Triumph Tiger

2007 was a big year for Tiger fans when the brand new Triumph Tiger 1050 was released - a major evolutionary step in the model's history. This new Tiger lives in a genuinely different space to other bikes in its class, excelling in three distinct areas: it tours, it scratches and it commutes. 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 Nissin four piston radial caliper front brakes stop you on a cent.
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 Tiger's heart is the 1,050cc, fuel-injected, three-cylinder engine. 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 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. Fast scratcher, packed tourer or head up commuter, it always feels right. The twin-spar aluminium frame housing the 1,050cc engine is new, as is the braced aluminium swingarm. New too are the cast aluminium 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 , matched to a dry weight of 198kg (ABS weighs 201Kg). Fuel capacity is 20 litres, giving an excellent touring range.
Comfort has always been a strength for the Tiger and 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, Fusion White, Jet Black and new for 2008, Blazing Orange.
Factory hard luggage is available for the Tiger, as is a tank bag, soft tail pack and heated grips, as well as a whole range of other accessory options.
Supremely comfortable, two-up tourer; sporty solo funster or sleek, stylish city bike: There are very few genuine all round motorcycles in existence - the Tiger is surely one of them.

Triumph Tiger
Engine:Liquid-cooled, 12 valve, DOHC, in-line 3-cylinder
Capacity: 1,050cc
Compression Ratio: 12.0:1
Gearbox: 6-speed
Frame: Aluminium beam twin spar
Suspension: Front- Showa 43mm upside down forks with adjustable preload, rebound and compression damping 150mm travel.
Rear - Showa Monoshock with adjustable preload and rebound damping 150mm rear wheel travel

Updates for 2008:
_ New 2008 colour: Blazing Orange