Triumph Tiger 800 (2010- current): Making other adventure bikes feel dull.
Engine: The three-cylinder liquid-cooled engine of 799 cc, provides 94 bhp/9300 rpm and 8 Kgm/7850 rpm torque, claimed values.The above numbers, especially that of the horsepower, are actually useless. The excellent torque provided combined with the superb fueling, ensure immediate and meaty acceleration, any given moment. Consequently the power provided is adequate for 90% of use, an average rider will be entirely satisfied by this performance.
From the very low region of the powerband, from 1500 rpm upwards, sufficient thrust is provided. The low powerband area up to 4000 rpm, is adequate for urban rides.
The engine performance is very linear up to 10000 rpm where the rev limiter intervenes.
The clutch is light, while the gearbox is precise. The familiar three-cylinder Triumph sound derives from this engine also. The overwhelming character of the Tiger 800 is based on this engine performance to a great extent.
Riding position: To height of the saddle is easily adjusted in two positions. The tallest of these two is 840 mm, the width of the saddle is stable. Relatively tall or even taller riders will be satisfied.
The dimensions of the bike are average for the 650/700 cc category standards, the width is increased at the fuel tank area, due to plastic protectors around it.
Rider is placed in and over the bike, riding position is neutral. If the saddle height is set to the lower 810 mm increment, riding position feels mostly in the bike. The handlebar may also be adjusted.
The bike feels heavy, 210 kg nominal wet, centre of gravity feels relatively high.
On the road: Suspension feels hard for the category standards. Even if it were a street bike, suspension would feel also firm. The diameter of the fork is 43 mm. The only adjustment possible is the spring preload at the shock.
The tyres fitted are Pirelli Scorpion Trail, dimensions are 100/90-19 for the front and 150/70-17 for the rear.
City rides will be easy on the Tiger 800. The agility of the bike enhances commuting. Riding the Tiger 800 is not an indifferent process, its one of these rare bikes that transform riding into an exciting procedure, even into town. Street imperfections are absorbed quite well, despite the firm suspension setting.
At the process of filtering the height of the handlebar is just greater than that of car mirrors. Consequently filtering is good, not top class.
Steering lock is just adequate. It will not be an obstacle maneuvering the Tiger during city rides, it will not help either.
On B-roads the bike still oozes character. Initially agility is excellent, which is typical for the class. The combination of agility, firm suspension and bike¢s robustness creates a very playful nature and a very efficient bike. Feedback to the rider is very good, confidence to the rider is excellent. Road imperfections are absorbed really well.
At the fast pace the Tiger 800 is still an effective bike, rider feels confidence from the motorcycle as a whole, feedback to the rider is reduced though during fast cornering. There is a possibility when clumsy drifting at the entrance of the bend on very low friction streets , that the engine may stall. The feedback from the rear brake does not help, some familiarity is necessary before such a flamboyant riding. That¢s close to a supermoto pace, you bet.
On the highway the bike is very comfortable and stable. The space provided for rider and pillion is generous. Air protection is generally good. The extra taller and more broad screen which is an optional factory accessory will provide more comfortable travelling for tall riders.
The standard screen is quite good for a highway speed of 160 km / h which will keep the rider fit for longer journeys. The indication of 200 km / h is within the potential of the bike. The design of the bike has taken into account the easier and efficient loading of the motorcycle.
On dirt roads the Tiger 800 will not create any problems on low speed rides. Comfort to the rider is inferior to the standards of the category. The Tiger 800 XC model is much more appropriate for such terrain. The test of this bike will be published shortly.
The brakes of the motorcycle under test were not equipped with ABS, Nissin brake calipers are used. There are two 308 mm front disc brakes with twin piston calipers, a 255 mm disc with single-piston at the rear brake. Brakes are powerful, the front provides fairly good feedback, the rear brake provides average feedback.
Comments: There is a 12 V socket beside the key lock. The beam of the lights may be adjusted using a small lever, which is just behind the headlamp. Quality build is very good.
The character of the bike which derives from the engine and handling, introduces new, higher sporty criteria in the adventure category. Rider will enjoy fast riding, a complete package is there to do so, the fun factor and adrenaline levels are both increased.
On the other hand, some riders will find the Tiger sportier than expected, the relaxation provided by this motorcycle category, eg on B-roads, is poor. Probably rider will be absorbed by the procedure of riding, occasionally and briefly taking few glances at the landscape, while the opposite is usually done with the rest of the motorcycles in this category.
Even compared with the Tiger 1050, the 800 feels sportier, in a manner similar to that of 600 cc supersports and 1000 cc superbikes: The 600 cc are considered more sporty compared to their bigger brothers.
Conclusively, although the Tiger 800 is not addressed to every rider, it has changed the 600-800 c.c. adventure category. This class will not be the same, after quite a few years of a standstill.
Instead, the Tiger 800 will easily attract riders from the larger 1200 c.c. class, claiming more than adequate power and smaller physical dimensions compared to the bigger brothers-cousins.
Price: 8990 ¤
+ Character
+ Handling
+ Performance
+ Build quality
- Feedback from the rear brake
- The riders in this category are not necessarily looking for such an excessive character.
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