Tiger Sport earns its stripes

Triumph has dared to be different with its now trademark three-cylinder machines, from the 675cc Street Triple to the big 1215cc Explorer.

Then there's the Tiger. While Tigers are generally solitary creatures, Triumph has several in its menagerie which come in different forms, some more biased towards on-road riding rather than the occasional foray into the forests.

Most have an 800cc engine, but for those who want a big cat with even bigger teeth there's the 1,050cc Tiger Sport. Not only does it have the sort of performance which puts it in the sports category, it is also capable of easily handling two-up riding plus panniers carrying up to 220kg.

With its generous ground clearance it looks like an 'adventure' bike like its fellow Tigers, but in truth it's likely more buyers would see this as the consummate go-anywhere tourer. It seems Triumph acknowledge this too, as the last redesign involved a raft of measures aimed at making it more comfortable for the long-distance rider, with improved road manners.

Oh, and they gave it more power and torque, too: up from 111 to 123bhp with a healthy 104Nm of torque at a relatively low (in bike terms) engine speed of 4,300rpm.

Yes its quick: even with me on board the power-to-weight ratio is something like 3kg per bhp. It also means the bike never seems stretched – explaining the near 60mpg average I achieved.

The tank holds 20 litres of fuel, giving up a theoretical range of well in excess of 200 miles (depending on traffic and riding style, of course). But it's also about the way the big, fuel-injected triple delivers.

You don't need to strain your toes going up and down the slick, six-speed gearbox. Once rolling you can whisper through speed-restricted villages in fifth or even sixth, and rarely need to downshift to take an overtaking opportunity.

The almost lazy thump, thump, thump, on tick-over soon gives way to a sewing-machine smooth mid-range and a snarling top end (if you ever need to use anything like maximum revs).

It is a tall machine, but the latest Tiger Sport now has a narrower, lower seat which makes it a better proposition for those like me with shorter legs.

The handlebars are also neared to the rider, with footpegs set slightly more forward, so you have a 'command' riding position for excellent visibility which is also comfortable on long journeys. It certainly proved so for me on a 200-mile excursion along some of the finest Welsh roads.

While not quite a 'bikini' fairing, the aerodynamic binnacle containing the two headlamps and the fixed-screen mounting worked well for my size and riding position: no buffeting but enough cooling air (something I appreciate on a hot day in full kit).

It still has the long travel suspension of the adventure Tiger, but with a longer swing arm and stiffer damper settings more suited to the road than dirt tracks. If you're used to sports bike, it does feel different but neither this nor the bike's height seem to compromise its cornering ability.

This new set-up, and a revised chassis, contribute to its ability to continue to perform and handle even with the extra load of a pillion passenger and luggage – the essence of a good touring machine.

A big digital speed readout helps to keep you legal, and alongside that is a comprehensive fuel, temperature and trip meter (including a 'miles to empty' feature) and tyre pressure warning.

At £9,899, the Tiger Sport is very well positioned in price and performance terms alongside the competition.

It has grown and developed out of machines such as the 955i and the previous Tiger 1050, becoming a highly competent all-rounder, with punchier performance, new levels of comfort and improved handling. It widens the options and appeal of the Tiger range, at a time when adventure-styled machines are still among the most popular with riders.

By John Griffiths