Britain’s best-value used bikes from £4K-£8K
‘All the all-round adventure bike most of us will ever need’
Triumph Tiger 800 and other options
TRIUMPH TIGER 800 2010-2019 94bhp 58lb·ft 213-221kg (dry) 810-860mm seat 19-litre tank
FIRST LAUNCHED OVER a decade ago, the 2010 Tiger 800 is a long-stroke, Daytona 675-based inline triple dropped in a steeltrellis frame, on long-travel suspension and wrapped in adventure styling. It took Triumph to the top of the burgeoning adventure-bike market, in two different versions: the road-based 800 with 19in front and cast spokes, and the more off-road XC with wire wheels, 21in front, longer-travel suspension and other off-road cosmetics.
In 2015, the Tiger evolved with ride-by-wire throttle and enhanced electronics including traction control, rider modes, cruise and switchable ABS. Suspension also got uprated, and the range split into four models; the road XR and up-spec XRX and off-road XC and up-spec XCA. In 2018, it was updated again, with a TFT dash and numerous small engine and ergonomic tweaks.
In truth, any Tiger 800 is happier on the road than in the dirt; the smooth, revvy inline triple’s power delivery isn’t the best at finding traction when you need it and ground clearance and weight balance aren’t ideal off-road.
But on the road, all these things conspire to make the Tiger an outstandingly useful and surprisingly rapid machine, capable of covering big miles in comfort and turning in a decent performance when corners appear. Handling is trademark Triumph, with neutral steering stability at its core. Even the 21in-front XC and XCA can boogie on tarmac. And the Daytona-based free-spinning triple is a fab engine.
£8000 buys you a loaded late-model 2016 Tiger 800, or haggle a bit for a 2018 model with the TFT dash. It’s worth it.