TRIUMPH Tiger 800XC 2014 Allroad Touring Motorcycle

TRIUMPH Tiger 800XC 2014 -allroad touring motorcycle is a factory upgrade from the basic dual sport TRIUMPH Tiger 800 ABS 2014 and includes a significant difference compared to the brother model. The duo is basically very much the same bike, but the allroad oriented 800XC is equipped with cross spoked rims and a 21inch front wheel which are both important basic requirements for fluent offroad riding on loose surfaces. In addition the steering angle is slightly more open and the trail is therefore bigger. The allroad orientation is also supported with low octane fuel settings as STD -feature. That`s another basic requirement for remote exploring. As a small signature, the 800XC has a pair of hand guards providing a little bit more coverage against the elements, but otherwise they are the same bike. I prefer the british approach to keep the TRIUMPH Tiger 800XC 2014 more simple by leaving the latest stability control and suspension management technology out which makes the 800XC even more ideal for adventurous riding, but also interesting for more experienced riders.

The TRIUMPH Tiger 800XC 2014 is probably the most competitive allroad touring enduro in the medium size category. It`s not designed for aggressive offroad riding on worst conditions which requires a much lighter package such as the KTM 690 Enduro R 2014. The 800XC has most of the basics in order and it`s relative light, reasonably agile for touring and on of the most versatile motorcycle. The handicap comes from an average size fuel tank which is traditionally placed quite high and a short windscreen. The ergonomics are one of the best and there are several adjustments, even few accessory seats. The TRIUMPH -triple engine is the sportiest and provides a practical amount of torque which makes the 800XC to shine in every scenario. The engine characterizes the nature of the bike. Thanks to a 2 piece seat, high payload capacity and the versatile nature of the engine, the passenger onboard is no longer a problem. Most of the competition in the category suffers from a lack of power with a full touring load, but this is not the case. Such performance makes the TRIUMPH Tiger 800XC 2014 also a very interesting everyday bike.

TRIUMPH Tiger 800XC 2014 Features

The TRIUMPH Tiger 800XC 2014 differs from all other medium size segment enduros by using a straight triple engine. The 800XC -triple engine is able to produces a sporty performance at high REVs, but also smooth and practical torque. The triple runs smoothly and shows normally very little vibrations. On the other hand, the engine and the rotating forces are placed relative high which raises the center of gravity and works a little bit against the agility. As long as the TIGER is used for what it`s designed for, this is not a problem what so ever and the competition is not any better in the worst offroad scenarios with a full touring load. The TRIUMPH Tiger 800XC 2014 triple engine is both inspiring, but the slightly sensitive throttle response makes the bike slightly less fluent in very technical & slow riding situations. The 800XC -gear box is one of the best working both precisely and smoothly.

The TRIUMPH Tiger 800XC 2014 has very good rider ergonomics and versatile adjustments are possible. The rider seat can be placed at 2 positions with 20 mm. difference. There are also 20 mm. lower and higher rider seats on the market, but also comfort seats for both the rider and the passenger. The 800XC -handlebar can be adjusted in 2 positions and offering a 20 mm. difference by rotating the clamp 180 degrees. By changing the foot pegs to adjustable offroad pegs, further adjustments could be made easily for the tallest riders. The wide fuel tank profile slightly limits the free leg movement when balancing the acceleration forces and leaning at the front, but this is hardly relevant for most of us. The TRIUMPH Tiger 800XC 2014 offers the best ergonomic potential there is.

The TRIUMPH Tiger 800XC 2014 overall wind cover is quite modest, but there is a 53 mm. taller and 55 mm. wider OE -touring windscreen which allows an additional 47 mm. adjustment on top. The hand guards come as standard feature, but they are also the average size which is good enough for modest weather conditions. Spoilers and grip heaters would be a good idea to upgrade the bike. The traditional fuel tank with the radiator fairing parts make the front of the bike wide and the shape creates aerodynamical protection for upper legs.

The TRIUMPH Tiger 800XC 2014 traditional fuel tank makes the handling a little bit top heavy and less agile with a full tank, but on the other hand, the fuel in the front counter balances the payload at the back. Especially with a full touring load, the Tiger handles surprisingly well with the slightly taller center of gravity. Unfortunately the fuel tank is relative small and hardly good for long stretches, but as long as there are no fuel tank extensions on the side, this is probably the best compromise from the fuel measuring and handling point of view. The weight competition with the BMW F800GS Adventure 2014 could be another reason to keep the fuel tank small, but that`s short sighted. Never the less, the TRIUMPH Tiger 800XC 2014 -rider should install a pair of proper reserve canisters on the panniers for backcountry tours. The range is probably the only true shortcoming from the allroad touring point of view.

The TRIUMPH Tiger 800XC 2014 has a traditional road type ABS which can be turned OFF, but unfortunately the ABS comes automatically back ON after every single engine start which can be annoying, sometimes even dangerous in offroad conditions. No wonder that some of the frequent offroad riders have installed an additional ABS -kill switch. This is common problem in the industry, but I can not see any real reason not to allow a long term OFF -mode for such an adventure touring bike. This is a small short coming from the TRIUMPH, but speaks of a slightly less serious offroad approach. The ABS is not integrated and the TRIUMPH Tiger 800XC 2014 -rider has to maintain the feel to the rear by using the foot brake simultaneously with the front. This is the traditional way of braking which is also necessary in offroad conditions.

Like any other motorcycle in the category, also the TRIUMPH Tiger 800XC 2014 has no cruise control and it`s not ride by wire throttled either. For such a versatile touring motorcycle, the cruise control would have been perfect and I am sure it will be included in the future. Although it`s not very useful in offroad condition, but most of us ride on pavement quite a lot and the CC eliminates some of the touring fatigue in the arms and the shoulder area. The key TRIUMPH Tiger 800XC 2014 features are:

TRIUMPH Tiger 800XC 2014 Considerations

The TRIUMPH Tiger 800XC 2014 cross spoked rims are not tubeless type which may come as a surprise today. The TUBE -type rims require equivalent tyres that are designed for inner tubes, but on the other hand the inner tubes are simple to repair even beside the road in the middle of nowhere. TUBEs also allow lower air pressure for a better grip on a very soft ground unlike the tubeless rims. Anyhow pay attention to the tyre types when the time comes and the factory offers a list of suitable tyres. The TIGER -rear sub frame is quite open from the side and the rear tyre throws dirt to the legs more than enough. This is a typical problem in offroad conditions and only few models are better equipped. Never the less such things could be easily avoided with better plastic parts planning. There are rear wheel huggers on the market and they provide at least some kind of help.

There are few things I would like to see in the next generation TRIUMPH Tiger 800XC. First of all an ON / long term OFF -switch for the ABS, around 600W alternator, gear in use reading on the display and a cruise control at the left hand side. The fuel tank should be also bigger and even when the measuring becomes difficult, the fuel tank extension should be divided on both sides as low as possible in the front. The fuel capacity should be at least 25L. I would also like to change the D-lock to a pair of brake disc locks which would be stored also below the passenger seat. That is very practical. There should be also a clean compartment for trip tools.

TRIUMPH Tiger 800XC 2014 Instrumentation

The TRIUMPH Tiger 800XC 2014 -instrumentation is in order and one of the best in the medium size category. The combination of a traditional tachometer and a digital LCD display is very useful. Thanks to traditional fuel tank, the 800XC has a fuel gauge which is able to show the whole capacity all the way and provides complete consumption monitoring features with 2 trip computers. There are only 2 additional features that are missing and I am used to have. The air temperature and the gear in use readings are every now and then very useful. The LCD display is rather small and there is at the moment no room for larger gear readings. The onboard computer is old fashionably controlled with 2 buttons a side which is not the most practical way. There are no menu controls in the left hand grip like bigger touring enduros usually have, but never the less the instrumentation is good enough. The TRIUMPH Tiger 800XC 2014 -onboard computer and LCD display provides the following information:

TRIUMPH Tiger 800XC 2014 Equipment Accessory

The TRIUMPH Tiger 800XC 2014 is a very competitive platform to start building an adventurous touring machine and the equipment producers have a lot model specific items to offer. Even the TRIUMPH offers proper accessories for touring purposes. Clearly the standard TIGER is not complete and requires at least few accessories such as a taller touring windshield and better exhaust heat shielding for the right foot. Center stand would be useful from the chain servicing and luggage handling point of view. Side stand foot extension would be useful on a softer ground. Proper engine guard & skid plate and taller crash bars would be a good safety measure for offroad conditions. Note that the rear suspension link and the exhaust pipes are facing the hits from the ground and require serious protection.

Set of aluminum side panniers offer the largest space and most versatile smaller luggage strapping options. When riding in standing posture the right side exhaust pipe goes too close to the trouser`s leg and easily burns it. A chain oiler system would also assist with the regular chain service during the tour. A mud guard extension for the front fender would minimize the amount of mud in front of the engine which is important from the cooling point of view. The rear wheel also throws dirt to the rider`s legs and a hugger or some kind of mud guard would be in order. For shorter riders the TRIUMPH offers 20 mm. lower rider seat and there are also 20 mm. higher rider seats at the equipment producers. Pair of adjustable offroad pegs would complete the ergonomics even for the tallest riders. The TOURATECH offers for the TRIUMPH Tiger 800XC 2014 a practical navigator stand which allows to install the GPS above the instrument cluster for better readability.

TRIUMPH Tiger 800XC 2014 Comparison

Compared to the BMW F800 GS Adventure 2014, the TRIUMPH Tiger 800XC 2014 is 14kgs (30.9lbs.) lighter, offers 4kgs (8.8lbs.) more payload capacity, 10HP more engine and 98W more alternator performance, but it also offers 4Nm. less torque and 5L (1.3USgal., 1.1UKgal.) less fuel capacity. Some of the weight difference comes from the 3,5kgs (7.7lbs.) larger fuel capacity, pannier rack and crash bars, but never the less the TIGER has an additional cylinder, larger exhaust and bigger alternator. Therefore the 800XC is surprisingly light weight. The TIGER produces a little bit more power for the travel electronics which is always a plus in touring. The 800XC also includes the low octane fuel settings unlike the 800GSA which requires an unnecessary upgrade.

From the offroad handling point of view, the TRIUMPH Tiger 800XC 2014 is slightly top heavy due to the traditional fuel tank and larger engine block, but on the other hand they offer practical counter balance for the payload at the rear. The 800GSA is more agile due to the rear end fuel tank, but it also means that it`s much more rear heavy with the full touring payload. The TIGER has slightly better ergonomics due to the adjustable 2 piece seat and the handlebar. On the other hand, the 800XC has a short windscreen which is very modest compared to the 800GSA wind cover, but there are OE -touring screens to take care of that. The TIGER has slightly more comprehensive STD -instrumentation with clearly better fuel monitoring features, thanks to the traditional fuel tank. The BMW F800 GS Adventure 2014 is slightly stronger alternative in offroad conditions, it offers one of the most extensive tuning potential, but also longer fuel range. The TRIUMPH Tiger 800XC 2014 is more sporty, more capable of taking the passenger onboard and a very competitive base to start building an allroad touring machine.

VS YAMAHA XT660Z Tenere ABS 2014

Compared to the YAMAHA XT660Z Tenere ABS 2014, the TRIUMPH Tiger 800XC 2014 offers 47HP/21Nm. more engine performance, 39kgs (86lbs.) more payload, but the TIGER is also as heavy and offers 4L (1.06USgal., 0.88UKgal.) less fuel capacity. Clearly the 800XC is more weight efficient even with the 2 additional cylinders, bigger exhaust and 6 speed gear box. The Tenere single cylinder is resilient from nature, but with a long ratio gear box the XT660 is hardly sporty. They both have allroad capable cross spoked rims and 21inch front wheels for loose surfaces. The instrumentation in both bikes is basically quite similar and good for fuel monitoring. They both have a traditional fuel tank which makes them slightly top heavy, but also counter balances the payload at the back. Neither has electronic stability control systems other than the traditional ABS but the TIGER allows to switch it OFF unlike the Tenere which has a permanent ABS.

The TRIUMPH Tiger 800XC 2014 has low octane fuel settings as STD -feature and the Tenere offers no such thing, but instead the XT660 -fuel range exceeds the 500km / 310 mile mark. The 800XC offers better ergonomics and adjustments, but also more rider seat options for a wide variety of riders. The Tenere is much more limited and compact. The XT660 -windshield is a little bit taller, but also more narrow. Never the less they would both require upgrading. The YAMAHA XT660Z Tenere ABS 2014 is more traditional and simplified package mainly for allroad solo riders that are looking for a significant range. The TRIUMPH Tiger 800XC 2014 is much more sporty and versatile touring enduro, but also good for riding on two.

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