Triumph Tiger 800 XC
As the spring of 2014 approached, I was itching to get back on the road with the motorbike.
I still liked the GS but after 6 years, it was time for a change.
I fancied something not quite a bulky as the R1200GS although I still enjoyed riding it.
Listed below are the aspects of test riding, buying and early thoughts of owning my new Tiger 800 XC.
I hope you find the following information useful and enjoyable.
I still liked the GS but after 6 years, it was time for a change.
I fancied something not quite a bulky as the R1200GS although I still enjoyed riding it.
Listed below are the aspects of test riding, buying and early thoughts of owning my new Tiger 800 XC.
I hope you find the following information useful and enjoyable.
Triumph Tiger 800 XC - Test Ride
At the end of March 2014, I test rode the BMW F700GS and the Triumph Tiger 800.
I enjoyed the ride on the beemer but it didn't light any fires... a few sparks but that is all.
There wasn't enough excitement to throw my hard earned at.
I had researched the Tiger and that was my next choice so I rode down to Triumph in Chesterfield and got talking about the Tiger 800.
The demo bike was available so I took it out.
I enjoyed the ride on the beemer but it didn't light any fires... a few sparks but that is all.
There wasn't enough excitement to throw my hard earned at.
I had researched the Tiger and that was my next choice so I rode down to Triumph in Chesterfield and got talking about the Tiger 800.
The demo bike was available so I took it out.
AND WHAT A MOTOR!!!
I was hooked!!! I bought one that day!
So... early April 2014 saw me trade in my R1200GS for a Triumph Tiger 800 XC.
I decided to go for the 800XC (as opposed to the 800 road bike) as most of my riding will be done on smaller roads.
All the details and photos are listed below... Hope you enjoy the read.
So... early April 2014 saw me trade in my R1200GS for a Triumph Tiger 800 XC.
I decided to go for the 800XC (as opposed to the 800 road bike) as most of my riding will be done on smaller roads.
All the details and photos are listed below... Hope you enjoy the read.
Triumph Tiger 800 XC - Added Extras
Heated Grips
Hand Guards
Adventure Fog Light Kit
Adjustable Tall Screen
Triumph Top Box
Sliding Carriage for Top Box
Backrest (for pillion on Top Box)
Extended Rear Mud Plate
Tank Protector
Oil Filter Cover / Protector
Centre Stand
Hand Guards
Adventure Fog Light Kit
Adjustable Tall Screen
Triumph Top Box
Sliding Carriage for Top Box
Backrest (for pillion on Top Box)
Extended Rear Mud Plate
Tank Protector
Oil Filter Cover / Protector
Centre Stand
Picking the Bike Up
Picked the new bike up 05/04/2014 and rode it home through the Northern Peak District area.
Got to keep it below or around 4000 RPM so got to hold back at the moment but what a bike.
Stopped off at Chatsworth House entrance for a photo-shoot (see below) and to reflect on the new purchase.
First impressions are that I have not wasted a penny.... I LOVE IT!!!
I still can't decide what gender a motorbike is. I have come to the conclusion that the role of the motorbike is the most determining factor, so... as this is officially an off-road bike, he is a male.
For that reason, I am going to call him Tony ('cos he's GRRRRRRRREEEEAAT)!
Got to keep it below or around 4000 RPM so got to hold back at the moment but what a bike.
Stopped off at Chatsworth House entrance for a photo-shoot (see below) and to reflect on the new purchase.
First impressions are that I have not wasted a penny.... I LOVE IT!!!
I still can't decide what gender a motorbike is. I have come to the conclusion that the role of the motorbike is the most determining factor, so... as this is officially an off-road bike, he is a male.
For that reason, I am going to call him Tony ('cos he's GRRRRRRRREEEEAAT)!
Mi baby!
Easter 2014 - North Yorkshire Coast & Moors
Early Review - May 2014
So... what have I learnt in the first month I have owned my 800 XC?
I love it!
I have just had Tony in for his first service and was loaned a Tiger Sport 1050 whilst it was in.
The Tiger 1050 (as opposed to the 800) was one option that I did not test but wondered about.
Having had a 1200cc motor previously, I was a little concerned at throwing away 400cc by dropping down to 800 and the 1050 has a similar BHP to the R1200GS I traded in.
I needn't have wondered as my concerns were laid to rest with the loan bike.
The raw power of the 1050 is much less controllable at low speeds on the 1050 than the 800.
The steering turns in on slower bends and requires more attention.
The throttle is harder to control when starting to roll the power on gently and maintain slower speeds as it tends to want to go as soon as you twist it. It seems its all or nothing.
The 800 is much more manageable and has a lighter clutch lever.
A couple of hours on the 1050 resulted in my left hand being in pain (due to the operation of the clutch lever) towards the end of the ride... something I never noticed during the 3 hour ride completed on the XC.
So being a mamby pamby limp wristed wuss like me, I'm glad I chose the 800!
The 800 XC glides over the majority of terrain the main A, and smaller B roads of South Yorkshire and the North Midlands can throw at it with the greatest of ease and sure-footedness.
I felt every little bump on the road that the Tiger Sport travelled over. I know the suspension and dampers can be adjusted but I feel that it is made more for the track or throwing it into sweeping bends on smooth tarmac.
Something you cannot do in the real world or around the streets of Sheffield with the abundance of pot holes and craters everywhere you go.
Would I have a free upgrade to a 1050? Not a chance!
My only concern is cleaning the wheels.
Why have I bought one with chrome spokes?
Dunno... yes I do. You can't buy the XC with alloys so I can see some hard work coming on, but thinking about riding Tony again... he's worth it.
I love it!
I have just had Tony in for his first service and was loaned a Tiger Sport 1050 whilst it was in.
The Tiger 1050 (as opposed to the 800) was one option that I did not test but wondered about.
Having had a 1200cc motor previously, I was a little concerned at throwing away 400cc by dropping down to 800 and the 1050 has a similar BHP to the R1200GS I traded in.
I needn't have wondered as my concerns were laid to rest with the loan bike.
The raw power of the 1050 is much less controllable at low speeds on the 1050 than the 800.
The steering turns in on slower bends and requires more attention.
The throttle is harder to control when starting to roll the power on gently and maintain slower speeds as it tends to want to go as soon as you twist it. It seems its all or nothing.
The 800 is much more manageable and has a lighter clutch lever.
A couple of hours on the 1050 resulted in my left hand being in pain (due to the operation of the clutch lever) towards the end of the ride... something I never noticed during the 3 hour ride completed on the XC.
So being a mamby pamby limp wristed wuss like me, I'm glad I chose the 800!
The 800 XC glides over the majority of terrain the main A, and smaller B roads of South Yorkshire and the North Midlands can throw at it with the greatest of ease and sure-footedness.
I felt every little bump on the road that the Tiger Sport travelled over. I know the suspension and dampers can be adjusted but I feel that it is made more for the track or throwing it into sweeping bends on smooth tarmac.
Something you cannot do in the real world or around the streets of Sheffield with the abundance of pot holes and craters everywhere you go.
Would I have a free upgrade to a 1050? Not a chance!
My only concern is cleaning the wheels.
Why have I bought one with chrome spokes?
Dunno... yes I do. You can't buy the XC with alloys so I can see some hard work coming on, but thinking about riding Tony again... he's worth it.
Latest Update
So, what do I think after riding Tony for 6 weeks? (so to speak)
I still love it. The more I ride it, the more I want to ride it.
Motorcycles mean different things to different people for different reasons, that's why I never criticise anyone for their choice of motorcycle but I have to admit, although the R1200GS was good, the 800XC seems better.
I felt confident on the Beemer and was never worried that it would bite me at any point but the 800 XC feels a step up.
I still feel as confident in the twisties as ever and I think this is due to the size and weight suiting my frame better.
What do I miss?
Basically - Nothing. Actually...
I do however miss a thing or two the Beemer had and Triumph ought to pay attention to 2 of them here...
a) The Beemer's computer could be accessed from the handle bar push button from the grip. The Triumph's can't.
b) The Beemer had an outside temperature guage on the display, the Triumph hasn't.
c) If I'm honest, I do miss the power difference between the 1200 and this 800. I have noticed it on a couple of occasions but having said that, when dropping down by 400cc, it is going to be noticeable.
But that is all it is... noticeable. The 800 is by no means underpowered and has all the power you could wish for in a road bike for general use.
These are only small items but 'a' & 'b' would be an asset to the rider experience.
Since swapping the Beemer for the Triumph, I have no regrets or complaints... only praise for how Triumph has upped the ante over the last few years in the cut-throat world of competition in this bike sector.
I am no motorcycle aficionado and don't pretend to be, so these views are only a personal view from a reasonably experienced road rider. A professional rider may have different views and is free to express them.
This is my view.
One more point to mention is Triumphworld at Chesterfield and the way I was treated.
I would definitely recommend them and will use them again at an instants notice.
I still love it. The more I ride it, the more I want to ride it.
Motorcycles mean different things to different people for different reasons, that's why I never criticise anyone for their choice of motorcycle but I have to admit, although the R1200GS was good, the 800XC seems better.
I felt confident on the Beemer and was never worried that it would bite me at any point but the 800 XC feels a step up.
I still feel as confident in the twisties as ever and I think this is due to the size and weight suiting my frame better.
What do I miss?
Basically - Nothing. Actually...
I do however miss a thing or two the Beemer had and Triumph ought to pay attention to 2 of them here...
a) The Beemer's computer could be accessed from the handle bar push button from the grip. The Triumph's can't.
b) The Beemer had an outside temperature guage on the display, the Triumph hasn't.
c) If I'm honest, I do miss the power difference between the 1200 and this 800. I have noticed it on a couple of occasions but having said that, when dropping down by 400cc, it is going to be noticeable.
But that is all it is... noticeable. The 800 is by no means underpowered and has all the power you could wish for in a road bike for general use.
These are only small items but 'a' & 'b' would be an asset to the rider experience.
Since swapping the Beemer for the Triumph, I have no regrets or complaints... only praise for how Triumph has upped the ante over the last few years in the cut-throat world of competition in this bike sector.
I am no motorcycle aficionado and don't pretend to be, so these views are only a personal view from a reasonably experienced road rider. A professional rider may have different views and is free to express them.
This is my view.
One more point to mention is Triumphworld at Chesterfield and the way I was treated.
I would definitely recommend them and will use them again at an instants notice.