Sorta. They continued selling the Sprint ST in UK for another year after it was dropped in favor of the Sprint GT here in North America.
All I can tell you is the Triumph guy at the NYC show said they would not bring it here because they didn't want to "dilute" sales of the other new Tiger models. He was busy trying to steer everyone towards the new Trophy, though, so maybe that was part of it? I don't really see this model as competing with anything else in their line myself, unless maybe the 800 roadie, and I see those bikes appealing to guys younger than myself. I haven't ridden any of the new 800 or 1200 triples, so I can't compare, but the Sprint I test rode for a friend that had a 1050 was the smoothest piece of machinery that I have ever seen. I was doing 85 MPH in places I normally do 65 MPH, and was absolutely not aware of it until I glanced at the speedometer. Really is that smooth, and this new Tiger should be even better for me, because of the more upright seating position. Let's face it, most everyone who loves their bike wouldn't complain if it had "just a little more" power. I don't think that will be an issue with this one.
Fwiw, I think it's a cultural thing. In Europe, riders will come from 1000cc sports to bikes like the Speed Trip, Tiger, KTM SMT, Ducati Hypermotards/Monster 1100s. They are looking for the thrills of a litre bike, with a bit more comfort. USA riders seem to come from cruisers, so they are looking for good-enough comfort, but not that much more performance. It's a subtle distinction, I admit (and of course over-generalised, this being a forum an' all), but that's my impression. Or, to put it another way, no-one in the UK/Europe would call a BMW R1200T a sports-touring bike, or a Kawasaki 650R a sports bike, but americans have no trouble with that nomenclature. (The 1200RT is a tourer, the 650R is a commuter..)
It'll be interesting to see if Yamaha have any plans to put their new triple motor in a TDM replacement - presuming Yamaha have any interest in launching new bikes in the near future..
There are several new videos on youtube taken at the same demo ride that the french one already posted came from. A few other ride views, but the sound of the first video was the best.
Why - when you have a motor as tuneful as the Triple - do these goofs insist on putting "music" over the top of the already tuneful soundtrack..
According to my local dealer, the Triumph rep has confirmed that there is no plans to bring the Tiger Sport to the U.S. I guess I'll be getting that k1300S after all.
I hope your dealer is wrong, or that Triumph can be persuaded to change their mind. I'm either buying a Tiger 1050 Sport or a KTM 990 SMT. If Triumph won't import the bike I want, my hands are tied.
I don't think it's the dealer, this came from Triumph USA apparently. It does seem like this particular iteration is a gap bike. Triumph may be planning on continuing the Tiger Sport, but I bet the current 1050 motor is at end of life (as already speculated).
Bummer. The 115-130 horsepower range is perfect for me; it is just fast enough to be fun, without needing traction control to keep me out of trouble.
I can wait a bit myself, but if I were in need of a new set of two wheels, I would be pretty sad not to have one of these on the list of available choices. Plans can and do change, so I would hold out until next year if possible to see if this bike is really not coming here. If it doesn't make it by year two, then I would say it is probably not coming at all.
That's exactly what I'm doing. I've all but pulled ads for my Speed Triple. I'll most likely keep it for a year more to play wait-and-see with Triumph. My dealer is also saying I can't buy one unless I move to Europe. I hope line hell he's wrong... Chris Pope Locust Grove, GA 10 Speed Triple SE - for sale 57 Cushman Eagle
Let's also recognize that any dealer's number one priority is to sell the bikes that he currently has sitting on the showroom floor, as they are costing him money. Better to make a sale now on a sure thing rather than tell some potential customer that he might want to wait a year. Easy enough to apologize later when the real bike you want shows up, as he can just say that he was told by corporate that the bike wasn't going to be delivered here, and why not trade the old one in (profit for him here) and buy the one you really want (more profit here)?
Which is exactly why I'm holding off selling my current steed. I 'trust' my dealer, but I don't t-r-u-s-t him. Chris Pope Locust Grove, GA 10 Speed Triple SE - for sale 57 Cushman Eagle
After my excitement for the Tiger 800XC wore off, and after I bought a DR650 for dirt and realized my Wee Strom was going to stay 99.5% on pavement, this new Tiger 1050 Sport is a serious contender to end up in my garage this year, replacing the Strom and my Ducati. I realize its a niche bike for the US market, but so are the Rocket 3's, the Tiger 800 roadie and some of the umpteen Bonneville variations. If they don't bring it in to the US, Ducati (HyperStrada) or KTM (SMT or 1190) may get my business. -dman
I'm the same way. I don't want to crash a $10,000 adventure bike, when I can ride a $3500 DR650 for dirt and then have a more street oriented sport tourer like the Tiger 1050 Sport.
Did a short testride on the 1050Sport today and was positively surprised (didn't like the old 1050). Handles better then the 800 Road, brakes+suspension good. Engine has a nice roar, lovely power, but does not feel as refined as the 800. Apart from ABS I see no need for nannytronics on this bike When the time comes to replace my current 800 the 1050Sport is on top of my list (together with a new 800 )