Triumph Tiger 800 XRX 2016 — Specifications

Is it really a trail bike? Looking closely, this 2016 Triumph Tiger 800 XRx, with its 21-inch front tire and adventurer look, feels more like a steroid-enhanced supermoto. It’s far from the 1200cc behemoth; here, it’s a more urban and lively approach to adventure. Its 799cc three-cylinder engine is a true marvel of character. It delivers 95 horsepower at 9300 rpm, but it's its torque of 79 Nm, available very early, that makes all the difference. In the city or in the mountains, it pulls without ever complaining, offering a suppleness that makes short work of many inline twins. With consumption approaching 5.7L/100km, it proves that pleasure and reason can be combined.

The steel trellis frame gives a feeling of great rigidity, and the stated weight of 215 kg fully fueled is forgotten once in motion. The 810 mm seat may be intimidating, but the low center of gravity helps a lot. For those who are put off by this height, there is also a Triumph Tiger 800 XRx Low version, often sought after on the used market. The Showa suspension, adjustable only in preload at the rear, is perfectly balanced for predominantly road use with occasional forays onto unpaved surfaces. The Nissin brakes with switchable ABS do the job without unnecessary fanfare.

Faced with a BMW F 800 GS of the time, the Tiger 800 XRx focuses on the engine and road handling. The German bike may be more adventurous at heart, but the Triumph triple offers a much more pronounced versatility and sonic pleasure. On the highway, a speed of 200 km/h is achievable, but the small fairing and light build make long stretches less relaxing than on a larger trail bike. Its 19-liter tank nevertheless offers correct range for getting away.

Today, finding a used Triumph Tiger 800 XRx represents an excellent compromise. Models from 2015 to 2018 offer an unbeatable pleasure/price ratio, often under €10,000, far from the €11,390 of its new price. It is an ideal motorcycle for the globetrotter looking for a little more spice than with a twin, or for the urban adventurer who wants to get off the asphalt on weekends. Feedback on Triumph Tiger 800 XRx forums is often laudatory regarding its reliability and character.

Its flaw? Perhaps an identity that is too "in-between." It is neither the most radical on dirt, nor the most comfortable on long journeys. But it is precisely this versatility that is its strength. For those who do not want to choose between the agility of a roadster and the adventurous style, this Tiger 800 remains a compelling and spirited proposition. A test ride on a 2016 Triumph Tiger 800 XRx is enough to convince you that this three-cylinder has a soul that its competitors do not possess.