In their best impression of a Siegfried & Roy performance, Triumph recently uncrated a pair of new cats they intend to set free in Canada. The 2011 Tiger 800 and 800XC are the latest addition to Triumph’s largest new model rollout in their 109-year history and are also the UK company’s first mid-sized adventure-touring motorcycles.
Even though both models are built around the same 799 cc engine and steel trellis frame, Triumph says that the two bikes have very different personalities. The new engine, said to produce 94 horsepower and 58 pound-feet of torque, enters territory already occupied by BMW’s F800GS, but does so in typical Triumph fashion by using a liquid-cooled, 12 valve, in-line three-cylinder layout.
The Tiger 800 is described by Triumph as a highly manoeuvrable motorcycle that is ideal for city and open road riding. Take one look at its alloy wheels and it’s easy to see what Triumph has done. Recognizing that few adventure-touring bikes are actually ridden off-road, Triumph wisely created two versions of their new Tiger, one for the majority of people who appreciate the aesthetics and ergonomics of the genre, and another for those who actually take their bikes into the rough stuff. To satisfy the needs of the off-road segment, the Tiger 800XC comes with more suspension travel and a bigger front wheel – a 21 inch spoked aluminum rim as opposed to the 800’s 19 inch cast wheel. It also has a duckbill fender hovering high above the front wheel, an item not dissimilar to that fitted to the BMW F800GS.
Common to both Tigers is an adjustable seat that can be lowered to a minimum height of 810 mm (31.9 in.) and a 550 watt generator to power the numerous accessories typically fitted to motorcycles designed for long-distance travel. Well aware that most riders like to accessorize their bikes, Triumph has also designed an extensive list of accouterments for both of the new Tigers. Various luggage items, gel seats in various heights, off-road protection parts, auxiliary lights and heated grips are but a few of the items on offer designed to enhance the Tiger’s adventure-touring abilities.
For those interested in the new Tigers, Triumph has set-up a new website dedicated to the adventure-tourers: www.triumphadventure.com.
