Triumph Tigers ready for touring

Triumph has added two flagship models to their Tiger range that are well-equipped for long-range touring.

They are the Tiger 800 XRT ($17,890 +ORC) and the Tiger 800 XCA ($19,390) both arriving in June.

That brings the Tiger range up to six with three XR on-road models (XR $15,090, XRx $16,590) and three XC off-road models (XC $16,590, Xcx $17,690).

For an extra $1400 over the XRx, the XRT adds heated seats and grips, fog lamps, three extra 12V outlets, tyre pressure monitors, a heftier 650W alternator for all the additional electronics, aluminium pannier rails (but not the panniers), GPS mounting kit, CNC-machined brake reservoir and aluminium radiator guard.

Surprisingly it will cost you an extra $1700 over the XCx for the XCA for all the same extras plus CNC-machined footpads instead of brake reservoir and it doesn’t get tyre pressure monitors or a radiator guard.

Both are powered by the 70kW 800cc triple engine that Triumph claims will yield up to 437km 19-litre tank.

Other features include ride-by-wire throttle, three switchable riding modes and switchable ABS and traction control as standard.

Triumph accessories include slip-on mufflers, protection equipment and quick-release Expedition aluminium luggage system from 1.5mm thick aluminium with polymer corner protectors.

The 37-litre panniers are 1.1kg lighter than the Triumph Adventure Panniers and the 42-litre Expedition Top Box is 1.4kg lighter.

The new Tiger 800 XRT and Tiger XCA come with an unlimited mileage, two-year factory warranty, as do all new Triumph motorcycles.

I recently reacquainted myself with the Tiger range with a test on the XRx from Oliver’s Motorcycles in Moorooka who have added some accessories such as Barkbusters, luggage racks and GPS holder for long-haul adventures.

The most significant advance over the original 2011 800cc Tigers is the improvement in suspension.

While the on-road XRx is fettled with greatly improved Sachs suspension, the XCx has WP which has successfully propelled KTM off-roaders to a staggering 14 consecutive Dakar victories.

The difference is remarkable with the bike feeling so much more in control, not only over rough Queensland country roads, but also in providing more accurate handling and improved braking.

Off road, it simply excels with a plush ride that eats up the big hits, yet has enough strong spring to absorb the biggest hits and jumps.

Riding position has been improved with better quality handlebars and a much more comfortable seat.

The cruise control works well and the on-board computer provides more than enough information to keep you well informed. You can also adjust the rider modes to a special custom mode that suits your riding style.

If it’s big on-road or off-road adventure you want, without the behemoth weight of a 1200cc machine, the extensive Tiger range should have something suitable.

Triumph Tiger 800 XR tech specs

• Prices: XR $15,090, XRx $16,590, XRA $17,890 (+ orc)
• Power: 70kW @ 9250rpm
• Torque: 79Nm @ 7850rpm
• Engine: Liquid-cooled, 12 valve, DOHC, 800cc in-line 3-cylinder
• Seat: 810mm-830mm (790-810mm with low seat)
• Front suspension: Showa 43mm upside down forks, 180mm travel
• Rear suspension: Showa monoshock with hydraulically adjustable preload, 170mm rear wheel travel
• Front brakes: Twin 308mm floating discs, Nissin 2-piston floating calipers, switchable ABS
• Rear brakes: Single 255mm disc, Nissin single piston floating caliper, switchable ABS
• Tank: 19 litres
• Colours: Crystal White, Phantom Black (XR), Crystal White, Phantom Black, Caspian Blue (XRx) Intense Orange, Crystal White
• XR standard equipment: Cast wheels, Traction Control, Switchable ABS, Trip computer, Sump guard, Hazard Lights, 12v Power supply, Showa 43mm USD forks, Showa monoshock with hydraulically adjustable preload, Adjustable seat height (810mm – 830mm)
• XRX models add: 3 selectable Riding Modes, ABS with On/Off-Road/ Off, TTC with On/Off-Road/ Off, 4 Throttle Maps, Cruise control, Centre stand, Comfort rider and pillion seats, Hand guards, Adjustable screen, Advanced trip computer, Additional 12V aux socket
• XRT models add: Uprated 650W Alternator for dedicated heated equipment, Heated Rider and Passenger Seats, Heated Grips, Fog Lamps, 3rd Additional auxiliary 12 v Power Socket
• Aluminium pannier rails – ready for the fitment of the optional aluminium Expedition panniers, GPS mounting kit, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, CNC machined brake reservoir, Aluminium radiator guard.

Triumph Tiger 800 XC tech specs

• Prices: XC $16,590, CXc $17,690, XCA $19,390 (+ orc)
• Power: 70kW @ 9250rpm
• Torque: 79Nm @ 7850rpm
• Engine: Liquid-cooled, 12 valve, DOHC, 800cc in-line 3-cylinder
• Seat: 840mm-860mm (820-840mm with Low Seat)
• Front suspension: WP 43mm upside down forks with adjustable rebound and compression damping, 220mm travel
• Rear suspension: WP monoshock with remote oil reservoir, hydraulically adjustable preload, rebound damping adjustment, 215mm rear wheel travel
• Front brakes: Twin 308mm floating discs, Nissin 2-piston floating calipers, switchable ABS
• Rear brakes: Single 255mm disc, Nissin single piston floating caliper, switchable ABS
• Tank: 19 litres
• Colours: Crystal White, Phantom Black (XC); Crystal White, Phantom Black, Caspian Blue (XCx) Matt Khaki Green, Crystal white (XCA)
• XC standard equipment: Triumph Traction Control (TTC), Switchable ABS, High level front mudguard, WP 43mm USD forks with adjustable rebound and compression damping, Adjustable WP rear suspension, Spoked wheels, Trip computer, Radiator guard, Sump guard, Hazard Lights, Adjustable seat height (840mm – 860mm), Adjustable brake and clutch lever, 12v Power Socket
• XCX models add: Switchable riding modes: Road, Off-road and Rider, ABS with On /Off-Road / Off
• TTC with On / Off-Road / Off, 4 Throttle Maps, Cruise control, Advanced Trip Computer, Aluminium sump guard, Engine protection bars, Hand guards, Centre Stand, Additional auxiliary 12 v Power Socket
• XCA models add: Uprated 650W Alternator for dedicated heated equipment, Heated Rider and Passenger Seats, Heated Grips, LED Fog Lamps, 3rd Additional auxiliary 12 v Power Socket, Aluminium pannier rails – ready for the fitment of the optional aluminium adventure panniers, GPS mounting kit, CNC machined foot rest