Triumph Tiger 800XC review, test ride

We get astride Triumph’s well known adventure bike, the purposeful looking Tiger 800XC. Here’s our take.

Published on Jul 28, 2014 08:20:00 PM

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The Triumph Tiger 800XC is powered by a four-stroke, 800cc, liquid-cooled engine with Triumph typical three cylinders set in an in-line configuration. Peak power output is 93.7bhp at 9,300rpm, while maximum torque of 8.1kgm is produced at 7,850rpm. Clutch feel is progressive on the 800XC, while the big bike’s 6-speed gearbox shifts with a weighty, but precise feel, in a one-down, five-up pattern. This is a refined, vibe free engine, that does enough to allow its rider to pull out of corners with strong grunt and quick throttle response. Speeds of up to 120kph are very easily achieved by the Tiger, with exhilarating acceleration on offer.

This Triumph uses a robust, tubular steel frame, with an alloy swingarm provided at rear. Suspension is upside down telescopic forks in front, and an adjustable monoshock at the rear. As expected, the Tiger 800XC comes with a pretty high riding position, with a commanding view provided of the road ahead. Shorter riders will have difficulty coming to terms with this motorcycle, and will do well to steer clear. The riding saddle feels wide enough, and proved comfy even when riding the Tiger over longer distances. The 800XC comes with well placed footrests, and although this is a bike with a largely upright riding position, even taller riders sit with a slight lean forward into the handlebars, which makes the XC feel more like a streetbike, rather than multi-purpose adventure bike.

Ride quality felt a touch too firm on the heavy feeling Triumph, that said generous suspension travel does allow the bike to cover rough roads well, as commonly experienced across India. The Tiger 800XC makes a confident touring motorcycle for Indian highways, but fails to inspire enough confidence off-road when hitting trails, with only iffy capability in these conditions. Cornering manners are decent on the road, the steering however feeling heavier than we’d have liked, again proving to be a hindrance when trying to make quick corrections in off-road conditions.