2007 Triumph Tiger
2007 is a big year for its fans with the release of the brand new Triumph Tiger 1050, a major evolutionary step in the model's history. 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 quickly. 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. Nothing sounds like a triple so there's simply no confusing a Tiger with the whine of an anonymous four.
At the new Tiger's heart is the 1050cc, fuel-injected, three-cylinder engine that's been so well received in both Sprint ST and Speed Triple guise. This motor has plenty of torque and impressive amounts of horsepower, with ample reserves of both for those two-up fully laden tours. Peak power of 114bhp is delivered at 9,400rpm, with 100Nm torque at 6,250rpm.
As for the chassis, sit on a Tiger and you know it's a fit. The twin-spar aluminium frame housing, the 1050cc engine is new as is the braced aluminium swingarm. New too are the cast aluminium wheels, both are now 17-inch, allowing a wider choice of tyres - the front tyres 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 excellent ride over the most varied of surfaces.
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, matched to a dry weight of 198kg. Fuel capacity is 20 litres.
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 to the upswept tail. A bike capable of so many different things should look like a compromise yet the Tiger looks stunning. Factory hard luggage is available for the Tiger, as is a tank bag, soft tail pack and heated grips, as other accessory options.
