TRIUMPH TIGER 900 (1993 - 1998) Review

At a glance
Owners' reliability rating: | |
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Power: | 84 bhp |
Seat height: | Tall (33.5 in / 850 mm) |
Weight: | Medium (461 lbs / 209 kg) |
Overall rating
Next up: Ride & brakesThe Triumph Tiger is a versatile tourer and inter-city commuter with the same rear wheel power as a BMW R1150GS. The Triumph Tiger is handy in the bends, rides easily and the wide seat, 24-litre tank and good screen put long-distance commuting and touring well within its capabilities.
- Related: 2020 Triumph Tiger 900 GT Pro review
Since the British firm's rebirth, a slow climb from its financial woes had been made possible by using as many shared parts as possible across the range. The Triumph Tiger 900 represented a brave departure from this strategy, and they pretty much nailed it.
Released to compete with the BMW GS, Honda Africa Twin and Yamaha Super Tenere in the rapidly developing adventure bike market, the Triumph had its work cut out but it more than held its own.
Ride quality & brakes
Next up: EngineThe Triumph Tiger’s one weak spot was its brakes. Not the twin-piston items themselves but the colossal fork dive that accompanied every squeeze of the lever.
In fact, braking distances were on a par with the competition, but the Tiger’s inspired precious little confidence. It was hard on pads, too.
The ride was soft and plush at lower speeds and swallowed potholes and speed humps seamlessly. Things got a little more interesting at speed and although the Tiger was capable in the corners it certainly got your heart pumping.
Ultimately, things rarely felt entirely out of control but the ride doesn’t hold up compared to modern adventure bikes.
Engine
Next up: ReliabilityThe Triumph Tiger’s smooth in-line DOHC triple is the perfect companion for effortless mile-munching. The three 36mm carbs fuel efficiently and without fuss.
The engine was the star of the show, with a particularly strong midrange and a top speed of over 130mph.
With a genuine 75bhp at the back wheel and a healthy 60ftlb of torque it’s not short of shove, either. If you want to give the Triumph Tiger even more pep you can fit the CDI and cams from a Speed Triple, Daytona or Trident of a similar vintage.
Reliability & build quality
Next up: ValueThe Triumph Tiger's finish is generally good. However, once the black finish on the engine starts to flake it deteriorates quickly.
Check the rims and spokes for corrosion, the downpipes for rust (the cans are stainless) and the starter sprag clutch for graunching when you hit the button – a sure sign of trouble ahead with your Triumph Tiger.
Value vs rivals
Next up: EquipmentThe Triumph Tiger’s a cheap, no-nonsense antidote to motorway commuting woes. For the chap with a 50-mile round trip the Triumph Tiger's unbeatable, with a tank range that’ll see you through from Monday to Sunday without a refill.
The Tiger was released to compete with the BMW R1100GS, Honda Africa Twin, Yamaha Super Tenere and Cagiva Elefant (which clearly lost the fight).
Equipment
The Triumph Tiger’s clocks are rugged and basic – speedo, tacho, water temp and digital clock. There was a range of Triumph Tiger luggage on the market but official stuff was hard to find.
You didn't get TFT dashes or riding modes in the early 90s and Bluetooth was still a Danish sailor. The tank was made of plastic, a point of contention at the time but the finish was still good.
Specs |
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Engine size | 885cc |
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Engine type | 12v in-line triple , 6 gears |
Frame type | Tubular steel cradle |
Fuel capacity | 24 litres |
Seat height | 850mm |
Bike weight | 209kg |
Front suspension | Preload |
Rear suspension | Preload |
Front brake | Twin 276mm discs |
Rear brake | 255mm disc |
Front tyre size | 110/80 x 19 |
Rear tyre size | 140/80 x 17 |
Mpg, costs & insurance |
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Average fuel consumption | 44 mpg |
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Annual road tax | £121 |
Annual service cost | - |
New price | - |
Used price | - |
Insurance group |
13 of 17 How much to insure? |
Warranty term | Two year unlimited mileage |
Top speed & performance |
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Max power | 84 bhp |
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Max torque | 61 ft-lb |
Top speed | 119 mph |
1/4 mile acceleration | 15.2 secs |
Tank range | 230 miles |
Model history & versions
Model history
The Triumph Tiger 900 was introduced in 1993, but the Tiger name stretches back to the 1930s.
In 1995, Triumph painted the swingarm black and then added fuel injection in a further update. The Tiger 900 was superseded by a revised version with a re-tuned version of the T509 Speed Triple motor in 1998.
Other versions
None.
Owners' reviews for the TRIUMPH TIGER 900 (1993 - 1998)
10 owners have reviewed their TRIUMPH TIGER 900 (1993 - 1998) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.
Review your TRIUMPH TIGER 900 (1993 - 1998)
Summary of owners' reviews |
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Overall rating: | |
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Ride quality & brakes: | |
Engine: | |
Reliability & build quality: | |
Value vs rivals: | |
Equipment: |
Year: 1998
Recently acquired mine in Arizona. Like the riding position, but then I’ve always been an enduro fan. Carbs need some sorting but the engine shows promise. Love the 6 speed trans. Handling is nimble for a bike this heavy. Very well balanced. Two cons. Pegs could be height adjustable. Better seat would be nice. Other than that, rather well done.
Nice ride quality. Brakes ok. They could always be better
Need to get the carbs sorted, but from what I can tell the engine should be a ripper when it’s dialed in.
Haven’t put enough miles on it yet to really tell how reliable it is. I hope it lives up to its billing.
Kinda standard issue given it’s year
Buying experience: Bought on Bring a Trailer auction site.
Year: 1997
Love it, but takes effect to keep in the road
When the carbs are running ok it’s fabulous
Carbs clog over winter even when dry stored with fuel conditioner. Getting a new carb diagram from triumph 15 yrs ago when it want that old was vertually impossible. The faring bolt cease in the captive nuts embedded in plastic tank which then just spin around. Not helped by jackass service oiks who over tighten them . Starter alternator bearing fails but you’ll know from the sound well in advance .
Year: 1998
Absolute smoothness, especially the transmission
Metzlers good. Crash bars good option Givi hard side and top cases great
Buying experience: Private, in 2000. Low mileage and cheap. it ran very lean to the point of being totally unbearable, but after some research the jets needed to be drilled out with #10 if I remember correctly and it ran like a champ.
Year: 1995
bought new for my 40th birthday. its never let me down and we have done some great rides together. now also have a 2016 tiger explorer xrt but the steamer is my sentimental favourite.
great motor, heaps of character
air filter system hard to work on and carbys difficult to remove.
equipped well for the day
Year: 1998
best bike ever especially when you're 6'7"
rock solid
only problem was a puncture
use anakee 3 tyres great match to bike
Owned a 1994 tiger, as mcn said massive fork dive but you do get used to it. Excellent riding position.rear shock went and was quite exspensive to sort out, at the time I struggled to find after market extras ie hard panniers ect, mine was the old shape and I believe they were the best. I'm 6ft and I found it super comfy! I took it off rd a couple of times and I was supprised, it handled gravel and light dirt reasonably well, then I got stuck in some deep mud and couldn't lift it out due too it being so top heavy. That said you really don't feel the weight when its moving. My fuel ave mpg was nothing like mcn's quoted mpg, around 150 to a tank but this is probally as I used to ride hard. Top speed was more too, I (know a friend ;-) ) who had 132mph but anything past 100mph and you do get a speed wobble, the front lifts which can be fun... All in all I wish I'd neve sold it! Awesome bike and I would definetly recomend one to anyone! I'm currently looking at getting either another 900 or a Africa twin. Try one you'll never look back!
Great riding position, I am 6' 2" wind noise Very loud, ear plugs a must. Paint on engine has not survived 2 winters of use flaking in places. Paint on fairing flaking. Gearbox notchey. Great torque leave in top all day. Easily capable of getting your knee down, handles well.
Fantastic midrange, really effortless travelling on A roads. Comfortable for 150 miles, then the saddle starts to dig in. High riding position is great in traffic: eyeball to eyeball with transit drivers when filtering.
Just come back from 4000 mile trip to Bosnia & Croatia on it. Faultless, only problem was a puncture. Incredibly comfortable over long distances, suspension great over sub standard roads, cruises at 100 on motorways (excellent screen), scratches round mountain roads, attracts attention everywhere, gets 200 plus to a tank. Still thinking about getting the new 955 version, but this one in yellow is a cracking bike.
Bought brand new. Got knocked off three miles from leaving showroom. £4500 damage to bike and accesories. Two months before back on road. Since accident everything is all o.k. Never been on a bike that accelerates so quick and easy. Handles very well in wet and dry but the braking is just a little too soft. Comfort wise is not very good at all. Seat is too hard, only last an hour before bum goes dead. The riding position is great, can see a lot more than on most bikes. I am going to try the new 2001 model as it has a lot more power than this one. Have owned jap bikes before but after this one I am going to stick with Triumph as the reliability and build quality is much better. well done john bloor.