Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Triumph Tech
Triumph Tech Triumph Tech Forum - For Questions specific and of interest to Triumph riders only.
Photo by Stephan Hahnel, Kradwanderer, in Northern Argentina

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Stephan Hahnel,
www.krad-wanderer.de,
in Northern Argentina



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 25 May 2012
jkrijt's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Netherlands
Posts: 638
Triumph Tiger 800 test-ride

Yesterday I got a leaflet from Motoport Goes with an invitation to testride a Triumph. I called them and asked if it was possible to ride a Tiger 800 and yes, they had a demo-bike available.
This morning I went to Goes and I had about half an hour to test-ride the Triumph Tiger 800.


After (test)riding the BMW's R1150GS, R1200GS, F650GS and F800GS twins, the Benelli TRE K 1130 and my own F650GS single, I found this bike, next to my old F650GS, the easiest to ride. It was very smooth and easy to steer, shift gears and brake and it has more than enough power.
For off-road use, the handlebars are 5 cm (2 inch) to low which makes it harder to stand on the pegs while riding a dirtroad (on the more off-road, 800XC the risers are higher then on the 800)
On backroads the comfort is excelent. On the highway, riding 130 km/h, the small windscreen creates to much noise around my head. Maybe a taller windscreen will solve that.
The disadvantage of this three cilinder engine compared to the BMW single is the better fuel consumption of the BMW.
__________________
Jan Krijtenburg

My bikes are a Honda GoldWing GL1200 and a Harley-Davidson FXD Dyna Super Glide

My personal homepage with trip reports: https://www.krijtenburg.nl/
YouTube channel (that I do together with one of my sons): motormobilist.nl
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 26 May 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
Quote:
Originally Posted by jkrijt View Post
Yesterday I got a leaflet from Motoport Goes with an invitation to testride a Triumph. I called them and asked if it was possible to ride a Tiger 800 and yes, they had a demo-bike available.
This morning I went to Goes and I had about half an hour to test-ride the Triumph Tiger 800.


After (test)riding the BMW's R1150GS, R1200GS, F650GS and F800GS twins, the Benelli TRE K 1130 and my own F650GS single, I found this bike, next to my old F650GS, the easiest to ride. It was very smooth and easy to steer, shift gears and brake and it has more than enough power.
For off-road use, the handlebars are 5 cm (2 inch) to low which makes it harder to stand on the pegs while riding a dirtroad (on the more off-road, 800XC the risers are higher then on the 800)
On backroads the comfort is excelent. On the highway, riding 130 km/h, the small windscreen creates to much noise around my head. Maybe a taller windscreen will solve that.
The disadvantage of this three cilinder engine compared to the BMW single is the better fuel consumption of the BMW.
For another view you might like to take a look at the reviews in here:-
Bike Tests | Ash On Bikes

Triumph Tiger 800 review | Ash On Bikes

Warning: the content in that website can drag you away from the HUBB!
__________________
Dave
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 3 Jan 2013
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: UK
Posts: 21
Quote:
Originally Posted by jkrijt View Post
Yesterday I got a leaflet from Motoport Goes with an invitation to testride a Triumph. I called them and asked if it was possible to ride a Tiger 800 and yes, they had a demo-bike available.
This morning I went to Goes and I had about half an hour to test-ride the Triumph Tiger 800.


After (test)riding the BMW's R1150GS, R1200GS, F650GS and F800GS twins, the Benelli TRE K 1130 and my own F650GS single, I found this bike, next to my old F650GS, the easiest to ride. It was very smooth and easy to steer, shift gears and brake and it has more than enough power.
For off-road use, the handlebars are 5 cm (2 inch) to low which makes it harder to stand on the pegs while riding a dirtroad (on the more off-road, 800XC the risers are higher then on the 800)
On backroads the comfort is excelent. On the highway, riding 130 km/h, the small windscreen creates to much noise around my head. Maybe a taller windscreen will solve that.
The disadvantage of this three cilinder engine compared to the BMW single is the better fuel consumption of the BMW.
With all due respect to Jan, his dislikes are all personal things. Screens and handlebar height might well suit someone else as it is.
I bought one and adapted those things to suit me and I've now run my 800XC for 18000 miles and it's a fantastic bike.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 3 Jan 2013
jkrijt's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Netherlands
Posts: 638
Quote:
Originally Posted by blacktiger View Post
With all due respect to Jan, his dislikes are all personal things. Screens and handlebar height might well suit someone else as it is.
I bought one and adapted those things to suit me and I've now run my 800XC for 18000 miles and it's a fantastic bike.
Ofcourse. This was what I think about the bike. That is not the absolute truth but an opinion. (and I did like the Triumph very much).
__________________
Jan Krijtenburg

My bikes are a Honda GoldWing GL1200 and a Harley-Davidson FXD Dyna Super Glide

My personal homepage with trip reports: https://www.krijtenburg.nl/
YouTube channel (that I do together with one of my sons): motormobilist.nl
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 13 Feb 2013
coolblackbird's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2011
Location: harlow
Posts: 104
Hi all
I love my 800xc the first bike i ve had that is more at home on country roads then motorway not tried it of road yet i think a day at triumph of road day might help that one, puts a smile on your face at 40 mph . The xc is very hign even for me at 5' 10" some people have lowered there's with no problem. I want to get some panniers but at something like £1200 to much for what they are i think.
But the real test for any bike is lots of miles down the road
Happy biking
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 13 Feb 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
Quote:
Originally Posted by jkrijt View Post
yes, they had a demo-bike available.
This morning I went to Goes and I had about half an hour to test-ride the Triumph Tiger 800.
.
It's a UK Triumph policy for their dealer network to have a wide range of demo bikes in their stores; the idea is, of course, that the bikes sell themselves.
It seems like this policy applies elsewhere.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Walkabout View Post
For another view you might like to take a look at the reviews in here:-
Bike Tests | Ash On Bikes

Triumph Tiger 800 review | Ash On Bikes
Kevin A died while testing the new 1200GS less than a month ago; I hope that his website stays up for his reviews; it would be a good, useful tribute to him.
__________________
Dave
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 13 Feb 2013
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Canberra, Australia
Posts: 59
I have test ridden the Tiger 800 Roadie a couple of times and love it. It will be my next bike.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 9 Apr 2013
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 1
Quote:
Originally Posted by jkrijt View Post
Yesterday I got a leaflet from Motoport Goes with an invitation to testride a Triumph. I called them and asked if it was possible to ride a Tiger 800 and yes, they had a demo-bike available.
This morning I went to Goes and I had about half an hour to test-ride the Triumph Tiger 800.


After (test)riding the BMW's R1150GS, R1200GS, F650GS and F800GS twins, the Benelli TRE K 1130 and my own F650GS single, I found this bike, next to my old F650GS, the easiest to ride. It was very smooth and easy to steer, shift gears and brake and it has more than enough power.
For off-road use, the handlebars are 5 cm (2 inch) to low which makes it harder to stand on the pegs while riding a dirtroad (on the more off-road, 800XC the risers are higher then on the 800)
On backroads the comfort is excelent. On the highway, riding 130 km/h, the small windscreen creates to much noise around my head. Maybe a taller windscreen will solve that.
The disadvantage of this three cilinder engine compared to the BMW single is the better fuel consumption of the BMW.

I have an 800XC. Wonderful motorcycle.

It has a few niggling things for dirt riding (or for the dust you get when dirt riding): a stepper motor that actuates idle is located on a spot where it collects dust which eventually may stall the stepper motor progress (its arm, actually), and your motor will not have idle. Knowing how to work with it is helpful (lube/grease). And second, the air filter needs tank removal for access. Installing a pre-filter would be helpful.

For riding itself on the dirt, it is a very stable machine. Suspension is good enough.

One other problem I've seen developing on mine is the cam chain tensioner. I hear of some failures on other bikes, mine is getting louder with about 6k miles - really annoying ticking sound and you can feel the vibration in the handlebars. I will check with the shop on the next service and see if warranty covers putting a new CCT in.

Windscreen, yes, very noisy. But there are options out there.

The fuel consumption gets better. I know I can get close to 50 mpg, more if I pay close attention to my riding. Which usually is not the case.

I really like this motorcycle. Really comfortable and still offers plenty of power.

Leão
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 20 Aug 2013
Gipper's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Saltspring Island,Canada/Poole,UK
Posts: 1,081
I took a Tiger 800 roadie out for a test ride on Saturday, initial thoughts were that the engine is very good, powerful and smooth, gearbox is slick, seat is pretty good, the screen is not very good, I found the front suspension a little harsh, maybe it was the way they had the demo bike set up, I also found the throttle extremely light, with a bunch of slack, so the first 1/8 of a turn nothing happened, Im hoping the cable needed adjusting, also on the overrun it was lurching and did not feel smooth at all, this was probably more of a chain tension isue?

Does the XC have the same exremely light sensitive throttle too ? I would not enjoy rough dirt trails with the throttle that sensitive.

Some knit picking here, but I would like to have seen an 'I' info button on the left switchgear (Like the Explorer) to toggle through the info display, a hydraulic clutch would be a nice touch too on a bike this expensive. Also, the way that you disable ABS is not well thought out, you have to toggle through menus instead of (another) dedicated button on the left switchgear.

I will take an 800XC out soon hopefully soon, im hoping the throttle/overrun issues were just on the demo bike and not normal.
__________________
Cheers
Grif

'11 KTM 450 EXC
'09 Suzuki DR650
'00 Discovery Series 2 V8
'95 Defender 90 300 Tdi Overlander
http://gipperstravels.blogspot.ca

Last edited by Gipper; 20 Aug 2013 at 10:49.
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
05 Triumph Tiger available in Australia this summer richkick Bike Swap or Rent 1 4 Jan 2013 07:56
Corbin Seat Tiger 800 John Hubbard Triumph Tech 1 6 Feb 2012 15:08
Triumph Tiger Explorer STG06 Which Bike? 5 28 Nov 2011 11:51

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

  • California: April 18-21
  • Virginia: April 25-28
  • Germany Summer: May 9-12
  • Québec: May 17-19
  • Bulgaria Mini: July 5-7
  • CanWest: July 11-14
  • Switzerland: August 15-18
  • Ecuador: August 23-25
  • Romania: August 30-Sept 1
  • Austria: September 12-15
  • France: September 20-22
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 31-Nov 3

2025:

  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025!
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • France: September 19-21 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 17:55.