New Triumph 800 test ride

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, and others.

White Rhino

Race Dog
Joined
Aug 19, 2009
Messages
3,930
Reaction score
6
Location
Johannesburg *South Africa*
Bike
BMW R1200GS
Took the new Triumph 800 for a little spin today.

Only covered about 5kms, all suburb riding, no high speed stuff so opinions are very under qualified and incomplete.

First impressions:
- Great looking bike (looks like the designer started with the F800GS in mind, it's uncanny how similar the lines are);
- Easy to manoeuvre;
- Lighter in the front (could be good for more technical sections);
- Engine runs smoothly;
- Good and even acceleration (not twitchy);
- Dials look a bit dated;
- Braking feels fairly responsive;
- Made a few squeaks on stopping (could be the stiffness);
- Handle bars felt a bit low (would need to put raisers for off road riding);

My over all impression:
- I felt that the F800GS had a more solid look and feel (the same impression you got a few years back when you closed the door of a BMW car compared to that of an Audi - more sturdy);
- Although smooth, I didn't get the feeling of WOW this is great, gotta  have one;
- I wouldn't trade my F800GS for the Triumph 800, but if I was in the market without a bike, I would look at both;
- Will definitely take business away from BMW;
- The aftermarket extras will take a bit of time to reach the maturity level and choice provided for the other brands;
- The Triumph still has to be put to the test, time and terrain. The 800GS has a few years on the Triumph with a very good history.



Maybe others can add their experience
 
Top