Triumph Tiger 1050 (2007-2012) Maintenance Schedule
This is the maintenance schedule and service intervals for the 2007-2012 Triumph Tiger 1050, the first dedicated “sport tourer” in the Tiger line with 17-inch wheels.
The Triumph Tiger 1050 replaced the Triumph Tiger 955i (2001-2006), based on the final-gen Daytona engine. But the Tiger 1050 was based on an engine not found in a Daytona superbike, and which rather was shared with the Triumph Sprint ST and the similar-generation Triumph Speed Triple.
In base trim, the Tiger 1050 is rated for a relatively mild 85 kW / 115 PS at 9400 rpm. Final drive is via a six-speed box and chain, and it has a single-sided swing-arm.
From 2013, Triumph significantly updated the Tiger 1050. You can see the maintenance schedule for the 2013-2010 Triumph Tiger Sport 1050 here.
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Triumph Tiger 1050 Service Intervals
The Triumph Tiger 1050 has 6000 mile / 10000 km or annual service intervals. At every service, change the oil and filters, and do a list of checks (that should be done regularly).
Every 12000 miles / 20000 km, change the spark plugs, replace the air filter, and check the valve clearances.
The Tiger’s liquid-cooled engine means you have to change the coolant periodically. The same goes for the brake fluid, though the clutch is cable-driven.
Finally, make sure you regularly attend to the chain final drive (see guidance below).
Maintenance Schedule for the Triumph Tiger 1050
The maintenance schedule in the manual for the Tiger 1050 combines everything into one table, including “daily” checks as well as infrequent service items like changing the oil.
We’ve split it into two checklists. One is for “daily” checks, and one is the service schedule.
Daily checks
Perform the followiong checks on your Triumph Tiger 1050 regularly. Triumph suggests doing them daily, but realistically, it would be before frequent rides.
| Triumph Tiger 1050 Daily Checks |
|---|
| Engine and oil cooler – check for leaks |
| Throttle cables – check/adjust |
| Cooling system – check for leaks |
| Coolant level – check/adjust |
| Fuel system – check for leaks, chafing etc. |
| Lights, instruments and electrical systems -check |
| Steering – check for free operation |
| Forks – check for leaks/smooth operation |
| Brake fluid levels – check |
| Brake pads – check wear levels |
| Drive chain slack – check/adjust |
| Drive chain rubbing strip – Check |
| Fasteners – inspect visually for security |
| Wheels – inspect for damage |
| Tire wear/tire damage – check |
| Tire pressures – check/adjust |
| Clutch cable – check/adjust |
| Stand(s) – check operation |
Maintenance Schedule
Below is the maintenance schedule for the Triumph Tiger 1050 for the major items.
Notes
- Follow the earlier of time-based or distance-based intervals. E.g. change the oil every 6000 miles / 10000 km or year.
- Keep following the schedule in the pattern shown at the end of it.
- [Dealer] items require special tools
| mi x 1000 | 6 | 12 | 18 | 24 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| km x 1000 | 10 | 20 | 30 | 40 | Every |
| Daily checks (see above) — Perform all checks | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
| [Dealer] Engine ECM – check for stored DTCs | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
| Engine oil – replace Triumph recommends a 10W-40 or 15W-50 JASO MA / API SH or higher spec oil. E.g. Mobil 1 15W-50 Synthetic | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
| Engine oil filter – replace (HF204RC) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
| Spark plugs – check | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Spark plugs – replace (NGK CR8EK) | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Throttle bodies – balance | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Steering head bearings – check/adjust | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Steering head bearings – lubricate (Lithium soal-based grease) | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Valve clearances – check/adjust | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Air filter — Replace (TB-1005) | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Rear suspension linkage – check/lubricate | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Secondary air injection system – check/clean | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Brake fluid – replace | 2 years | ||||
| Coolant – replace (Triumph HD4X or an equivalent) | 2 years | ||||
| Fork oil – replace | ✓ | 4 years | |||
| Fuel and evaporative loss hoses (if fitted) – replace | 4 years |
Drive Chain Lubrication
Below are the recommended service intervals for the chain for the Triumph Tiger 1050.
| Item | Every |
|---|---|
| Drive chain — Lubricate Service more often if riding in rain, mud, or other adverse conditions | 200 miles / 300 km |
| Drive chain — Check wear Hang a 10-20 kg weight on the chain. A taut section of 20 links (1-21) should be maximum of 12.5 in / 319 mm. | 500 miles / 800 km |
The 2007-2012 Triumph Tiger 1050 has a double-sided swingarm. This makes chain adjustment slightly more intuitive as it’s similar to on many other motorcycles.
Checking chain slack / tension
To check the tension on the Triumph Tiger 1050, put it in neutral, onto its kickstand, and on a level surface.
Check the slack on the lower part of the chain, midway between the sprockets, and check it in multiple places (move the motorcycle forwards and backwards) as chains wear unevenly.
Slack on the Triumph Tiger 1050 is defined as the free vertical movement of the chain.
Target chain slack for the Tiger 1050 (2007-2012): 32 – 43 mm (1.25 – 1.65 in)
If the chain slack is out of spec, you need to adjust it.
Adjusting chain slack / tension
To adjust the chain slack on the Triumph Tiger 1050, follow the steps below. As when you measured it, make sure that the motorcycle is on a level surface on its kickstand, in neutral, with no weight on it (no saddlebags / luggage, or at least empty luggage).
- Loosen the rear axle (you may need a breaker bar) and the adjuster lock nuts on either side of the axle.
- Turn the adjuster nuts to tighten (or loosen) the chain. Keep checking the chain tension to see if it has come within spec.
- Keep an eye on the adjuster alignment marks on either side of the axle. Make sure that the adjustment is to the same point.
- When you’re done, tighten the axle to 110 Nm / 81 lb-ft.
- Tighten the lock nuts to 27 Nm / 20 lb-ft.
- Re-check the chain slack again to make sure it’s still within spec.
Wheel, Tire, and Tire Pressure Specs
Below are the wheel sizes and recommended tire pressures for the Tiger 1050.
The Tiger 1050
About the Triumph Tiger 1050 (2007-2012)
The Triumph Tiger 1050 is a commitment to sport riding from Triumph, rather than trying to bridge off-road and on-road riding.
While it was a premium bike from Triumph decades ago, these days it is a rare bit of excellent value. Great sporty performance, comfort, reliability, and easy and wide maintenance intervals. There’s a lot to like!
Unlike previous generations of the Triumph Tiger, the 2007 Triumph Tiger 1050 was the first to have a 17-inch front wheel. The front and rear 17-inch cast wheel combo represents a commitment to sport touring, much like the Multistrada of the time (its contemporary was the Ducati Multistrada 1100).
The 2007-2012 Triumph Tiger 1050 has the 1050 motor found in the Sprint ST. It’s reduced in power compared to the thunderous Speed Triple, but tuned for low-end response, which makes it very easy to navigate at low speeds or in traffic.
The Tiger 1050’s motor is a dual overhead cam setup. So while checking valve clearances isn’t too hard
There’s a lot to like about the Tiger 1050. It’s a nice balance between two worlds of sport riding and adventuring. On the one hand, the big triple engine is responsive, and likes being revved to deliver its full arsenal of 115 hp. On the other, it’s comfortable as heck, with a not-too-high seat height (for a big bike – 830 mm or 33 inches) and wide handlebars.
There’s a screen, but it’s not too tall. There are rear-set footpegs, but they’re not too high. There’s a handlebar, but it’s not pulled too far back. And so on.
One nice thing about maintaining the Triumph Tiger 1050 is that there isn’t too much to remove to get access to the engine. Yes, you do have to remove the tank. But once you do, it’s not a cramped working environment, as can be the case on many other modern roadsters.
After 2012, Triumph updated the Tiger 1050 to be the Triumph Tiger Sport, with a single-sided swingarm, a higher-revving and higher-power engine, ride aids, and more.
Reference — 2007-2012 Triumph Tiger 1050 owner’s manual screenshots
The above came from checking the manuals for both the 2007 and 2012 Triumph Tiger 1050, checking for discrepancies.
Triumph makes their manuals available online here.
There are also various resources in the maintenance section of the Triumph Tiger 1050 forum here.
