2017 EICMA: New Triumph Tiger 800 Range Showcased At EICMA

The adventure motorcycling segment has been growing by leaps and bounds, and with it, Triumph’s Tiger range of ADVs have seen considerable success internationally too. Now at the ongoing 2017 EICMA, the British manufacturer has taken the wraps off the 2018 Tiger range, which comprises the off-road focussed Tiger XC, XCx, XCA and the on-road biased XR, XRx, XRx Low and XRT in 800cc and 1200cc configurations. The lineup has been revised to be more accessible to riders of all sizes and skill levels while also thrilling the experienced ones both on and off-road. The XC, meanwhile, gets its own suite of features to make it more off-road friendly.

Let’s take a look at the smaller Tiger 800 XC and XR range.  Featuring the same seven variants as before, Triumph claims that the Tiger 800 range has received more than 200 comprehensive updates to the engine and chassis. To this effect, Triumph’s signature 800cc triple-cylinder engine has been revised to be more responsive and provide better off-road traction, low speed manoeuvrability and acceleration. The first gear has been shortened and a lighter and better sounding exhaust added to provide freer flow of burnt petrol. Peak power still stands at 95PS, but the engine has been tuned for immediate power delivery and better rideability on all sorts of terrain.

There’s a new 5-position adjustable screen. The rider ergonomics has been enhanced for more comfort on the saddle on those long haul road trips, and the “handbook-approved” off-road tyres are part of the mix now. More electronics abound: the instrumentation is full-colour TFT LCD screens; the backlit switchgear features a five-way joystick control; and cruise control has been updated. In addition, the XC models get an “Off-Road Pro” riding mode for dirt encounters.

Triumph has moved the Tiger 800’s handlebars backwards towards the rider by 10mm for better reachability, and revised the seat compound for all-day riding comfort. The Brembo brakes are of a higher spec, as are the adjustable Showa suspension at both ends. The usuals are still in place: ABS, traction control, ride-by-wire throttle, cruise control, heated seats and grips (on selected models), power sockets, and a two-position seat height (810-830mm on XR models, 840-860mm on XC models) adjustable by 20mm. There’s also a low ride height XRx model variant that, at 760 mm, is 50mm lower than the standard XR range of seats.

Aero diffusers on the bodywork serve to channel air around the big tourer, and away from the rider. Triumph has updated the side panels and given it higher quality badging and graphics for a more upmarket feel.

As with any adventure tourer, the real story lies in the options list, and Triumph hasn’t held back here. Depending on the model variant, customers can choose from a list of over 50 accessories including heated rider and pillion seats, sump and radiator guards, switchable ABS and traction control, onboard computer, immobiliser, premium adjustable front and rear suspension, centre stand, heated grips, hand guards and engine protection bars.

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Triumph is also introducing an A2 licence-ready version in Europe in an effort to get young bikers hooked to the Tiger brand. In this version, apart from the Tiger 800 XR, all models can be adapted to put out 47PS of peak horsepower, as opposed to the regular 95PS.

Since almost the entire Triumph Tiger range is sold in India, we expect the 2018 range to make their way to our shores soon, replacing the current models. Although there’s no ADV in the same engine capacity range as the Tiger 800, competition will come from the Kawasaki Versys, Suzuki V-Strom, Honda Africa Twin, Ducati Multistrada and the BMW GS series. Expect prices to remain roughly the same.

Read the rest of our 2017 EICMA coverage here.