A recall initially announced in Canada for turn signal stems on certain 2012-2013 Triumph motorcycles has now been announced for the U.S., affecting 3,799 units. According to documents released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the recall affects the Triumph Tiger 800, Tiger 800XC, Tiger 1050, Speed Triple, Street Triple and Daytona 675,  as well as their various R versions.

As described in the Transport Canada recall, the supports for the front and rear turn signals may be prone to fracturing. In the case of a brake, the turn signals will remain attached to the motorcycle, but instead of staying in position, they would dangle by their electrical wiring. This not only puts a strain on the wires, it may also prevent other motorists from seeing the turn signals, creating a safety risk.

Triumph attributes the problem to a manufacturing error. According to documents released by NHTSA, Italian lighting supplier ECIE used an incorrect raw material that contains an excessive amount of ethanol. The material is prone to fracture after short periods of time.

Continue Reading »

Triumph revealed a new version of its 1050cc Tiger named the Tiger Sport. Triumph currently lists this new Tiger Sport beside its Tiger 1050 on the Triumph website’s 2013 offerings but the new model appears to be a replacement for the previous model which has been relatively unchanged since its introduction in 2007.

Officially unveiled at the Brussels Motor Show, the 2013 Triumph Tiger Sport receives new body panels, tail and windscreen but perhaps the most notable design change is the new single-sided swingarm which better shows off the black cast aluminum alloy multi-spoke rear wheel. Also new are the reflector headlights, footrests and seat which is both narrower and at 32.7 inches slightly lower than that of the previous model.

The new Tiger still uses a 1050cc liquid-cooled, 12-valve in-line Triple with a bore of 79mm and stroke of 71.4mm. A new intake and exhaust system however gives a power and torque upgrade, with Triumph claiming 123 hp at 9400 rpm from the new model compared to claims of 113 hp at  9400 rpm from the previous model. According to Triumph, the Tiger Sport gets a 5 ft-lb. improvement in torque to 77 ft-lb., and the peak torque now arrives at 4300 rpm compared to 6250 rpm on the outgoing model. Continue Reading »

Triumph announced some updates to its Tiger 1050 and Tiger 1050SE for 2012, though at the moment it appears only the SE version will be offered in the United States.

The 2012 Triumph Tiger 1050 and the special edition version receive updated suspension with new damping settings for both the front and the rear as well as a stiffer rear shock. Triumph says the updates will provide a more controlled ride for both riding solo or with a passenger while brake diving is also reduced.

New black  anodized tapered aluminum handlebars are 20mm lower than the 2011 model’s handlebars for a more aggressive riding position. Other updates include fewer chromed parts and more blacked-out components.

Continue Reading »