2013 Triumph Tiger Sport

Sharper, more powerful Tiger flaunts sportier intentions

TRIUMPH has released details of its heavily-revised-for-2013 Tiger, now known as the Tiger Sport. 

Engineers have focused on improving power and handling: the chassis has been strengthened and suspension upgraded for sharper cornering, while the 1050cc triple now pushes out 123 bhp and 77 lb-ft of torque - 9.8 bhp and 4.4 lb-ft over the 2012 bike. 

A new exhaust and revisions to the intake system are behind the additional output, while a one-tooth larger rear sprocket improves acceleration. Triumph claims that the Tiger Sport is also 7 per cent more economical with fuel. 

The fully adjustable suspension features new springing and revalved damping to give the Tiger Sport its sharper feel, while a marginally steeper steering angle and slightly longer wheelbase are said to improve precision, feedback and stability.

Bodywork has been revised, with a new tail unit, side panels and screen, and a new belly pan is now standard. Four reflector-type headlights replace the previous projector units, reducing weight and, Triumph says, substantially improving the lighting performance. 

The seat is 5mm lower (down to 830mm) and narrower at the front to improve reach to the ground and make the bike more accessible to a wider range of riders. The rear seat has also been lowered for better wind protection for the pillion. 

A single-sided swingarm and a stronger rear subframe allow the fitment of larger optional panniers, with double the payload of the previous ones at 10kg each. 

Prices for the Tiger Sport will be announced next month, with bikes in dealerships from March.