Tiger 1050 Handling

[ggodwin]

Hello folks,
I am new to the forum and have just bought a 2011 Tiger 1050.

I am very happy with the bike but i do have a couple questions.

One of the first things i noticed on my initial ride was the steering going into a turn. It seems the bars really want to "dive" and turn into the corner a lot more than what I'm used to. This wasn't that big of a deal. However, later in my initial rides I noticed that the bike is not as stable as I would expect in the turns. I am used to riding my fathers BMW K1200 touring bike. Cut my teeth on an 85' 600 Ninja when i was 16 but now mainly comparing this bike to my fathers. I have not ridden this bike hard at all. The corners a basic country road turns rated at 20 mph. It is very hard for me to hold a line unless I am simply riding extremely slow. I'm talking cars are my tail. But, if I push it just a hair, i noticed that the bike seems to really want to wobble or bounce up out of the lean if the suspension is required to work just a little.

I was told by a friend that the Tiger 1050 does not have a stiff suspension. However, for the way I am riding i think it should be fine. Going from my 1050 to my fathers BMW is very surprising as just how much easier the BMW is to keep stable in the corner. I talked to my father about it and he said it my need to steering dampner. But, I'm not sure??

Has anyone else felt this before? I know I am not crazy and expecting too much. Please tell me your thoughts.

GG

 

[keystiger]

I have not ridden a 1050, however the 955i Tiger (and all Tigers really) are "top Heavy" and tend to be a little "mushy" in the suspension. I know it sounds nuts, but trail braking and a little throttle "blip" in a tight turn seem to keep my Tiger "obedient" in the twisties.(yep, thats MORE throttle not less---told ya--crazy) It takes a bit of getting used to. You can do numerous things to change it a bit. I think the 1050 has adjustable fork damping, also heavier fork oil, stiffer fork springs and a steering damper might help. But the main thing (I think) is your center of gravity and the tall stance of the Tigers compared to the BMW. I took to the Tiger off a Suzuki 750 Katana and a Triumph Speed Triple (BOTH amazing handling machines). But now I wouldn't trade my Tiger for anything.
I hope you get comfortable with the Tiger they are amazing bikes. Congrats on the new ride.

 

[Tmod]

The Tiger 1050's are much the same as other Triumphs suffering from very soft springs in the forks and lack of rebound damping. Another issue with the Tiger 1050's forks are they cavitate as the way they were designed they cannot refill fast enough or do they have large enough ports on the valves. Springs alone will make a very nice improvement and if the pocket book is tight just put a thicker fluid in the rebound leg and give it a try.

Tmod

 

[avion]

If your still struggling to hold a line, I presume on a neutral throttle or slight acceleration , check rear preload is enough and / or increase compression.

hth

Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk 4

 

[DaveB]

I had a Tiger 1050 for 3 years and had no problems. None.

I adjusted the suspension, as per the owner's manual, for two-up riding and found the handling improved when riding solo.

A T1050 with everything functioning normally and the suspension set right most definitely does not need a steering damper IMO.

If I may ask, how much do you weigh?

What tyres does your bike have and what pressures do you run?