Triumph Tiger Sport

By Kevin Ash - 10/01/2013

Triumph has unveiled the keenly awaited Tiger Sport, and the changes have been much more extensive than expected, including a single-sided swingarm and an extra 10bhp!

The bike has been given a sportier edge to move it away from the Tiger Explorer in Triumph's range, with most of the emphasis being on enhanced performance and sharper looks, although the changes have also improved its all-rounder capabilities. In particular its luggage carrying capacity has increased substantially.

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The Tiger Sport is based on the previous Tiger 1050, and while the look is recognisably the same, much of the bodywork is new and now includes a bellypan as well as the new tail unit and side panels. The much-criticised projector headlights have been replaced with four conventional reflector types, which not only reduce weight, Triumph claims their performance is much better too. Makes you wonder why the projectors were used in the first place... The screen is also new, changing the look and according to Triumph, improving the aerodynamics too.

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The engine is unchanged internally and gains its extra power from completely redesigned intake and exhaust systems, with increases in torque across the range. It now makes 123bhp (125PS), 9kW) and 77lb.ft (10.4kgm, 104Nm). Revisions to the fuel injection calibration have additionally improved the economy, with Triumph claiming the bike will typically travel around 7 per cent further on a tank of fuel. Triumph also says even the growling triple soundtrack has been enhanced, and if it the improvement is anything like the 2013 Daytona 675's (full test here) then it'll be worth a ride just for that.

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The swingarm is a single-sided design - unique to the Tiger Sport and not taken from the Speed Triple as suggested elsewhere - which probably does little in practice to help the handling but it looks good and does provide more room to tuck in the exhaust system and create space for the larger optional panniers. These are not only much bigger than before, their payload has doubled to 10kg (22lb) each, thanks to a new, stronger rear subframe.

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The subframe is responsible for ergonomic changes, lowering the rider seat by 5mm to 830mm, although it's narrower at the front than before which will also improve the reach to the ground. The rear seat has been lowered by a greater amount so the passenger isn't perched so high above the rider - the grab rails have been improved too. The handlebars are narrower, lower and closer to the rider to give a more sports-oriented riding position, while the switchgear is Tiger Explorer style, meaning it's now possible to scroll through the dash functions from the left handlebar, rather than having to lean forward to do so.

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The frame is the same as before but the steering angle is half a degree steeper and the wheelbase is slightly longer, changes which Triumph claim have improved precision and stability. The suspension is fully adjustable and has been given new springs and revalved damping for a firmer feel and to cope with the additional load capacity.

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The brakes are fitted with a new ABS system (the previous Tiger was one of the first Triumphs ever to use ABS and still had the same ageing system in 2012, so this was an overdue revision). Radially-mounted callipers are fitted at the front. The wheels are new and unique to the Tiger Sport and come with Pirelli's new Angel GT tyres.

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Triumph has been paying a lot of attention to detail on its recent new models and the Tiger Sport appears to have had this too, coming with coloured seat stitching, cast aluminium pannier mounts and apparently some 'beautifully sculpted footrests', although we can't see those in the initial images.

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The two colours available are red or white. Prices will be announced in February and bikes will become available in March this year.

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