2015 Triumph Tiger 800 XR and XC – First Look Review

2015 Triumph Tiger 800 XRx in Caspian Blue
2015 Triumph Tiger 800 XRx in Caspian Blue

Triumph’s Tiger 800 and Tiger 800 XC adventure tourers, introduced for 2011, impressed us with their torquey in-line triples, good handling and versatility, earning Rider’s 2011 Motorcycle of the Year award. The street-focused Tiger 800 had cast wheels (19-inch front, 17-inch rear), and the off-road-oriented Tiger 800 XC had spoked wheels (21-inch front, 17-inch rear), allowing buyers to choose the model that best suited to their preferred type of riding.

2015 Triumph Tiger 800 XCx in Phantom Black
2015 Triumph Tiger 800 XCx in Phantom Black

The same dual-pronged approach continues for 2015, with the street model renamed Tiger 800 XR and the dirt model still called the Tiger 800 XC. In addition, new “X” models—the Tiger 800 XRx and Tiger 800 XCx—offer higher levels of specification. The followed is an edited version of Triumph’s official press release.

KEY FEATURES:

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  • Four distinct models, two for the street and two for off-road.
  • Rider focused technology including standard traction control on all models and switchable ABS.
  • Cruise control on XRx and XCx models.
  • Three riding modes to control throttle maps, ABS and traction control on XRx and XCx models.
  • Second-generation, 94-horseppower 800cc triple engine, with lower emissions and a 17% increase in fuel efficiency (up from 55 mpg to 65 mpg)
  • Ride by Wire technology for smoother power delivery and lighter throttle response.
  • New styling, improved ergonomics and fitment of WP suspension on XC models.
2015 Triumph Tiger 800 XR in Crystal White
2015 Triumph Tiger 800 XR in Crystal White

RIDER FOCUSED TECHNOLOGY
Rider focused technology on the new Tiger 800 is optimized for both on and off-road riding. This includes:

  • Ride by Wire: The introduction of a full Ride by Wire system that interacts with the ECU opens up a whole new level of technology, including advanced ABS, traction control, selectable throttle maps, programmable rider modes and cruise control.
  • Switchable ABS: The switchable ABS system is standard on all Tiger 800 models and uses the latest technology to prevent wheel lock-up, ensuring maximum confidence and control in any road condition. On the XR and XC models, the ABS can be turned “On” or “Off.” Riders on the XRx or the XCx can further customize their preferences for the ABS settings via the bikes three advanced Riding Modes. When “Off-Road” mode is selected, the ABS is disabled at the rear wheel and the system also allows a level of front wheel slip.
  • Triumph Traction Control: Triumph Traction Control (TTC) is standard across all models. This feature prevents the unexpected spinning of the rear wheel, cutting the engine torque to avoid the loss of lateral grip ensuring maximum confidence and control both on or off road. The rider can select their TTC setting to either “On” or “Off” on the XR and XC models. The higher specification ‘x’ versions provide “Road,” “Off-Road,” or “Off” settings. Riders can configure their traction control preferences in conjunction with the three riding mode settings.
  • Throttle Maps: With a choice of four different throttle maps on XRx and XCx models, riders can select the optimum setting to meet both riding and weather conditions. The throttle maps can easily be changed via the switch cube to provide greater levels of control to meet changing conditions. The maps include: Rain, Road, Sport and Off-Road.
  • Three Riding Modes: A key feature on the XRx and XCx models is the ability to configure the bike to the terrain at the press of a button. When riding between road and off-road terrains, a simple press of the mode button followed by the release of the throttle and pull of the clutch lever allows the rider to swap between Road and Off-Road settings. This automatically configures the ABS, traction control and throttle maps with the bike still in motion to best tackle the route ahead. There are three modes are: Road, Off-Road and Programmable Rider.
  • Cruise Control: The new Tiger is the first middleweight adventure tourer available with cruise control, which is standard on XRx and XCx models.
  • Trip Computer: All variants feature trip computers. The range topping ‘x’ models add additional functionality such as journey time, average speed, average fuel economy, range to empty and instantaneous fuel consumption.
2015 Triumph Tiger 800 XCx in Caspian Blue
2015 Triumph Tiger 800 XCx in Caspian Blue

MORE EFFICIENT TRIPLE ENGINE
The Tiger’s 94-horsepower three-cylinder engine gives the bike a unique character and sophisticated feel. Inside the engine a range of changes have reduced mechanical noise and strengthened the premium feel of the triple. The 800cc unit is a rewarding engine that pulls strongly and smoothly from low speeds, delivers a wide spread of mid-range power and still lets the rider use the higher revs, right up to the 10,000rpm limit. Making the most of the engine’s eager character has now been made even easier thanks to a lighter and more precise gear change action, which now uses parts from Triumph’s class-leading Daytona 675 sportbike.

Fuel consumption has improved – up by 17% on the “mixed use” cycle (European GTR2 test cycle) to 65 mpg, and given the 5-gallon fuel tank capacity it now has a potential range of 272 miles to a dry tank meaning longer riding between stops. This is a 50-mile improvement per full tank of fuel over the outgoing Tiger 800.

RIDE AND HANDLING
The XR models are fitted with Showa suspension, calibrated to ensure excellent handling on any surface. The front suspension is a 43 mm Showa male-slider fork, now anodized black. The rear suspension includes a Showa shock which is preload adjustable, allowing easy adjustment and flexibility to tailor the suspension setting to meet the requirements of every journey.

WP suspension has been used to further boost the Off-Road riding qualities of the new XC models. The WP 43mm male-slider fork, with rebound and compression damping is easily adjustable through dedicated clickers on the fork tops. The rear suspension unit is a WP shock adjustable for preload and rebound damping and has a dedicated dirt protector for the shock body.

The wheels emphasize the different personalities of the XR and XC models. The new Tiger XR is fitted with lightweight cast aluminum wheels, 17-inch diameter at the rear and 19-inch at the front, measuring 4.25 and 2.5 inches in width respectively, they ensure superb handling and stability. The XC models feature spoke wheels for superior durability on rough terrain: 17-inch diameter at the rear with 4.25 inches in width and off-road oriented 21-inch diameter at the front with 2.5 inches in width.

2015 Triumph Tiger 800 XCx in Crystal White
2015 Triumph Tiger 800 XCx in Crystal White

STYLE
The new Tiger 800 has been given a new look with a new radiator shroud and tank side panels that have sharp lines and taut surfaces. The new bodywork gives the bike a more prone, dynamic stance but the styling isn’t all just about cosmetic gain, the Tiger’s fuel tank styling also ducts hot air from the engine away from the rider’s legs. The new “Titanium” powder coat finish on the double-tube frame highlights the rugged looks of the frame while the semi-matte finish on the engine combined with the bike’s black wheels and handlebars gives the new Tiger a sophisticated, premium look.

Practical touches are plentiful. Alongside the adjustable rider seat height and handlebar position the bike gets a 5-gallon fuel tank, a quick-adjust headlight angle lever for two-up riding, an auxiliary power socket near the ignition switch and a standard sump guard on all models.

ERGONOMICS
Comfort has been improved with both versions getting changes in geometry designed to reduce weight on the wrists and to increase legroom, and seats and handlebars are adjustable.

Weather protection has been improved thanks to the combination of the new bodywork, which keeps the iconic Triumph ‘raised shoulder’ profile along with a new fly screen. On the XRx and XCx the screen is adjustable without tools with the x models also receive newly designed hand guards to increase rider protection.

2015 Triumph Tiger 800 XR Specifications:
Horsepower: 94 horsepower @ 9,250rpm
Torque: 58 lb-ft @ 7,850rpm
Engine Type: Liquid-cooled, 12 valve, DOHC in-line 3-cylinder
Engine Displacement: 800cc
Seat Height: 31.9-32.7 in. (31.1-31.9 in. with low seat)
Front Suspension: Showa 43mm male-slider fork, 7.1-in. travel
Rear Suspension: Showa monoshock with hydraulically adjustable preload, 6.7-in. travel
Front Brakes: Twin 308mm floating discs, Nissin 2-piston floating calipers, switchable ABS
Rear Brakes: Single 255mm disc, Nissin single piston floating caliper, switchable ABS
Fuel Capacity: 5.0 gals.
Wet Weight: 470 lbs. (XR) / 476 lbs. (XRx)
Colors: Crystal White, Phantom Black, Caspian Blue (XRx only)
Standard Equipment: cast wheels, trip computer, sump guard, hazard lights, adjustable brake and clutch levers, 12V power supply
XRx adds: advanced trip computer, Road and Off-Road riding modes, three configurable Rider riding modes, auto-cancel indicators, cruise control, centerstand, hand guards, comfort rider and pillion seats, adjustable windscreen, additional 12V auxiliary power socket

2015 Triumph Tiger 800 XC Specifications:
Horsepower: 94 horsepower @ 9,250rpm
Torque: 58 lb-ft @ 7,850rpm
Engine Type: Liquid-cooled, 12 valve, DOHC in-line 3-cylinder
Engine Displacement: 800cc
Seat Height: 33.1-33.9 in. (32.3-33.1 in. with low seat)
Front Suspension: WP 43mm male-slider fork with adjustable rebound and compression damping, 8.7-in. travel
Rear Suspension: WP monoshock with remote oil reservoir, hydraulically adjustable preload, rebound damping adjustment, 8.5-in. travel
Front Brakes: Twin 308mm floating discs, Nissin 2-piston floating calipers, switchable ABS
Rear Brakes: Single 255mm disc, Nissin 1-piston floating caliper, switchable ABS
Fuel Capacity: 5.0 gals.
Wet Weight: 481 lbs. (XC) / 487 lbs. (XCx)
Colors: Crystal White, Phantom Black, Caspian Blue (XCx only)
Standard Equipment: spoked wheels, fully adjustable front and rear suspension, trip computer, radiator guard, sump guard, hazard lights, adjustable brake and clutch levers, 12V power supply
XCx adds: engine protection bars, advanced trip computer, Road and Off-Road riding modes, three configurable Rider riding modes, auto-cancel indicators, cruise control, centerstand, hand guards, aluminum sump guard, additional 12V auxiliary power socket

Triumph Genuine Accessories: A selection of accessory packs have been developed for the new Tiger range. With a choice of Sports, Comfort, Touring, Protection, and Luggage packs, riders can personalize their Tiger to meet their own needs.

Availability & Price: The new Tiger range will be available in Triumph dealerships beginning in spring 2015 with pricing starting at $11,399.

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