12/02/2024
Finding Your Triumph Tiger 900 GT Pro (2020 Onwards)
The Triumph Tiger 900 GT Pro, particularly the models from 2020 onwards, represents a significant step forward in the adventure touring segment. Renowned for its versatility, comfortable ergonomics, and capable performance, it’s a machine that appeals to a broad spectrum of riders, from those embarking on long-distance journeys to daily commuters seeking a more engaging experience. If you're in the market for this impressive motorcycle, knowing where to look is key. Online platforms dedicated to motorcycle sales offer a fantastic resource. Websites like TheBikeMarket are specifically designed to connect buyers and sellers of pre-owned and new motorcycles. Here, you can often find the latest deals, comprehensive price guides, detailed specifications, and high-quality images of the Triumph Tiger 900 GT Pro. This allows you to conduct your search from the comfort of your home, comparing different options and ensuring you find a bike that perfectly matches your needs and budget.
Why Choose the Triumph Tiger 900 GT Pro?
The Tiger 900 range, and the GT Pro in particular, was a substantial evolution from its predecessors. Triumph injected a new 888cc triple engine, delivering more power and torque, along with a revised chassis for improved handling and agility. The GT Pro variant typically comes equipped with higher-spec components, including premium suspension, advanced rider aids, heated grips, cruise control, and a TFT display, making it the top-tier offering in the GT (road-focused) line-up. Its comfortable riding position, excellent wind protection, and robust build quality make it an ideal companion for both winding country roads and extended motorway stints.
Where to Purchase
TheBikeMarket is a prime example of an online marketplace where you can find a Triumph Tiger 900 GT Pro. These platforms aggregate listings from dealerships and private sellers, giving you a wide selection to choose from. When searching, be sure to utilise the filtering options to narrow down your results by model year, mileage, price, and location. Reading the descriptions carefully and examining the accompanying photographs is crucial. Don't hesitate to contact sellers with any questions you may have. For those who prefer a more traditional approach, visiting official Triumph dealerships is always an option. Dealerships can offer the advantage of pre-sale inspections, warranties, and the opportunity to test ride the motorcycle before making a commitment.
Customising Your Ride: Lowering the Triumph Tiger 900 GT
While the Triumph Tiger 900 GT Pro is designed for comfort and capability, some riders may wish to adjust its ride height. This could be for a variety of reasons, such as improving ground clearance for off-road excursions or, more commonly, to achieve a more comfortable footing at traffic lights and during low-speed manoeuvres, especially for shorter riders. This modification is typically achieved through the use of motorcycle jack up kits or lowering kits.
Understanding Ride Height Adjusters
Ride height adjusters, often referred to as jack up kits or lowering kits, are components designed to modify the rear suspension geometry of a motorcycle. They usually replace the stock linkage arms (sometimes called 'dog bones' or tie-rods) in the rear suspension system. By altering the length of these components, the overall stance of the motorcycle is changed.
How Lowering Kits Work:
Lowering kits achieve their purpose by effectively lengthening the connection between the swingarm and the shock absorber. This results in the rear of the motorcycle sitting lower. The benefits of lowering a bike can include:
- Improved footing: Crucial for shorter riders to feel more secure at stops.
- Easier manoeuvrability at low speeds: A lower centre of gravity can make a bike feel more manageable in tight spaces.
- Enhanced stability at high speeds: While seemingly counter-intuitive, a slightly lower rear can sometimes improve high-speed stability by altering the bike's rake and trail.
How Raising Kits (Jack Up Kits) Work:
Conversely, raising kits (or jack up kits) shorten these linkage arms, lifting the rear of the motorcycle. This can:
- Quicken steering response: By steepening the steering head angle.
- Improve turn-in: Making the bike feel more eager to lean into corners.
- Increase ground clearance: Beneficial for riders who encounter rougher terrain or want to avoid scraping components.
- Accommodate taller riders: Providing a slightly more upright or spacious riding position.
Considerations When Lowering Your Tiger 900 GT
When considering a lowering kit for your Triumph Tiger 900 GT, it's important to understand the implications:
- Handling Changes: Lowering the rear of the bike will change its rake and trail. This can make the steering feel quicker but might also reduce stability in some situations. Conversely, raising the rear (using jack up kits) will slacken the steering head angle, potentially making the steering heavier but improving straight-line stability.
- Suspension Performance: Lowering kits often come with specific shock absorber recommendations or may require adjustments to the stock suspension settings to maintain optimal performance and avoid bottoming out. The information provided by manufacturers like Lust Racing suggests that while shock and spring settings can still be adjusted, altering the ride height fundamentally changes the bike's geometry.
- Legality: It is crucial to check the local regulations in your country regarding modifications to motorcycle suspension and ride height, especially for road use. Some modifications that are acceptable for track use may not be legal for public roads.
- Component Clearance: Lowering the bike too much can lead to components like the exhaust, fairings, or even the tyre rubbing against the swingarm or bodywork, especially when encountering bumps or during hard cornering.
Where to Find Lowering Kits
Specialist manufacturers like Lust Racing offer a range of ride height adjusters for various motorcycle models, including potentially the Triumph Tiger 900 range. They pride themselves on developing products for both racing and street applications. When looking for a kit, check if they explicitly list compatibility with the Triumph Tiger 900 GT or GT Pro (2020 onwards). Their product descriptions often detail the specific amount by which the ride height can be adjusted (e.g., 20mm, 40mm) and the materials used in their construction, such as high-tensile steel for durability.
If you don't see a kit listed for your specific model, companies like Lust Racing often encourage customers to contact them directly. Their product lines are continuously expanding, and they may have a kit in development or be able to offer a custom solution. Their web contact forms are the best way to initiate such inquiries.
Table: Impact of Ride Height Adjustment
| Modification | Effect on Handling | Benefit for Rider | Potential Drawbacks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lowering Kit (Rear Lowered) | Quicker steering, potentially less high-speed stability. Steeper rake angle. | Improved footing, easier low-speed manoeuvrability. | Reduced ground clearance, potential for component contact, altered suspension geometry. |
| Raising Kit (Rear Raised / Jack Up) | Slower steering, improved high-speed stability. Slacker rake angle. | Better ground clearance, potentially more comfortable riding position for taller riders. | Can make steering feel heavier, more difficult low-speed control for shorter riders. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I lower my Triumph Tiger 900 GT Pro?
Yes, you can lower your Triumph Tiger 900 GT Pro using specific lowering kits that replace the rear suspension linkage. This is a common modification for riders seeking a more comfortable stance.
Q2: How much can I lower the Tiger 900 GT?
The amount you can lower the bike depends on the specific kit available. Manufacturers typically offer kits that lower the rear by a set amount, such as 20mm, 30mm, or 40mm. It's generally not recommended to lower the rear by more than 40-45mm to avoid significant negative impacts on handling and clearance.
Q3: Will lowering affect my bike's handling?
Yes, lowering the rear of the motorcycle will alter its geometry. It typically makes the steering quicker and the bike more responsive to rider input, but it can also reduce stability at higher speeds and potentially cause components to scrape if lowered excessively.
Q4: Is it legal to lower my motorcycle?
You must check the specific laws and regulations in your country or region regarding motorcycle modifications for road use. Some modifications may be permissible for track use only.
Q5: Where can I buy a Triumph Tiger 900 GT Pro?
You can find Triumph Tiger 900 GT Pro models for sale on specialised motorcycle marketplaces like TheBikeMarket, or through official Triumph dealerships.
In conclusion, the Triumph Tiger 900 GT Pro is a highly capable adventure touring motorcycle. Whether you're looking to purchase one or customise its ride height for a more personalised experience, understanding your options and the potential consequences of modifications is key. Always prioritise safety, legality, and consult with reputable suppliers or mechanics when undertaking such changes.
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