Updated Triumph Tiger 800 arrives
Triumph are claiming more than 200 chassis and engine improvements with this upgrade, to make the Tiger more competitive against rivals like the MV Agusta Turismo Veloce and BMW F700 GS and F800 GS, as well as other smaller (and larger) adventure tourers, including the SWM 650 Superdual, Ducati Multistrada 950 and KTM’s 1090 Adventure R.
The range still covers the dual-purpose (ie. road and off-road) XRx and XRT, as well as the harder core off-road XCx and XCA variants, but the previous XR base model has been dropped. The easiest way to identify the two is that alloy wheels (in a new design for this update) feature on the XR variants, while the XCs run wire-spoke rims. The XC also runs a 21-inch front wheel, while the XRs use a 19-inch.
Power and Gearing. Starting with the Tiger’s engine, the 800cc three-cylinder powerplant still produces 70kW (95ps) and 79Nm, but power delivery is now more immediate, thanks to what Triumph says is a major update of the engine, while a new free-flowing silencer is lighter and delivers an improved exhaust note.
Ride-by-wire throttle control remains, but cruise control has been improved with the adoption of a simpler to use single button. The first gear ratio is now shorter, primarily to deliver more grunt off-road, but will also provide better low-speed responsiveness on all surfaces, as well as more immediate acceleration from standstill.
Frame and Body. Like the engine, the Tiger 800’s suspension has also been enhanced, with Showa suspension front and rear on the XRT variants, while the XCs continue with the off-road tuned WP units. Both types offer front and rear adjustability.
Ergonomics are upgraded, too, with handlebars now rolled 10mm closer to the rider and fitted with new design switchgear – ‘switchcube’ in Triumph-speak - and joystick that are easier and more intuitive to operate. On the XRT and XCA, these switchcubes are also backlit for easier night time use.
Both handlebar and seat height (810 to 830mm XR, 840mm to 860mm XC) adjustability remains a feature across the range, but the actual seat compound is new on most variants, delivering what’s said to be all-day riding comfort. The XRx LOW features a 760mm to 780mm adjustable seat.
Heated seats and grips carry over from the previous Tiger 800. The windscreen is new, with five-way manual adjustment and aero diffusers, while the new 5-inch instrument display is also adjustable.
Both XC and XR Tigers now feature premium Brembo front brakes as standard, with the switchable ABS carrying over from the previous Tiger 800. Bodywork is said to be more premium, too, with a higher-quality finish to the plastics, badging and graphics, while the side panels have been updated.
More Tech. The aforementioned 5-inch full-colour TFT instrument display is common to all 2018 Tiger 800s, displaying everything from ambient temperature to average fuel consumption and journey time (depending on variant).
The top-of-the-range XCA adds a new ‘Off-Road Pro’ riding mode that Triumph describes as the most focused off-road set-up ever offered on a Tiger, allowing functions, like the ABS and traction control, to be altered or switched off to suit individual preference.
This riding mode is exclusive to the XCA, meaning six modes are now available on this premium model, while other Tiger 800 variants feature either five or four modes – ‘Off-Road’, ‘Road’, ‘Rain’, ‘Sport’ and programmable ‘Rider’.
The XCA and XRT get LED lighting throughout, including foglights and DRLs, while LEDs are limited to the tail light, DRLs and indicators on other Tiger 800 variants. Carryover tech includes an on-board computer, immobiliser, 12V and USB power sockets, as well as the aforementioned ABS and traction control.
Five to Choose. Now available from your Triumph dealer, the 2018 Tiger 800 range consists of five options, starting at $18,550 for the XRx and XRx LOW, rising up to $21,300 for the XCA (list pricing, excluding ORCs). A range of more than 50 optional accessories are also available, including hard and soft luggage, anodized trim parts, Arrow exhaust systems, GPS mounts and more.
