Trophied

[Sin_Tiger]

We are fond of our Tiger Triples of course and the 885 was long lived in the scheme of things for good reason and definitely worth keeping on the road, which is why we're here.

I'm sure many of us have other mistresses, have fond memories of past loves or harbour longings for a bit on the side It makes sense that it might be a T300, I keep telling myself that, with the modular design philosophy we're rather spoiled for choice with Tridents, Sprints, Speed Triple, Daytona and Trophy on offer. Now I'm getting rather soft in my old age  so the wrists, back and neck muscles won't handle a Daytona for very long or very far. I like a bit of the creature comforts of weather protection, so six layers just isn't going to do anything for my image but surprisingly (compared to other manufacturers of the time) I still have two options, Sprint or Trophy. While the Sprint is to me a very attractive bike in it's own right it's still a little racey ergonomically and only the rarer '98 model year used the later Trophy integrated panniers and comfier footpeg arrangement but still the lower bars so a Trophy fits the bill a bit better.

So for those interested or haven't fallen asleep yet, a brief synopsis of the Trophy models follows.

It might come as a surprise that the first production Hinckley model sold in 1992 was a Trophy rather than the other two options of the Trident and Daytona and it was also the longest lived of the T300's right through until 2003 and still on carbs, only the Thunderbird variants soldiered on for only a little longer. During That production run, don't ask me how many, it was available both as an 885 triple (ceased in 2002) unchanged in the 98 PS output and the 1200 four which initially had a 130PS output, then 120PS, then 108PS. It only had one major restyle for the 1996 model year, although there was one revision in '93 when the engine casing "lost" the rectangular access plate over the starter sprag and dropped the power output slightly.

The big restyle for the '96 model year had the much more touring body style as opposed to the more sporting style of the original single headlamp model. The twin headlight Dame Edna front end is an acquired taste but it's pretty effective none the less, the engine casings have now lost the cosmetic "fins" and there are some minor tweaks to the oil cooler mounting and piping, frame and fittings went to a graphite grey as the secondary colour, the much more cruiser sized footpegs and foot controls were now mounted on a one piece cast alloy hanger. The seat was now a more defined two person shape with the bars much more up and back although the riding posture still feels quite engaged rather than laid back. The dash was now much more Touring, bordering on cruiser some might say, with a symmetrical arrangement of tacho and speedo (now with more realistic speed scale) flanked by a fuel level gauge (proper float in the tank mounted on a larger square flange) with matching analogue electrical clock and traditional arrangement but more contemporary styled switch gear. A set of very practical equal sized hard panniers were now standard factory colour matched fit as opposed to the aftermarket Givi arrangement of earlier models. For the '98 model year a few subtle changes made their way onto the bikes, slightly larger upper fairing / screen, unless you see two side by side you can only really tell by the 11 holes for the screen as opposed to the 9 holed earlier versions was the most notable, simpler body decals with the loss of the "Trophy" on the side panels and the engine, frame, fittings belly pan and other secondary coloured items changing to black . Further changes appeared on the 2001 model year on way of the engine, where the sprocket cover had the oil dipstick deleted and an arrangement more like the Thunderbird with a separate oil level sight glass on the gearbox casing and a filler cap on the clutch cover, no more oil change when you had to change the drive sprocket or seal. I believe there was also small changes to the carburetor and final gearing to achieve slightly better fuel economy. And that was it save some colour option changes until it became no longer available after 2003.

There are other forums dedicated to the model that have a wealth of information and support for those that, in addition to their Tigers but if you have one, have experience with them and would like to share, this is the place for it and if you can a photo here or in the gallery might be appreciated by other closet tourers 

[Bixxer Bob]

Still a fine looking motorcycle Sin.

[ghulst]

That is looking good. My only gripe with it has been the headlights. I guess that is the same with the girlies and some other Triumph models. I have never really liked those headlights.

Other than that, it is probably one of the better triples to have if you need to do some mile-munching. The man that owned my ex-T400 had a T300 as well. In blue. The Tiger and the Trophy were his favorite motorcycles, with the Tiger his first choice, but the Trophy for the longer runs.

[Sin_Tiger]

I should have stated, that's a stock photo not mine 

When you ride it you don't have to look at the front  :icon_wink: and the devil in me wants to put a sticker on it saying " Hello Possums"

[ghulst]

Now that Dame Edna image...

[Lee337]

Mine's a 1200 4-pot, does that count?

[ghulst]

Of course that counts!

[Sin_Tiger]

Mine's a 1200 4-pot, does that count?

Mine too but you got me busted for power 

[TigerKing]

That's a great photo and a handsome looking machine ghulst.

[ghulst]

That's a great photo and a handsome looking machine ghulst.

I think you mean @Sin_Tiger 

[Sin_Tiger]

That's a great photo and a handsome looking machine ghulst.

And it's a stock photo from a Triumph brochure