Triumph Tiger 800 XR 2015 — Specifications

So, one wonders what a Tiger 800 XR is doing in the super motard category? Probably a classification error, but it says a lot about the ambiguous character of this machine. Because yes, this 2015 Triumph Tiger 800 XR is first and foremost a Swiss army knife on two wheels, a proposition that wants to seduce without scaring. With its 799 cc three-cylinder engine, it delivers 95 horsepower, a smooth and accessible power that suggests a sporty tourer more than an extreme adventurer. The torque of 79 Nm arrives early, making sixth-gear roll-ons as smooth as velvet, perfect for the hurried traveler but not necessarily a fanatic.

Its steel trellis frame and Showa suspension are clearly calibrated for the road. The 43 mm inverted fork and the hydraulically adjustable preload mono-shock ensure serious road handling, light-years away from the specifications of a true trail bike. With 215 kg fully fueled and a 19-liter tank, it has plenty of power, but its controlled center of gravity makes it surprisingly maneuverable in the city once you’ve tamed its 81 cm seat height. It is precisely this point that is debated on all Triumph Tiger 800 XR forums: for an average build, it is a commitment, but once in the saddle, the machine seems finer than its measurements suggest.

Faced with the competition, let's be clear, it’s not a BMW F 800 GS. It is more road-focused, less adventurous. The switchable ABS and Nissin brakes do the job correctly without being transcendent, like the overall philosophy of this Tiger 800 XR: efficiency without extravagance. Its announced consumption of 3.65 L/100 km is a real argument for economical long-distance touring. It is a machine for those who want a bit of height and an adventurous style without the disadvantages of off-road riding, the buyer who will also look at a used Triumph Tiger 800 XR for its excellent value for money.

Ultimately, what can be retained from this test of the Triumph Tiger 800 XR? It is an intelligently compromised motorcycle, but not a brilliant all-rounder. Its triple with its magnificent sound and its ease on the road make it an endearing travel companion, especially in its 2015 version which has managed to erase the small defects of youth of the 2011 or 2012 models. But at 10,190 euros new at the time, it was positioned in a narrow niche, caught between pure trails and sporty roadsters. A good choice for a motorcyclist who wants to get off the beaten path… while remaining mostly on pavement. For a real test, you have to take it on long distances, it is there that it reveals all its personality and justifies its existence in the range.