2018 Triumph Tiger 800 XCA and XRT test: smart vision
Does the imposing Triumph Tiger 1200 intimidate you? Opt for the 2018 Tiger 800: more accessible and hardly less well equipped, Hinckley’s "little tiger" successfully cultivates a vision of the trail that is comfortably versatile. Testing of the high-end versions XRT and XCA on the roads and tracks of Morocco.
2018 Tiger 800 XCA and XRT Test – Page 2: Dynamics
No major upheavals on the 800 c in-line 3-cylinder of the 2018 Tiger, apart from the shortened first gear, the lightening of certain moving parts and improvements to the exhaust and injection (see our). And yet, the "3-legs" immediately reveals a more assertive personality !
- MNC smart-videos of February 9, 2018 :
Starting with its soundtrack: the new silencer – perfectly integrated into the line – lets out a promising melody, sound and rocky (listen to our smart-video above). The sound is more cavernous and especially much less "whistling" than on the first generations of Tiger 800 of 2011. So much the better !
A few strokes of gas in a vacuum highlight the excellent precision of the electronic ride-by-wire accelerator, as well as a lower inertia when taking turns. The clutch is in the same tone: soft and efficient. On the other hand, if the gearbox shines with its precision, a little more smoothness when locking the gears would not be refused..
Like all 3-cylinders in line, the block of the Tiger 800 conceals a solid grip in its velvet "3-legs": "70%" of its 79 Nm of torque are available from 4000 rpm, which ensures straightforward revivals over a wide rev range. More flexible than a contortionist, it plays with a pin negotiated in third at 30 km / h at 2000 rpm.
The acceleration is smooth and consistent enough at the bottom of the tachometer to "roll up" smoothly, both on and off the road. This progressive power distribution is indeed a valuable asset in off-roading, because it allows you to finely negotiate the grip on slippery ground. This quality is sublimated by commendable traction and a chain drive – fortunately – free of jerks..
Then the thrust gains noticeably in intensity shortly after having exceeded 90 km / h in sixth (4000 rpm). In its most nervous configuration – "Sport" mode -, the engine expresses a solid response up to 8500 rpm, where the 95 hp begins to run out of steam and then to slow down as they approach the switch at 10 250 rpm. These reinforced mid-revs allow serene overtaking – even in duo – and muscular exits from curves.
This burst of vigor comes especially at the right time to break the linearity of an otherwise very flat torque curve, therefore potentially boring, especially in "Rain" and "Road" modes. Thanks to this vigorous peak of energy at mid-range, the Tiger 800 offers that pinch of character that they lacked. Progress to be welcomed, even if one, for example, remains much more demonstrative.
Balance is a force
The 2018 Tiger 800s showcase reworked ergonomics through a redesigned saddle and handlebars set back by "10 mm", with the benefits of increased comfort for the arms – less stretched – and better control on the train before. Low-speed maneuvering becomes easier, as does the curve registration which immediately reveals the reassuring neutrality of the management..
Off-road, on the other hand, the handlebars are a little too close to the bust and not raised enough when the rider goes into a standing position. This logical counterpart can however be reduced thanks to the various inclination settings of the handlebar. The saddle height can also be adjusted without tools, by means of two easy-to-handle shims. Well seen.
This makes it possible to switch in a jiffy from a high position to promote comfort on the road to a lowered posture, which is more secure in off-road conditions. With a maximum height of 860 mm, the Tiger 800 XCA indeed requires a certain length of legs to touch the ground! Better to switch to 840mm configuration, where a 1.75m rider securely places a point on one side and the flat sole on the other.
In this "off-road" context, the successful design of the 19-liter tank is also appreciated: the legs naturally take place around, both seated and standing on the motorcycle. The XRT version, with its lower suspension travel, is logically more accessible with its seat height of between 810 and 830 mm.
Less bulky than the Tiger 1200, the Tiger 800 remains however a "beautiful baby" whose dry weight varies from 202 kg for the XRT version to 208 kg for the XCA, that is to say in the 230 kg with the different fluids. It is a few kilos near the weight of one (232 kg without DCT) and one (228 kg), whose twin cylinders nevertheless display an additional 200 cc…
Still, the particularly fine balance of this bike largely erases its relative heaviness, for a 650 / 800cc trail. Obvious handling, healthy and predictable behavior, correct agility and unruffled stability are among the dynamic qualities of the 2018 Tiger 800s..
Comfort and efficiency
Due to its 21-inch spoked wheel and extra pounds, the Tiger 800 XCA requires stronger commands than the 19-inch-equipped XRT variant. However, the "adventurer" is far from being a truck in comparison with the "road": both tilt without resisting orders or amplifying them, with just a little more inertia for the XCA.
On the chaotic roads of the Moroccan countryside, the Tiger 800 XCA ultimately won the favor of Site thanks to its excellent amortization compromise. Thanks to their high travel (220 and 215 mm), its fork and its WP mono-shock absorber absorb all the bleeds and other bumps ubiquitous on our route, providing a reassuring sensation of velvety..
On the Tiger 800 XRT, equipped with Showa suspensions in 180 and 170 mm, the disturbances of Moroccan bitumen are negotiated with more dryness, which influences both the precision of the conduct and the comfort. The latter is also not particularly favored by the new saddle, admittedly welcoming but whose padding settles too quickly..
Still, the roads taken were particularly damaged: real craters punctuated certain bends, while the tar sometimes disappeared under the beaten earth … An ideal playground to appreciate the qualities and versatility of a trail: bingo, the Triumph was particularly comfortable there !
On a less tortured route, the XRT will emphasize the additional rigor offered by the firmer calibration of its suspensions. This advantage is especially noticeable on strong acceleration and heavy braking, phases during which the Tiger 800 XCA sinks quickly at the start of travel before being gradually and effectively braked..
Better maintained on the first few centimeters, the Showa of the Tiger 800 XRT offer an additional support to the bike when the pace increases, thus avoiding the movements of attitude. The "road" version then reveals a reactivity and dynamism superior to the "all-terrain" version..
Tiger 800 XCA, true all-terrain
But when the asphalt really gives way to land or sand, the Tiger 800 XCA definitely takes off: despite conditions made very difficult by the rain, the Triumph trail stood out during our excursion on and outside the Moroccan tracks.
This ease relies on the balance of the bike, which makes it obvious and predictable. Firmly rooted in its quality WP suspensions, the XCA has the ground clearance necessary to thwart abrupt crossings. If necessary, its sturdy aluminum shoe protects the 3-legs from unforeseen contact with a stone !
With the "Off-Road" mode engaged, the response to the throttle is softened for better use of the power. The mechanical response – very smooth – is then located between the lymphatic mode "Rain" and the more energetic "Road" mode. The sensitivity of the ABS and traction control – well calibrated – are lowered to a level sufficient to let the bike slide.
More experienced bikers will preferably engage the new "Off-Road Pro" mode, which disconnects all assistance: the rider is responsible for managing the inevitable drifts from the rear – but also from the front – in the event of reflex braking! The opportunity to point out the new Brembo front calipers, moderately convincing: the right lever lacks consistency and needs to be pressed vigorously.
The 305 mm double disc does not lack power, however, but its convocation via a lever bordering on spongy leaves something to be desired: the progress compared to 2017 is not convincing. The rear Nissin caliper (255 mm) responds correctly under the right boot, offering a dosage fine enough to trigger controlled skids.
Verdict: dear evolution…
This third generation of Triumph Tiger 800 reaches peaks of efficiency which make them particularly attractive: their state-of-the-art equipment, their polished standard equipment and their dynamic qualities undoubtedly place them among the benchmarks of the market..
Their versatility and the real progress in terms of protection and instrumentation even make them a relevant choice against the Tiger 1200, which is more like a big road on stilts with its electric windshield (!), Its piloted suspensions. and … its 248 kg dry in XCA version !
- Comparo MNC : Africa Twin Vs Multistrada 950 Vs Strom 1000 2017
- MNC test :
- MNC test :
Still, if Triumph ticks all the boxes to shine in the "Trail" genre with its multiple variations of Tiger 800, the price to pay is painfully felt: the XRT and XCA versions tested here are displayed at 14,550 and 14, respectively. 950 euros. Or the price of a 2017 equipped with the DCT double-clutch transmission: € 14,699.
At € 13,290, the is even better placed and can boast 30 additional horses (125 hp), without forgetting an even more dynamic behavior, including off-road. Even Ducati does not push the price slider as high on its (€ 13,890), yet it also has attractive and sophisticated equipment..
By way of comparison, the Tiger 800 XCA is more expensive than the first generation Tiger Explorer 1200 … at € 14,890. Aware of the height of the step to be taken, Triumph fortunately declines its "Tigers" in more affordable versions – because less equipped – like the XRX with sticks at 12,750 € (available at the same price in lowered version XRX Low) and the XCX with spokes at 13 550 €.
More reasonable prices to support the comparison with the competition, in particular the expected direct rivals: the BMW and, to be tested soon on MNC, or the efficient – but less rewarding – Suzuki V-Strom: the, certainly a little "fair "mechanically against the Tiger 800 with its 70 hp, is exchanged for € 8,399 while the 101 hp is displayed at € 12,799.
And if these amounts are still too high for your banker, the entry-level Tiger 800 XR (stick rims) offers its services for € 11,100. But this "Low Cost" version leaves out the main improvements of the 2018 vintage: no LED lighting, no TFT matrix dashboard, no adjustable bubble for this "Tiger" which only benefits from the upgrades made to the engine. and the cycle part.
In France, this Tiger 800 XR will be available only on order. The reason ? By Triumph France’s own admission, it is the top-of-the-range versions which obtain – by far – the best results in dealerships, the models of access to the Tiger family being less popular. Question of purchasing power of bikers interested in this kind of motorcycles ?
Still, Triumph intends to continue on its – good – track with its Tiger 800s, whose growing popularity has resulted in 68,000 units in circulation since their release in 2011. This score places them in third position in the world’s top sales. of the Hinckley crest, behind the Bonneville and the Street Triple: enough to roar with pleasure, no ?!
- MNC Tiger 800 2018 technical update in
Related articles
-
2018 Triumph Tiger 800 XCA and XRT test: smart vision Does the imposing Triumph Tiger 1200 intimidate you? Opt for the Tiger 800 2018: more accessible…
-
Tiger 800 XRx test: the little roadster from Triumph Successfully launched in 2010, the Triumph Tiger 800 are updated for 2015. Site has tested the new…
-
Test Triumph Tiger 1200 XRT and XCA 2018: ready for the road adventure Electric window, keyless start, hill start assistant, directional lights,…
-
Test Triumph Tiger 1200 XRT and XCA 2018: ready for the road adventure Electric window, keyless start, hill start assistant, directional lights,…
-
2018 BMW F 750 GS and F 850 GS test: which one to choose ? In 2018, the BMW F750GS and F850GS gain in displacement and technology to succeed the F700GS…
-
Trail – Triumph Tiger 800 XCx test: Keep calm and ride on – Happiness is in eXCès x?
Triumph Tiger 800 XCx test: Keep calm and ride on After having tested and approved the road and high-end ” XRx ” version of the new Tiger 800 2015,…
-
Trail – Triumph Tiger 800 XCx test: Keep calm and ride on – The real trail midsize of Triumph
Triumph Tiger 800 XCx test: Keep calm and ride on After having tested and approved the road and high-end ” XRx ” version of the new Tiger 800 2015,…
-
2018 Triumph Tiger 800 XCA and XRT test: smart vision Does the imposing Triumph Tiger 1200 intimidate you? Opt for the Tiger 800 2018: more accessible…
-
2018 Triumph Tiger 800 XCA and XRT test: smart vision Does the imposing Triumph Tiger 1200 intimidate you? Opt for the Tiger 800 2018: more accessible…
-
Test Triumph Tiger 1200 XRT and XCA 2018: ready for the road adventure Electric window , keyless start, hill start assistant, directional lights,…