Triumph Tiger 955i
I have always been struck by the Gallic enthusiasm for such motorcycles (and horse meat), but now, when I myself choose the turns among the vineyards near Béziers, everything is damn clear to me. The sky is cloudless and the road is free of traffic.
I admire the Pyrenees in the distance. I want a bike that is fast, torquey, light and manageable. But the limited view of the narrow country road limits the exaggeration. Admire the scenery, enjoy a leisurely ride and the warm sun - these are my desires. And the Triumph Tiger I ride is just right for them.
The first Tiger roared back in 1993, and two years ago it had a successor with a more powerful engine and more road-friendly frame. In the last edition, it remains the same. The cat's motor heart is very similar to that of the Speed Triple! 955 cc and 104 horsepower at 9500 rpm. The torque figures are impressive. The highest value is 92 Nm at 4400 rpm, and 90 percent can be used in the 4000 to 7500 rpm range!
The Triumph folks didn't really bother with changing the mechanics of the unit. Some technical solutions even flirt with the TT600. However, the fuel injection has been modified, with a special mention of the air sensor, which monitors the air-fuel ratio and regulates the fuel delivery. Modifications also included electrical equipment, alternator and starter. The crankcase is lighter, the transmission is slightly different, and the final ratio is two teeth higher.
The seat, with 840 millimeters above the ground in its lowest position, just stays great. It's okay if you are from the highest "variety", only in the city you will have problems. The position on the Tiger, excellent mirrors and an amplifying instrumental quartet will help a lot here. You won't even feel like riding a 215 pound bike and you will be in awe of its responsiveness and torque. It will be satisfied with 2000 rpm at a speed of about 50 kilometers per hour.
Mid-range acceleration is the Tiger's trump card. It can also be fast, as I hit a respectable 185 mph with it upright. Hiding behind the windshield, I managed to accelerate to 210 kilometers per hour. Even at such high speeds, the Tiger remained calm, and at the same time I was especially pleased with the excellent pair of front brakes and suspension.
If you ask me, I'd prefer the supermoto-style Tiger, with a 17-inch front wheel and road tires. But maybe my thoughts are in the wrong direction. Why would I drive down the road when I have traveled more than 24 kilometers with a leisurely ride and 300 liters of fuel! ? So, at least when it comes to engines, the French are not wrong. I could not say this because of their love for horse meat ...
Technical information
engine: liquid-cooled, transversely mounted, 3-cylinder – DOHC valve, 12 bore and 79×65mm stroke – 11, 7:1 Sagem electronic fuel injection
Energy transfer: Vi. mechanism
Volume: 955 cm3
Maximum power: 76 kW (6 HP) at 104 rpm
Maximum torque: 92 Nm at 4.400 rpm
Energy transfer: Wet multi-plate clutch
Frame and suspension: 43mm Fixed Front Fork, 100mm Travel - Kayaba Rear Adjustable Center Shock
Bike: front 2.50 × 19 - rear 4.25 × 17
Tires: sale 110 / 80-19 Metzeler Tourance – enter 150 / 70-18 Metzeler Tourance
brakes: front 2 coils f 310 mm, coil with 2-piston caliper - rear coil f 285 mm
Head / Ancestor Frame Angle: 28 ° / 95 mm
Wheelbase: 1550 mm
Seat height from ground: 840 to 860 mm
Fuel tank: 24 liters
Weight (dry): 215 kg
Text: Roland Brown
Photo: Gold & Goose, Roland Brown
Technical information
engine: liquid-cooled, transverse-mounted, 3-cylinder – DOHC valve, 12 bore and 79×65mm stroke – 11,7:1 Sagem electronic fuel injection
Torque: 92 Nm at 4.400 rpm
Energy transfer: Wet multi-plate clutch
Frame: 43mm Fixed Front Fork, 100mm Travel - Kayaba Rear Adjustable Center Shock
brakes: front 2 coils f 310 mm, coil with 2-piston caliper - rear coil f 285 mm
Fuel tank: 24 liters
Wheelbase: 1550 mm
Weight: 215 kg
