For those of you who have little interest in bikes, ... then you may like to skip this post. I've been asked in several emails to let people know exactly what problems I've encountered with the bike over the last 20,000 miles, ...... but it is a short list.
1. Chain Guard. The guard snapped during the fitting of new tyres in Volgograd. It was 'fixed' but then snapped again. It has now been fixed more securely using a metal bracket found on an old air conditioning unit in Vladivostok.
2. Headlight Bulb. One 'Dip Beam' element blew in Eastern Russia. Both bulbs were replaced using free spares provided by triumph-online.co.uk
3. Clutch Cable. The original cable snapped just south of Irkutsk. The inner cable had been suspect since the time of purchase, ..... but I'd been too lazy to replace it.
4. Battery. The original battery had been on the bike when I'd purchased it, but the bike had been standing unused for almost a year. This was replaced after the bike failed to start at the point of departure. Embarrassing yes, ..... but 'Whites Honda' of Darlington provided a replacement battery at cost.
5. Chains & Sprockets. In Vladivostok I changed the C&S for 'DiD Gold' items, again supplied by triumph-onLine.co.uk. The original fitments had lasted 19,000 miles and I suspect would have continued to provide good service for a further 10,000. If I hadn't been carrying the replacements, ... I would not have changed.
6. Air Filter. I replaced the original air filter with a K&N item in America, 22,000 miles. It was dusty but fully serviceable and performance had not deteriorated.
7. Oil. The oil and filter were replaced prior to departure (4,000 miles) and then again in Vladivostok (18,000 miles). The oil removed was still clean and no oil had been consumed or lost.
8. Brake Pads. The pads, front and rear, were replaced prior to departure (4,000 miles). They were replaced again in Vladivostok (18,000 miles) with approximately 50% wear.
9. Tyres. The original Michelin Anakee's were replaced in Volgograd using a Pirelli Scorpion front and a Metzeler Tourance rear. These are not a good match but will probably be good for another 15,000 miles.
10. Fuel. The bike has never complained about the quality of fuel that I've used on any part of the journey. The average consumption has been just under 60mpg.
In real terms, the Tiger has been 100% reliable and far more economical than I had imagined. It has done everything asked of it and never complained, ...... it is a bike that thrives on neglect, ... a perfect match for a Courier riding around the world.
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2 comments:
Dude I totally admire what your doing! Fantastic that you just up and left like that. I just done about 9 countries myself on a Suzuki Intruder 800 and it was one of the best experiences of my life.
I wish you the best in your endeavour and will be watching your posts wit interest. Good luck and be safe..
Chris, London UK
Thanks Chris, ... A journey like this is not as difficult as others make it sound, ... it's just like your own '9 Countries' but with a slightly longer time-table. It's 'giving up' the things at home that's the difficult part.
Keep Riding Safe.
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