Triumph Tiger 800 XCA
800cc | 205kg | 94bhp | 840-860mm
Cash price £12,450 Deposit £2833.71 Mileage 5000pa Rate 6.9%APR Optional final payment £6817
The XCA possesses excellent off-road ability. It has a 21in front wheel rather than the standard model’s 19in. WP suspension with longer travel replaces the Showa items, with a 40mm travel increase on the front and 45mm on the rear. Bridgestone Battlewing rubber is standard, but we opted for the off-road-biased Pirelli Scorpion Rallys, which for the first time are approved on the XC models. The XCA and XCX are the only models that get the additional Off Road Pro mode. For an estimated 230kg road bike, the Tiger performed way above expectations. The short first gear makes steep descents safe and easy, and also delivers an instant rap of power just when you need it. The linear torque and perfect fuelling enable the rear to find traction. In tricky sandy conditions, just let out the clutch and allow that low gear to pull you out, like a 4x4 diesel in snow. Away from soft sand, the Tiger excels at speed; stability is excellent and it’s comfortable at 60-70mph off-road knowing you have all-terrain riding aids. There are two dedicated off-road modes. The first is reassuring and safe, the TC catching slides early on. But more experienced riders will prefer Off-Road Pro, which de-activates the rear ABS and allows more slip. The only downside is you can’t switch the TC on or off when you’re on the move, and it re-sets when the ignition is switched off. Dedicated off-road fans will still find the tank a little too wide, and the 800 feels on the heavy side at slow speeds, but it’s a big step forward for Triumph’s middleweight adventurer. It gives you the opportunity to explore any road or trail at will. On the road, it isn’t hindered by its 21in front wheel. In fact, when riding it on the standard, more road-biased Battlewing tyres you don’t have to compensate or make allowances for its off-road set-up at all.