TRIUMPH Tiger 800XC 2013 Allroad Touring Enduro

TRIUMPH Tiger 800XC 2013 is very potential allroad touring enduro and a factory upgrade from the basic TIGER. It has all the basics in order and only few shortcomings which could be death with. The TIGER has cross spoked rims and a big 21inch front wheel. The steering angle is more open and the trail slightly longer. The result is in favor when riding in compromised offroad conditions. The 800XC is surprisingly light and agile. The payload capacity is one the best and due to the traditional fuel tank, the balance is better with a full touring load compared to the BMW F800 GS Adventure 2013. The TRIUMPH -triple engine is fantastic and offers a class leading performance. As standard the TRIUMPH Tiger 800XC 2013 offers even low octane fuel settings and that`s exactly what an allroad bike should do. The factory kept the TIGER simple and left the electronic rider support systems mostly out. A traditional ABS was left, but it could be switched OFF temporarily. The instrumentation is up to date and supports fuel monitoring very well.

The TRIUMPH Tiger 800XC 2013 is clearly capable allroad touring enduro for solo riders who enjoy the dirt and gravel roads frequently, but leaves the most demanding offroad riding for much lighter alternatives. The TIGER is not the most agile off the road due to the relative high center of gravity, but once the full payload is on, the handling becomes one of the best. The TRIUMPH -triple is very strong and carries the passenger onboard without a doubt unlike the competition in the segment. The 800XC has good rider ergonomics, but there is one small design issue that works slightly against riding in standing posture. The wide fuel tank profile limits the free leg movement a little bit when balancing the acceleration forces and leaning forward. Never the less, the TRIUMPH Tiger 800XC 2013 is very interesting allroad touring motorcycle from every angle.

TRIUMPH Tiger 800XC 2013 Features

The TRIUMPH Tiger 800XC 2013 offers very little wind protection as standard and a taller touring windshield would be a good idea. The hand guards come as standard. Both the 800XC -rider seat and the handlebar can be adjusted 20 mm. The factory has also 20 mm. lower accessory seat available for shorter riders and equipment producers offer 20 mm. taller rider seats too. The traditional ABS is designed for road use only and the TIGER -rider has to turn it OFF when the pavement ends. Unfortunately the ABS comes automatically back ON after every single engine start. That can be sometimes annoying, but even dangerous in offroad conditions. The TRIUMPH Tiger 800XC 2013 ABS can be switched OFF with 2 buttons and the ignition key. It`s not one of the simplest or quickest. There are too many steps to deal with for a simple switch off requirement. Somehow manufactures make it difficult which is a safety issue both in positive and negative way. Once the TIGER -rider gets tired to switch the ABS off and simply tries to manage the bike with the ABS on, there can be situations when the luck plays a roll. Personally I would prefer a simple on/off switch that can be used at any time and for long term.

The TRIUMPH Tiger 800XC 2013 is not ride by wire throttled just like the competition and there are no cruise control systems. Such a touring machine would need one since most of us are riding on pavement quite a lot. The 800XC has slightly sensitive throttle response for demanding slow riding situations, but that can be controlled with the clutch. The TIGER gear box is one of the best, working both precisely and smoothly. The key TRIUMPH Tiger 800XC 2013 features are:

TRIUMPH Tiger 800XC 2013 Instrumentation

The TRIUMPH Tiger 800XC 2013 provides a modern instrumentation with traditional tachometer and digital LCD display with trip computer as standard. The LCD is old fashionably controlled with 2 buttons a side which is not very practical, but typical for most of the bikes. There are no menu controls in the left hand grip like bigger touring enduros usually have. The TRIUMPH Tiger 800XC 2013 onboard computer and LCD display provides the following information:

TRIUMPH Tiger 800XC 2013 Engine

The TRIUMPH Tiger 800XC 2013 differs from all other medium size segment enduros by using a straight triple cylinder engine. The triple engine produces a very smooth and practical 95HP and 79Nm torque. The basic engine character is more sporty which talks into revving. The triple runs smooth and shows little vibrations when touring riding. On the other hand, the engine and rotating forces are placed relative high which raises the center of gravity and works against the agility off the road. The TRIUMPH Tiger 800XC 2013 triple engine is both inspiring to ride, but also makes the bike slightly heavy to manoeuvre in technical & slow riding situations.

TRIUMPH Tiger 800XC 2013 Fuel Tank

The TRIUMPH Tiger 800XC 2013 fuel tank of 19 litres (5.0USgal / 4.18UKgal) is relative small for an allroad touring enduro. Due to the sporty engine character and a touring load, the overall consumption tends to rise which may lead to reserve canisters such as ROTOPAX when taking long LEGs in the backcountry. In addition the traditional fuel tank raises the center of gravity a bit more and with a full tank the TIGER -rider feels the difference. Perhaps this is one of the reason why the fuel tank is only 19 litres. The weight competition with the BMW F800GS 2013 could be another and since the TRIUMPH Tiger 800XC 2013 is very similar with the urban brother, a relative short refuelling range stays a fact.

TRIUMPH Tiger 800XC 2013 Equipment Accessory

The TRIUMPH Tiger 800XC 2013 requires at least few accessories such as a tall touring screen, a set of offroad pegs, exhaust heat shield for right foot, a center stand, a proper engine guard & skid plate and a set of side panniers. When riding in standing posture the right side exhaust pipe goes too close to the trouser`s leg and easily burn it. Note that the rear suspension link and the exhaust are facing the hits from the ground and require serious protection. A chain oiler system would also ease the maintenance during the tour. A mud guard extension for the front fender would minimise the amount of mud in front of the engine. The rear wheel also throws stuff to the rider`s legs and a hugger or some kind of mud guard would be practical. For shorter riders the factory offers 20 mm. lower rider seat.

TRIUMPH Tiger 800XC 2013 Comparison

Compared to the BMW F800GS Adventure 2013, the TRIUMPH Tiger 800XC 2013 is 14kgs (30.86lb.) lighter, produces 10HP more engine power, but 4Nm. less practical torque which would be more interesting from the touring point of view. In addition the TIGER offers 5L less fuel capacity, but fortunately with low octane fuel settings. The 800XC offers also 245W more alternator capacity which is relevant for touring. They both carry quite the same payload (difference 2kg). As a standard the 800XC provides radiator guards. From the riding point of view, the BMW F800GS Adventure 2013 offers better wind coverage and lower center of gravity which makes it more agile even with a full tank. On the other hand, the TRIUMPH Tiger 800XC 2013 has adjustable rider seat and more sporty engine character. Visually they look a lot alike and the TIGER has also a long BMW signature nose.

VS TRIUMPH Tiger 800 ABS 2013

Compared to the urban brother TRIUMPH Tiger 800 ABS 2013, the adventure model TRIUMPH Tiger 800XC 2013 has cross spoked rims and a 21inch front wheel, instead of a 19inch cast aluminium wheel, 40 mm. more suspension travel, hand guards, 70 mm. wider handlebar, 35 mm. higher rider seat, radiator guards and an OFF switchable ABS. The steering angle is also better for loose surfaces. All that makes a difference outside the tarmac and the 800XC stands true for the offroad riding. Never the less, a lot is in common, but the basic TIGER model is clearly designed for urban touring and tarmac roads. Therefore the TRIUMPH Tiger 800XC 2013 is much more versatile touring motorcycle.

VS TRIUMPH Tiger 1200XC Explorer 2013

Compared to the big brother TRIUMPH Tiger 1200XC Explorer 2013 with the drive shaft, the chain driven TRIUMPH Tiger 800XC 2013 is 52kgs (114.64lbs.) lighter, carries the same payload, offers 42HP / 42Nm. less engine performance, 305W less alternator, but almost the same fuel tank capacity. On top the big brother offers traction and cruise control as standard feature. The Explorer is ideal for riding with the passenger, but basically they both are fit for the same kind of allroad trips. The TRIUMPH Tiger 800XC 2013 is simply more agile and capable of executing more demanding routing scenarios.