2012 Triumph Tiger 1.2L Petrol · EX62 VCT

The vehicle passed its most recent DVSA MOT test on 16 April 2026, with a single advisory noting that the front and rear tyre tread is stepped. Looking at the broader test history, the motorcycle shows a generally stable maintenance trend with consecutive passes recorded throughout 2022, 2024, 2025, and now 2026, and no advisories beyond the most recent tyre note. The only significant interruption in this pattern occurred in August 2023, when the machine failed on a nearside front shock absorber with a serious fluid leak, accompanied by an advisory for light oil misting on the offside front unit. This was remedied within the same month, as evidenced by the subsequent pass on 7 August 2023, suggesting the repair was carried out promptly and effectively rather than the defect being left to deteriorate. With 28,551 miles recorded over approximately fourteen years, this Triumph Tiger has covered an average of around 2,039 miles annually, which is notably low for a motorcycle of this vintage and indicates either genuinely light use or extended periods of standing. Low annual mileage of this nature carries its own mechanical considerations distinct from high-mileage wear. Components that degrade primarily through age rather than use, such as rubber seals, drive belts or chains, brake hoses, electrolyte-dependent battery cells, and internal cylinder corrosion from infrequent warm-up cycles, require particular scrutiny on a machine that may have spent considerable time off the road between rides. The fact that MOT testing commenced only from 2019 onwards means there is no formal record of how the motorcycle was exercised or serviced during its earlier life, and the absence of recorded mileage gaps prior to the first test makes it difficult to confirm continuous use. Given the predominant pattern of light use and standing periods, a prospective buyer should undertake a methodical physical inspection addressing age-related deterioration regardless of odometer reading. The front and rear tyres should be examined closely for sidewall perishing, cracking, or hardening of the rubber compound, as tyres older than five or six years frequently suffer such degradation even with ample tread remaining, and the advisory regarding stepped tread suggests uneven wear patterns that may warrant a replacement set. The front brake discs should be inspected for surface corrosion and the calipers checked for seizing or binding, as moisture accumulation on stationary components frequently leads to pad glazing or pistons sticking in their bores. The 12-volt battery is particularly vulnerable on a low-use motorcycle and should be load-tested rather than merely voltage-checked, since a battery that holds surface charge but fails under load will leave the rider stranded. During a test ride, attention should be paid to any signs of suspension irregularity stemming from the 2023 shock absorber replacement, ensuring that damping action feels consistent across both front forks and that no residual oil weeping is present around the seals. The rear shock and linkage should also be examined for play in the bearings, as these components suffer from age-related degradation independent of mileage. Fluid services including brake fluid, coolant, fork oil, and final drive lubricant should be verified against time intervals rather than mileage, as none of these deteriorate solely through use, and confirmation of recent replacement through service documentation is highly advisable on a motorcycle of this age. Listen for any irregular engine behaviour, hesitation, or cold-start smoke, as infrequent running can contribute to oil glazing on bores and stale fuel issues, and check the condition of the chain and sprockets closely since corrosion rather than wear is the principal concern on a low-mileage machine.