‘I’ve hit 143,000 miles in four years’

Philip Weston reveals the reality behind owning what must be Britain’s highest-mileage Tiger 800

IWAS LOOKING FOR a replacement for my Fazer, which I loved, and tried a Tiger for size at the NEC. It felt similar and looked alright so I bought one — didn’t even take it for a test ride, as might not have liked it and would’ve had to look for something else!

“I’m the president of the Iron Butt long-distance riding club and this bike has been built for long-distance riding and durability, with mods that include spotlights, crash bars, spindle bungs, two GPSS, short levers, a foldable gear lever, and a Scottoiler. The auxiliary fuel tank is attached to the side-box mounts (I don’t use panniers) and fitted high enough so I can still remove the seat. The fuel line is plumbed into the bottom of the in-tank fuel pump and gravity fed via a little tap on the side. At a steady 80mph I can cover 1000 miles in three stints of 4.5-5 hours.

“People just shouldn’t be afraid of clocking big miles on a bike — they can take it. I was a bit pissed off when the starter motor gave up at about 120k, especially as it turned out to be a known problem. The metal contacts on the armature are too soft and the brushes wear through it. That cost around £800 as it was out of warranty, but if I rode shorter distances and used it more it would have failed sooner and I would probably have been covered. In the grand scheme of things though, that was the biggest thing I’ve had to do to the bike.

“It’s still got the standard seat as I’ve had no reason to change it. My theory is most people ride 100 miles a day then try to ride across Europe and get a sore backside — if you just ride more, you get used to it.

“In four years of ownership it stands me a total of £21,209, including the purchase price of £8100, which works out to 15p per mile — when you consider that it’s maintained to the Triumph schedule and serviced at a main dealer, that’s not bad.

“I don’t go out on it that often but when I do, it’s rarely for less than 1000 miles. If I want a pizza, I go to Italy; for sausages, it’s Germany; and Spain is the best place for tapas — I just enjoy riding it!”

Are you in love with your high-mile machine? Email matt.wildee@ride.co.uk

Bike 2014 Triumph Tiger 800 ABS Total miles 143,018 Rider Philip Weston Age 68 Miles per year 20,000 “22.7-litre auxiliary fuel tank mounted over the back seat gives a total range of 350 miles and cost £250 to get made.” “The stepper motor needs a regular clean for proper idling. It’s not on the service schedule but worth looking at whenever the tank’s off.” “The starter motor failed at 120,000. It’s a known problem but expensive to fix out of warranty — you’re looking at the best part of a grand!” “I need a tyre that can last at least 11,000 miles. With Michelin Pilot Road 4 Trails, I can get 12,000 from the rear and 22,000 from the front.”