‘I’ve not had any problems’

Ed Lillystone, Triumph Tiger 800 XRX

“I part-ex’ed a Kawasaki Versys 650 for the Tiger, in 2016. It was 18 months old, had 1000 miles on the clock and cost eight and a half grand back then. I do most of my riding commuting, on summer evenings, weekends, and a long trip once a year. I’ve only got room in the shed for one bike, so it’s got to be a good all-rounder. I arranged for a test ride on the XRX on the basis of a feature in RIDE — it sounded like a good crossover bike. “I’ve added a few things; the stock screen is absolutely rubbish — first thing I did after riding it home was go online and buy a Puig one; wider and taller. I got Triumph heated grips fitted, a Scorpion can, a Givi rack system with adapters for Givi soft panniers, a Givi lockable tankbag and a set of crash bars.

“I’ve had no problems with it at all. The things I like the most about the bike are its willing, easy engine — no lack of power, no surge, always smooth. And then the shape and style of the bike are great. But overall it’s such a great utility bike. It can do everything really well, whatever you ask it to do.”