What to make of Triumph Tiger 1050?

[Anticyclone]

Well coming from a Vstrom 650 (with upgraded suspension) I can say the Tiger suspension is much better! Maybe I just don't know what I'm missing, or folks who dislike the tiger suspension are coming off of sport bikes. The stock lights are a criminal offense though. You just can't ride at night at all. That's soon to be remedied on mine.

Buffeting? Again, smooth as silk compared to a Vstrom. Maybe a little bit of buffeting, but nothing to write home about.

The engine sure is fun though!

[0ldhippie]

Originally Posted by Croak

That's not weight, that's suspension.

X2 The suspension is just Scary!

[bv11]

I also went from a DL650 to Tiger 1050, and I think the Tiger is an outstanding bike. The only problem I had was with the headlight. I adjusted it up so it wasn't pointed at the ground right in front of the wheel and now it's fine. I don't know what those who complain about the suspension are used to, but you would have to be pretty hard to please to find much wrong with the stock suspension for normal road use.

[Alton]

Both the Tiger and Bandit get a lot of bitching about their suspensions. I think in most cases it comes down to people who have been riding sport bikes expecting sport-bike style handling out of a standard. On the flip side, many of us who buy these bikes are looking for something thats good for touring and commuting (softer suspension) that also handles "good enough" in the twisties.

[wanderlost]

I think the reason some don't like the 1050 Tiger is that previous versions were somewhat more "adventure bike" oriented and the 1050 gave up all pretensions of off road capability. It really wasn't a dual sport bike anymore. It is a brilliant road oriented, neutral ergo bike with a wonderful triple motor. Like almost all bikes except Goldwings the wind buffeting will be a problem until riders find the right windscreen for their height and riding style.

For me the new 8oo Tiger better suits the bill, but if the wife would allow it, I would have a 1050 Tiger set up for long haul touring too!.

Paul

[TallRob]

the new Tiger 1050 Sport that is coming out will supposedly have a much upgraded suspension.

[concours]

Originally Posted by Alton

Both the Tiger and Bandit get a lot of bitching about their suspensions. I think in most cases it comes down to people who have been riding sport bikes expecting sport-bike style handling out of a standard. On the flip side, many of us who buy these bikes are looking for something thats good for touring and commuting (softer suspension) that also handles "good enough" in the twisties.

Exactly. Many riders think STIFF = good handling... which is true, on smooth surfaces like a race track or a few good roads. The long, compliant suspension on the Tiger allows me to fly over the junky pavement that leaves many sportbike riders whining like little snits.

[Tubulchain]

Had Tiger 1050 I bought new in 2010. I liked it at first but got a bad case of bike fever and traded it for an FJR. Tiger was light, fast, had a great engine and a sweet sounding motor with the Arrow exhaust. Also pretty fun to ride on dirt roads. I only ditched it because I was being crazy. I don't miss it though. If I were in the market for a bike like that, which I am, I would get a Ducati Multistrada and go for the gold instead of a flawed bronze.

[garandman]

What about heat off the engine in Summer traffic?

Originally Posted by Tubulchain

.. If I were in the market for a bike like that, which I am, I would get a Ducati Multistrada and go for the gold instead of a flawed bronze.

The Ducati faithful live with the higher maintenance costs and repairs. I'm not one of them.

[moe.ron]

I did not have any heat issues at all. I here a lot about buffeting but dont get it. The stock shield was fine, the touring better, and the Givi perfect. I could do 70 with the shield halfway open.

[fozzie1050]

The Tiger is a great sport touring bike....with an emphasis on SPORT. The motor is simply amazing...the triple wails like a sewing machine of steroids! For me I wanted a bike I could commute on...yet have fun with. The Tiger IMHO is a tall sports-bike. One flick of the wrist and the big cat and dance all day long.

To be honest, I'm a sport bike rider who thinks he's man enough to be an adventure rider...hehehe! I'm too much of a wuss to hit the back country or ride off-road on anything other than a true dirt bike. The Tiger satisfied my desire to be a hardcore sport tourer on a daily basis, hehehe!

[CA Stu]

Originally Posted by garandman

What about heat off the engine in Summer traffic?

Not an issue.

I've had faired bikes that cooked your legs, and it gets hot around here.

I love my 2007 1050, I think it's a great all around bike.

To be fair, it's not perfect, there is a little bit of abruptness off a closed throttle, and after ~15k miles mine is starting to go through a little bit of oil, but for ergos, brakes, wind management, seat comfort, ease of riding, it's a great machine.

Matter of fact, a friend who sold one claims it was the best street bike he ever owned, and regrets selling it.

[CA Stu]

Originally Posted by 0ldhippie

X2 The suspension is just Scary!

Heck, I read the manual and adjusted it for what I wanted, I think it's pretty capable and confidence inspiring.

No negative handling issues at all after adjusting it to fit.

[Maniac28]

Never any heat issues with mine. In fact, I sold an FJR to buy the Tiger, because my FJR was an absolute nightmare to ride in summer. I actually found the Tiger to be a better all around bike for me. It is one of the best kept secrets in sport touring/street bikes.

Suspension? Hmmm. Most bikes have pretty lame suspension stock. I didn't find the Tiger's bad, although I do think if I had kept it, I would have done some upgrading. It could be better but I don't think it held me back.

Stu is right, I do miss that bike. I really want another triple, I just love that motor. Been looking at the Tiger 800, but I am hearing some talk of engine heat, and I don't want another bike with that problem. Plus, my GS has proven to be an excellent bike, except for the soft rims.

My buddy bought a KTM 990 SM-T. I rode it, and it is awesome, I would probably buy it over the Tiger. But I only rode it for 20 miles so don't take that too seriously.

[Worroll]

No sure about previous models, but the 2011/12 have adjustable preload, rebound, and dampening according to their website. I can't imagine that when dialed into your weight and riding style, it could be considered crap suspension.

Have those that said the suspension is junk actually adjusted it properly or at all??