2009 Triumph Tiger/Special Edition Review

Introduction

Ever since the Tiger got the 1050cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC, inline three-cylinder engine, engineers knew that there would be no more work to be done at this specific model for a pretty long time. No wonder, as the motor has sporty velleities and the chassis is perfect for making them stand out.

The aluminum beam perimeter frame and aluminum alloy twin-sided braced swingarm both significantly contribute at reducing the bike’s overall weight while being designed to deal with various types of terrains. So, with a 23.2 degree/87.7mm rake and trail, the Triumph Tiger is the kind of bike that people buy knowing that it will be ridden on the tarmac, but there is a slight possibility to divert off road from time to time.

2009 Triumph Tiger Special Edition

Offering an upright riding position is an advantage through city traffic and the bike looks aggressive too, but the crucial stuff about it consists in an adaptable suspension package. Featuring fully adjustable 43mm upside down forks and rear monoshock with only adjustable preload and rebound damping, the off-road terrain doesn’t look that tempting. Also, that thought is enhanced by the presence of 17-inch ZR wheels and, of course, the constant fear of scratching your new bike just because of you.

Those who need time to think before rerouting can put the stud of horsepower to a hault by simply applying the also sportsbike-like brakes, the twin 320mm floating discs, four piston radial calipers front and single 255mm disc with two piston caliper at the rear. ABS is available as an option while on the SE model it is standard equipment.

The bike might seem like a totally new addition, but as we all know it, the Tiger has long been part of the motorcycle kingdom so a short briefing might just show how the species evolved.

2008 Triumph Tiger History

Competition

2007 Ducati Multistrada 1100

The Ducati Multistrada 1100 fits the same category as the Triumph Tiger, but doesn’t get the benefits of a three-cylinder engine like this last does. Instead, the Multistrada is powered by a 1078cc L-twin cylinder, 2-valve per cylinder Desmodromic, air-cooled engine, but which is capable of delivering 95hp at 7,750 rpm and 102.9 Nm at 4,750. Like all modern Ducatis, Multistrada’s engine is fuel injected so that’s where most of the potency comes from.

In this case, the frame is a tubular steel trellis unit while the suspensions are much like on the Triumph. Weighing 432 lbs, the Ducati weighs just a little less than the standard Triumph (436 lbs) and the ABS model (443 lbs) and all that, despite the steel frame we’ve just mentioned.

These two bikes look much alike, but the only disadvantage of the Ducati Multistrada is the dual seat. This bike is supposed to deliver a freshened up ride and that seat is simply incapable of doing that. Ducati also offers the Multistrada 1100 S which has undergone pretty much the same procedure as Triumph’s Special Edition Tiger.

2009 Suzuki V-Strom 1000

If your taste is not Italian, the 2009 Suzuki V-Strom 1000 might very well stand as the alternative as it is built for sport-touring and also offers the possibility to go off the road with much more ability than both the Triumph and the Ducati. Yet, the bike weighs 525 lbs wet and it is powered by a 996cc, four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 90-degree V-twin engine. Great bike for those with practicability in mind!

2009 BMW R 1200 GS

The Germans from BMW have a strong name in this business and their R 1200 GS model is a bike bringing much contribution to that name. Almost all riders who dare going around the world on two-wheels choose the BMW R 1200 GS for being designed to go on and on forever and on all kinds of terrains. Powered by an 1170cc, air/oil-cooled flat twin (’Boxer’) 4-stroke, one camshaft and four valves per cylinder, central balancer shaft motor, this bike relies on 105 hp at 7,500 rpm and 115 Nm at 5,750 rpm so the power and torque curve are pretty sweet.

In comparison with the ultimate adventure touring bike, the Triumph looks like an executive’s toy and although we should never doubt Triumph’s competitive skills, their Tiger is not much of a brute force.

Exterior

2009 Triumph Tiger

It is clear to everyone that the Triumph Tiger excels at the design chapter so we really have to give the bike credit for that. This is one serious piece of motorcycle with an 83.1 inches overall length and a height of 52.0 inches and still, it looks aggressive. That’s a rare thing in this category while the build quality and fines are simply incomparable.

Like a veritable sport-touring motorcycle, the Tiger features a half fairing and a decently-sized windscreen. Just above the air intakes that look like two nostrils lay the sporty looking headlights. Unlike sports bikes, the Tiger has the mirrors mounted on the handlebars and the screen is just high enough to provide the proper wind protection needed without obstructing the view ahead, especially in crowded traffic situations.

The gas tank is positioned well down into the aluminum beam frame and still manages to stand out in between the side fairing which widens the bike seriously. Most likely, the seat which is positioned 32.8 inches from the ground is the best of this Triumph as it brings adventure to every average sized rider. Made of one piece and foamy, the seat is incomparable to Multistrada’s so the passenger will be satisfied too.

All body elements blend perfectly in one with the other creating a compact and massive looking motorcycle. Even the engine and transmission actually look like being drawn there. The bike rolls on a pair of 17-inch wheels, 120/70 – front and 180/55 rear – that are positioned 59.4 inches one from the other so that enhances the sporty look. So do the 43mm forks and the twin-sided swingarm.

Triumph’s standard Tiger features a range of three colors, Jet Black, Blazing Orange, Fusion White and the bike can even get color-matched panniers offering a combined carrying capacity of 44 litres.

2009 Triumph Tiger Special Edition

The Special Edition model stands out due to the Matt Graphite and Matt Black color scheme. In this case, the panniers come standard.

We haven’t yet got the chance to ride Triumph’s most distinguishable model so until then, we’ll have to comply with an earlier one.

2008 Triumph Tiger Test Ride

Price

The price you pay for the standard 2009 Triumph Tiger (without ABS) starts at $11,599 while the ABS model starts at $12,399. In this case, the color schemes customers will be electing from are the three mentioned above while the MSRP for Special Edition model, which is nothing more and nothing less than a specially painted ABS model, remains to be announced by the manufacturer.

Conclusion

Triumph manages to keep buyers aware of their most notorious models by offering such Special Edition models such as this 2009 Tiger and it seems that the strategy works most likely because bikers simply feel like going for the best when buying a motorcycle and that implies best looking too, not only performing.

2009 Triumph Tiger Special Edition

Being the only motorcycle in this class to feature a three-cylinder motor, the Triumph Tiger offers a much sportier riding experience than the competition’s and that’s what set it apart even before the Special edition model was even in the stage of idea on the drawing board.

 ----

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine and Transmission

2009 Triumph Tiger Engine

Type: Liquid-cooled, DOHC, in-line 3-cylinder
Capacity: 1050cc
Bore/Stroke: 79 x 71.4mm
Compression Ratio: 12.0:1
Fuel System: Multipoint sequential electronic fuel injection
Final Drive: X ring chain
Clutch: Wet, multi-plate
Gearbox: 6-speed

Chassis and Dimensions

2009 Triumph Tiger Suspensions

Frame: Aluminum beam perimeter
Swingarm: Braced, twin-sided, aluminum alloy
Front Wheel: Cast, multi spoke, 17 x 3.5in
Rear Wheel: Cast, multi spoke, 17 x 5.5in
Front Tyre: 120/70 ZR 17
Rear Tyre: 180/55 ZR 17
Front Suspension: 43mm upside down forks with adjustable preload, rebound and compression damping
Rear Suspension: Monoshock with adjustable preload and rebound damping
Front Brakes: Twin 320mm floating discs,4 piston radial calipers
Rear Brakes: Single 255mm disc, 2 piston caliper
Length: 83.1in
Width (Handlebars): 33.1in
Height: 52.0in
Seat Height: 32.8in
Wheelbase: 59.4in
Rake/Trail: 23.2 degree/87.7mm
Weight (Dry): 436lbs (ABS model: 443lbs)
Fuel Tank Capacity: 5.2 gal

Features

Engine: The Tiger’s engine delivers power and ear to ear grins. The amazing 1050cc, fuel-injected, three cylinder engine, known for its addictive character, has plenty of torque and impressive amounts of horsepower, with ample reserves of both for those two-up fully laden tours. Peak power of 113bhp is delivered at 9400rpm, with 74ft.lb torque at 6250rpm.

Seat: The comfortable, spacious seat and relaxed rider and passenger ergonomics mean you’ll arrive fresh even at the end of the longest day.

Handlebars: High, wide bars give a comfortable riding position and excellent control at all speeds, from urban manoeuvring to motorway cruising.

Suspension: The 43mm upside down fully adjustable forks and spring preload and rebound damping adjustable rear shock keeps the ride comfortable on the worst of roads and gives excellent control when the pace picks up.

Screen: The Tiger screen gives great wind protection for those long journeys without obscuring your view around town.

ABS: Triumph’s Antilock Braking System has been carefully designed to boost control under hard braking, working on both wheels independently. This unobtrusive system retains all the sensations of riding, operating at 100 calculations per second to sense the precise moment the wheel is about to lock up, then preventing it from doing so. The system has been specifically tailored to the Tiger, with painstaking calibration over many months to ensure optimum braking performance.