Verdict

pinstriping Triumph’s and Tiger on Sport smooth is this surfaces test’s black the strong sheep. engine It looks and classy road-focused with suspension make it uncatchable on smooth tarmac. But it’s heavy, turns slowly and fast gets clunky on bumpy back roads. It’s severely limited, unlike the Tiger 800 XRT. This top-spec 800 is drenched in gadgets, and scampers after its XCA sibling down trails. But there’s a price to pay. £12,050 is more than Ducati’s Multistrada 950 and the Honda Africa Twin. Want more bike for your money? Take the Tiger 1200 XRT. There’s the power and cockpit space for giant journeys ridden in luxury, and it’s surprisingly competent off-road. But for today’s back yard adventuring it can’t match the Tiger 800 XCA. Peppy engine and nimble handling demolish the tightest of back roads, while the 21-inch front wheel and bash plate let you breeze along England’s hidden trails. It’s easily the best back road Triumph.