TRIUMPH TIGER 800 XC (2010 - 2014) Review
At a glance
| Owners' reliability rating: | |
|---|---|
| Annual servicing cost: | £850 |
| Power: | 94 bhp |
| Seat height: | Tall (33.3 in / 845 mm) |
| Weight: | Medium (474 lbs / 215 kg) |
Prices
Overall rating
Next up: Ride & brakesThe new 800 XC is very much the bigger, burlier brother of Triumph’s two new Tigers. From the moment you swing your leg on board it’s clearly a taller, seemingly more substantial machine.
- Related: Latest Triumph Tiger 800 review
The combination of 21-inch wire front wheel (in place of the base model's cast 19incher), longer travel (by 40mm) 45mm forks (the 800’s are 43mm) and slightly wider (by 32mm), higher, wider and further back bars (by using different bars and risers) make the XC seem, for a 6’3” rider like me, a much more ‘full-size’, macho and full-on, proper, adventure bike where the 800 is the more novice-friendly middleweight.
Ride quality & brakes
Next up: EngineThe road, 19inch-wheeled, lower, lighter 800, is inevitably the sharper, slightly easier of the two new Tiger 800s through the twisties – but the XC isn’t far behind.
The differing dimensions and geometry of the off-road version means it needs to be levered and then tipped into corners a tad more deliberately, the rider feels a touch more remote from the front end and there’s slightly more dive and settling from the longer travel forks, but it’s absolutely no problem and you only notice when switching from one to the other.
The suspension set-up is such that, overall, on road, both are more than capable of mixing it with sports bikes and are a real blast to ride, while at the same time being decently stable, comfortable, distance machines.
Engine
Next up: ReliabilityTriumph’s middleweight triple was already a gem, both in 675 and Street Triple guise.
But with the stroke lengthened to take it up to 799cc, primarily to fatten-up the low and middle stretches of the 10,000rpm rev band albeit at the expense of some top end, turns the Tiger 800XC’s powerplant into an easy, seamless, idiot-proof jewel.
And that, combined with the light clutch, perfectly slick gearbox and impeccable throttle response, makes the Tiger 800XC a doddle to ride.
Reliability & build quality
Next up: ValueNeat touches abound, such as a little switch to lower the headlamp for pillion use, the clever seat height adjusters, plenty of bungee hooks and decent underseat storage.
The quality seems good, especially with the clocks, paint etc and, with a claimed 250-mile potential range and raft of accessories is immensely versatile.
Value vs rivals
Next up: EquipmentYou pays your money, you takes your choice… the cheaper 800 version of the two Tigers ticks virtually every box and is probably, unless you specifically NEED some off-road ability, the more logical choice.
But for many, the full-sized XC looks better, due to its size and stature, and, with genuine off-road ability, has more strings to its bow. Both are decent value.
Equipment
The Triumph Tiger 800XC’s modern switchgear, thorough clocks, tapered bars, mirrors and screen are all a level above the offerings of its BMW rival.
While a plethora of accessories such as tall screen, sat nav holder, posh levers, are available to take things further still (although the heated grips are a little bulky and clunky compared to the seamlessly integrated BMW versions).
Specs |
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| Engine size | 799cc |
|---|---|
| Engine type | 12v transverse triple, 6 gears |
| Frame type | Tubular steel |
| Fuel capacity | 19 litres |
| Seat height | 845mm |
| Bike weight | 215kg |
| Front suspension | 45mm inverted forks, none |
| Rear suspension | Preload |
| Front brake | 2 x 308mm discs, two-piston calipers |
| Rear brake | 255mm disc, single piston caliper |
| Front tyre size | 90/90 ZR 21 |
| Rear tyre size | 150/70 ZR 17 |
Mpg, costs & insurance |
|
| Average fuel consumption | 43 mpg |
|---|---|
| Annual road tax | £117 |
| Annual service cost | £850 |
| New price | - |
| Used price | £3,500 - £4,900 |
| Insurance group |
- How much to insure? |
| Warranty term | Two year unlimited mileage |
Top speed & performance |
|
| Max power | 94 bhp |
|---|---|
| Max torque | 58 ft-lb |
| Top speed | 130 mph |
| 1/4 mile acceleration | - |
| Tank range | 230 miles |
Model history & versions
Model history
2010: Model introduced
Other versions
ABS version, £600 extra
Owners' reviews for the TRIUMPH TIGER 800 XC (2010 - 2014)
23 owners have reviewed their TRIUMPH TIGER 800 XC (2010 - 2014) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.
Review your TRIUMPH TIGER 800 XC (2010 - 2014)
Summary of owners' reviews |
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| Overall rating: | |
|---|---|
| Ride quality & brakes: | |
| Engine: | |
| Reliability & build quality: | |
| Value vs rivals: | |
| Equipment: | |
| Annual servicing cost: | £850 |
Year: 2011
The bike has really impressed me. I've toured Scotland on it and it's a joy to ride on both the long straight roads and the tight twisty back roads. Probably the best bike I have owned
It doesn't matter what type of road you're on the bike is a joy. It will cruise at 70/75 mph on the motorway and is also great at 30/40 on the twists. I can stay on the bike for a full take of fuel, although I do get a slight tingle in my wrists after 110 miles or so but that's maybe an age thing lol
For a triple it's got the power and torque of any v-twin and the power distribution of any in line 4 I have rode before. Fantastic
Great build quality. Very robust feel about the bike. Only had 2 issues. Starter motor gave broilers and the metal arms of both mirrors have started to corrode, but the bike is well used at 10 years old and 50k kms
It's usually around 100 quid as I do most of the work myself. Bit more complicated than some of my previous bikes but all in all very easy to work on.
So many options to kit these bikes out. Would recommend the expedition panniers over the plastic triumph ones. Nothing to do with my experience but a friend's plastic ones leaked and also cracked.
Buying experience: Bought from a dealer over the Internet. Bike was described to me as having a few marks hear and there. I got a courier to collect in england and deliver to my self in Northern Ireland. When it arrived it was in mint condition with 2 small marks, one on the beak and one on the back of the right hand guard
Version: XC
Year: 2012
A really great bike, one of the best that I’ve owned & have been riding for a total of 25 years. 2012 model, I bought in 2019. The bike has never let me down in nearly 9k miles of riding in Europe & the UK.Would give it a 5 out of 5, but prevented from doing so due to the cost of main dealer servicing (recommend finding a good independent Triumph specialist) & the known actuator issue that can on occasion allow the revs to die at idle. A relatively straightforward fix but one to be aware of.
Brilliant all round road bike, a great flexible & torquey three cylinder engine. For an adventure style bike it is relatively light weight but can carry some serious luggage, I’ve found it perfect for touring. Haven’t had a pillion on the back but a friend has ridden to southern Spain & back with a pillion & fully loaded, pillion apparently enjoyed & no issues.One reason for not giving a 5 out of 5 is the quality of standard suspension, I had replaced with revalved front with new adjustable Nitron rear suspension.
A fantastic triple engine, torque laden & super flexible it’s just so easy to ride in any situation. Only minor downside is that being an 800 triple it’s more ‘revvy’ that what I was used to, just a personal thing not a negative.
Spots of rust around spokes, but again a known issue. Overall am pretty impressed as my bike is left outside on the road under a cover, have not seen any noticeable deterioration in the almost 2 yrs of ownership.
Quoted £950 for main 12k service by a main Triumph dealer!!....nearly fell off my chair. Instead took to an independent where had service done for £500. Expect the next interim (6k) service to be around £250/300. Running costs overall are low/reasonable; real world 50mpg, apart from tyres have had no other maintenance costs.
Seating position, I’m 6’4” so needed a bike that was tallish with good leg room. Tank is thin at junction with seat & for knees compared to other bikes which is perfect for me as i’m also relatively thin. Bikes with broader petrol tanks have caused issues with my hips in the past.Recommend the following: • After market exhaust to reduce weight & increase power a little. My Tiger 800XC has a Yoshimura end can fitted fitted by the previous owner. • Puig screen - Nothing wrong with standard screen but I’m tall so needed an aftermarket screen to lift the airflow. • Heated grips - have Daytona (I think!) fitted by previous owner. • Scottoiler - always fit with a chain driven bike, again fitted by previous owner. • K&N air filter - again fitted by previous owner. • Spotlights - fitted by previous owner. Do not really need as standard headlights are good but have helped in the very few misty/foggy conditions have ridden through. • Givi luggage rack & hard cases. Not a necessity but fitted as got a good deal on a used pair of cases.
Buying experience: Bought used from Ford & Ellis in Chesham Buckinghamshire. Excellent service, really impressed. Advertised for £4900 paid £4800. Good deal as there was a lot of interest in the bike, v.good condition, low mileage 7k & fully loaded.
Year: 2012
Fantastic all rounder suited well to Australian conditions.
Let down slightly by a undersprung front end. Otherwise ride quality one or two up, is good. Brakes are powerful and progressive.
Superb, reliable, fun.
Generally reliable. Some weaknesses from factory. Yes, the starter will fail. A mob in the states (check google)make a perfectly good replacement at a third of the oem. The frame on the 2012 model will crack above the footpegs with persistant off road misuse and overloading (That's why we have adventure bikes, right?). Triumph fixed this in later models. A good welder fixed mine which cracked at 80000km at least half of which was off tarmac and most of which was 2 up with camping gear.
Moderately easy to self service for anyone with a bit of mechanical knowledge. The electronics can be quickly checked at a main dealer.
All fine and not flashy. Easy to use and reliable. Recommend a riser for the front mudguard for damp off road stuff. Mud can easy clog the small space between knobby tyres and the standard guard.
Version: ABS
Year: 2014
Love the styling of the bike That tune from the triple man when you're giving it some Comfortable loads of torque, personally enough top end speed & through the gears plenty of after market parts for sale Seems to have a paint flaking issue on engine from what I've experienced & read from other people, but I do use it all year round. pricey servicing
Brilliant all round bike, plenty of poke, comfortable & stable 2 up (only been on short journeys 2 up) Been out with mate's all day 1 up, comfortable ride stopping every couple of hours
Just awesome can't fault the engine so far Arrow can on sounds sweet as
Overall build I think is good & I'm happy with it. Only gripe as mentioned paint flaking,corrosion on engine parts where flaking, but seems to be a common fault & I'm the 3rd owner of this bike & it's my only transport, so could be me not washing it enough in the winter. Exhaust header bolts need replacing looks to be a pain in the never broken down on me only had a flat rear £20 for new inner tube fitted
Usual servicing done at independent motorcycle shop Westgate Superbikes always happy with the work carried out & the price reflecting on how much work carried out
I have added R&G rear hugger,radiator, exhaust covers & heated grips Puig short levers Puig touring screen. Brixiamoto mirrors (originals where corroded in place under the rubber protectors) Stainless rear spindle nut, other stainless bolts on bike Headlight grille guard Renntec rear luggage rack Tank protector pad Datatool alarm system Haven't changed the tires since I got the bike Bridgestone battlax 023's & happy enough with them With being the ABS version be careful what you buy as all parts do not fit don't go onto EBay after a few pints lol
Buying experience: Bought privately ( I had actually put a deposit on another Tiger but this 1 was newer bike,less owners & less miles) bike was advertised for £5500 & bought for £5000
Version: 2013 Tiger 800XC
Year: 2013
Annual servicing cost: £2,500
The Tiger is undoubtedly a beautiful bike to ride, on and off road it instills confidence. Two things really let this bike down, and Triumph should do a recall, the Starter Motor is appalling and expensive to replace, I just had mine done whilst travelling at £730! The second is the stepper! I love riding this bike but I have zero confidence on long trips!
Would be a 4 if it wasn’t for the starter motor.
ABS and dash board.
Year: 2013
Annual servicing cost: £200
The best in expensive all rounder fun commuter off/on roader you can buy. Even better than softer less involving XCX. Shame that sky high APR will curtail new buy.
it's a hoot all the time. I'd marry it if I could. ( perhaps too much info). Oh one thing....it's not good for pillions if they weight over 10 stone
It's a triple from triumph. Nuff said.
Never let me down in two yrs of all weather riding. Only the chain and tyre pressure needs attention now and then.
.. Er...triumph ain't cheapest but they are good
I find the extras boring and unnecessary. a bash plate yes other than that I keep it simple
Buying experience: Very Good. Triumph At Hemel Hempstead.
Version: XC
Year: 2014
Annual servicing cost: £500
Beautiful looking and sounding bike, tremendously unreliable & disinterested distributor (KawaSUCKi).
Smooth engine and good breaks, bike does perform above its weight class. OEM seat is a bit hard for long trips.
Nothing sounds as good as a triple, torque throughout the range.
Engine oil leaks, radiator leaks, sensor failures & an engine that burns oil (Kawa believe it is "normal" for four stroke engines to burn oil). Bike also drops second gear regularly, repeated clutch failures.
As their engines burn oil you have to check and top up your oil every day.
Pretty standard fare.
Buying experience: Dealer purchase - new bike. Complained to KMSA regarding poor dealership service & quality and received condescending & dismissive response.
Year: 2013
The Tiger is a stunning looking bike which rides beautifully but is dreadfully let down by a number of failings too big to ignore. First off is the starter which intermittently fails or encounters problems when the engine is already warm. I thought this may just be my bike but then heard that a friend of a friend was experiencing the same problem with his Tiger. No faults show on the engine management system and main dealers appear not to know the fix. Second is the temperature at which the engine runs - v.hot! This is not a problem when travelling at any sort of speed. However, in urban areas when getting caught in traffic and on already hot days, the heat from the engine can make you very uncomfortable. Third is the size of the fuel tank which you will hear some people say is not a problem. We took it touring in France recently and found that it was that small that we were constantly worrying about when we might come across the next gas station (rightfully so in some instances) and thus continually filling up. Lastly, the bike is very tightly geared which feels unnecessary & exacerbates the rate of fuel consumption. With its fantastic looks, quality of build (bar the starter), handling, reliability (other than the starter) this should be an award winning 5* bike. In reality, it leaves an awful lot to be desired.
Year: 2013
Does everything well... Yes everything. Buy one.
Fantastic all round. Tracer 900 comes close but lacks build quality finish and a decent seat and has a bizarre gap between seat and tank. TheXc is better than the new Africa twin in my opinion. Not the XCX but the xc certainly.
Cannot fault these triple engines and love the induction sound on breaking. Note -the upgrade XCX doEs not sound as good and feels a little weedy in comparison with the XC.
Used all year round in all conditions and there is nothing that has gone wrong or irked me. Truly well built.
12,000mile service is over £660. I think this is steep but has to be triumph approved.
Oxford roll bag, ally sump guard. Tyre options much of a muchness unless you take to the real mud and then Anekees step in for the job.
Buying experience: Triumph dealer in Hemel Hempstead very good.
Year: 2013
Everything about the XC works very well, except the screen aerodynamics...bin the triumph screen and go aftermarket.
I ride on everything from mountain tracks to M roads, and it get on with it well. Brakes are fine, easily powerful enough and I've not experienced any fade.
light, fast revving and powerful enough...just. Adrellenin freaks might need more.
3 years so far and faultless.
Few modern riding electronics, but that suits me. Menus are a bit fiddly and need getting used to.
Buying experience: Triumph dealers are VERY good IME.
Version: XC
Year: 2013
Easy to pick as an allrounder, but one or two details need work.
Should be 5 from 5, but the screen is very poor, and the larger, explorer screen worse. I chucked that away and fitted a Madstad screen from HPS. Total transformation and now no turbulence and far less noise mean touring work is a pleasure.
Light, revvy, very forgiving but I'd like a few more BHP, and a tad more grunt. Great engine and gearbox for the less experienced tho.
About standard, but the new one is a better bet if you like 'modes and tweaks'.
Buying experience: Excellent. Triumph have always treated me well, and Triumph Carlisle were excellent during and after sales.
Version: ABS
Year: 2013
Beats the problems I had with the 800GSF. My only complaint is filling up can be a bit of pain.
Brilliant.
As it's very good at low speed filtering thanks to the engine. Can really shift once you push it in to 3rd and 4th gear, don't try and ride it like a sports bike and thrash first and second. It's not designed for that!
Keep it clean, and it will always look good. I ride all year round, and it handles it very well.
Fuel efficiency is great. I do roughly 120 miles a week, on my old Street Triple I would have to fill up twice in a week. Now I fill up twice in a month. Only 4 stars because Triumph servicing is a rip off. Take it to a normal garage for a service if nothing major needs doing.
I picked my bike up second hand and it had a lot of extras attached including the touring windshield along with a scott oiler, heated grips, metal stump guard, and Zumo GPS I recommend the high windshield crash bars and hand guards. Luggage, everyone has a personal taste. Mine came with the Triumph ones, but I would buy cheaper options if my bike didn't have them. As the official ones are expensive. The Scott oiler is brilliant on this bike, and I recommend fitting one if you can afford it.
Buying experience: Private
Year: 2011
Annual servicing cost: £200
Great acceleration and loves turns as much as I do! :) Have my Tiger 800 XC for almost 3 years now and will keep for many more!
Year: 2011
One year in and pretty happy with it.
Brakes feel a bit wooden, but then it's not a GSXR. They work well enough. Suspension is non adjustable and over damped. Can be sorted by progressive springs and oil.
Peach. Pulls well, performs as needed.
Build seems good, why silver/grey grab handles on a black framed bike? They mark far too easy.
45-50 mpg, cheap tyres, usual service costs.
Usual gadgets of the day
Version: XC
Year: 2013
Brisker and livelier than you expect. Comfier too. A great bike. Slight twitch on first gear could surprise newbie riders
Brakes fine but could be crisper but that's just a preference
A true classic.
Nothing wrong in six months of riding through winter but do spend time cleaning and use anti corrosion spray to make sure
Only 40mpg with urban, B roads and motorway each day
Fine if you want to pay over the odds to look like a plum but I don't like luggage. Standard top box is very robust and easy to live with so I'm told. Ally sump guard and engine bars do the trick and will get fog lights when I'm plush
Buying experience: Palmers Triumph at Hemel has been ok. Recommended.
Year: 2013
The bike is well balanced and solid, responsive and fun when pushed. The induction noise on rapid deceleration is a guilty pleasure too and it's surprisingly flickable in corners for a bike with a 21inch front wheel. Hugely better than its lacklustre brother the XR unless comfy slippers float your boat. I have slight issue with the annoying ticking clock sound of an otherwise excellent engine but hey... Worth looking at on Youtube for the reviews as they helped me to decide to go for the XC.
Can't fault it
See above. I love triples anyway
So far... But only time will tell.
About to find this out but it's not gonna be Ducatti territory
Lots available if you really want to blow your cash on overpriced non essentials but ally sump guard is well worth it and If I win the lottery then I might go all fog lampy.
Buying experience: Triumph dealer in Hemel Hempstead was good and I recommend them. Paid 7250 for lovely white 2yr old with under 4k on it and got fair trade in on my Daytona
Version: Tiger 800 XCx
Year: 2015
Fantastic bike!
I've been riding for 3 hours the last 5 saturdays and it's just fun. A detail: the riding position is a little bit "sporting", not so sat straight like others big trails.
Strong engine. Good in the city and excellent traveling on the road. But you do not have a torque plucked like a XT 660 (my ex-bike).
A premium bike in every detail.
Here in Brazil, the prices of the services are a serious problem...
The XCx model comes with all the equipment you need. If you wanna go on long trips, you can buy the top box or the panniers. I usually use my old bag packed like a top box, and it doesn´t bother my wife - she still has a very good space.
Buying experience: As I said, the price in Brazil is a problem... but motorcycle is passion, so...
Despite all the hype, the motor is undergeared and too revvy, which leads to poor fuel consumption. There is NO WAY it puts out 94 bhp, 64 is more like it. The pannier lower mountings are naff and stick out toofar. The seat is a plank and the lowrider even worse. The extras needed to bring it up to a practical spec are too expensive and poor quality. The Triumph topbox is nearly as heavy as the bike!! Not my best buying decision!!
sports pipe - hard panniers - spot lights - heated grips - Now excellant all rounder - go anywhere any time - and its English Try it = ........
I have owned my Tiger 800 XC for a little over a month now and put over 2000 miles on it! I cant keep off it. Everything about this bike is truly excellent. The ride, handling, comfort, engine, everything! My only grip is a noisy screen, but that's it!
I came to the Triumph Tiger 800xc after having previously bought a new Moto Guzzi. What a difference. Coming from a sluggish motor that ran out of puff just when I needed it, the Tiger's motor is a revelation. The Tiger has an engine that produces an almost electric-motor spread of torque, and there is more than enough power for legal road speeds. And the handling; Anyone who thinks that the larger front wheel inhibits the handling of the 800xc has obviously never had the dubious pleasure of lugging a heavy old Guzzi round the bendy bits. It took me a while to stop over steering the Tiger at first because it is so light and agile. Now I trust it to go wherever I want it to. Even though I bought my Tiger 'nearly new' second hand, I have had nothing but positive experiences from Triumph, unlike the other lot, who just take your money and wash their hands of you.I am so glad that I bought this bike and returned to the Triumph fold. This is my third Triumph and the best one yet.
First trip put on about 500km in 2 days. Took a Ferry over the Channel from Vancouver Island to Washington, USA. Went up Hurricane ridge (Olympic Mountains)approx 7000ft elevation. Paved, winding road, used my tiger driving lights in the fog. Awesome handling even with my wife on the back. Yeah hah. Then some twisty NIGHT RIDING, the Triumph light system turns up the night brightly. Even got in a bit of beach riding on in the sand, 1st low speed tip over. Now with about 1200km just put an ARROW exhaust on my 2012 XC800 without the silencer plug. Sounds AWESOME, and feels 10 lbs lighter. Engine torque is good all the way from 2000 rpm, midrange up to 6000rpm is strong, a couple of times have gone to 8000rpm for a few seconds. SWEET. Lots of great comments by coworkers, friends and complete strangers. Waiting to pick up my Triumph Tank bag and 50 litre tail bag. Nothing gone wrong, gave it a 4 as have had bike for only 10 days. BEST all around bike of the TEN assorted road, dual sport & motorcross bikes I have owned. Keep up the great work TRIUMPH. Note: The header pipe seems to run noticably hotter than when with the stock pipe, Savage motorcycles did load in the proper tune for the Arrow pipe too. Gas mileage is not great, hopefully will get better as bike gets more mileage. Cheers Ken
Excellent motorcycle, reliable, powerful and great handling.
