What do you get when you combine sport with style? Sexy of course! Don’t let your mind run away with you, rather come along for the ride on the new and comprehensive Triumph Tiger 1050 Sport.

I mentioned in my review on the Kawasaki Versys 1000, that this style of riding is getting more and more popular – a style so accommodating that you want to spend hours and hours in the saddle, just to keep that smile on your face. Oh it’s true; nothing beats the feeling of riding a good-looking bike, adding comfort and agility to the pool.

Again I have to thank Tracey and her team at East Coast Motorcycles, Umhlanga for allowing me to test this sexy machine for a couple of days.

The 2016 Triumph Tiger Sport has been designed to redefine the meaning of versatility and literally deliver the best of all worlds – from real sporting abilities, with more performance and thrilling riding characteristics – to endless touring, with more comfort and capability for hassle free long distance riding pleasure – to the simple fun and practical needs of everyday get on and go riding.

Featuring vast developments, including the next generation 1050cc triple engine, a host of rider-focused technology, enhanced comfort and capability and a more dynamic and sporty character.

This Tiger Sport is not an everyday motorcycle – it’s THE motorcycle you will want to ride every day.

The Tiger Sport is an adventure-style street bike for the stickler who prefers to concentrate on the core values of motorcycle fun: a strong and seductive engine, firm handling, and a riding position to suit different road types. It comes with a major bonus: Triumph’s work at strengthening the chassis and upgrading the suspension for sharper cornering has also made the Tiger Sport more practical and comfortable than ever.

This is one of the great all-rounder motorcycles, thrillingly punchy and agile on demanding back-roads, with the versatility to make it a serious sport tourer and ideal commuter. For many riders the Tiger Sport is the ideal, real world sports bike, yet it’s also capable of covering long distances solo or two-up in exceptional comfort, or slicing through daily traffic with the safety of its high-visibility, upright riding position, willing engine, traction control and ABS.

A few highlights if I may:

More thrilling and responsive riding experience.

• Next generation signature 1050 Triple engine with 104 changes for more performance, power and torque.
• New 38% freer flowing silencer and an even better sound.
• 8% better fuel economy.
• New torque assist clutch with up to 48% lighter lever action.

More capability, control and active safety

•  New rider focused technology including ride-by-wire and three riding modes – road, rain and sport.
• ABS and new switchable multi-level traction control.
• Cruise control fitted as standard.

More comfort and a superior level of protection from the elements

• New adjustable tinted screen.
• New screen Aero diffusers.
• Adventure hand guards fitted as standard.

More dynamic, imposing and sporty character

• More high quality sports adventure detailing & finishes including; new footpegs with improved grip, redesigned mirrors, belly pan and heat shield.
• New badges and eye-catching contemporary graphics.
• New contemporary matt black or aluminium silver liveries.

Superior Drive and Control

The latest evolution of the Tiger Sport centres around the iconic 1050cc triple engine.  Featuring 104 developments to optimise power delivery, which include new cylinder heads, inlet ports and piston design, this new generation powerplant delivers waves of immediate torque.  Instant throttle response, thanks to a new ride-by-wire throttle system, allows the rider to make maximum use of the triple engine’s signature drive in every situation from highway cruising to cross-town commuting.  The new, 48% free-flowing flowing silencer not only sounds richer but also contributes to 8% better fuel economy.

Technology for the Ride

The introduction of a new ECU, ride-by-wire throttle system and switchable traction control opens up the new Tiger Sport to a host of rider-focused technology. This means the new Tiger Sport gives an instant response to rider input, with seamless power and a wall of torque immediately on hand.

Added to this are a choice of rider modes, enabling the rider to select the throttle response and traction control to suit the conditions. Available modes are Rain, Road and Sport, tailoring the system to optimise the bike’s performance and control. The Sport mode allows you to explore the maximum character and punch of the triple engine while Rain softens and reduces overall power delivery.  A new USB and 12v power socket gives you the option to plug & charge personal equipment and help with the fitting of powered accessories. Cruise control completes the suite of original equipment rider aids while an all-new instrument panel, including two trip meters and a live fuel gauge gives clear access to all the information you need, with the benefit of simple navigation through the displays of course.

Reduce the Strain of Riding

A new tinted adjustable screen for superior wind protection, adventure handguards as standard and innovative ‘screen aero diffusers’ that deflect the air away from you and passenger without compromising the sporty look. Added to this is a new torque-assist clutch that eases the strain of both city commutes and long-distance adventure by reducing lever effort by up to 48%.

The rider’s seat is narrower at the front, substantially improving reach to the ground and opening up access to the Tiger Sport to a wider range of riders. The seat is also longer to create more space for taller blokes like me. The handlebar is lower and closer to the rider to suit its sportier nature by providing a more direct feel, while the new screen offers better wind protection. The rear seat is also lower, sitting the passenger more fully behind the rider for better wind protection and making it easier to get on the bike.

Dynamic Style and Sporty Character 

The Tiger Sport makes a stylish statement for every-day, every-journey motorcycling.  The Tiger Sport’s single sided swingarm, just love this feature on a bike, gives a clean finish while completing the new look with revised engine covers, new mirrors, new belly, and new header heat shield.

Rider comfort reaches a new level with restyled footpegs designed to give more grip and a new seat with embossed logo and stitching detail.

With its huge fan base worldwide, thanks to its thrilling triple engine, great handling, excellent rider and pillion ergonomics and a large load-carrying ability the new Tiger Sport has been developed to be better in every way for the motorcyclist who wants a single bike that absolutely does it all.

The Triumph Tiger Sport – Go ride sexy today!