MILAN SHOW: Triumph reveal new Tiger 800s

Triumph have given the big-selling Tiger 800 range a huge boost for 2015 with four new models aimed at increasing the appeal of the bike to on- and off-road riders, with all of the bikes getting an injection of new technology – including traction control.

There are two main variants, with the new XR label aimed at road use, while the XC name is retained for those seeking a more off-road orientated version. Each model boasts an ‘x’ model, which is bestowed with more technology, including traction control and rider modes, while all models are fitted with switchable ABS as standard.
Triumph are also making claims that the 95bhp triples are now 17% more fuel efficient – the current bike returns a true 49mpg in average use – which means they will narrow the gap to the more frugal BMW F800GS models, which claim an average 65mpg.

Style makeover
All of the models share the same cosmetic changes to the front light and side panels, which have brought them more into line with the styling of the bigger Triumph Explorer 1200.
The new radiator shroud and tank side panels that aren’t just about the styling as the Tiger’s fuel tank styling also ducts hot air from the engine off the rider’s legs. The front lights appear identical to those fitted to the range-topping Explorer.

Electronic control
While ABS is standard fit across all models, there are differences in the way it is used on the different models. On XR and XC models, the ABS can be set to either on or off, but XRx and XCx, riders can further customise their ABS preferences via the three riding modes. When ‘Off Road’ mode is selected, the ABS is disabled to the rear wheel and the system also allows a level of front wheel slip. This provides the rider with a level of electronic intervention under braking, increasing direct rider control.

Traction control is a new addition to the Tiger 800 range and is now standard on all models. Again, the ‘x’ models have a wider range of adjustment in the three rider modes.

The riding modes
The XRx and XCx models feature three riding modes to control the throttle map, traction control and the ABS systems. The rider can easily select Road, Off-Road, or Rider Mode.  The Road and Off-Road modes optimize the settings to match the terrain and riding preference.  Rider Mode offers a personalised configuration which allows the rider to select between a choice of throttle maps that include Rain, Road, Sport, and Off-Road.

Information overload
All variants feature trip computers. The range topping ‘x’ models add additional elements including journey time, average speed, average fuel economy, range to empty and instantaneous fuel consumption.

Go 17% further
One of the biggest challenges Triumph has met is increasing the fuel efficiency of the inline three-cylinder 799cc motor so it can more easily fight off the challenge of the BMW F800GS range, which has always been considerably more frugal. Inside the engine design changes have reduced mechanical noise and thanks to a lighter and more precise gear change action, which now uses parts from Triumph’s Daytona 675 supersport bike. Fuel consumption has been reduced by 17%, returning a claimed average of 65mpg, which gives a theoretical tank range of 272 miles.

Tiger feet
The XR models are fitted with Showa suspension, with front suspension comprising a 43 mm Showa inverted fork, now anodised black. The rear suspension includes a Showa single shock which is preload adjustable.

WP suspension has been used to further boost the off-road riding abilities of the new XC models.  The 43mm inverted fork, with rebound and compression damping is adjustable using clickers on the fork tops. The rear suspension unit is a WP mono shock adjustable for preload and rebound damping, with a dedicated dirt protector for the shock body.

The new Tiger XR is fitted with light-weight cast aluminium wheels, 17-inch at the back and 19-inch at the front, to ensure road manners are good, while the XC models feature spoked wheels for strength and flexibility on rough terrain, with a 17-inch rear and 21-inch front, for better handling over rough terrain.