September 19, 2006 Brand new for 2007, the Triumph Tiger 1050 is a completely new motorcycle compared with the current Tiger 955. The potent Speed Triple-derived engine has been tweaked to suit the Tiger's unique temperament, delivering 115 bhp with its extra 100cc. Based on the same engine which appears in the Speed Triple and ST models, the overall Tiger weight has been cut from 215 kg to 198 kg at the same time as much fatter mid-range and a price which is yet to be announced but likely to be line-ball with the current model. A sophisticated engine management system offers twice as much memory as before, allowing a quicker start and improved fuel economy while multi-adjustable front and rear suspension keeps things firmly planted. Photo Gallery here.
While its sharp lines and performance spec make the Tiger's sporting credentials clear from a glance, its stunning looks hide a practical streak: Take a Tiger two-up touring way off into the wilds and you've got a bike that comfortably devours miles of tarmac. The relaxed riding position, spacious seat, supple suspension and tractable torquey engine guarantee you arrive fresh at the end of the longest day.
Next, ditch the bags, go it alone and head for a bit of fun at strange angles. Tucked into a brilliantly balanced chassis, the Tiger's potent engine delivers power and ear to ear grins.
Multi-adjustable front and rear suspension keeps things planted and a squeeze on the radial brakes stops you on a euro. Then it's back to the city where the Tiger slinks through snarled up traffic and the sleek lines look sharp as a knife. Here the commanding view really comes into its own, giving the rider the jump on everyone, while the wide bars make tight manoeuvres child's play. Soft luggage holds the day's essentials.
Nothing sounds like a triple so there's simply no confusing a Tiger with the whine of an anonymous four. You can almost feel the sound on your skin. At the new Tiger's heart is the amazing 1050cc, fuel-injected, three-cylinder engine that's been so well received in both Sprint ST and Speed Triple guise. This motor, known for its addictive character, has plenty of torque and impressive amounts of horsepower, with ample reserves of both for those two-up fully laden tours. Peak power of 115PS (114bhp) is delivered at 9,400rpm, with 100Nm (74ft.lbf) torque at 6,250rpm.
As for the chassis, sit on a Tiger and you know it's a fit. Fast scratcher, packed tourer or head up commuter, it always feels right. The twin-spar aluminium frame housing the 1050cc engine is new as is the braced aluminium swingarm. New too are the castaluminium wheels, both are now 17in allowing a wider choice of tyres; the front tyre's a 120/70 ZR17, the rear a 180/55 ZR17. The 43mm upside down fully adjustable forks and remote spring preload and rebound damping adjustable rear shock provide an almost magic carpet-like ride over the most varied of surfaces, from the roughest Tarmac to the smoothest blacktop asphalt.
Twin four-piston radial calipers bite 320mm front discs, the rear 255mm disc uses a single twin-piston caliper. The Tiger's seat height is a manageable 835mm (32.9in), matched to a dry weight of 198kg. Fuel capacity is 20 litres (5.2 gal US), giving an excellent touring range.
Comfort has always been a strength for the Tiger and the new model is no different: Rider and pillion benefit from great ergonomics, excellent wind protection and rubber mounted handle bars and foot pegs.
Then there's the look: the Tiger in profile looks ready to pounce. The sharp, angular lines of the headlight cowl muscle up around the tank and then flow beautifully to the upswept tail.
A bike capable of so many different things should look like a compromise yet the Tiger looks stunning. Available in four different colour options – Caspian Blue, Scorched Yellow, Fusion White and Jet Black.
There are very few genuine all-round motorcycles in existence – the Tiger is surely one of them. Available from January 2007.
