THE ART OF FETTLING
Power: 86.7bhp Weight: 202kg Engine: 800cc 12v liquid cooled DOHC triple Price: £12,300
BEING BLESSED WITH a high quantity of in-built scepticism means I shake my head, tut and roll my eyes when a manufacturer releases sickeningly-gushing bumf on their latest model. Triumph trumpeting about 200-odd changes for the updated Tiger 800 was a prime example. Appearance, spec sheet and the lack of any one significant alteration meant it smacked of a marketing department desperate to sell ‘lightly spruced’ as ‘allnew’. I almost ran out of tuts.
Then we got a new 800 XRT on long-term test (see May issue), and I had to slap my own wrists for being such a miserable cynic. Yes, it’s essentially the same engine, frame, geometry and styling as the Tiger has used since it first plopped off the end of the production line in 2011. But eight years of experience, polishing, honing and a host of small tweaks (yes, 200-odd of them) have transformed the 800 from a good bike to an outstanding one. Adventure bikes aren’t my preferred style of bike – yet the Triumph is a bike that makes me look for any excuse for a ride.
The 800cc three-cylinder engine is grunty, free-revving and
responsive, yet also smooth, well-mannered and remarkably frugal – as in averaging over 60mpg. Handling is sure-footed and predictable, and ride quality is the best it’s ever been. Yet, Triumph’s ability to get away with race rep-style geometry on a gangling adventure bike means the 800 is agile and accurate. Screen and headlight are excellent, nobody else seems to share my dislike for the wiggly joystick control for the data-laden colour dash, and the riding position (with two-height seat) achieves the Honda-style trick of feeling right for everyone, regardless of build or height. And it’s nicely made. And it’s got lots of electronic attractions and optional whatnots. And, and…
You can see why Triumph’s marketing lovelies focused on the sheer quantity of alterations for the latest Tiger 800. Without a headline power figure, class-leading feature or unique element, it’s hard to grab attention for a refreshed model in a world of sensationalist promotion, where ‘all-new’ sells. More fool us (well, me) for being dismissive: road-biased, mid-size adventure bikes don’t come more rounded or complete.
‘Eight years of honing have transformed the 800 from a good bike to an outstanding one’