FYI
Had e-mail from Triumph, (I do not own a Trimph or BMW), they are launching the XC Jan 20th

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We are the Pilgrims, Master, we shall go Always a little further: it may be beyond that last blue mountain barred with snow, Across that angry or that glimmering sea.

They have one of each in our local dealership and when I went in to get some details about the launch, I managed to stop long enough to take a look at the off-road version. Very trick

I sold my Multistrada and have a Tiger XC on order. I should get it end of April

I have a Triumph XC. Brilliant bike/engine. Would not dream of taking it off road - just a few gravel and dusty trails. It replaces my trusty 1150GS and 1200GSA.
It easily kept up with multistradas et al on twisties and they do not get away on the straights either. Fuel consumption/tank size would preclude it from being a serious round the world contender.

So, is it sadly just another "Look-a-like" overland bike ??

I hate it when I get all excited about new "overland" bikes and they end up being just average road bikes.

Whats the tank range ????
Why wouldnt you take it offroad ??

Ted

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Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.

Triumph have a super smooth engine which is not always good for keeping traction in slippery conditions- it is strangely enough too powerful for off road and it is still heavy. Like a klutz I have already had it on its side once and it was as hard to pick up as a BMW 1150GS
The torque curve is almost linear which means stick it in a gear and it just pulls.
If I was to take it off road I would change the sprockets to allow it to crawl along at very low speeds on idle even if this knocked 20mph off the top speed.
Obviously more trail orientated tyres would make a huge difference.
Tank range is questionable as the fuel warning light comes on when it has a fair amount of fuel left to be used. Whilst running in got 42mpg (triumph display figures). Similar speeds on a GS achieved higher figures by significant margin. Have only done 1400 miles so fuel consumption may well change.
It is comfortable. I do miss the 3 button indicator of the BMW (strange I know)

It is as capable as a BMW GS in all respects. Just has different foibles. So probably my initial observations are just subjective at this time - the fundamental thing is that I like it and I do not have the worries that BMWs left me with as regards reliability (at present)

look forward to hearing more about your XC!!

I bought my XC back in March and have since put around 7,500 miles under its tyres. I specifically bought this bike for over-landing, in particular, a trip to China that I am planning.

As I had never been properly off-road before, I joined up with a few like-minded souls in my region (East Anglia) and have now been off-road on the XC on several occasions. During the second outing through Thetford Forest, I dropped the bike in deep sand – the fault lies with me for my inability and the (Bridgestone) tyres that are OE on the bike which are not really suited to proper off-road riding. The bike itself crashed very well with just a couple of scuffs on the hand-guard and mirror… I suffered a little more with a broken foot!

Regarding your comment on the fuel economy of the bike: I was also achieving figures of around 45 mpg for the first couple of months on the bike until I read a review in MCN stating that over 60 mpg was achievable! I have now changed my riding style in order to get as much mileage per gallon as possible. On a 140-mile ride up north at a steady 70 mph with I was achieving 62 mpg and I am sure that, if I could have carried on, this figure would have risen. This gives a projected fuel range of 250 miles from the 4-gallon tank. With day-to-day use as a commuter on the 30-mile round trip up and down the A14, I am still getting around 55 mpg. It is only when I am riding in town or hooning around the back lanes that the economy drops back down to the mid-40s.

All-in-all, the Tiger 800XC is a very capable bike and, in my opinion, up to the job of taking its rider around the World with ease. Triumph hasn’t tried to over engineer the bike and, as such, it ticks all of the boxes for me. Because of the lack of electronic dooh-dads and their focus on building a capable all-rounder, I think that they have hit the mark perfectly. For their first attempt at a serious multi-purpose bike, it is a job well done!

As my wife has just blown my Tiger 800 fund on a car, would you guys post some photos of your Tiger 800's for us to drool over.

Any problems or issues ? have you guys had the stalling problem with your bikes?

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Cheers
Grif

'11 KTM 450 EXC
'09 Suzuki DR650
'00 Discovery Series 2 V8
'95 Defender 90 300 Tdi Overlander
http://gipperstravels.blogspot.ca

Hey Grif,
Damn wives (hope Lisa dosn't lurk here). I'm also looking at the Tiger 800XC as it looks to be an awesome road bike that can handle it's own off pavement. I think they have got the stalling issue taken care off already.
There is a ton of info on the Triumph Tiger UK forum and some on ADVRider already.
I'm keeping my DR as my world tourer as we have a few more trips planned and the Tiger will be the N.American tourer.
Daryll

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Central America, South America & Africa on DR650's - BLOG

Hi Daryll,

Hows it going over there what are your plans ?

Yeah the Tiger 800 would be the perfect 2 up machine for us in NAmerica, longer frame comfier seating for two, Six gears and some power!!!

Looking at the Tiger forum it seems like a great all rounder.

Take it easy mate!

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Cheers
Grif

'11 KTM 450 EXC
'09 Suzuki DR650
'00 Discovery Series 2 V8
'95 Defender 90 300 Tdi Overlander
http://gipperstravels.blogspot.ca

I want a triumph 800 too but if i buy another bike my wife will crucify me!
Looking forward to seeing one of you guys with one though

Regards

Nevil

Traded in my DRZ400 on a 2011 800 XC a few weeks ago. Between it and the Speed Triple, I think I'm set for a long, long time.

I think you're right on target regarding the 800 being a great all rounder. I read Bike magazine from the UK and it won as their Bike for Britain, in a 6 month test involving A roads, B roads, a track day, city use.

Planning to take mine on a road trip up to Banff this Summer. Can't wait!

Here's my Tiger on the way home on the day I bought her.

Congrats on the new bike. I envy you.

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Central America, South America & Africa on DR650's - BLOG

+1........... looks like a sweet ride....

Donbcivil, a suggestion, you could incorporate the Nakusp HUBB meeting into your trip if you are heading to Banff and the dates work out for you.

Horizons Unlimited Canada West Travellers Meeting August 23-26, 2012

You could ride through the Okanogan - Kelowna to Vernon, take highway 6 East to Nakusp, attend the HUBB meeting, then ride North to Revelstoke, then head West on the TransCanada, through the Shuswap - Salmon Arm to Kamloops, head North to Jasper, then down the stunning Icefields Parkway to Banff.

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Cheers
Grif

'11 KTM 450 EXC
'09 Suzuki DR650
'00 Discovery Series 2 V8
'95 Defender 90 300 Tdi Overlander
http://gipperstravels.blogspot.ca