2011 Triumph Tiger 800XC Review. I am convinced that time travel is possible, as I simultaneously create and reminisce over experiences in real time. My mind is focused solely on this very moment, the Catalan countryside, the beautiful country of Spain, aboard a 2011 Triumph Tiger 800XC. Rather than settling for an overworked nag christened Rocinante, I have chosen to ride upon the latest incarnation from the busy folks in the English Midlands-the "all-new 2011 Triumph Tiger 800XC". Albeit a bit less chivalrous, I set my sights on the humble objective of imbibing the Catalan cuisine, culture, and language that dominate the landscape, all the while evaluating the all-terrain capabilities and gregarious nature of the new Tiger XC.
According to Arthurian lore, the Benedictine monks at the monastery of Santa Maria de Montserrat are the loyal keepers of the Holy Grail, an artifact said to be buried deep below the sanctuary of the Virgin de Montserrat-a fitting medieval corollary to my newfound role as Quixote’s protégé.
The sporty roar of the" 2011 Triumph Tiger 800XC" is undeniably fabricated with healthy doses of Triumph Speed Triple inspiration, and the on-road performance and seating position is nothing short of upright exhilaration. However, diving into corners with a 21-inch front wheel is quite a bit slower than one would expect from the 19-inch front rubber found on many other adventure motorcycles. The twin headlights feed the ocular senses first and are signature Triumph, while the obligatory beak-like front mudguard has become somewhat of an adventure bike aesthetic requirement. Of course, I have had the" Tiger XC" fitted with a host of off-road accoutrements in preparation for the journey ahead. The stability of the' Tiger XC' is apparent in long sweeping corners, where holding a constant lean angle is astonishingly effortless for a machine with a large diameter front wheel and a 34-inch seat height
Entering corners on the Nissin twin-piston binders is a predictable experience, and the dual 308mm front brake rotors offer a smooth and progressive feel. The engine characteristics are perfect for extended distance adventure riding-long pulling torque allows for easy overtaking in nearly any gear, and the counterbalanced triple produces near negligible vibration through the handlebars and footrests. I jot a mental note to remove the feel-compromising rubber inserts from the footpegs at my next planned stop-the site of the mythical Holy Grail.
Three turns of the rear preload adjuster raises the ride height of the rear to provide a little quicker turning and stiffens the action of the shock through the first third of its travel. At 473 pounds (claimed wet), the 2011 Triumph Tiger 800XC is a heavy off-roader, though right in the ballpark for a mid-size adventure bike. Weight distribution feels balanced fore and aft, providing a stable, planted feel through the rough undulating Jeep roads. The spoked 21-inch front wheel is keenly in its element as I crisscross through ruts and take aggressive lines with levels of confidence rarely experienced on larger-displacement adventure motorcycles. This motor sets the Tiger XC apart from its parallel twin Bavarian counterpart with a higher power-to-weight ratio.
Adjustable ignition mapping is not necessary; the throttle position sensor reads the speed at which the throttle is twisted and changes the ignition advance accordingly. The excitement and tractability of the 2011 Triumph Tiger 800XC’s power delivery is as appreciated in loose and sandy conditions off-road as it is on questionable pavement, and hits a high note of relative flickabilty compared to any 1200cc adventure machines. Brimming with confidence, I aim the Tiger at a rocky dry riverbed to simulate a “worst case adventure scenario.”
The standard version will be offered with 19-inch front wheel and non-tubed tires.
For" 2011 Triumph" will be powered by a stroked out version of the Triumph Daytona 675. The Tiger 800 offers outstanding accessibility and maneuverability with cast alloy wheels and, thanks to the adjustable seat that’s on both models, a seat height as low as 31.9 inches to make it an adventure bike for the masses. The taller Tiger 800XC, meanwhile, delivers true off-road capability thanks to its longer-travel suspension and 21” spoke front wheel. With its higher riding position, the Tiger 800XC provides a commanding view of the road ahead and absorbs even the worst road conditions.
held the global unveiling of its eagerly awaited "Tiger 800 and Tiger 800XC" adventure touring models at the internationally renowned EICMA show in Milan, Italy.
Triumph’s 2011 model range represents the largest new product offering in the company’s 109-year history.
The taller Tiger 800XC, meanwhile, delivers true off-road capability thanks to its longer-travel suspension and 21” spoke front wheel.