1997 Tiger - What to look for?

As the title suggests, what should I look for when viewing? The price is definitely right, but I'm hesitant buying a 12 year old machine for my touring needs.

Any gotchas I should be wary of? Mechanic trouble?

Motors are pretty bullet-proof and have gobs of torque. At idle, they can sound pretty ugly (or sweet depending on your perspective), though, almost like a diesel. Around 4K, hang on and 6K, they sound sweet.

The sprag clutch on the starter and the alternator bolt seem to be the Achilles heel of
the Triumph triples, although by 97 I think they mostly cured those problems. Just make sure not to try and start it on a weak battery--that's what seems to do in the sprag clutches.
Other issues include loose coil connections that need to be sanded & recrimped tighter, carb float/pilot jet clogged issues if they've set a long time and the coil (timing) pickup going bad.
Check the brake/clutch fluid. If it's not a clear, light honey color, it'll need to be flushed.

http://www.triumphrat.net/tiger/

Thanks Tracker.. Worthwhile advice!

I just picked up a 1995 Blue one pretty cheap (about the costs of a used CRF150F). Mine needs a new chain, has one panel with a small blemish, and needs some tlc cleaning, etc.

Any odds your looking at the red one in Austin?

There was one there that had pics of it in the backyard under a kiddie pool for a while, they cleaned it up and put a new seat on it and relisted it.

FWIW, if it is one that sat for a long period of time, you'd be better off spending the extra for the one listed here on TWT. The one on TWT has bags, and some nice extras and seems to be used currently. Just my two cents.

I don't know either seller.

Here are some links with great info on them. I am very pumped about getting mine and hope to do some medium distance rides on it.

http://tigertriple.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4997

http://www.triumphrat.net/tiger-chat/

Here's mine...

Unfortunately it IS the red one in Austin. The seller still hasn't replied and if its been sitting for awhile I won't get it. I went back a few days and found the first listing. I want a running bike. I already have a project bike, I don't need another one