decent, the punchy, responsive nature and exciting
rideability of this engine is more impressive. Its
willingness to effortlessly pass all other traffic by
just rolling the throttle open belies the fact that it
is only a 1000-ish cc machine – it feels more like a
good 1200. No need to change down either, unless
that truck and trailer is in a confined place. I guess
what I’m trying to say is the engine is surprisingly
quick, but in a flexible, easily ridden way that makes
it a joy to ride – exactly what the ravers rave about.
There’s a sweet shifting gearbox and a torque-
assist clutch that makes the clutch lever action
almost 50% lighter. Fuel consumption is around
the 5.1 litres per 100km when ridden sensibly...
so that 20 litre tank offers a decent range. I
rode the Tiger in dry conditions and so settled
on the Sport power mode, which as mentioned
is terrific. Road mode is not so different to
Sport mode, just a little mellower with the TC
on higher alert. Rain mode has the TC on point,
really paying attention and also reduces power.
The Tiger Sport’s brakes are terrific – powerful
and well modulated. Large 320mm twin discs with
Nissin four-pot calipers give almost superbike
stopping power and feel. A single 255mm disc
and twin pot caliper does a decent job out back
and the ABS is excellent at both ends – it will
stop hard without signs of early intervention.
Apart from the flash electronic stuff, the Triumph
also caters well for traditional bikers’ needs. The
screen is excellent and multi height adjustable
with only one hand on the fly. Great hand guards
offer decent weather protection too and the four
big headlights will not have you riding blind in
heavy rain. The mirrors are great – not something
that can be said of some bikes – and I liked the
seat comfort and reasonable 830mm leg reach
from the deck. Pillions are not forgotten either
with their section of seat well sized and nicely
padded, with hand rails a pillion can actually hold.
Engine protection bars come fitted as standard.
I genuinely rate the Tiger Sport highly. It is a
very handsome machine, fast and exceptionally
functional in every way. It is also the bike that
most Triumph employees at the factory buy as
their personal machine, which should tell you
a lot about the bike. They know a thoroughly
capable and comfortable bit of kit when they build
one – that’s real confidence in their product.