TRIUMPH TIGER 800XCx REVIEW

 

The secret of a good adventure bike is that it’s several machines in one: fast and sweet-handling roadster, comfortable tourer and rugged off-roader. But riders’ priorities differ, so when Triumph entered the adventure market four years ago with the Tiger 800, the firm hedged its bets by creating a road-biased standard bike and the more off-road-ready XC.

That original pair of Tigers has expanded to four, including two new upmarket models, the XCx and XRx, whose features include multiple engine modes and cruise control. The XCx, the most expensive at £9,999, has engine bars and an alloy bash-plate for extra protection.

Along a rutted dirt road, it’s clear that the XCx’s long-travel suspension and clever electronics add a new level of off-road ability. There are also numerous updates shared by all four Tiger models.

The 94bhp, 800cc, three-cylinder engine is retained. There are modifications to the cylinder head, gearbox and fuel-injection system, the latter including adoption of ride-by-wire throttle control. This boosts fuel efficiency and allows a choice of modes: Road, Off-road and a Rider option that offers customisation of throttle response, traction control and ABS brake settings.

The XCx is a tall bike but its seat is quickly adjustable, and in the lower position this helps make the Triumph manageable for riders of average height. Flexible power delivery also contributes to its ease of use. The XCx made light work of the road route, pulling smoothly from below 3,000rpm all the way to 10,000rpm, and feeling subtly more refined thanks to updates including a smoother-shifting gearbox.

Such is the engine’s docile nature that for road riding the modes that soften its output are unnecessary. But the Off-road mode is useful on loose surfaces as it adjusts throttle response and fine-tunes the traction control and ABS settings.

At 221kg with fuel, the XCx is light by adventure bike standards, which helps ease of use off-road, as does its ability to provide anti-lock braking on the front wheel while allowing the rear to be skidded into turns.

The updated Tiger recorded a reasonable 48mpg to give a range of 200 miles or more. That contributes to an impressive touring ability, as does the comfortable, upright riding position. Hand-guards and a non-adjustable but impressively efficient screen also help.

The generous suspension travel aids comfort, yet I was impressed by the XCx’s composure in corners, and the grip of its tyres. Even so, riders who won’t venture off-road would be better off with the 800 XRx, which has firmer suspension and a lower seat, as well as an adjustable screen.

The XRx is also £500 cheaper, but the extra is worth it for the XCx’s added potential for off-road fun – or even serious adventure, because a bike as versatile as the Tiger 800 XCx might provide the ideal inspiration to head off the beaten track.

THE FACTS

Triumph Tiger 800 XCx

Tested: 800cc triple, six-speed gearbox

Price/on sale: £9,999/January

Power/torque: 94bhp @ 9,250rpm/58lb ft @ 7,850rpm

Top speed: 130mph

Range: 210 miles @ 50mpg

Verdict: Can't match thrills of some rivals, but comfort, solid performance, versatility and off-road ability come at a sensible price

Telegraph rating: Four out of five stars

RIVALS

BMW F800GS Adventure, £9,760

With its 85bhp parallel twin engine the middleweight GS Adventure can’t quite match the Tiger triple’s smooth performance, but it’s a sound long-distance bike that also works well off-road.

KTM 1050 Adventure, £10,999

KTM’s new V-twin combines a Tiger-matching 95bhp output with a high-quality chassis and should prove very competitive, although even this lower spec Adventure will cost more than the Triumph.

Suzuki V-Strom 1000, £9,999

The recently revamped V-Strom produces 99bhp from its 1037cc V-twin engine and offers respectable roadgoing performance and comfort, so is an option for those who don’t plan to ride off-road.

Source : telegraph[dot]co[dot]uk