Triumph’s fabled adventure bike has been given some considerable tweaks, tweaks that include a revised engine, new electronics, cosmetic updates, ergonomic changes and revised suspension setup.
With this update, the Tiger 800 is now known as XR, signifying its road bias, while the XC is positioned as the more off-road-oriented motorcycle. Both models get a top of the line “x” variant (XRx, XCx) too, which is loaded with riding modes and an advanced trip computer amongst other features and conveniences – like an extra power socket.
On paper, the updates don’t seem too prominent. However, from the air intake, to the exhaust and everything in between has been tweaked to improve refinement, efficiency and performance; and it showed. It was apparent that the bottom-end torque had jumped dramatically. Slowing down for traffic while climbing up a mountain road, didn’t need too much shifting through the smooth-six speed gearbox. Instead, I could just leave it in the sixth even with the revs under 2,000rpm, and trot calmly along. Switch to a lower gear, and the Tiger rips through the tarmac with sportbike-like enthusiasm. It can be a complete hoot to ride hard when you are in the mood. On the refinement front, the engine felt quieter and smoother than before too.
Traction control and ABS are offered as standard on all Tiger models, and on the top-end XRx/XCx variants, you also get three rider modes to choose from – Road, off-road and User. The User mode is customisable – so apart from the traction control and ABS settings, you also get four throttle maps (Road, Off-Road, Sport & Rain) to choose from.
Despite being an adventure bike, the Tiger 800 has been a motorcycle with a slight fetish for tarmac. Staying on the black stuff was very rewarding and the XR, which will be coming to India for the very first time, is the more everyday adventure bike of the two. Firstly, at its lowest setting the 810mm seat height, makes the 216kgs of motorcycle easier to manage. Then the 19” front wheel also lightens the steering and sends it lunging into corners.
The XC, in keeping with its adventurous leanings uses a larger 21” front tyre and spoke wheels for off-road duties. At 840mm, the seat height is considerably higher than the XR as it packs plenty more suspension travel. While the suspension travel is unchanged from the earlier XC, the new bike uses hardware from off-road specialist WP. Yes, KTM’s sister concern. The little bit that we rode in the dirt showed that the XC has found a new suppleness and ease with which it can deal with sharp bumps that off-road journeys throw at you. The top of the line XCx gets engine guards and an aluminium bash plate as well.
On the road, the XC impresses further. Its corner entry is a bit more measured, but that only made it more enjoyable and, unlike the XR, the mid-corner bumps were shrugged off by the XC. The icing on the cake is that the new higher handlebar offers a far more upright seating position that won’t tire you even on long journeys.
This updated model feels like a sophisticated and up-to-date adventure bike now. The suite of electronics and a stronger motor will make it an easier motorcycle for all the riders to enjoy. Although we still don’t know the updated Tiger’s off-roading prowess, there’s no doubt that it has become a more complete and better thought out motorcycle to go hunting for an adventure on.