2018 Triumph Tiger 800 XR and XC First Look

Rennie Scaysbrook | November 7, 2017

The baby Tiger gets a stack of upgrades for 2018.

Triumph_Tiger_800_XCA_mud
*Epic mud riding shot not included with your new Tiger 800 XCA.

Triumph will be updating their mid-size adventure bike with over 200 changes to the chassis and motor, as well as new electronics, lights, and bodywork.

Available in six different variants (four for the on-road XR family and two for the off-road-focused XC range), the new Tiger 800 will still feature the same 800cc inline triple motor but with up to six riding modes, heated rider and passenger seats and heated grips, sump and radiator guards, adjustable handlebar and seat height, a center stand, 12V power socket and USB port, among other things.

New for this year is the 5-inch TFT dash, new LED lighting, new switch block and joystick, Off-Road Pro riding mode, new Brembo front brakes, five-way adjustable windscreen and diffusers and an updated cruise control system.

There’s a gigantic list of things to get through with the Tiger 800 and its variants, so here’s the word straight from Triumph themselves.

Triumph_Tiger_800_XRT_road
Road-biased Tiger 800 XRT is one of most comfortable mile eaters out there today.

The all-new TIGER 800 XC and XR

Triumph Motorcycles has launched the brand new Tiger 800 XC and XR line-up – one of its best-loved and most critically acclaimed motorcycles ever. The longest running adventure story, with a bloodline that began with the gold-medal winning Tigers of the 1936 International Six Day Trial, continues with a new generation that incorporates all of the trademark Tiger spirit and takes capability to a whole new level.

 Major update to off-road capability and all road, all day comfort
o More than 200 upgrades to the chassis and engine
o More responsive, optimized Triple engine
o New shorter Ratio 1st Gear enables enhanced off-road traction, low-speed maneuverability, and acceleration
o New lighter, free-flowing silencer with improved exhaust note
o New “Off Road Pro” riding mode, with a choice of up to six riding modes o New five position adjustable screen

 New high level of state of the art technology
o New adjustable full-color TFT instruments
o New signature LED lighting
o New illuminated, ergonomically designed, backlit switchgear and five-way joystick control o New updated cruise control

o All of these add to the Tiger 800’s extensive core state of the art Technology

 Major Triple engine update – more responsive, character and sound

o Major engine update of the Tiger’s signature, optimized Triple power plant
o New shorter Ratio 1st Gear
o New lighter, freer flowing exhaust giving better sound

 More Tiger style and highest-ever level of finish and detailing

o New premium bodywork
o New high-quality badges, graphics and detailing
o New colors

o More contemporary and dynamic stance

 The most comprehensive choice available
o Even more choice, with both XR and XC models now even more distinctive and

purposeful for their type of adventure

The new Tiger 800 family range

The new, significantly updated Tiger 800 XC and XR family has once again pushed the boundaries of this world-renowned range with over 200 chassis and engine upgrades. These are complemented by a suite of major off-road improvements that work hand-in-hand with carefully crafted on-road enhancements.

Triumph has specifically targeted improvements to technology, comfort, and style alongside the introduction of a new generation engine that maximizes the rider experience. As a result, the new Tiger 800 is better in every way – both on the road and off-road.
Benefits of the new Tiger 800

Major technology advances

Every new Tiger 800 represents a huge step-up in rider technology with improvements including full-color TFT instruments, up to six riding modes, high-specification Brembo front brakes, optimized suspension configurations, handlebar-mounted switch cubes incorporating elegant backlit buttons, distinctive signature all-LED lighting, updated cruise control, enhanced chassis, and premium bodywork.

Next-generation engine

A mass-optimized 800cc Triple engine now gives more immediate power delivery and a peak power output of 95PS. It has, even more, character and a lighter exhaust system with a sportier soundtrack that together transform the new generation engine. There is a new, shorter ratio first gear to enhance off-road traction, all-road low-speed responsiveness, and more immediate acceleration that gives the rider a truly thrilling feel. In addition, the new Off- Road Pro riding mode on the XC models allows an advanced rider to take complete control off-road.

An added dimension to comfort

Triumph has enhanced the rider ergonomics across the whole Tiger 800 range. This includes moving the handlebars back by 10mm for a more commanding riding position, higher specification Brembo front brakes and Showa adjustable suspension, new handbook- approved off-road tire specification fitment, new five-position adjustable windscreen and aero diffusers for segment-leading aero protection, and a new seat compound giving all-day riding comfort.

Premium style

Tiger signature styling is now even stronger across the latest 800 range. New premium bodywork includes high quality painted finishes with updated side panel designs, along with higher quality badges, graphics and detailing to deliver real presence. This also gives each Tiger a more contemporary and dynamic stance that highlights the on and off-road bias of each model, while retaining the distinctive and instantly recognizable Tiger 800 silhouette.

Tiger 800 core technology

The Tiger 800’s trademark handling and category-defining core technologies are the foundation of this bike’s superb riding experience. All the Tigers’ essential adventure standards are maintained with ABS, traction control, ride-by-wire throttle, cruise control, heated seats and grips, power sockets, and a two-position seat height (810-830mm on XR models, 840-860mm on XC models) adjustable by 20mm to suite riding style and terrain, and a low ride height XRx model variant that at 760 mm is 50mm lower than the standard XR range of seats.

Tiger 800 models

From the road-focused Tiger XR, mid-spec XRX and range-topping XRT, to the off-road hungry Tiger XCX and fully-loaded XCA – not forgetting the XRx low ride height model – there is a Tiger 800 for every person, every ride, and every adventure.

Paul Stroud, Chief Commercial Officer for Triumph Motorcycles said; “We’ve developed a host of major new technology and performance updates designed to enhance the new Tiger 800’s capability both on and off-road. With developments that complement the Tiger’s accessible and agile, easy riding style, as well as its existing distinctive Tiger poise and presence, the new 800 line-up is built for maximum adventure – every single day.”

Tiger 800 category-defining technology

Specification highlights (varies depending on model)

NEW FEATURES

  •   5” adjustable TFT instruments – Full color, clear instrumentation provides precise rider information with intuitive operation
  •   New all-LED lighting – Offering improved visibility and enhanced style, LED signature lighting

    creates clear views in front and behind

  •   Switchcubes and five-way joystick – New ergonomically designed handlebar switch cubes and joystick are intuitive and comfortable to operate
  •   Illuminated backlit buttons – Handlebar mounted switchcube buttons are now illuminated,

    allowing for easier night-time use

  •   “Off-Road Pro” riding mode – Delivering the most focused off-road set up ever, advanced riders

    can opt to turn systems off and be in total control

  •   Brembo front brakes – Twin Brembo front brakes deliver reliable, premium capability in all

    conditions

  •   Five-way adjustable windscreen and aero diffusers – Single hand adjustable windscreen,

    delivering enhanced wind protection for category-leading rider aero comfort

  •   Updated cruise control – Accessed easily through the left-hand switchcube, the simple-to-use,

    single button cruise control helps reduce rider fatigue

    CORE TECHNOLOGY FEATURES include:

  •   Distinctive 800cc three-cylinder engine with ride-by-wire electronic throttle control
  •   Up to six riding modes
  •   Heated rider and pillion seats
  •   Sump and radiator guards
  •   Switchable ABS and traction control
  •   Tailored ergonomics – adjustable seat height and handlebar position
  •   Onboard computer
  •   Immobilizer
  •   Premium adjustable front and rear suspension
  •   Centre stand
  •   Heated grips
  •   Handguards
  •   Engine protection bars
  •   Power sockets (1 x 12v, 1 x USB