Triumph Tiger 1050 (2016-2020) Review: The Swiss Army Knife of Sport-Touring

Introduction

The Triumph Tiger 1050 Sport (2016–2020) isn’t just a motorcycle—it’s a declaration of independence from categorization. Designed to blur the lines between sportbike agility, touring comfort, and commuter practicality, this third-generation Tiger Sport defies stereotypes with its liquid-cooled 1050cc inline-three engine and chameleon-like adaptability. Over a week-long test ride, I discovered why this bike became a cult favorite among riders who refuse to settle for one-dimensional machines. Whether carving alpine passes, grinding through urban sprawl, or devouring interstate miles, the Tiger Sport delivers a masterclass in balanced performance.

Design & Ergonomics: Form Follows Function

Climb aboard the Tiger Sport, and its 830mm (32.7") seat height immediately strikes a democratic note—accessible for average inseams yet commanding enough for highway sightlines. The cockpit wraps around you with a thoughtful layout: adjustable brake/clutch levers, intuitive switchgear, and a 2.5m (8.2ft) turning radius that laughs at parking lot acrobatics.

Triumph’s designers nailed the adventure-sport aesthetic without resorting to beak-nosed clichés. The sculpted 20L (5.3 gal) tank flows into angular bodywork that channels airflow away from the rider, while the single-sided swingarm adds a touch of Brutalist elegance. Those standard handguards aren’t just for show—they deflect windblast at triple-digit speeds (where legal) and provide actual crash protection.

The adjustable windscreen deserves its own ode. With 55mm (2.2") of tool-free travel, it transforms from a café racer crouch to a Gold Wing-esque bubble. Combined with the clever “aero diffusers” (fancy term for turbulence-reducing winglets), it creates a quiet pocket that had me checking my mirrors at 140 km/h (87 mph)—not because of buffeting, but because the silence felt suspicious.

Engine & Performance: Triple Threat Unleashed

Fire up the 1050cc inline-three, and the soundtrack alone justifies ownership—a baritone growl at idle that crescendos to a Triumph Rocket III-esque wail at redline. Numbers tell part of the story: 126 HP @ 9,475 RPM and 106 Nm (78 lb-ft) torque peaking at 7,000 RPM. But the real magic lives in the delivery curve.

From 3,000 RPM—roughly 65 km/h (40 mph) in sixth gear—the Tiger pulls like a freight train with manners. The ride-by-wire throttle serves up torque like a Michelin-starred sommelier, whether you’re executing a slow-speed U-turn or overtaking semis on two-lane blacktop. Fuel mapping deserves special praise; the 46mm throttle bodies and revised combustion chambers (2018 onward) deliver buttery response even when trickling through parking garages.

Real-world fuel efficiency? Expect 5.2 L/100km (45 mpg) during aggressive backroad play, tightening to 4.2 L/100km (56 mpg) at steady 120 km/h (75 mph) cruising. That 20L tank translates to 380-480km (236-298mi) between fill-ups—enough to outlast most bladders.

Handling & Dynamics: Contortionist in Cornering

With a 1540mm (60.6") wheelbase and 218kg (480lb) dry weight, the Tiger Sport dances through switchbacks like a middleweight. The Showa suspension setup—43mm USD forks with preload/rebound adjustment up front, monoshock with preload/damping out back—strikes a Goldilocks balance between sportbike tautness and touring plushness.

Push hard into a decreasing-radius turn, and the aluminum twin-spar frame telegraphs feedback like a mechanical Ouija board. Mid-corner bumps? The 140mm (5.5") front/155mm (6.1") rear suspension travel absorbs them without upsetting line. Braking performance from the Nissin 4-piston calipers (320mm dual discs front, 255mm single rear) inspires confidence—progressive bite without ABS-induced numbness.

Tire choice plays to sport-touring strengths. The 120/70-17 front and 180/55-17 rear combo (favoring Michelin Road 5s or Bridgestone T32s) offers tenacious dry grip and surprising wet-weather competence. Just don’t expect supercorsaro levels of lean-angle heroics—the footpegs touch down early as a reminder of the Tiger’s practical 22.8-degree rake.

Technology & Features: Smarter Than Your Average Bear

Triumph’s tech suite focuses on enhancing rather than overwhelming. The three riding modes (Rain/Road/Sport) actually matter here. Sport mode sharpens throttle response to scalpel levels, while Rain mode neuters power to 98 HP—a lifesaver when tackling slick cobblestones with luggage.

The inclusion of cruise control transforms long hauls. Set it at 110 km/h (68 mph), and the triple maintains speed within 1-2 km/h even over rolling terrain. The analog/digital dash—while lacking modern TFT flash—prioritizes readability. At a glance, you get:
- Gear position indicator
- Real-time fuel economy
- Dual trip meters
- Traction control status

Missing? Heated grips (available as accessory) and cornering ABS. But the USB/12V port nestles conveniently near the ignition, ready to power your GPS or charge a drained phone.

Competition: How the Tiger Earns Its Stripes

In the sport-touring arena, the Tiger 1050 Sport faces formidable rivals:

Yamaha Tracer 900 GT (2018-2020)
- Lighter (215kg wet) CP3 engine
- More advanced electronics (IMU-based TC)
- But lacks the Tiger’s torque-rich midrange and premium finish

Kawasaki Versys 1000 LT
- Inline-four smoothness
- Superior wind protection
- But 17kg heavier and vague front-end feel

Suzuki V-Strom 1050XT
- ADV styling appeals to some
- Throttle-by-wire with SDMS modes
- But V-twin vibes and agricultural gearbox

Where the Tiger dominates is character. That inline-three delivers soul-stirring soundtrack and tractable power no competitor can match. Combine that with sublime ergonomics and British build quality, and it becomes clear why used Tiger Sports command premium resale values.

Maintenance: Keeping the Roar Alive

Owning a Tiger 1050 Sport is generally painless, but attention to these areas ensures longevity:

1. Oil Changes
- Use 10W-40 or 10W-50 full synthetic (3.3L with filter)
- MOTOPARTS.store recommends Motul 7100 10W-50 for aggressive riders

2. Chain Care
- X-ring chain requires cleaning every 500km (310mi)
- Our DID 525VX3 Gold Chain Kit reduces stretch intervals

3. Brake Service
- DOT 4 fluid changes every 2 years
- Upgrade to EBC HH Sintered Pads for track-day performance

4. Cooling System
- Replace coolant every 48,000km (30,000mi)
- Engine Ice Hi-Performance Coolant lowers running temps

5. Spark Plugs
- NGK CR8EK (standard) or CR8EIX (iridium) every 12,000km (7,500mi)

For DIY warriors, the Tiger rewards meticulous care. Valve checks every 16,000km (10,000mi) are labor-intensive but manageable with our JIMS Valve Shim Kit.

Conclusion: The Everywhere Machine

The Triumph Tiger 1050 Sport (2016–2020) is that rare machine that shrinks continents without sacrificing thrills. It’s the motorcycle equivalent of a tailored suit—capable of track day bravado, cross-country elegance, and daily-driver reliability. While newer models chase tech trends, this generation remains a benchmark in analog-digital harmony.

At MOTOPARTS.store, we’ve seen Tiger owners customize these bikes into everything from lightweight tourers (add our SW-Motech Blaze Saddlebags) to urban assault vehicles (R&G Tail Tidy Kit). Whatever your riding persona, this Tiger adapts—and with proper care, it’ll keep roaring for 160,000km (100,000mi) or more.

Ready to make yours unique? Explore our Tiger 1050 Sport parts catalog and join the cult of the ultimate all-rounder.

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Specifications sheet

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