Triumph Tiger 1050By Thomas GroussinThe Triumph Tiger has dropped its pretence of offroad ability to give 100% to on-the-road efficiency. Not only has its versatility been kept intact, but it also provides a worthy home for the fabulous three-cylinder engine. The trend reversal is rather sharp, from a very GT-oriented previous version with some offroading capabilities (rolling tracks a must) to a much sharper upgrade, which is in fact an all-rounder, like its predecessor. The big Triumph road/trail bike's transition from 955 to 1,050 cc goes hand in hand with an in-depth makeover. Although it has been lowered, the seat height immediately convinces you that you are on a trail bike, but all the attributes of the Tiger are worthy of a sporty roadster.  © Triumph A trail bike equipped like a sports bikeAn upside down fork and two 17-inch-diameter wheels with ultra sporty tyres have been grafted onto the all-new aluminium frame. Much more svelte than before, the Triumph Tiger 1050 nonetheless remains a very impressive motorcycle whose looks are misleading, since it has a dry weight of just 200 kg! Add to that a perfectly natural riding position, and there you have a machine that is very easy to get to grips with, especially if you are at least 1m80 tall. With its light, instinctive front axle, the Triumph is an urban motorcycle something in the style of a Yamaha TDM 900. It has no difficulty weaving through traffic jams, an ability that it owes in large part to its extraordinarily round and flexible engine.  © Triumph What an engine!This original in-line three-cylinder engine is absolutely grandiose. It has an exquisite tone and rewards riders with fierce growls, but always proves to be extremely docile. Certainly one of the most delightful engines in current production, enough to put you in a good mood every morning, whatever happens. This engine is perfectly at ease when having to behave well in the city. It only just lets slip the occasional roar - an expression of its playful young feline side, nothing more. On the other hand, on the open road the docile beast changes into a pouncing tiger at the slightest burst on the throttle. No need to reach high revs for riding thrills, its flexibility is reassuring in every situation. As reliable as a Japanese model, the British bike needs servicing only every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) and boasts good fuel economy.  © Triumph Whether for travel or for fun, it has everything you needThe lightness of steering and ease of tracking at low speed might lead one not to expect perfect stability at high speed. But this is not the case: the Tiger proves always responsive when tackling a series of bends, and therefore reliable for emergency evasive action, but perfectly sharp in large bends. The suspension is remarkable, as are the typical sports-type, factory installed tyres. A choice of more versatile tyres would perhaps be wise for GT-oriented use (if only for longevity) and for those wishing to further improve the progressiveness of tilt. The upside down fork can be adjusted depending on riding style, as can the rear shock absorber. All in all, the Tiger 1050 clearly has grand tourer aptitudes. Braking is entrusted to twin 4-piston radial calipers that make it possible to obtain extremely powerful but perfectly progressive and controlled braking. From March 2007, the Triumph Tiger will also be available with an ABS system, without integral braking.  © Triumph Options necessaryThe very compact dashboard nevertheless displays interesting information. In addition to the standard fare on such a motorcycle, one finds average fuel consumption, remaining range in kilometres, average speed. It's a shame that switching between functions is not controlled from the handlebar, but by pressing a button on the dashboard. It is regrettable to find the centre stand (very useful for drive chain maintenance) and passenger grab rail among the options, but the Tiger 1050 can also be equipped with a host of accessories that include soft and rigid luggage (2 box pannier kit: £449.99) and comfort enhancements (touring windscreen recommended at £99.99, heated grips, Gel seat, etc). A Speed Triple in trail version?Triumph connoisseurs will no doubt recognise, when trying out this new Tiger, the spirit of the boisterous Speed Triple roadster, which also increased to 1,050 cc two years ago. In reality, the GT trail bike offers a more composed approach, with more comfort, to make the most of the engine over long distances. Enough to delight all bike nuts in love with the Triumph three-cylinder.Technical dataEngine type: liquid-cooled in-line 3-cylinder, 12 valves Capacity: 1,050 cc Fuel supply: electronic injection Maximum power: 115 PS at 9,400 rpm Maximum torque: 100 Nm at 6,250 rpm Gearbox: 6-speed Final drive: chain Frame: aluminium beam perimeter Front brakes: twin 320 mm discs, 4-piston calipers; Rear: single 255 mm disc (ABS optional) Front tyre: 120/70 x 17; Rear: 180/55 x 17 Seat height: 835 mm Fuel tank capacity: 20 litres Dry weight: 198 kg PRACTICAL: Colours: black, blue, white, yellow Warranty: 2 years parts and labour, unlimited mileage OTR price: £7,499, (£8,099 with ABS) Place of manufacture: England Web site: www.triumph.co.uk OUR MEASUREMENTS: Top speed: over 200 kph (124 mph) Average fuel consumption: 6 l/100 km (62 miles) Average fuel range before reserve: 270 km (168 miles) |
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