Tiger 1050

[MattR302]

I know there's at least a couple on here. Reviews, thoughts, likes/dislikes?
Considering upgrading from my FZ6 for commuting, weekend trips, ~100 mile 2up days, and occasional track day if my F4i is out of order.

[e30addict]

Unless you're a torque junkie look at the 800s. They have almost the same hp and are more bullet proof. You can get them pretty cheap now too.

[Garandman]

Had two DL650's and an SV and wanted more power. Test rode an 800 and found it underwhelming: test data shows it is a little more powerful than the Suzukis. I've used the 1050 for regional touring, track days, and commuting in and out of Boston. Currently have Pirelli Diablos, switching to PR4's after next track day.

Data: 443 lbs dry (ABS), wet under 500 lbs. 0-60 3.32, 1/4 mi 11.16 @ 118.5mph. Top speed: 130 (I got 132 gps at NJMP)

This is my list, which will be different from every other list

1050 Pluses:

• Almost everyone likes Triumph
• Market has come back from the 1200cc, shaft drive 600+ lb sport or "adventure" tourers to 500 lb-ish liter bikes with detuned sport bike engines, ABS, neutral riding position and some weather and luggage capacity: Triumph had this in 2007.
• Light for a big girl: 437/443 dry
• Most have ABS and bags.
• Get a lot of compliments on looks, maybe it's just the Triumph brand
• Neutral, comfortable riding position.
• 17" front means many tire choices
• Decent room for two up, plenty of power for 2-up and bags
• So much torque you can shift for fun, but don't really have to
• 6 speed trans engages positively
• Solid if not quite premium brakes and suspension
• Decent mpg: 44-48 for last 1,000 miles
• Plenty of alternator output
• Good range with 5+ gallon tank
• Small windshield eases highway riding
• Very reliable: many bikes over 50,000 miles
• Not loud but has interesting triple exhaust note
• Very little vibration on highway: mirrors usable at all speeds
• Never popular in US but shared parts across models means parts are no problem
• Never popular in US so prices are absurdly low for what you get
• Comes with basic trip computer: instantaneous and trip mpg, miles to empty, running trip time, trip top speed, clock
• Chain life seems very good

1050 Minuses

• Never popular in US so may be hard to sell
• Heavier clutch and more heat in traffic than a DL650
• Stock bags are aero but don't hold much: I use Trax
• Tall, adventure style riding position may not suit shorter riders
• Stock[Showa] suspension bits are OK not great, upgraded to Penske [great]
• Windshield doesn't have full coverage in cold and rain: Triumph and others make larger.
• No thermometer or gear indicator
• Some people like the looks some don't: it's a little too tall for my taste

[Spooler]

I agree with pretty much everything Garandman said. It's extremely versatile. Take all the bags off and it's pretty sporty. You won't have trouble keeping up with anyone. Put the bags on and grab a passenger and take it for multiple thousand mile tours. Mine has been very reliable. I personally love the triple engine, lots of torque, lots of character. The only bikes that have tempted me away from mine are the current gen Multistradas and the 1190/1290 KTM Adventure, and those cost a lot more than a nice Tiger.

[Spooler]

Negatives: since they never sold well in the US the aftermarket is a little thin these days. The Tiger 1050 forum used to be pretty vibrant but is super dead now. Selling when you're done might be a little tough unless you wait for the right buyer, although a KTM dealer just offered me what I paid for mine (3-4 years and 20k miles ago) if I traded for a leftover 1190 Adventure.

[MattR302]

Dammit. Made the mistake of riding a really well setup one that happens to be for sale.

Who wants to buy an FZ6?

[Garandman]

Negatives: since they never sold well in the US the aftermarket is a little thin these days. The Tiger 1050 forum used to be pretty vibrant but is super dead now.//

On the flip side, just about every conceivable issue was covered, Triumphrat is still active, and because other bikes in the Triumph line used most of the same parts, you can find how to do just about anything there or on YouTube.

I have zero issues getting parts or service support.

[caddydaddy]

Dammit. Made the mistake of riding a really well setup one that happens to be for sale.

There's a low mileage 2010 for sale at the Triumph dealer in Norwich!

[burnham]

I'd buy this one. 2007 Triumph Tiger

[MattR302]

I'd sell this one. 2007 Triumph Tiger

[Garandman]

BTW just bought a software package called "DealerTool" that allows access to the ECU for fault codes, tuning etc. Also opens the ABS Modulator for brake fluid flush. About $75.

[caddydaddy]

BTW just bought a software package called "DealerTool" that allows access to the ECU for fault codes, tuning etc. Also opens the ABS Modulator for brake fluid flush. About $75.

I used TuneECU on my Sprint, since it is free.

[Garandman]

I used TuneECU on my Sprint, since it is free.

To open the ABS accumulator?

I was told the only program that can do that was DealerTool.

[Chippertheripper]

bend over and open up your accumulator.

[carsick]

bend over and open up your accumulator.

For the Dealer Tool.

[caddydaddy]

To open the ABS accumulator?

I was told the only program that can do that was DealerTool.

I am not sure if you can do that with TuneECU. I just make sure not to get air into the lines so I don't have to worry about it. TuneECU does do all the other stuff you mentioned though.

[dankatz]

Comments from those who owned them about center of gravity? I read a lot that they are top heavy and kind of feel heavy because of that. My friend has had one for over 30k miles of riding, two up as well. He is 6'2" and >250lbs, so a bigger guy than me. How do they feel on the road? My 2007 VFR is something like 540 lbs wet (more the way I have it set up), but feels quite light and balanced when moving.

[burnham]

I guess a little top heavy at a stop, but not bad. Once you're moving it handles well, is easy at parking lot speeds.

[Garandman]

I am not sure if you can do that with TuneECU. I just make sure not to get air into the lines so I don't have to worry about it. TuneECU does do all the other stuff you mentioned though.

There are a few ounces of brake fluid in the accumulator. DealerTool tells the ECU to open that so you can flush the whole system.

Some dealers don't bother on the ABS bikes, which is troubling.

[Studio X]

Kind of awkward to maneuver it around in the garage and a bit scary to load into the back of my pickup. On the other hand, once moving it feels just fine. It's a fun ride.

My wife rides it more than I do and she loves it. I tried to talk her into a tiger 800 but she loves the torque of the 1050. She can leave it in almost any gear and just chug along without rowing the shifter.

One thing is the side stand, the bike leans over a fair amount (often noted on the 1050 tiger forums). I often put a thin piece of wood under the footpad when I park it in the driveway to keep it a bit more upright.

[Spooler]

On the flip side, just about every conceivable issue was covered, Triumphrat is still active, and because other bikes in the Triumph line used most of the same parts, you can find how to do just about anything there or on YouTube.

I have zero issues getting parts or service support.

I've had zero issues finding OEM parts also, although finding used parts that are Tiger specific can be tough sometimes. I meant more like for farkling purposes there are limited options these days.

Not sure about the ABS thing, but Tune ECU does everything else very well and is free, as stated above.

For those worried about it being top heavy and difficult to maneuver at low speeds I think it's something you can get used to handling really quickly. I am extremely comfortable moving it around the garage and at parking lot speeds, although I did find it a little intimidating for the first week or so.

[Garandman]

Dry weight is 443 for the ABS model. But with a 5.3 gallon tank, you then add 35 lbs to the top of the bike.

If you are used to Adventure bikes, it's easy in comparison. Just a fiercely capable all around bike. Have some track day video that shows sport bikes march out in the straight, but not as much as you might expect.

Like any other Triumph, you baffle the squids and HD doods, which is awesome. Remember, in the Wild Bunch, Johnny rode a Triumph....

[MattR302]

Thanks for the input. May or may not have put a deposit on a very well set up one tonight

[TrackRat]

Thanks for the input. May or may not have put a deposit on a very well set up one tonight

I've been waffling between a 2011-2012 Multistrada and a Tiger 1050 for a while. As I'm a cheap bastard, I haven't pulled the trigger on anything, but the Tiger seems like a really good option. If you're looking at/put a deposit on this one, I'm very jealous.

[Garandman]

Anyone safety wire their drain plug? It's at the left rear of the engine, and I can't find a good attachment for the other end of the wire.