Triumph Tiger 1050 (2007-2013) - Review & Buying Guide

The Tiger has been a mainstay of modern Triumph’s range ever since it was launched in 1994 but the early models were very much ‘adventure’ bikes in their design and that meant they ran a skinny 19in front wheel. This all changed in 2007 when Triumph completely revamped the Tiger...

As well as a sharp new look and the latest 1050 triple motor, the all-new Tiger 1050 had its focus shifted from adventure riding to tarmac-based riding and to fit this brief it gained not only a sporty chassis but also 17in wheels front and rear and radial brakes. And what a difference it made.

A simply fantastic do-it-all, the Tiger 1050 instantly won an army of fans thanks to its relaxed attitude and pleasurable ride. As happy to load up its panniers and explore Europe (one or two-up) as it is to smash out a commute or tear up a B-road, the Tiger 1050 is one of those bikes that is just right. Although Triumph never treated it to the kind of modern tech and updates that they lavished on its replacement, the Tiger 1050 Sport, the original Tiger 1050 model is pleasingly analogue and arguably all the better for it.

Pros & Cons

2007-13 Triumph Tiger 1050 - Prices

The Tiger 1050 was launched with a very reasonable £7499 price tag, which put it on a level playing field with its Japanese-built rivals and cheaper than the likes of the BMW GS or other ‘big supermotos’ such as the KTM 990SM or Ducati Multistrada. A very popular bike, there are loads of Tiger 1050 models for sale and that means you can afford to be a bit choosey. While you can get a high-mileage example (over 40,000 miles) for around £3000, that’s not a great idea as items such as bearings, suspension etc will probably be showing signs of wear and require replacing so instead aim for a 20,000-mile machine with a price of £3500-£4000 instead that comes with Triumph’s colour-matched panniers. You might have to go private rather than a dealer to get a really good one but that’s not an issue if the bike has a good service history as the Tiger is generally very reliable.

2007-13 Triumph Tiger 1050 - Engine & Performance

The Tiger’s 1050 engine is lifted straight from the Speed Triple 1050 and while a slightly different tune sees its power reduced from the naked bike’s 130bhp with 78ft.lb of torque to 114bhp and 74ft.lb, that’s not a massive issue due to the power characteristics of the triple and the targeting of the Tiger.

Brimming with grunt and also sounding fantastic, the 1050 motor is fabulous on the road and is the ideal accompaniment for the Tiger as it matches the bike’s easy-going attitude perfectly. There is no need to chase revs or work the engine hard, it is perfectly happy to stay low in the rev range and use its torque to power along. If you do want to give it some revs the engine responds with glee, which is always pleasing, but for 90% of the time most riders prefer to chill-out. Naturally, being a Triumph of a certain age, the gearbox is clunky and doesn’t like to be rushed and the throttle action almost requires you to remove a hand and then start turning it again as there is so much movement but these are fairly small gripes on what is otherwise a delightful motor. And one that is also reliable.

There are a lot of high-mileage Tigers out there and as long as you adhere to the 12,000-mile valve-clearance service and keep an eye on some slightly weak areas, all should be well. When buying used, this means checking that the radiator isn’t full of grime or showing signs of rotting (inspect the unions where the water pipes join it) and also testing the electrical systems. It isn’t uncommon for the stator or reg/rec to give up the ghost on an older Tiger, so be wary of bikes with lots of electricity-sapping extras bolted on such as heated grips, a 12v socket, HID lights etc. Ideally give the electric system a check using a multimeter across the battery to see if it is charging at around 14v.

Generally, as long as the Tiger has been serviced regularly, all should be well.

2007-13 Triumph Tiger 1050 - Handling & Suspension (inc. Weight)

Thanks to its 17in wheels, the Tiger 1050 is a vastly superior handling bike than the Tiger 955i it replaced. And it also stops much better due to its four-piston radial calipers. But the Triumph isn’t the most agile of ‘big supermotos’ and with its 20L tank full it can feel a bit top-heavy at slow speed, which can be a worry if you are shorter in the leg as it has a fairly high-feeling 835mm seat height. However, get it up and running and the Tiger is a joy.

While undeniably quite soft on its suspension (the 2012-onward models feature stiffer suspension settings and a firmer rear spring), this isn’t a massive issue on the Tiger as the sponginess equates to a more compliant ride quality that is appreciated when touring or taking it easy. If you really want to hammer the Triumph through bends, the forks are fully-adjustable and the shock has rebound damping and spring preload to alter, so you can make things a bit firmer with a little bit of fiddling. But really there is no need, if you want to go sporty buy the Sport model instead – it does what it says on the can...

Like the engine, the chassis is fairly robust and the fact the Tiger runs a double-sided swingarm means there is no eccentric adjuster to worry about (unlike on the Sport...). Checks when buying used involve the basics and as long as the shock linkage has been regreased at 12,000 miles (it is part of the service but is often skipped), the brake calipers cleaned regularly (the piston seize, ideally replace them for stainless steel ones) and the suspension is in good working order, all should be well. If you want ABS you need to buy an SE model, which isn’t too much of a hardship as it also adds a few welcome extras.

2007-13 Triumph Tiger 1050 - Comfort & Economy

The Tiger 1050 is a very comfortable bike for both the rider and pillion and it soaks up miles with ease. The SE model’s gel seat makes a bit of difference to comfort levels but it’s not a deal-breaker as the OE model’s seat is fairly plush anyway. Interestingly, the updated 2012-onwards models (look for black bars) have their bars set 20mm lower than the original model, which actually makes it a touch less spacious and relaxed.

When it comes to economy, you can expect to see 48mpg during mid riding and that means a range of over 200 miles from the large 20-litre tank. That’s enough to ensure that a tour doesn’t involve continually looking for a fuel station!

2007-13 Triumph Tiger 1050 - Equipment

The Tiger was always quite an analogue bike and ABS only arrived on the 2009 SE model, alongside panniers and brush guards. The SE was upgraded in 2010 with a gel seat and centre stand before both Tiger models were tweaked in 2012.

Triumph sold a range of accessories for the Tiger 1050 that included panniers, a top box, touring screen, heated grips, mudguard extenders, soft luggage and a centre stand. Nearly every used bike has panniers fitted, which is great news, and top boxes are quite common. Despite Triumph selling a race pipe, the majority of Tigers come with the standard end-can still fitted. Ideally, a used bike will have panniers, heated grips and a centre stand fitted as these are the most useful additions.

2007-13 Triumph Tiger 1050 - Rivals

When the Tiger was launched the adventure market was split between 17in and 19in front wheels and generally buyers of the Tiger 1050 want the relaxed riding position of an adventure bike but the handling of a sports tourer, so stick with the 17in wheel options. 

KTM 990SMT (2009-2013) | Price: £3500-£5500

Read more

Power/Torque

96bhp / 67lb-ft

Weight

189kg

Ducati Multistrada 1100 (2006-2008) | Price: £3500-£5500

Read more

Power/Torque

95bhp / 76lb-ft

Weight

196kg

Triumph Sprint ST (2005-2010) | Price: £2500-£4000

Read more

Power/Torque

123bhp / 77lb-ft

Weight

210kg

2007-13 Triumph Tiger 1050 - Verdict

The Tiger 1050 is an instantly charming bike that although a touch big and bulky, is great fun to ride and a brilliant do-it-all. More than up for a spot of touring and powered by a wonderfully relaxed triple motor, the Tiger 1050 isn’t as sporty or tech-heavy as the Tiger 1050 Sport but in many ways that’s not an issue. If you are after a relaxed machine that ticks every box, the Tiger 1050 is a very good option and most used bikes come with panniers fitted, which is great news. For under £5000, there are few better value machines out there.

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2007-13 Triumph Tiger 1050 - Technical Specification

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