I have been looking at the 2018 model Tiger 800 XCA. I know it is a new model, but the engine is the same with a few mods. Is it risky to buy it for a travel bike? Will be riding to get to know the bike this year and next year for serious trip : minimum Europe but hopefully Russia. If not all of Russia then as much as i can in a slow and easy pace.
Is it stupid to choose such a newish model?
Ofcourse the Honda Africa Twin is a choice but I do like the new look on the Tiger....it is just love at first sight hehe

All help and good advice is welcome
Oh yes, one more thing : this will be my first new bike since I was 18
Christensen

Hi Christensen,
There's always a risk with a new model, but if you're not going long distance this year, you have time to manage teething troubles, recalls and any modifications that you see fit. Also, this bike is not a total new design, like say the Yamaha T7 will be, but a refinement of an already very good bike

I have owned 2 triumph triples before and the 675 is a peach of an engine, very good torque, smooth, no vibes, nice power delivery and a nice sound. Triumph bikes in general I consider to be excellent build quality

The tiger 800 is quite a popular adventure bike, particularly I heard in India, so finding parts and service won't be exactly impossible.

for me it's a perfect compromise, engine capacity, weight, comfort, road manners and off road ability. I have been researching which bike to choose for a South American trip, I don't want the ubiquitous and oversized GS 1200, nor an enduro, nor any single cylinder thumper. I was tempted to wait for the Yamaha T7, but I fear we won't see that this year, maybe not even next year, so I have just ordered myself the Tiger 800 XCa. Will be doing some short trips to the Pyrenees and morocco this year, and then next year, South America!

Sounds like you two guys should get together and compare notes on your new
Tigers!

As mentioned, the '18 Tiger 800 is not an "all new" bike. It's been around for years. Sorry, I am not totally up to speed on all the revisions or improvements on the '18 model, seems the up rated Street Triple got most of the upgrades going from a 675 up to whatever it is now. (around 800cc?)

I've owned three Triumphs since 1995 ... each one better than previous one.
('95 Tiger 900, '99 Tiger 900, 2007 Tiger 1050)

Two good riding buddies currently own Tiger 800's. One pushing 60,000 miles, mostly all trouble free. Both these riders own several bikes (including new-ish R1200GS-L, Kawi Versys 1000, Vstrom, DR650's and more)

For both, their Tiger 800 is their favorite. I've ridden the 800 several times for an hour or so each time out. Nice bike. I nearly bought one. I always thought it was a bit down on power compared to my '07 1050 Tiger, but I liked the handling and overall smaller feel of the 800.

These are great bikes, nothing to worry about.

That said, I would get onto the Tiger 800 forums, do your reading and due diligence. Learn as much as you can, make any important up grades ... and go riding!

My only criticism of the Tiger 800 is for me it's a bit TALL ... and like ALL Triumphs, just a bit TOP HEAVY. But one quickly adapts to this and learns it's weight and balance. It's silky smooth, sounds GREAT and really a fun bike to ride ... ON ROAD.

Not so sure how well it might do riding in tough off road conditions. If you're a big guy in good shape and experienced off road you should do fine. If not ... then go easy still you get the hang of it off road. Deep sand and Mud can be a challenge on a heavy bike like the Tiger. After a year riding I'm sure you'll have it sorted.

Early Tiger 800's if ridden in serious DUST could have dirt ingress into throttle bodies. Reading forums should reveal all ... and then some. Don't get bogged down reading the nit picks.

Good luck, hope you guys will let other HUBBer's how it goes with the Triumphs.

My wife and I are riding our Tiger 800XC RTW, currently in Colombia. Bike now has just under 51,000 miles. There have been some small issues but generally the bike is reliable.

I have a maintenance and repair log running whilst we're on our trip. Maintenance and Repair Log - up to date as of 15th April 2018 - Two Brits and a Triumph Tiger 800 Round The World I do 95% of the work myself.

I would consider the newer 800's to be more or less the same as my older model when it comes to reliability.

Saludos
Steve and Janette
Tiger 800 RTW - Two Brits and a Triumph Tiger 800 Round The World

Appreciate your detailed log of maintenance for the Tiger.

__________________
Dave

Great trip!
What is the current situation regards Triumph dealers in S. America? How many Triumph dealers there? ... and what countries are they in?

I remember traveling in France on my Tiger and could not believe all the Triumph dealers there ... good ones too! Every major city (and more) had a Triumph dealer.

Safe travels, have fun!

Thanks for sharing, looking at your log such bike would be not good enough for me. Too many issues for that mileage IMO.

The bike is new but it has only improvements. You only go to Europe that should really be alright unless you decide to make all the tracks in sand you can find ( And I'm sure you can find some to have fun). I just had it, and it is really good, the engine has a better recovery and it has gained 5 kilos which is not bad. have a nice ride!