Triumph Tiger 800 XCX 2017 — Specifications

Is it still relevant to be interested in a 2017 Triumph Tiger 800 XCX today, when the mid-size trail bike market is flooded with new models? That's the question one asks when twisting the throttle on this model, which, at the time, served as a sharp reference in the category. With its 799 cc three-cylinder engine, the Tiger 800 XCX doesn't play in the same league as the trendy twins. Its 95 horsepower at 9300 rpm and 79 Nm of torque deliver a linear and exhilarating energy, more geared towards pavement than true mud. It's far from the low-tech philosophy of a Honda Africa Twin, and that's precisely what defines its character.

Its chassis also betrays this road-going vocation tinged with adventure. The trellis frame and the 43 mm adjustable WP inverted fork are serious assets for sporty riding, but the advertised weight of 220 kg fully fueled is felt as soon as you leave the asphalt. The 840 mm seat height may be intimidating, but once in the saddle, the bike proves surprisingly agile for its size. The braking, ensured by floating discs and Nissin calipers, is effective and precise, with an ABS that can be deactivated for those who want to push the experience off the beaten path. It's a machine that demands commitment, closer to a steroid-fueled supermotard than an all-terrain tractor.

Compared to a direct competitor like the Honda Africa Twin, the 2017 Tiger 800 XCX focuses on versatility and driving pleasure. The Africa Twin, heavier and less powerful, may be more comfortable in the trails, but it doesn't provide this mechanical excitement specific to the Triumph three-cylinder. On the road, the difference is striking: the Tiger is lively, its engine sonorous and available, while the Honda prioritizes low-end torque and serenity. The 19-liter tank and a consumption of around 5.7 L/100 km offer correct autonomy, without being exceptional.

Today, finding a used Triumph Tiger 800 XCX represents an interesting opportunity. With a new price that hovered around 13,200 euros, it is now possible to find them at much more affordable prices, making it a credible alternative to more recent but often more expensive models. Whether for a test ride of a 2015 Tiger 800 XCX or a 2018 model, the essential character remains present. It is a motorcycle for the demanding globetrotter, one who seeks a travel companion capable of shining on mountain passes as much as venturing onto a forest path, without however claiming extreme raiding capabilities. Its major drawback remains its weight, a handicap in technical passages, but on the road, it transforms into an asset of stability.

Ultimately, the Tiger 800 XCX, especially in its 2016 to 2019 versions, retains a unique place. It doesn't follow the trend of large trail bikes, it imposes its own style, its own sound, and a refined engine. For those looking for a used motorcycle with a distinctive character, capable of outperforming many competitors on the asphalt without abandoning an adventurous look, it deserves more than a glance at the classified ads. It’s an assumed choice, for a rider who values driving pleasure above all.