IN KEEPING with an earlier foray into poetic muse: Tiger Tiger shining bright, In the forest of the night.

Triumph's designers got it right.

Okay, I'm no Kipling - can't even bake good cakes - but the Triumph Tiger is one bike that has proven to be every bit as good as it looks.

Triumph established itself firmly in the adventure/touring sector with the first Tigers, but rather than sit on its laurels the company upped the anti to 1,050cc and provided a two-up machine that was equally at home commuting, providing play time riding or covering foreign highways.

I know I bang on about a machine's versatility, it's just that I enjoy getting the most for my money when it comes to two wheels and prefer a bike that isn't restricted to just one chore.

Sales figures for the Tiger, pictured above, show I'm not alone.

In the States, due to a passionate following, the Triumph marque is (once again) flying the flag. Let's face it, they have a lot more miles to cross over there, and how the American riders have taken to the 114bhp triple is a testament to Triumph's design and engineering.

Back home, riders are just as enamoured with the Tiger, the specifically tailored ABS system has proved to be a real boost for riders seeking precison braking under stressful conditions.

Like you, I've ridden bikes that look great on paper but are a real pain in the - well, you know where, and it's always pleasing to mention how comfortable a saddle is. After all, when the miles are being covered there is a lot of time to think about aches and pains.

The design team spent a lot of time making sure the 1050 was comfortable for two people (not just skinny ones at that ) so you can be confident that by adding branded hard - or soft - luggage there will be space to enjoy watching the scenery go by in comfort from behind the efficiant screen.

When it comes to covering the miles in style and comfort Triumph is spoiling riders with choice. Where the Tiger is adventure, the Sprint ST, pictured below, is a sport tourer - but again it's a versitile machine that caters for commuting as well as seeing the world.

The main differences are obvious in the accompanying photos - full fairing, hard luggage and a more purposeful seating position for the rider.

Having put some miles under the tyres of an ST, I'll add that it handles with panache and is comfortable at sustained speed (just 70mph of course).

How well it copes with more serious use has been attested by a friend who spent a few weeks blatting around the continent - and loved it.

Just as with the Tiger you have a triple cylinder engine, but in this case tuned for 125bhp. Twenty litres of fuel fit into the curvaceous tank and ABS is available.

One striking advantage is the comfort for both rider and pillion. I wouldn't like to choose between these two top tourers, but Rafferty Newman have demo rides available so you'll be be able to make your own choice.