TRIUMPH TIGER 900 (1993 - 1998) Review

At a glance

Owners' reliability rating: 4.3 out of 5 (4.3/5)
Power: 84 bhp
Seat height: Tall (33.5 in / 850 mm)
Weight: Medium (461 lbs / 209 kg)

Overall rating

Next up: Ride & brakes
3 out of 5 (3/5)

The 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.

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: Engine
3 out of 5 (3/5)

The 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: Reliability
4 out of 5 (4/5)

The 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: Value
3 out of 5 (3/5)

The 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: Equipment
4 out of 5 (4/5)

The 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).

Find a used Triumph Tiger 900 for sale

Equipment

3 out of 5 (3/5)

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

Engine size 885cc
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

Average fuel consumption 44 mpg
Annual road tax £117
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

Max power 84 bhp
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

Overall rating: 4.5 out of 5 (4.5/5)
Ride quality & brakes: 4.7 out of 5 (4.7/5)
Engine: 4.9 out of 5 (4.9/5)
Reliability & build quality: 4.3 out of 5 (4.3/5)
Value vs rivals: 4.6 out of 5 (4.6/5)
Equipment: 4.2 out of 5 (4.2/5)
4 out of 5 Real Steal on a Steamer
10 May 2024 by Timmer362

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.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Nice ride quality. Brakes ok. They could always be better

Engine 4 out of 5

Need to get the carbs sorted, but from what I can tell the engine should be a ripper when it’s dialed in.

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

Haven’t put enough miles on it yet to really tell how reliable it is. I hope it lives up to its billing.

Value vs rivals 3 out of 5
Equipment 3 out of 5

Kinda standard issue given it’s year

Buying experience: Bought on Bring a Trailer auction site.

4 out of 5 When running it’s fab!
02 May 2023 by Dave Kirkbride

Year: 1997

Love it, but takes effect to keep in the road

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5

When the carbs are running ok it’s fabulous

Reliability & build quality 3 out of 5

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 .

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
5 out of 5
21 November 2021 by Robert Pinder

Year: 1998

Absolute smoothness, especially the transmission

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 5 out of 5

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.

5 out of 5
21 February 2021 by geoff

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.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5

great motor, heaps of character

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

air filter system hard to work on and carbys difficult to remove.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 5 out of 5

equipped well for the day

5 out of 5 steamer
02 March 2016 by megagrathings

Year: 1998

best bike ever especially when you're 6'7"

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5

rock solid

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

only problem was a puncture

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 5 out of 5

use anakee 3 tyres great match to bike

5 out of 5 wish i'd never sold it.
05 February 2013 by steman83

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!

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
4 out of 5 My Review
28 June 2002 by GeneralSNAFU

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.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
3 out of 5 My Review
08 March 2002 by richardhammond

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.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 3 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
5 out of 5 My Review
03 October 2001 by Dixie2

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.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
5 out of 5 My Review
07 May 2001 by ballmick

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.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
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