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TRIUMPH TIGER 1050 (2006-2012) Review

Published: 24 November 2006

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Free of any off-road ambitions the Tiger is a much better motorcycle

TRIUMPH TIGER 1050 (2006-2012)

Free of any off-road ambitions the Tiger is a much better motorcycle

Overall Rating 4 out of 5

With the 2007 Triumph Tiger 1050, the Hinckley firm decided to put cross-country aptitudes to one side. Nobody in their right mind would go off-road on a stock 955 Tiger, so the fact that the Triumph Tiger 1050 is more road-biased (looks and handling) matters not a jot. It all adds up to a better road bike and for us a better motorcycle, which is what Triumph aimed at and has achieved.

Watch Triumph's Tiger take on the Moto Guzzi Stelvio, BMW's R1200GS and the KTM 990 Adventure

Ride Quality & Brakes 4 out of 5

The 2007 Triumph Tiger 1050 is much less intimidating to get on with. Although the seat remains high it’s compensated by being narrower. And at greatly reduced weight of 198 kilos (old one was 215kg dry). It all adds up to feeling more at one with the motorcycle, more integrated. If it wasn’t for the broad handlebars and tall suspension it’d be easy to forget the Triumph Tiger 1050 is still a large trailster and not an everyday middleweight motorcycle.

Engine 4 out of 5

As used in Triumph’s Speed Triple and Sprint ST, the Triumph Tiger's 1050cc powerplant’s output has been reduced to 115bhp but it’s still better in every way. Not just in the way it out grunts the old bike, but the way the throttle responds to rider input. This makes the Triumph Tiger 1050 much easier to live with in slow traffic or attacking countryside bends. The taller top gear ratio also means the Tiger 1050 is considerably more relaxed at cruising speeds, helping reduce fuel consumption and rider fatigue.

Build Quality & Reliability 4 out of 5

Too early to say, but there’s nothing essentially wrong with any of the latest products of the Hinckley factory and this new Triumph Tiger 1050 is effectively an amalgam of a handful of them. From what we can tell so far, quality is good.

Insurance, running costs & value 4 out of 5

From once being in big trailie territory, the Triumph Tiger 1050 is now in a world populated by Ducati Multistradas and the like. Against them the Triumph Tiger 1050 is good value. Find a Triumph Tiger 1050 for sale

Insurance group: 14 of 17 – compare motorcycle insurance quotes now.

Equipment 4 out of 5

With its minimalist style, large upside down forks, radially-mounted brakes and enormous Daytona 675 look-a-like swingarm, the Triumph Tiger 1050's identity has shifted towards a stronger sporting capability. Even though the exhaust is side-mounted, there’s little usable space under the seat.

By MCN Staff

Owners' Reviews

23 owners have reviewed their TRIUMPH TIGER 1050 (2006-2012) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.

Review your TRIUMPH TIGER 1050 (2006-2012)
Summary of Owners' Reviews
Overall Rating 4.6 out of 5
Ride Quality & Brakes 4.5 out of 5
Engine 4.8 out of 5
Build Quality & Reliability 4.7 out of 5
Value & Running Costs 4.6 out of 5
Equipment 4.2 out of 5
4 out of 5

It's all about the engine

04 December 2017 by Guz

Year : 2010

Very good for covering serious miles with a powerful but relaxed engine happy to cruise along at low revs but willing to dramatically pick up the pace with a twist of the throttle. Seating position is high and upright so again very good for long... Read more spells in the saddle. Handling is subject to soft rear suspension and a top heavy feel which makes it feel less nimble than it maybe should.

Ride Quality & Brakes
4 out of 5
The bike is very tall and VERY top heavy with a large metal fuel tank high up. With that tank full it makes manoeuvring the bike a test of strength with the possibility of it toppling over a real concern. It also makes the handling a bit strange - difficult to describe but I always feel more confident on other bikes than my own Tiger. Rear shock is very soft. Brakes are good with ABS and it's all day comfortable with plenty of room for legs, a nice reach to the bars and a very good seat. It's much better on sweeping A roads than tight twisties.
Engine
5 out of 5
Star of the show - bags of low down grunt and high end power when revved hard.
Build Quality & Reliability
5 out of 5
Not a single issue in 6 years of ownership - never even changed a light bulb.
Value & Running Costs
4 out of 5
Drops a star due to large service cost at 12k miles where the valves need to be checked and adjusted if required - most don't need adjusting but the checking alone makes the bill 450GBP min.
Equipment
3 out of 5
Triumph panniers are a good addition but are no where near as good as BMW items - a bit small and don't fit as well.
Buying experience

Bought new from a Triumph dealer and at the time it was a very straight forward process. They have since however introduced a 15GBP charge if you want to test ride a new bike - yes thats correct. Consequently I've just replaced the Tiger but went elsewhere.

4 out of 5

Honest opinion of an exceptional Bike ;))) Love it....

16 November 2017 by Mark Williams

Year : 2007

Excellent bike, comfortable, as with any bike, once you sort out your sag and set up suspension it is all good, takes a while to get used to the riding position. iv'e done the air box mod, K&N Filter, Delkevic 450mm exhaust and 20545 Map. goes like... Read more hell from the off! I own k4 gixxer 1000/ Tuono R/Fazer thou modded to 140bhp and believe me this tiger will keep up with any of them to around 80mph now, brilliant handling once correct tire pressures are set 36f 42r (big lad) wind buffeting is zero with Puig touring screen and i am 6 foot 3, brakes could be better but will bleed and change pads to EBC soon, Factory heated grips are a nice touch and the extra chunky grips work for me as i have large hands. i have had 100mph in third no problem and stock gearing, (Private runway) maintenance is a pleasure on this bike when you take the patience to remove various panels to get to the plugs/air box, all in all great package and with tweaks mentioned above is a real keeper, don't go out buying the best suspension going, get someone to set it up with original and try first before wasting ££££££

Ride Quality & Brakes
4 out of 5
set up correctly and always put fresh pads of your choice for peace of mind,
Engine
5 out of 5
Stunning
Build Quality & Reliability
4 out of 5
I have had no problems at all, 10 years old and not a spot of corrosion anywhere.
Value & Running Costs
5 out of 5
-
Equipment
5 out of 5
I had no extra equipment on my model.
Buying experience

Total pleasure, was not looking for this bike at all but saw it in a garage, Black and gold colour, loved the look, sat on it then realised it was a Tiger! Gobsmacked, I took for ride and bought straight away... it's not an old mans bike' at all, i'm only 45yrs and I race bikes (amateur) have 8 bikes in garage and this one takes pride of place between Fazer1000/Gixxer1000 and my Tuono R, will wheelie in third gear now ;-)))

5 out of 5

Bargain to precious metal tomorrow.

13 August 2017 by Gal

Version : SE
Year : 2010
Annual servicing cost : £150

Spend time getting to know its character. It's not something to just jump on . Read more

Ride Quality & Brakes
5 out of 5
Oh great seat for rider, but it's oddly got a sporty pillion position with a large seat. You run out of petrol before you need to get off.
Engine
5 out of 5
It's on Spanish plates so is used in very hot conditions very often. And it suits the conditions very well. The power delivery can be a bit snatchy from the off but then it settles down.
Build Quality & Reliability
5 out of 5
None it's the last of the great old fashioned built bikes.
Value & Running Costs
5 out of 5
The only time you get hit is when the 18,000 mile service comes around.
Equipment
4 out of 5
Michelin Pilot 4s are the perfect tyre for this machine .
Buying experience

Dealer ex demo.

5 out of 5

28 May 2017 by Gavin

Year : 2008
Annual servicing cost : £100

Best bike I've owned, the engine is smooth and pulls from 25 mph in top gear, the gearbox can be clunky but there's so much torque you don't need to use the gearbox a lot, the riding position is comfortable all day long, I get 53mpg and a 220+ mile... Read more tank range, the headlight is poor but can be swapped for the better Tiger Sport headlight which is much better, Triumph panniers are ugly, heavy and small so you need to pack light if you plan touring, done 3 European tours and managed though. I'd love a button on the dash to control the dash, it's a bit of a stretch to the dash so you can't scroll through the dash info on the move, and the std heated bar switch is in the most stupid place! apart from those little niggles I love the bike.

Ride Quality & Brakes
4 out of 5
Standard Rear shock doesn't last long, and not much adjustment, replace with the best you can afford and it's a better handling bike.
Engine
5 out of 5
Love it, best engine I've ever had on a bike, had ECU remapped, fitted Remus powercone and opened up the air filter housing.
Build Quality & Reliability
5 out of 5
-
Value & Running Costs
5 out of 5
Do my own servicing, parts are cheap, easy to work on.
Equipment
4 out of 5
clocks are annoying, no information button on handlebars and always defaults to miles left in tank, meaning when you fill up you have to press the button on the clocks to scroll to the screen you want.
5 out of 5

Great bike, great engine.

31 October 2016 by David F

Year : 2010

Great engine, whatever the gear just open the throttle to go, drop down a gear and it takes off with the front end just lightening a tad in the lower gears. Two up is a doddle and the handling sure and predictable - so much better than my earlier... Read more Tiger 855! One small issue is the screen - at 6ft tall my helmet was in the dirty air and at speed the wind made my helmet lift and wobble. A MRA Vario screen solved these problems. Riding position is ideal, 250 miles in a day no problem - comfortable and no sore wrists.

Ride Quality & Brakes
4 out of 5
What a great versatile bike, nipping around town, touring or a Sunday ride out, all fun... just too many cars on the road getting in the way!
Engine
5 out of 5
The triple just pulls whatever the situation and whatever gear you are in...no searching for power bands, just point and go... makes over taking a doddle.
Build Quality & Reliability
5 out of 5
-
Value & Running Costs
5 out of 5
-
Equipment
4 out of 5
Change the screen (MRA vario) to reduce turbulence.
Buying experience

Pidcock Triumph in Nottingham were excellent - sorted a few niggles after the test ride and kept in touch to ensure I was happy with the (2nd hand) purchase.

5 out of 5

Brilliant

28 May 2016 by Nigel

Version : Se
Year : 2012
Annual servicing cost : £150

On my second one what more can I say !!!! Read more

Ride Quality & Brakes
5 out of 5
Got 31 thou on clock now been to Europe etc etc and rear shock just starting to get little bit past it but been brill till now. Don't play with suspension as don't really have a clue but very happy with ride quality, brakes are good for feel and response even if ABS is slightly old school.
Engine
5 out of 5
Smooth and silky and that noise from triple engine when combined with my Arrow race is sublime. Power is fine gotta 'Busa in garage, had since new in 2000 and always go for Tiger just can't sell 'Busa!!!
Build Quality & Reliability
4 out of 5
Standard battery crap fitted updated 14tx now no probs, fingers crossed otherwise all good. Build quality not to bad.
Value & Running Costs
5 out of 5
Tyres used Pilot rd 2/3 but last pair crap so gonna try the new Maxxis which has had good reviews, we shall see. Pads use EBCs good on price etc , chain use a scottoiler so great, fuel averages about 48 to gallon with varied use so overall find it great value for money per mile
Equipment
3 out of 5
Bit lacking mine has ABS but not even gear indicator which it could do with as when in top still want to change up, Lights woeful, horn feeble and don't go there with screen.
Buying experience

Bought from Stratstone Triumph in Wolverhampton had good ps with my 2007 Tiger cost me 2 grand to change very happy.

3 out of 5

Good on paper but mediocre in real life.

10 April 2016 by troyus

Version : 2007
Year : 2007

As an everday vehicle to get from A to B it's great. Very reliable with decent if unexciting power. I think for a non-motorcycle enthusiast it's just peachy. If you love to ride and have tasted the fruits of a fire breathing Italian or other bike... Read more with lots of personality, you're going to be bored to death.

Ride Quality & Brakes
2 out of 5
Here is the biggest problem - wind buffeting. If you're 6 feet or taller wind is going to buffet your head like crazy. I tried 3 different screens. The only one that works was the CalSci screen which is the size of a barn door and looks incredibly stupid. Best idea is to go with a really small screen and just give up on wind protection.
Engine
3 out of 5
Decent power, nothing exciting about it though, to be honest. I'm trying to think of a more boring engine... perhaps the CBR F4 motor... Also sounds stupid, like a fluttering, fat butterfly. The Daytona 675 and MV triples sound and feel far better. And this was after changing the exhaust....
Build Quality & Reliability
4 out of 5
The quality is alright, the dash on mine had issues with the rev gauge slipping. Overall it has a very Japanese feeling.
Value & Running Costs
5 out of 5
Change the spark plugs, tires, and oil. That's really it.
Equipment
4 out of 5
Best feature of this bike is reliability. It's the Prius of sport touring bikes. Almost forgot I owned it.
5 out of 5

2012 Tiger 1050 SE

18 February 2016 by Andy

Version : SE
Year : 2012

Best feature is the equipment level, the SE Spec is a great all round package. Read more

Ride Quality & Brakes
4 out of 5
Pretty good especially two up, my partner much prefers it to my old xjr and so do I, it goes around bends, lol!
Engine
4 out of 5
Not really given it 'the berries' yet as the weather has been pretty dire but up to motorway speeds it's pretty good. Very flat torque that available right from the off!
Build Quality & Reliability
5 out of 5
I have to admit to being very pleasantly surprised by the build quality, some nice touches.
Value & Running Costs
5 out of 5
Only had the bike a few weeks so nothing to report so far service wise but does seem fairly economical at around 49 mpg.
Equipment
4 out of 5
Pleased with all the equipment. The heated grips switch is in a silly place though. Panniers are extremely well made but sadly not a lot of room inside which is a real shame as they look the bizz. I think the locking mechanism takes up a lot of room internally at the cost of luggage space. Triumph have fitted bigger panniers on the 2013 tiger sport but I don't think they look quite as good.
Buying experience

Bought the bike from a local dealer, 3yrs old and 8k on the clock, it was in mint condition. Got what I wanted for my old bike and the deal was done. Very pleased.

4 out of 5

Se 2009

10 November 2015 by Bal

Version : SE
Year : 2009
Annual servicing cost : £150

Very comfortable, engine is torquey, sweet and smooth. Great riding position, handling good for a bike of this size. Best on an open road Read more

Ride Quality & Brakes
5 out of 5
Brakes very good. Rear Michelin Pilot 3 tyre lasted 10k. Replacement Avons feel more sure footed
Engine
4 out of 5
Bit sluggish and heavy around town but sweet when on an open road especially when accelerating out of bends. Very responsive but sensitive throttle control needed on bumpy roads in lower gears
Build Quality & Reliability
3 out of 5
Starting problems when hot. Bike fryed 4 batteries in only 9k miles. No dealer seemed to know what was causing it but resolved when a new starter motor fitted with Triumph upgrade which includes new stronger idler gears, bearings, uprated sprag clutch and new outer casings as well as a Yuasa battery. This turned the engine over more quickly and appears to have resolved the issue but cost £650 with labour
Value & Running Costs
4 out of 5
-
Equipment
4 out of 5
Heated grips good. Headlight is poor. Standard panniers adequate and simple to fit but too small for a helmet
Buying experience

Purchased from Triumph dealer when bike was 4 years old. £4000 less than price of a new one so paid £6250 in Aug 2013 because it had sat in the showroom for 3 years before that. Only had 700 miles on clock so looked new still

5 out of 5

08 November 2015 by Matt

Version : SE
Year : 2010
Annual servicing cost : £140

Absolutely love it. It has some character and is stunning! Read more

Ride Quality & Brakes
5 out of 5
With custom seat with gel pad i found very hard to go off it :)
Engine
5 out of 5
Pulls like a train from buttom range right to the top revs without any hussle
Build Quality & Reliability
5 out of 5
Sometimes could ba a bit lasy starting (cold conditions affect ecu) but always do.
Value & Running Costs
4 out of 5
12k miles service including valve clearance is about £350-400 but as any other bikes.
Equipment
4 out of 5
It is SE version so I have good fiew exras on it. But best upgrade was the seat. Both visualy and usability improved
Read all 23 owners' reviews in full

Facts & Figures

Model info
Year introduced 2006
Year discontinued 2012
Original price £8,999
Used price £3,900 to £6,500
Warranty term (when new) Two year unlimited mileage
Running costs
Insurance group 14 of 17
Annual road tax £88
Annual service cost £130
Performance
Max power 115 bhp
Max torque 73.8 ft-lb
Top speed 133 mph
1/4-mile acceleration 11.3 secs
Average fuel consumption 40 mpg
Tank range 144 miles
Specification
Engine size 1050cc
Engine type 12v transverse triple, 6 gears
Frame type Aluminium perimeter
Fuel capacity 20 litres
Seat height 830mm
Bike weight 198kg
Front suspension Preload, rebound, compression
Rear suspension Preload, rebound, compression
Front brake 2 x 320mm discs
Rear brake 255mm disc
Front tyre size 120/70 x 17
Rear tyre size 180/55 x 17

History & Versions

Model history

2006: Triumph Tiger 1050 launched in September.

Other versions

None.

Photo Gallery

  • TRIUMPH TIGER 1050 (2006-2012)
  • Triumph Tiger 1050 motorcycle review - Riding
  • Triumph Tiger 1050 motorcycle review - Side view
  • Triumph Tiger 1050 motorcycle review - Brakes
  • Triumph Tiger 1050 motorcycle review - Side view
  • Triumph Tiger 1050 motorcycle review - Riding
  • Triumph Tiger 1050 motorcycle review - Riding
  • Triumph Tiger 1050 motorcycle review - Side view
  • Triumph Tiger 1050 motorcycle review - Riding
  • Triumph Tiger 1050 motorcycle review - Side view
  • Triumph Tiger 1050 motorcycle review - Front view
  • Triumph Tiger 1050 motorcycle review - Brakes
  • Triumph Tiger 1050 motorcycle review - Exhaust
  • Triumph Tiger 1050 motorcycle review - Side view

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