Tiger Sport 1050 Review

[@marklongworth1998]

Nice blog, i have a 2019 1050 sport, which I've had since September 2020, after being away from biking for 11 years. My previous bike was a kawasaki zx9r, it took me a while to get use to the top heaviness at slow speeds. Now it's a great all rounder, I'm 58, and can stay on this bike all day.

[@upnorthbiker]

Welcome back to biking. It took me a while to get used to the 1050 but the more I ride it the more I like it.

[@agchvjjv]

I have the 2016 version with 53K on the clock and the engine is still amazing. Regarding the buffeting, I am 5' 10'' when I first rode the bike the screen was at full height I reduced the height by 1cm and the buffeting almost stopped completely, as you suggested some people find a shorter screen fixes it. I Absolutely love this bike and have no intention of changing the bike for something else, I'll keep it until it gives up the ghost.

[@upnorthbiker]

Mileage does not seem to be a problem on these. I will be keeping mine for a long time too.

[@dismaazzopardi1969]

I own a 2017 T.S. and im from Malta . Been touring with it for some time abroad , Sicily, Italy, Greece, Croatia / Slovenia, Switzerland, Austria, Dolomite passes and never misses a beat. I’m just 81kg 5’6” and yep a shorty. Lowered bike 25mm from back and I got me a TS seat from eBay and lowered the foam and fixed a navigation system and away I go. I have the original luggage of the T.S. but don’t use as bulky and heavy . Customized a frame attached with the original alum. brackets and fitted soft luggage and a 35ltr. top box . Bike now have 35k km. and no problems just the usual consumables oh had a leak on one of the forks changed both seals and that’s it.

[@upnorthbiker]

Nice, I watched MarchTravels on youtube going around Malta and Gozo. Looked really good.

[@lagnop3]

I own a 2018 and after more than 35k miles still love it. The high weight problem is normal on an old 3 cylinder. With 5,61 moving the bike engine off isn't easy. It's true low speed maneuvering requires some skills. Reason why this bike is for experienced riders (I didn't say good). Apart those aspects bike is wonderful : comfy, smooth, torquey and fuel efficient. And yes, major maintenance is very expensive.

[@upnorthbiker]

I like mine and will be keeping it for some time. I know a lot of modern adventure bikes have the same too heavy issue except the Kim where the fuel is stored low down to add more stability. I can’t wait to do another tour on it.

[@fiucik1]

I was thinking about buying it as my first big bike. I dropped it on my foot on my test ride. Two toes broken. Maybe I didn't have proper shoes, but in my opinion the rear break was terrible, I could stop it before entering the roundabout at low speed, so I used front break, stopped in place and tipped to one side. Rookie mistake I know, but I could swear that rear break wasn't doing it's job... It really is top heavy, I know that I'm green, but I'm not a kid at 6'3". I think I'll settle on Bonneville, maybe it ain't so good for touring, but at least it carries it's weigh low.

[@upnorthbiker]

Ouch. It is heavy but when you get used to it it’s a fantastic bike. I would go with the speed twin over the bonneville. It has a slightly more powerful engine but delivers the power in a controlled manner. So is easy to ride.

[@fiucik1]

@@upnorthbiker yea, I think it is a really great bike, certainly very powerful and except for this little "adventure" I really enjoy riding it. But I don't think it's great for the first big bike. As for the speed twin, I think it's little bit too small for me. Not only I'm tall but I also have back problem, so I think it will be more comfortable for me. Plus it's more retro looking, which I love.

[@bonnytrippler2966]

Hello UNB. Just subscribed. I bought a 2018 in matt black from new and still have it as I can't find anything better for an everyday ride that commutes, tours and scratches. I had the Triumph low seat fitted on my bike by the dealer after a test ride and that helped to quickly get used to paddling it around. Like yourself, I had to do something about the screen. I fitted an MRA spoiler on the top of the original screen which thankfully worked well for me. I agree that it is a very underrated bike: it holds its own compared to the BMW GS and KTMs.

[@upnorthbiker]

They are great bikes and I love the engine sound when you open it up. I will probably change the exhaust soon to make the most of the sound.

[@dalewintle8099]

Had my Tiger sport from new in 2013 , totally agree about the weight (top heavy) not great for pushing the bike around i`m only 5,6 too so I went for the low seat option which helped , no issues when riding love it , agree about the screen I got the MRA touring screen , its brill , Also upgraded the Exhaust to the GPR sounds amazing ,my model dose not have any rider modes or cruise control which would be nice on longer trips or touring but for me the fun factor and sound makes up for that , excellent reliability no major issues in 10 years serviced every year well looked after and maintained, ridden all year best bike I have ever owned to date , Great fair review mate and some good tips 👍

[@upnorthbiker]

I am looking at the Mira touring screen and will probably buy when funds allow. I have grown to love the bike and it sounds great when you open it up

[@ivy-mac]

Nice review, i think the nature of adventure/tall bikes will make them all a bit top heavy and definitely a bit of a handful for a beginner.

[@paulstafford8398]

Had one of these for a few years. Great motor and good handling. I’m not a fan of panniers or top boxes because of the impact on handling, more so when just shuffling the bike around at little or no speed. I can relate to your comments regarding that on your recent post-trip video. I also found that even though I’m about 5’11” I didn’t get as much purchase on the ground with my feet when moving it around home or service stations etc. That’s probably me more than the bike though as I’m carrying a few niggles in my back and hips as I’ve gotten older. Finished up trading it for a 2018 Thruxton R which is a very different bike of course, but I find that much easier to handle and I have managed to fit SW Motech luggage that allows me to do weekends away from time to time.

[@upnorthbiker]

Hi Paul my other bike is a thruxton R. I got the triumph nylon panniers for that one which are small but fine for a short trip.

[@shampoo-supernova]

Just bought one. Love it.

[@upnorthbiker]

They are great fun. I got mine in April and have some nearly 7000 miles on it.

[@zedbee4850]

I have a 2020TS agree with your review I have the same thoughts. Solved most of the buffeting by changing my helmet had a Shoei GT Air, ending up using my old HJC one day by chance and buffeting was so much less. Can’t explain it, loads on the forum about different screens but seriously try a different helmet also. I did try a short screen which is great in the summer, and added a fin thing to the standard screen for touring which with the changed helmet works great for me.

[@upnorthbiker]

Thanks for that I use a GT air at the moment and a due for a change.

[@armandomateus5103]

This bike is a brilliant all rounder and even if it doesn't excel at any aspect, it's good at everything. It's as exciting in a mountain road as practical for everyday use, as even for a long trip fully loaded and with the wife. It doesn't wobble at high speed as Tracers and others do, which shows the good quality of it's chassis and doesn't give you the problems i see multistadas and S1000XRs owners complaining about in online forums. If Triumph would come up a new Tiger Sport 1200 ... oh yeah...😁😁

[@upnorthbiker]

Yep the more I ride it the more I like it.

[@gvybin]

I have my 2016 Triumph Tiger Sport 1050 for 4 months now, coming from a 2010 Triumph Street Triple. I loved the street, The Tiger is completely different, but I started to love it . I had to modify it to my likings tho. The most important thing , was to install 9N/mm frontsprings and a 16,8kg/mm (Honda blackbird) rearspring on the OEM damper to suit my 93kg. It really changed the bike massively. I couldn't have riden it in a sporty manner without that change . The stock frontsprings (6.1N/mm) are wrong even for a light weight person. I also changed the OEM saddle (1,5cm higher and more straight), by removing the top, placing extra rubber mats under the mousse in the center and reinstalling the top), I lowered the pegs to get a more relaxed knee angle. I placed the original windscreen 6 cm higher and made extra acrylglass deflectors ( looking all original) to get rid of the buffeting. I also installed my former street triple OEM mirrors, that stopped the vibration of the original mirrors on the highway. I also placed LED headlights,dimlights etc in the original housing. And now, although still looking stock, I am really pleased with this bike. It isn't a slow bike, but it builds up speed in a very linear way. In a stupid stop light sprint with a new MT09 (no slough either), it held up very well. On the highway it is very comfortable riding longer traject at speeds over 140km/h

[@upnorthbiker]

Wow you have done a lot. I think I will look at the front springs as they are definitely very soft and the front end dives a lot under braking. Where did you get the replacement springs from?

[@gvybin]

@@upnorthbiker For the front springs, I used linear 9N/mm springs from Hyperpro. They advice on using progressive springs, but I am sure that for sporty riding , I am much better of with linear. There is simply no more diving and the bike became very stable in quick/fast bends on a bad road. Hyperpro has 4 choises for our Tiger sport on linear, depending on your weight. from 8,5....9....9,5.....10

[@armandomateus5103]

Isn't it just as fast as the mt09?

[@gvybin]

@@armandomateus5103 The Tiger has 126hp/9475rpm vs 117hp/10000rpm for the MT09 and 106Nm/7000rpm vs 93Nm/7000rpm, so not all that different and a little in favor for the Tiger 1050 Sport. Both are 3 cilinder bikes, so they will compare in running culture. except for....the weight... The Tiger1050 sport is wet 235kg vs 189kg for the MT09. And that will make a real difference in acceleration times. But as I said , My Tiger just held up with the MT09

[@mtn-tiger]

Great rewive.🙂, I agree with most of it. The weight is like other bikes of the same size, but perhaps a slightly higher center of gravity? I have driven approx. 45,000 km and very satisfied. Enough power on the road, and low fuel consumption (approx. 0.4 L/10 km) and cheap to insure in Norway. I've done some dirt road riding and it works fine, but I must say I'm very happy I bought a ktm390adventure for that use. I have driven with an MRA screen for a long time, but have switched to a larger Puig, which is better for me. I am 178 cm.

[@upnorthbiker]

You are lucky being able to drive every day in Norway. It is a beautiful country. I visited there often as I worked for Kavaerner\Aker Solutions for many years.

[@mtn-tiger]

@@upnorthbiker Hey, yes, I was lucky with that one! I still have many trips / roads waiting to be driven.😊

[@paulvarnsverry11]

I’ve owned a December 2020 dealer-registered TS1050 since March 2021 (it seems dealers registered their remaining stocks of the model, which had gone out of production, to achieve year-end sales targets, so bikes were available at competitive prices). I am 1.94m tall, so fitted a ComfortAir seat which takes the pressure off my knee joints and enables me to ride further before needing to stop. I found the stock screen was fine, except it directed every insect in the vicinity directly into my line of sight through the visor, so I fitted an MRA two-piece screen after a brief and unsatisfactory experience with a Puig item that caused turbulence which bounced my head around at anything over 65mph - a mismatch with my height, not the screen’s fault. I sold the Puig screen to another, shorter TS1050 owner, and as far as I am aware it suits them fine. My TS1050 also has the factory heated grips and I ordered a centre stand, which was on back-order for three months. The engine is great - huge gulps of torque from just off tickover - and it rewards using that torque and short-shifting through the gears with high 50s mpg. The mirrors vibrate at anything over 4000 rpm, which is frustrating, as the engine otherwise appears entirely smooth. The front suspension is superb, providing tremendous feedback. I backed off the compression and rebound damping by four clicks, front and rear, and find the result ideal for the roads I prefer. As you say in the video, the weight of the bike and where it carries its mass takes some getting used to. For the first ~500 miles I thought I had made a mistake and considered trading it in for a Tiger 900GT Pro, but suddenly everything “clicked” and now I intend to keep my TS1050 long term.

[@upnorthbiker]

I’m jealous that you have found a screen combination that works. I love the engine especially the change in sound when you give it some beans. I remember seeing the bikes discounted but was not in the position to buy at the time. I will be keeping mine for a long time as it is a great all rounder.

[@paulvarnsverry11]

@@upnorthbiker The MRA screen moves the insect splatter above my eyeline, which is acceptable. Reducing it even further requires investment in a different type of motorcycle entirely, which would require the purchase of a second bike, because whenever I have test ridden another motorcycle and got back onto my TS1050, I always say to myself “I’m keeping this one!”

[@lagnop3]

@@paulvarnsverry11Spacers will help you to straighten screen position which is the real source of wind troubles

[@grahamhardy1358]

Did a test drive on the Triumph Tiger 1200 rally pro 2022 model for 6 days, I asked the dealer also ho much was the service here in Germany , worked out at 600 EUR, so I went for the BMW R1250 GS instead

[@upnorthbiker]

Good choice they are excellent bikes

[@barrydaly7174]

I have booked in to test ride a 2015 one next week, I need a commuter and wanted a bit more than my NC750 x (thats not lightweight but it's all low down) , but after hearing I would have to spend over £800 every year! then I might have to reconsider. Thank you for the heads up.

[@upnorthbiker]

Yep I was shocked at the price of the 12k service

[@rodbennett-tu2pw]

I have had my Tiger Sports for 4 years now. Heavy? Try a BMW 1100 RT. Ihad one for 18 years, 288 KG. The Tiger is 12 stone lighter, that's a pillion passenger. You might get a little vibration in low refs in 3rd or 4th but not enough to cause concern. Thanks for your review.

[@upnorthbiker]

I have grown in to the bike. Discovered you just have to go a little faster in corners and when manoeuvring it to compensate.

[@greywolf9292]

A good honest to goodness review of this bike 👍 I owned a 2017 model in black, mine was fitted with an SP Engineering exhaust which sounded great. Like you I found the bike top heavy with more than enough power up to a certain level then it faded. After winter riding mine had issues with sticky front calipers, which although I had repaired seemed to still grip a bit on corners. Unhappy with the feel of the bike because of this, I traded it for a Yamaha FZ1-S Custom which had far more go but was less comfortable.

[@upnorthbiker]

Yes it’s nearly there as an all rounder but just misses the mark

[@nickhood1395]

Having had both this bike and an Fz1 I know which one I would tour on . Went to the Lake District for a week with my wife with both bikes . Although the fz1 is very fast we were fighting over who would ride the Tiger. Had my present Tiger 7 years now . Sold my Fz1 after 14 years. We also have 2 Fzs1000s, which we find are best all rounders even though they are getting old

[@greywolf9292]

@@nickhood1395 Thanks for your reply, it's good to hear other people's experiences especially when it's regarding the same bike's. My wife only rides pillion and hands down comfort wise she preferred the Tiger 1050 Sport. The FZ1-S was customised with a colour matching snake skin effect seat, which being nylon was rather slidey when sat on with cordura trousers. I used to put rubber grip matting on top to create grip. There was also less padding in the seats than the Tiger. However performance wise the FZ1-S was the preferred bike. It was the issue with sticky brakes which led to selling the Tiger, I paid over £200 to get them freed up but still they were rubbing. I now have a ZZR 1400 which beats the Tiger for comfort, wastes it performance wise and has my wife grinning, squealing and shouting her delight from the pillion seat. We also have a KTM 890 Adventure R which she's also growing to love, appreciating it's different values especially in winter and on gravel, mud etc strewn roads, it handles way better than the Tiger ever did. I recently bought a Kawasaki Vulcan VN1600, trading the Yamaha for it. Comfort is sublime but it's a real heavy brute and just a totally different laid back cruiser which gobbles up miles on good roads but isn't such fun when roads are patchy. Myself and Mrs Wolf wish yourself and your wife many happy miles whichever bikes you ride, stay safe 👍😀

[@xpresscolourart5531]

Guys amaze me with their comments

[@upnorthbiker]

Not sure what you are referring to but everyone is entitled to their opinion.

[@nickhood1395]

I bought one in 2016. I do not think you have a very good review on this bike . It actually handles very well . The cruise control is rubbish as the controls are the wrong side. The mode switched could also be fitted on the handle bars. What is the best thing about this bike is that it easily deals with a passenger and full luggage, without losing any performance. Not a lot of sport tourers can do this . My wife has owned this bike for the last four years and she loves it. It has now done 30k miles and has just had the 12k service , performed by the countries top racing Triumph mechanic. These bikes do not need a 12k valve service . After 20k it starts to get difficult to adjust the chain. I now tour on a Tracer Gt , which is more modern, lighter and is somewhat faster. However you cannot carry as much luggage or a pillion on a long tour like you can do with the Tiger. As I said your review was pointless as you did not realise what this bike was designed for? This was my second tiger and was so much better than the previous model , which had so much popularity

[@upnorthbiker]

I respect your opinion. I bought the bike for touring and you can see from my trip to Scotland I had full luggage on it. I am also planning a trip to Wales hopefully this year. I think everyone has their own riding styles and needs so views on specific bikes will vary from person to person.

[@marklongworth1998]

I agree about to cruise control, you get ues to it, after a while.

[@maccas44]

Beautiful bike

[@cdkmonkey2699]

Looking at one of these due to arthritis , but still need the hit .

[@upnorthbiker]

You wont be disappointed the engine is fantastic

[@steveatkins3528]

I had to laugh when he said it was heavy…..because I thought mine was so light….but then again, my other bike at the time was a Triumph Rocket III Touring, which weighed almost twice the Tiger…

[@upnorthbiker]

Yes the Rocket is massive. My other bike is a thruxton and it is not a light bike but it feels much more balanced

[@grahamhunter3233]

I don't understand your weight issue. Surely any 1000cc plus bike is heavy. If you have only ridden 4 cylinder bikes then the triple engine will produce slightly more vibration but is far superior in many ways. I have only had 1 valve check service in 23000 miles and nothing needed adjustment. I guess if you bought a BMW GS you would pay double the price for the bike and double the service costs listening to friends moaning about their servicing costs😏

[@upnorthbiker]

I think it is because it is a tall bike. My thruxton is not much different in weight but it is lower down

[@Englshman1970]

How come you have a bar on your screen making it possible to clamp a satnav on it ? Mine dosent its a 2020 is it an aftermarket add on

[@upnorthbiker]

I have the palmer products screen adaptor and accessory bar fitted

[@owenjones7620]

Thank you for a really inspiring video, im currently looking at that exact same bike same color scheme, looking to purchase in March 2024 hopefully id dropped on a nice one, that was until i heard the service and valve clearance cost 🙈 ffs ...really appreciate your honesty and thoughts on your tiger ..now im back to the drawing board as they say ..

[@upnorthbiker]

Hi Owen you can get the service done by a local mechanic for around £450 which is in line with other bikes. It also depends how many miles you are going to do a year and how often you need to have the 12K service done. I would not discount the bike as it is by far the most versatile bike I have had. Great for a casual ride, great for long distance and faster than you will ever need.

[@owenjones7620]

@@upnorthbiker thanks for your reply, OK ill look into it more, I really do like the looks and riding style of this bike, I did once own the previous model back in 2007 and if my memory serves me well loved it, I've since owned many more since then, some of them not so sensible shoes one might say, I'm now 56 and need somthing enjoying to ride nothing crazy power, just simply long rides and enjoyment, they do look nice and I'll go and take a look.. Thank you for taking the time to read and reply.. Safe journeys my friend 👍

[@upnorthbiker]

Check out my long term review video on my channel. I did this after over a year and many miles so it is my experience of living with the bike

[@soyunserhorrible]

I'm afraid that you have never ridden a Kawasaki Verys 1000 . That IS heavy

[@upnorthbiker]

Glad to hear that as I nearly got one of those instead of the tiger. Good looking bike the versys

[@prof.2248]

heavy? is really light. Heavy is bmw 1600gt

[@upnorthbiker]

I bet it is. That’s a big old engine on those

[@michellaillet9196]

bonjour de France, je viens d acheter une moto tiger sp 1050 (velo pour les British) et je peux vous dire que ce velo fonctionne a merveille , j habite dans le sud de la france ou les routes sont très sinueuses ,c est un vrai regal , route ,montagnes ,plaines , que du bonheur ,j invite des British a découvrir en velo notre pays!

[@upnorthbiker]

J'aimerais beaucoup faire le tour de l'Europe et partir dans le sud de la France. Il faut d'abord économiser de l'argent :-)

[@michellaillet9196]

@@upnorthbiker si un jour tu as la possibilité de faire un periple en moto avec tes amis je te conseille la CORSE une merveille pour les motards du monde entier

[@humanfirst11]

Absolutely don't like top heavy bikes. Bad design.

[@upnorthbiker]

Agreed