Road – Test Tiger Sport 2013: the 1050 still has the teeth! – The royal tiger on the road

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Tiger Sport 2013 test: the 1050 still has the fangs !

Road - Test Tiger Sport 2013: the 1050 still has the teeth! - The royal tiger on the road

In competition with the 800 Tiger and the 1215 Explorer, the Tiger 1050 remains in the Triumph catalog in a new “Sport” version. This 2013 novelty is more efficient, more ergonomic and more stylish than the old model.. First try !

The royal tiger on the road

Stalled at 140 km / h meter, the Tiger Sport turns its "Tripeul" a little faster than the previous Tiger 1050, because of its additional tooth on the crown and a sixth gear ratio a little shorter. The speed indicated by the analog tachometer is then approximately 5750 rpm.

At this speed, the protection of the bubble proves insufficient: the ends of the shoulders and the entire helmet are struck by the wind. We regret at first the too small size of the screen, then, once stopped, the complete lack of adjustment…

Bikers who plan to make long journeys will therefore have an interest in investing in the "Touring" screen available in the Triumph accessories catalog: count 170 euros for an element which is 5 cm taller and 2.2 cm wider (see list of accessories and their prices on the last page).

The saddle comfort, on the other hand, is very satisfactory. By stepping back as far as possible – we do not stray too far from the handlebars, however – the pilot has a wide and pleasant seat which allows them to scroll several tens of kilometers without feeling the slightest discomfort..

Ditto for the legs: the driving position will not inconvenience anyone, not even bikers with long legs. Thus, equipped with a high screen in the absence of a cruise control (which cannot be installed on the 1050), the Tiger Sport could almost compete with its elder Explorer. !

Free from any unpleasant vibrations, the Tiger Sport also benefits from remarkable stability in large curves. The rider relishes as much as his bike in passing very quickly – too much, if one can trust the speed limits – in the series of long turns, with confidence and safety..

But it is by tumbling down on national or departmental roads that the Tiger 1050 plunges back into its true natural habitat: lighter and more agile than the Explorer (235 kg against 259), the "Sport" version better devours small, curvy portions. !

The latest from Hinckley allows you to maintain a very good rhythm without forcing either on the man or on the engine !

The 3-cylinder has enough torque (104 Nm at the maximum, available 2000 revs earlier than the 98 Nm of the old 1050!) And extension (125 hp against 115 previously) to negotiate everything on the 4th gear.

It is only at the end of a hairpin that you have to go down a gear or two. By opening sharply in second gear, the front wheel can eventually shed but the phenomenon is extremely rare and steering control is total.

Filled at all speeds, the Tiger Sport engine delivers very hairy acceleration and pick-up, which is accompanied by a slight hiss at 7500 rpm. The work on the airbox and the exhaust did not only serve to find 10 additional horsepower (125 in all): it gives the tiger a real extra soul. !

The original tires (Pirelli Angel ST) allow impressive cornering that we would not dare to easily – if ever! – trigger on the handlebars of the Tiger 800 with less sporty compounds.

"It is possible to put even sportier tires on the Tiger Sport, but we have selected its Pirelli for their excellent compromise.", explains the development pilot Triumph."With them you can ride hard and long with a lot of load, no worries !"

For information, three other tire models are recommended by Triumph for its new Tiger Sport: Metzeler Z8, Michelin Pilote Road 3 and Dunlop Roadsmart.

A single little slip during re-acceleration temporarily dampened our enthusiasm, but it was more due to the dust on the road at that precise moment – and too much optimism on the part of the pilot! – than a lack of grip on the part of the tires.

Some may think that traction control would be welcome on a motorcycle destined to ride on all types of roads in all conditions, but Triumph’s desire to display the Tiger Sport at a minimum price (12,490 euros) had reason for this piloting aid.

If the engine performance should be unanimous, the brakes could disappoint a minority of "païlotes" attracted by the suffix "Sport" of this new Tiger: the bite is not exceptional and it is necessary to insist on the lever to have all your power.

Nonetheless, Site is convinced that the vast majority of Tiger trainers won’t find fault with it. Everyone will also appreciate the fact that the neutrality of the bike in a curve is not compromised when the brake is applied or released on the angle..

In general, the Tiger Sport benefits from increased stability, improvement due to a slight revision of its dimensions: wheelbase lengthened by 3 cm, inclination of the closed fork of 0.4 ° but trail increased by 4 mm.

By increasing the pace, however, it is possible to upset the balance of the whole. The sturdy braking makes the Tiger plunge a little too much and the front axle lacks a bit of precision..

Ditto during sharp changes of angle or in the exits of muscular curves: the weight of the animal transferred in a single blow to the rear shock absorber causes some rebounds which can affect the handling of the road. !

The big rollers or "commuters" (followers of the motorcycle-work-sleep) who do not aim for the stopwatch will gladly pass this relative lack of rigor to him at a very sustained pace. It will undoubtedly be more difficult for them to endure the motor whistling, tiring in the long run as in everyday life….

If, for all children, the lion is the king of the jungle, it could be that for some bikers, the Tiger Sport becomes the king of the roads! In this specific area, the victory of the new 1050 over its 800 and 1215 cc brothers is beyond doubt..

But will the novelty of Triumph 2013 also prevail over its opponents from other countries such as the Kawasaki Versys 1000, the Ducati Multistrada 1200 or the KTM 990 SMT, for example? Answer to follow on Site: stay connected !

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