2012 Triumph Tiger 1050 1.1L Petrol · FJ12 FLW

The Triumph Tiger 1050 presents a stable but cautious maintenance picture heading into mid-2026. The most recent MOT on 20 March 2026, at 9,943 miles, passed, yet the tester flagged a front brake binding but not excessively, along with front and rear brake pads close to their minimum limits. This indicates the braking system is functional but approaching a service threshold. The trend is not sharply worsening, but the recurrence of brake-related advisories suggests a pattern of deferred minor attention rather than proactive replacement. The mileage profile is exceptionally low for a 2012 machine. Between the November 2018 test at 9,030 miles and the July 2024 test at 9,145 miles, the motorcycle covered just 115 miles over nearly six years. That points to prolonged periods of standing, which carries its own risks: dried seals, stale fuel, and potential corrosion in brake calipers and fuel system components. The jump from 9,145 miles in July 2024 to 9,943 miles in March 2026, an increase of 798 miles in roughly 20 months, suggests a recent uptick in use. The overall annualised average of roughly 710 miles is well below the typical 4,000 to 6,000 miles expected for a touring-capable motorcycle of this type. The repeated brake faults deserve close physical inspection. The July 2024 failure for a rear brake excessively binding, followed by a front brake binding advisory in March 2026, may point to sticking caliper pistons, deteriorated brake hoses, or contaminated fluid exacerbated by long periods of inactivity. A buyer should check for uneven pad wear, scored or corroded discs, and spongy lever feel indicative of moisture-laden fluid. Suspension seals and fork stanchions should also be examined for scoring or oil weeping, as infrequent use can cause seals to dry and stick. Tyre date codes and sidewall condition matter here; rubber ages regardless of tread depth, and a machine sitting on degraded tyres will need replacement rubber before any serious riding.