I have been thinking about trying something besides my current Kawasaki Meanstreak and yesterday an interesting offer came up for a Triumph Tiger 955i (so 2nd gen Tiger.) I like the MS ok but it is kinda heavy and truth be told a little boring. I also feel like I have to stretch a little too far to reach the controls and be comfy.
Now the Tiger I like a lot, seems like they have a good aftermarket and some good forums for support, plus the bike has a lot of the things I want/like hard cases, 6th gear, good MPG, etc. The lack of 6th gear on the MS bugs me on the interstate.
You guys are the go to source for unbiased opinions so what do we say on the Tiger?
Try to find one with spoke wheels if you are ever going to use it as a dual sport travel machine. Cast wheels hate to be bashed around.
I don't know much about them specifically other than they look cool, people on forums like them and they don't complain about engine issues like the 1050 that followed it. A quick Google search says they are pretty affordable.
@Huckleberry, The trade offer is a 2001 with spoke wheels.
They're good bikes with a few known issues, mainly around the FI quick disconnects. I've owned a 955 Triumph before and like them.
As long as it's in good shape I wouldn't turn one down.
I have an 04 tiger and love it. It is a great highway bike and plenty fast. The windshield is a little short for me but there are aftermarket options. I had the Corbin seat and sold it. It was like a rock and so wide that it made me uncomfortable and I am 6'2".
I have no direct knowledge about the tiger but I am a huge fan of triples and I'm not a fan of cruisers so I would likely make that trade in a heartbeat.
Well, things got interesting, what if it is not a Tiger 955i but an 855i (according to the seller, no eyes on it yet)?
And what if a Vstrom 1000 were an alternative option? Because I found a 05 Vstrom DL1000 as well.
I am not familiar with the 855. Is that a carb or FI model. I do know that the earlier models have fuel injection issues. The DL1000 Vstrom is a great bike from what I know.
IIRC the 855s are carb'd (at least in Europe). They're known for having issues with the starter sprag clutch.
Overall they're pretty good bikes but the 955 is a big improvement on the prior generation.
Well... on Monday it poured rain in east and middle TN, I know it was raining in middle TN because I rode to Hohenwald, TN to get the new to me bike. I got the Vstrom
2005 DL1000 with tons of farkles. I mean a lot. Givi V35 side cases, and V40 topcase, Sergeant seat, heated grips, aftermarket windscreen, PIAAA lights, heated grips, skid plate, highway pegs, etc. I rode it the 240 miles home and knew I made the right decision. Like other people who know me have said, this bike fits me. My riding buddy asked me what I planned to add and I said nothing, because it doesn't need anything. But in the spirit of new bikedom, I did get a new to me jacket off ADV to go with it.
Sadly, I can't post pics... 
I used to use photobucket and keep getting kicked out after I login. I tried shutterfly and the links won't link correctly. If I knew how to fix that I would add some pics.
go to IMGUR post haste. DL1000s are nice bikes.
Oh, wow! Excellent! Was it a straight up trade? If so you made out like a bandit!
Yes straight trade thankfully. I think we both found it to be a great deal. He had a Meanstreak in the past and really wanted another one. Plus it saved me from having to deal with the hassles of selling a bike.
I really like the Vstrom, even took my better half for a spin last night and she liked it better than the Meanstreak. Taller and wider backrest probably helps with that. Lol
Getting ready to go out for another ride to a meeting downtown shortly.
In reply to octavious:
I haven't ridden the 1000 but the Wee strom ergonomics were spot on for me. It fit me even better than my FJ does. IIRC we are of a similar build, of all the bikes I've ridden the strom has by far been the most comfortable.
