Okay, me back in the office. Here goes:
The biggest change on this year's 800 Tiger is the ride-by-wire throttle, which is new for the 800. It means four rider modes, better traction control, cruise control and, of course, a different throttle response. In fact, the throttle response depends on which rider mode you have chosen. All of them produce 94 hp, but the rate at which the throttle responds differs depending on the mode. What's great is that the Tigers now have a "Rider" option, which you customise to the settings you want, and the computer stores those settings. Then, if you want to re-access those settings, it's a case of pushing a button, intend of going through a while lot of submenus each time you turn the ignition on. The new RBW means more response, especially in sport mode, where the response is instant and enormous.
Here in South Africa, we are only getting the XRx and XCx versions, which are much the same as the non-x versions, but with more catalogue thrown at them, and more electronic options. The XCx has new WP suspension, which works brilliantly, especially with the 21-inch front wheel. The XRx did well, on the offroad bits – it held its own – but the XCx is just sublime. The motor is still a triple, meaning it isn't the torquiest at the bottom, but has a wonderfully linear output, meaning soft and subtle at lower revs, and has a punch as you reach the rev rafters.
That triple sound is irreplaceable.
The XRx weighs 216kg and the XCx is 221kg with the 19L tank full, which isn't bad at all, especially as I'm used to throwing around a 235kg 1190.
There's a new seat (no more gel) that's comfortable enough, slight ergonomics changes and more stuff to protect the bike for when you decide to go horizontal.
Top speed – I saw 205km/h on the XCx. I presume a smaller rider on the more aerodynamic XRx will see more. My father saw 191km/h one of the more open dirt roads. I only saw a more pedestrian 181km/h on the dirt.
Yes, I'm still upset that I was outridden by a 71 year-old man.
Of course, as is the way with modern adventure bikes, it is just as happy at speed as it is cruising around taking in the sights. Much of this is down to the clever software controlling the clever throttle.
Prices:
XRx – R127,000
XCx – R139,000
As per usual, this is a quick review. The more extensive and explanatory story is in the March issue of Offroad & Adventure SA and Simon is doing a story for March Bike SA, both on the shelves from 23 February, or on iTunes or Google Play for tablets.
Topic: Triumph Tiger XRx/XCx launch (Read 4669 times)
