2007 Triumph Tiger 1050 1.1L Petrol · EU07 DVA

The Triumph Tiger 1050 presents a stable and improving maintenance trend, culminating in a clean pass on 22 May 2026 at 21,942 miles with zero defects recorded. This outcome is a marked improvement over the preceding two years. The 2025 test on 24 April at 21,142 miles flagged a slight play in the rear wheel bearing, a common wear item on motorcycles that can degrade from moisture ingress or simply standing idle. Crucially, this advisory does not reappear in the most recent 2026 record, indicating the bearing has either been replaced or re-greased and remains within tolerance. The only other blemish is a straightforward headlamp dipped beam failure on 18 April 2024, rectified and passed on the same day, pointing to a simple bulb or connection fault rather than an electrical fault. The mileage pattern tells a story of very light, inconsistent use. The bike covered just 800 miles between April 2024 and April 2025, then a further 800 miles up to the May 2026 test. The most significant jump occurred between the clean pass on 4 May 2023 at 17,848 miles and the April 2024 test at 21,001 miles, adding 3,153 miles in roughly eleven months. This suggests a period of more regular riding before returning to a near-standstill pattern. At roughly 1,155 miles per year over its nineteen-year life, this is exceptionally low. Such light use keeps consumable wear minimal but raises its own concerns around stale fuel, dried seals, and corrosion from condensation. A buyer should focus the physical inspection on components that suffer from inactivity rather than mileage. Check the tyre date codes carefully; even with full tread, rubber older than five years can harden and crack, compromising grip. Inspect the brake calipers and discs for corrosion and sticking pistons, as a bike sitting for long periods can develop binding brakes and uneven disc wear despite the clean MOT. Examine the final drive, chain, and sprockets for correct tension and lubrication, and look for pitting corrosion on exposed metal parts like the swingarm and fork stanchions. The slight rear wheel bearing play noted in 2025 warrants a physical lift test to confirm there is no roughness or notchiness when the wheel is spun and rocked. Given the clean recent pass and low mileage, the primary risk is not mechanical fatigue but neglect through storage. A thorough cold start, a check for smooth throttle response across all cylinders, and a close look at the exhaust headers for rust scaling will reveal more about how this bike has been kept than the MOT record alone.