end for a Steamer? I think it depends on the quality of service and even service intervals. Multiple owners and one 'bad apple' can ruin the bike. I just read about a guy who bought a Honda Varadero and in 1000k km's had only cam chain tensioner spring broken. Well.....a Honda has no soul and no character. And easy life makes people sloppy :icon_lol:
You mean 10 thousand or 100 thousand kilometres?
I meant 100 000 km :icon_wink: and it's more usual to have 100 000 kms on a 20 years old bike than 10 000 kms. At least in Finland :icon_razz:
Quote from: Tomcat61 on April 08, 2017, 10:34:05 AM
I meant 100 000 km :icon_wink: and it's more usual to have 100 000 kms on a 20 years old bike than 10 000 kms. At least in Finland :icon_razz:
Thanks so much for your thoughts here. You've really helped me. :thumbsup
I've chosen to focus less on getting a bike with particularly low mileage and focus more on how the bike has been kept and cared for.
Further more as the Tiger 885's I've been offered to buy from members here, how they've been restored. Some of which are total showroom bikes that I'm drooling over . . . :love10
One day when I can afford it and I can create the space, then I'll buy another one with a lower milage to restore.
I do see what you mean, if I bike has had all the next most likely parts to wear be replaced and the bike has been taken care of (reducing engine wear as such) then it's possible to buy a Tiger with 40,000, 50,000, 60,000 or even 70,000 miles on the clock that'll run like a beautiful beast with no problems at all for another 40,000 miles.
That sounds about right to you guys?
:ear
I had a '95 Vara that I sold just on 90k kms, it was ready for a cam chain, I sorted the multi block before it had screwed the RR and stator (common Honda issue similar to Girlies) apart from usual suspension, bearings and brakes it was very reliable but I'm glad there were no sharp objects to hand on long rides or when I had to pick it up.
I sold it and bought a Street Triple, 'nuff said :wheel then I bought the Steamer when one of the only 5 left in the country came up for sale even though I had a Roadie in the UK, the rest is history and I think you can guess why :icon_wink:
The Steamer had 85k miles on it when I opened it up, apart from doing the inlet valves (they would have lasted to 100 miles) it would have been a waste of time taking the head off. She's got over 95k miles on her now and apart from a jammed thermostat, hasn't let me down. I'm hoping to put a lot more miles on her yet.
Unleaded isn't an issue with the T300 engines, the inlet valves will reach there limits anywhere between 50k to 100k miles depending on several factors.
I wouldn't really worry about mileage,if you can get one for the right price. I bought mine,quite cheaply,as a non runner,with no history. 4,or is it 5? Yrs later,its been a great buy. Upgraded the coils to Denso,a new rear shock,fixed a leak in the tank,and thats about it,including general maintenance. Just over 70k on it. Recently changed the cam chain,and valves seem in a healthy state? So hopefully,good for a few more years?
I am very excited right now as tomorrow Sunday I will be going to Helsinki to test ride a '98 Steamer, the one that's got 96000kms on the clock. I've made a check list for myself not to forget to check all important things like starting, DAR, battery for power, swingarm rubbing shield and cracks on the frame, chain tensioners and tank. Did I forget something critical? And of course the usual tyres, chain/sprockets and overall condition.
I'm not really scared of mileage, because my Laverda had 125000 kms onthe clock when I sold it after 20 years riding it. Knowing the critical points of a Steamer I trust my experience on bikes. And after all, nearly 20 years old bike is always a risk, but I am willing to take that risk. So wish me luck :occasion14
The weather is on the chilly side as outside temp is now near 0C (32F)and tomorrow daytime max temp is about 7-8C (46F). If I buy the Steamer there will be about 130 kms (80miles) to my home. I use train to go there and it would be so sad to return on a train too.
I promise to report how it all went.
Good luck and a safe ride home :icon_wink:
Wear your woolies! Those temps will turn your grapes to raisins in a hurry😳
Weather's not bad right now as I'm on a train dressed up in my riding gear :icon_lol:
Damn, feels like I'm going to buy my first motorcycle :icon_lol: