2012 Triumph Tiger 1.1L Petrol · KP62 RPU

The 2012 Triumph Tiger presents a mixed mechanical picture as of its most recent MOT on 22 May 2026 at 26,867 miles. The bike passed, but the tester flagged two notable defects: a worn drive chain and a binding rear brake. Neither was deemed excessive enough to fail the test, yet both point to deferred maintenance rather than a stable, well-kept machine. The trend is not cleanly improving or worsening; it is a record of long periods of minimal attention punctuated by minor faults that were never fully resolved. The mileage pattern is strikingly low for a fourteen-year-old motorcycle. Between the 2019 test at 12,733 miles and the 2024 test at 13,727 miles, the Tiger covered just 994 miles over nearly five years. That is barely 200 miles per year, suggesting prolonged standing rather than regular use. The jump to 26,867 miles by May 2026 is a sharp acceleration, adding over 13,000 miles in just over two years. Such a sudden increase after years of dormancy can stress components that deteriorated from age and inactivity rather than mileage alone, including perished rubber hoses, dried-out fork seals, and corroded brake lines. The recurring rear brake binding advisory, now recorded as a defect in 2026, is a pattern worth taking seriously. A caliper that drags generates excessive heat, accelerates pad wear, and can warp the disc over time. Combined with the worn drive chain flagged in the same test, the evidence suggests the previous owner allowed consumable items to degrade without timely replacement. A buyer should inspect the rear caliper slider pins and master cylinder for free movement, and check the chain and sprockets for elongation, kinking, and hooked teeth. Beyond the flagged items, the long period of low mileage and potential standing demands a thorough structural inspection. Examine the frame and swingarm for corrosion, particularly around welds and drain holes. Check the tyre date codes, as rubber older than five years can harden and crack regardless of tread depth. The intermittent LED failures in the rear light, noted in 2024, may indicate a poor earth or water ingress in the lens assembly. A test ride under braking and at steady speed will reveal whether the rear brake drag is a minor nuisance or a symptom of a deeper hydraulic fault.