Been running a 2012 for a couple of years now, love it nothing to fault it, have had to fit a lower seat, been all over UK and Europe . Downside - No Cruise control on this year, heated grips are adequate at best , no hazard lights (retro fitted) Extras (some of them) Givi panniers - spotlights - LED headlights - bash plate - Givi Crash bars - centre stand - tall screen - BarkBuster hand guards.
Hi I've got a 2013 abs model, it's been faultless over the nearly 20,000 miles I've done on it in 2 years, been to Scotland twice on it following a multistrada both times kept up without too much trouble. Probably the best overall bike I've ridden. Lovely engine and superb slick gearbox. Recommend 👍
I've recently bought a 2011 with 24k miles. It doesn't even have ABS but it has clearly been looked after and is in amazing condition. I bought it as a cheaper stop gap bike while looking for something else. But it's actually a fantastic bike and I can see me keeping it very long term, probably not even selling it when I do get another bike.
Thank you, this great review gave me confidence to buy a 2013 800xc in near new condition (only 16,000km) on the weekend, what a brilliant bike this is
Such a damn helpful review. Love the concept, thanx. It’s all well and good filming you guys ripping around a track on a £25k super bike, but this type of real world review is so much more use to the majority of viewers. Thanx. More please.
I have a 2013 Tiger 800 abs with 53,000 Mike's on it. I bought it used with. 4,800 on it. This bike is rock solid. I did have Racetech suspension upgrade at 30,000. I take this everywhere. It is great on pavement and in rough forest roads. It is only limited by my riding ability. I am 63 now so I take my DR650 for real dirty riding but this can do most of the same. It was hit in parking lot and I had to replace the handlebars. I have Rox risers and Seat Concepts tall seat and MRA windscreen. The valves were still within spec at 30,000 but due for another check. I would not sell this bike. It is my 8th Triumph and the Scrambler 900 was great but the comfort of the suspension on my old man body is wonderful. If you can find one, buy it. It may not be the sexiest bike out there but it is bulletproof and can do it all. My only gripe was the stock windscreen. I am 5'10" and the wind always hit me right at helmet. So the MRA fixed it.
Dont believe the hype about pre 2014 Tiger 800 - They are so easy with regard to dealer servicing . Most things can be done by the home mechanic - with basic tools. Also this year range are totally reliable - factory built in the uk too - not like later models. 8 years owned and trouble free so far - its a keeper and nothing can touch it for the price !
Really like the idea of in-depth 2nd hand reviews. Far more relevant to me than reviews on expensive new playthings. As someone who knocks out 15,000 miles a year, do it all work horses are more my requirement but appreciate I'm probably in the minority.
I have had a 2018 XCA, I absolutely loved it. My only gripe has been that it was a bit top heavy when towing it in the garage, easy to tip it and maybe a bit sensitive to strong cross wind. I regret having sold it. I just cannot get accustomed to the engine vibrations of the 900 Rally Pro at highway speed. The 900 would be an ubermagnificient reincarnation of the already excellent 800 IF the engine was a non T-crank triple, of which true rationale I still cannot comprehend. Unfortunately, I will not have enough fund to buy a true triple Lucky Explorer 9.5., so I will buy another 800, probably I can buy mine back at a certain point...
When did the 2015 lift version start exactly? I own 2015 tiger 800 yet it is pre-lift (like that xc in the video.). I thought there was a mistake in papers and it is 2014 but triumph confirmed its 2015 by VIN number. From my experience the downsides are: clutch sensor problems when using after market lever (fuel gauge does not work properly). Its a little weak, even thoug it has 100HP. The stock windshield is garbage. The one piece frame is very fragile, especially under passengers seat, and its made from steel prone to rust (i have few little spots where it starter to rust). The upsides are: Really elastic and smooth running engine. Great suspension that just flow smoothly over bad tarmac. It is quite a low seated bike (The non XC version) even stock, and im 5'6" so it works great for me. Over all its a good bike.
Thank you for your help with this review. I have been at Carl Rosner last year to test ride the new (2018) Tiger 800 XRT and their staff was very very helpful and friendly. Looking to buy a Tiger this year and they are definitely on my top list of dealers to buy from.
The only thing about my old sixties bikes ( I passed my bike and car test 1964) that I liked was apart from oil changes they where great to service. Today I remember someone saying their 25k service was nearly a grand WHAT crazy I still do mine myself as the complex bits are they really done by the recommended garages ( I dunno)
Stick with a dealer, 1000 dollars US every 12000 miles, BS to that. If it can't be serviced by the owner it's not worth owning. Pistons are pistons and valves are valves same for cam chains they are all the same and have been since bikes went overhead cam/valve. I like these tiger 800s but I hate working on them and I would say the Africa twin, BMW 850 and KTM are all about the same. Want to check valve shim clearance take the tank, fairings and God knows what else off to get to it. At the very least they could have made an air filter change a 5 minute job.
Mine is 2012 Tiger 800. Bought it few days ago with 42000 km on it. Love the bike except the whistling noise from the engine which is annoying even on speed. Does anyone has the same issue? 🤔
I just got a 2013 Tiger 800 and love it but yes I have had different types of motorcycles all my life and have never heard an engine like this before,it's kind of a loud turbo type whine they have,seems normal from everything I see and mine also has 50/50 tires which are pretty aggressive and noisy on the road but i'm getting used to it.I got some of those earplugs with filters in them so you can still hear and that helps a lot for long rides,Great bike though.
I got the 2016 model, big oil consumption is what I have to dealing with. I would like to know if anyone got the same problem? But other than that great bike.
Great to see this type of review... I bought a 13 XC ABS last fall with 13k miles for a little over $6k USD in pristine condition, pretty much stock. Only sign of wear was the boot chips on the grab handles as mentioned in your review. I've put about 3-4k more miles on it and couldn't be happier with it! With prices plummeting on the '11-14's it is a good time to be shopping used!
Specialized tools to do a service? Just pop down to the dealer and have it plugged in eh! Ya that's not possible in most places in the world and why (unfortunately) I'll never be able to own a triumph.
All well and good when one has a Triumph deal at your finger tips, but what about those Tigers that are at the ends of the world where triumph dealers don’t exist? 😏 like here in St.Lucia. 🤔
Suzie is definitely the best part of the video. I bought a 2012 recently. Absolutely love the engine. I've always been a fan of triples. My favourite configuration. There are some I've not tried and would love to. Gearbox was sweet. Heat from the engine made it feel like I was on a heated seat. Not comfortable. I dropped it in soft dirt backing it out of my trailer. Near impossible for me to right it. My BMW is heavier and I pick that up in slick mud easier. End result was after a few rides and a few weeks, I sold it. I did make $400, so I won. To me it felt too street and because of my age wore on me some on soft terrain.
John Ward . I've been considering Triumph but heard about horrific servicing costs, and as indicated in the video the average mechanic can't service these bikes as it has to be plugged in. This seems to be the way some manufacturers are going. What did that price include please?
Michael Chase 12,000 mile service has a valve check that seems to be where a lot of the money is. 6000 mile service a lot cheaper. There are triumph specialists around worth looking on tiger800 forum. Other than that great bike brill engine 👍
John Ward . Thanks for responding. That's very steep, even with checking valve clearances. The hourly rate must be extortionate. Good tip about owners forum. 👍.
not how i buy my bikes...what i do is i find the bike i want, call ahead and beg them not to sell it. race over and give them the money and load up the bike before they change their minds
Brill bike had four BMW’s three gsa and one sport bike my 2019 tiger 800 xca is far better for me and my riding routes better fuel, comfort, I don’t use the tech stuff it’s been no prob whatsoever.
I'd take $2,200 for mine. Comes with $3,000 in accessories. Come and get it! I'll even throw in a lap top ($200 new) and the Dealer Tool software ($100 new) so you can maintain it yourself. You must have been paid by Triumph to tell us that servicing tools are expensive.
Do NOT buy the Arrow exhaust for this bike. Terrible! The largest silencer in the world which is almost impossible to get out. The catalytic converter is also huge and impossible to eliminate. After spending over $1000 you haven’t changed anything other than reduced weight (which is cool) but you can get that with many of the other exhaust brands. Yes I like to hear the engine but even more importantly I like to un-choke the bike which adds a bit of HP and let’s the engine run less restricted. Arrow did a terrible job with this particular exhaust.even the dealer told my friend, “Arrow on this bike is a waste of money”. And that’s a dealer who makes money on the part and the install.
Have just bought a 2012 XR with an Arrow exhaust, seller said the bike has been 'mapped' to suit the Arrow. I've read on a forum that the bike is 4-5mpg worse with the Arrow. I'm getting around 46mpg out of my XR800,I don't trash it. Not happy at all with the MPG return. Got 53mpg out of my 2006 Triumph Scrambler, 48mpg out of my old R1100RT, 53mpg with my Triumph Sprint GT1050, 58mpg with my Yam 900 TDM. So thinking of getting hold of a secondhand Silencer, in the hope of getting some more mpg out of it. other than that, i'm very happy with my XR800, I'm sure i'll have it for many years to come. oh mpg I quote are imperial gallons, think America gallons are a different measure.
The Arrows muffler is just too expensive. I got a sleek, black matt G.P.R Furore Italian-made slip-on and the look and noise are terrific. Not too loud, but still a bit more of a growl than with the stock exhaust. And with its oval shape it's so sleek on my 2011 800 XR... That GPR muffler gives you twice as much enjoyment from your Triumph engine.
Just found this, just bought one! Refreshing to see that the Tiger as uber reliable and didn't have any fundamental design issues! Awesome!
Been running a 2012 for a couple of years now, love it nothing to fault it, have had to fit a lower seat, been all over UK and Europe .
Downside - No Cruise control on this year, heated grips are adequate at best , no hazard lights (retro fitted)
Extras (some of them) Givi panniers - spotlights - LED headlights - bash plate - Givi Crash bars - centre stand - tall screen - BarkBuster hand guards.
Hi I've got a 2013 abs model, it's been faultless over the nearly 20,000 miles I've done on it in 2 years, been to Scotland twice on it following a multistrada both times kept up without too much trouble. Probably the best overall bike I've ridden. Lovely engine and superb slick gearbox. Recommend 👍
I've recently bought a 2011 with 24k miles. It doesn't even have ABS but it has clearly been looked after and is in amazing condition. I bought it as a cheaper stop gap bike while looking for something else. But it's actually a fantastic bike and I can see me keeping it very long term, probably not even selling it when I do get another bike.
Thank you, this great review gave me confidence to buy a 2013 800xc in near new condition (only 16,000km) on the weekend, what a brilliant bike this is
How has it been?
Such a damn helpful review. Love the concept, thanx. It’s all well and good filming you guys ripping around a track on a £25k super bike, but this type of real world review is so much more use to the majority of viewers. Thanx. More please.
More coming, we've committed to look at a used option for every £25K superbike we rip around a track. Glad you enjoyed.
I have a 2013 Tiger 800 abs with 53,000 Mike's on it. I bought it used with. 4,800 on it. This bike is rock solid. I did have Racetech suspension upgrade at 30,000. I take this everywhere. It is great on pavement and in rough forest roads. It is only limited by my riding ability. I am 63 now so I take my DR650 for real dirty riding but this can do most of the same. It was hit in parking lot and I had to replace the handlebars. I have Rox risers and Seat Concepts tall seat and MRA windscreen. The valves were still within spec at 30,000 but due for another check. I would not sell this bike. It is my 8th Triumph and the Scrambler 900 was great but the comfort of the suspension on my old man body is wonderful. If you can find one, buy it. It may not be the sexiest bike out there but it is bulletproof and can do it all. My only gripe was the stock windscreen. I am 5'10" and the wind always hit me right at helmet. So the MRA fixed it.
Dont believe the hype about pre 2014 Tiger 800 - They are so easy with regard to dealer servicing .
Most things can be done by the home mechanic - with basic tools.
Also this year range are totally reliable - factory built in the uk too - not like later models.
8 years owned and trouble free so far - its a keeper and nothing can touch it for the price !
Outstanding review. Refreshing to see the way you are addressing used bikes. Very informative
This kind of review is what I've been looking for for months! In the process of deciding on a used adventure bike and this is great!
Really like the idea of in-depth 2nd hand reviews. Far more relevant to me than reviews on expensive new playthings. As someone who knocks out 15,000 miles a year, do it all work horses are more my requirement but appreciate I'm probably in the minority.
I have had a 2018 XCA, I absolutely loved it. My only gripe has been that it was a bit top heavy when towing it in the garage, easy to tip it and maybe a bit sensitive to strong cross wind. I regret having sold it. I just cannot get accustomed to the engine vibrations of the 900 Rally Pro at highway speed. The 900 would be an ubermagnificient reincarnation of the already excellent 800 IF the engine was a non T-crank triple, of which true rationale I still cannot comprehend. Unfortunately, I will not have enough fund to buy a true triple Lucky Explorer 9.5., so I will buy another 800, probably I can buy mine back at a certain point...
Great review
Just bought a 2017 xcx ex demonstrator,saved a shed load against a new one.
Can't wait to clock up some miles.
When did the 2015 lift version start exactly? I own 2015 tiger 800 yet it is pre-lift (like that xc in the video.). I thought there was a mistake in papers and it is 2014 but triumph confirmed its 2015 by VIN number. From my experience the downsides are: clutch sensor problems when using after market lever (fuel gauge does not work properly). Its a little weak, even thoug it has 100HP. The stock windshield is garbage. The one piece frame is very fragile, especially under passengers seat, and its made from steel prone to rust (i have few little spots where it starter to rust). The upsides are: Really elastic and smooth running engine. Great suspension that just flow smoothly over bad tarmac. It is quite a low seated bike (The non XC version) even stock, and im 5'6" so it works great for me. Over all its a good bike.
Got a used Tiger 800 ABS 2014 with just 20000 kms. She's ugly, but I love her so much.
Such a solid bike. Have a 2014 model, no problems at all. Easy to work on for most things too
Thanks for the update.
Thank you for your help with this review.
I have been at Carl Rosner last year to test ride the new (2018) Tiger 800 XRT and their staff was very very helpful and friendly. Looking to buy a Tiger this year and they are definitely on my top list of dealers to buy from.
I am looking at a 2016 XRX.
I currently ride a CB500F
super review, much appreciated! I just bought a 2014 800, winter is here but I did get 100kms ride, LOVE IT!!!
Anyone spot the corrosion on the engine main block?
Feel like it would've been worth mentioning that the suspension on the '15s is quite different (WP) and much better than the first version.
Thanks for the update.
Very very helpful! I am looking at the Tiger and the GS800. This swayed me towards the Triumph.
The only thing about my old sixties bikes ( I passed my bike and car test 1964) that I liked was apart from oil changes they where great to service. Today I remember someone saying their 25k service was nearly a grand WHAT crazy I still do mine myself as the complex bits are they really done by the recommended garages ( I dunno)
any cure for the knocking forks?
Stick with a dealer, 1000 dollars US every 12000 miles, BS to that. If it can't be serviced by the owner it's not worth owning. Pistons are pistons and valves are valves same for cam chains they are all the same and have been since bikes went overhead cam/valve. I like these tiger 800s but I hate working on them and I would say the Africa twin, BMW 850 and KTM are all about the same. Want to check valve shim clearance take the tank, fairings and God knows what else off to get to it. At the very least they could have made an air filter change a 5 minute job.
Mine is 2012 Tiger 800. Bought it few days ago with 42000 km on it. Love the bike except the whistling noise from the engine which is annoying even on speed. Does anyone has the same issue? 🤔
I just got a 2013 Tiger 800 and love it but yes I have had different types of motorcycles all my life and have never heard an engine like this before,it's kind of a loud turbo type whine they have,seems normal from everything I see and mine also has 50/50 tires which are pretty aggressive and noisy on the road but i'm getting used to it.I got some of those earplugs with filters in them so you can still hear and that helps a lot for long rides,Great bike though.
I got the 2016 model, big oil consumption is what I have to dealing with. I would like to know if anyone got the same problem? But other than that great bike.
Great to see this type of review... I bought a 13 XC ABS last fall with 13k miles for a little over $6k USD in pristine condition, pretty much stock. Only sign of wear was the boot chips on the grab handles as mentioned in your review. I've put about 3-4k more miles on it and couldn't be happier with it! With prices plummeting on the '11-14's it is a good time to be shopping used!
Specialized tools to do a service? Just pop down to the dealer and have it plugged in eh! Ya that's not possible in most places in the world and why (unfortunately) I'll never be able to own a triumph.
Jay Whoisit there are tools available aftermarket to do this yourself.. check out the tiger forums.
Triumph must have paid for this video. This is a fucking insult.
All well and good when one has a Triumph deal at your finger tips, but what about those Tigers that are at the ends of the world where triumph dealers don’t exist? 😏 like here in St.Lucia. 🤔
Great review. Great dealership, and Rob Ford is a diamond bloke :)
Suzie is definitely the best part of the video. I bought a 2012 recently. Absolutely love the engine. I've always been a fan of triples. My favourite configuration. There are some I've not tried and would love to. Gearbox was sweet. Heat from the engine made it feel like I was on a heated seat. Not comfortable. I dropped it in soft dirt backing it out of my trailer. Near impossible for me to right it. My BMW is heavier and I pick that up in slick mud easier. End result was after a few rides and a few weeks, I sold it. I did make $400, so I won. To me it felt too street and because of my age wore on me some on soft terrain.
I love that you do used bike reviews!!!
Nice review John, cheers
You mentioned no paint corrosion then the camera pans in and I see paint corrosion on the engine barrel!
You weren't meant to see that.
I want a 2004 Thunderbird 900 Sport.
Service costs are shocking up to £850 for 12,000 mile service from dealer. Other than that good all day long
John Ward . I've been considering Triumph but heard about horrific servicing costs, and as indicated in the video the average mechanic can't service these bikes as it has to be plugged in. This seems to be the way some manufacturers are going. What did that price include please?
Michael Chase 12,000 mile service has a valve check that seems to be where a lot of the money is. 6000 mile service a lot cheaper. There are triumph specialists around worth looking on tiger800 forum.
Other than that great bike brill engine 👍
John Ward . Thanks for responding. That's very steep, even with checking valve clearances. The hourly rate must be extortionate. Good tip about owners forum. 👍.
Whaaaaaaa! That's enough to rule it out at the start. Jeees
Where is Suzy??
Suzy lives in the US now, makes it a bit difficult to film.
Bike World Ah. Shame. Really enjoyed her work. Always brought a slightly different and light hearted perspective I thought.
Yep, we miss her too.
not how i buy my bikes...what i do is i find the bike i want, call ahead and beg them not to sell it. race over and give them the money and load up the bike before they change their minds
Excellent review 👍
I'd be more interested hearing about the older 855 and 955 versions...
hope its good just bought a new 2017 one. saving from the 2018 would have had 2018 but good deals on new 2017 ones
amazing review. keep these up.
Brill bike had four BMW’s three gsa and one sport bike my 2019 tiger 800 xca is far better for me and my riding routes better fuel, comfort, I don’t use the tech stuff it’s been no prob whatsoever.
Follow my getaways on My Triumph Tiger and watch me HOG good food at: instagram.com/thefoodie_rider?igshid=1ti4ae0j2l92x
Be it car or cycle, the place you buy new is a bunch of dirty crooks.
Common sense review. Keep it up
More coming David. Thanks
I'd take $2,200 for mine. Comes with $3,000 in accessories. Come and get it!
I'll even throw in a lap top ($200 new) and the Dealer Tool software ($100 new) so you can maintain it yourself.
You must have been paid by Triumph to tell us that servicing tools are expensive.
Do NOT buy the Arrow exhaust for this bike. Terrible! The largest silencer in the world which is almost impossible to get out. The catalytic converter is also huge and impossible to eliminate. After spending over $1000 you haven’t changed anything other than reduced weight (which is cool) but you can get that with many of the other exhaust brands. Yes I like to hear the engine but even more importantly I like to un-choke the bike which adds a bit of HP and let’s the engine run less restricted. Arrow did a terrible job with this particular exhaust.even the dealer told my friend, “Arrow on this bike is a waste of money”. And that’s a dealer who makes money on the part and the install.
Have just bought a 2012 XR with an Arrow exhaust, seller said the bike has been 'mapped' to suit the Arrow. I've read on a forum that the bike is 4-5mpg worse with the Arrow. I'm getting around 46mpg out of my XR800,I don't trash it. Not happy at all with the MPG return. Got 53mpg out of my 2006 Triumph Scrambler, 48mpg out of my old R1100RT, 53mpg with my Triumph Sprint GT1050, 58mpg with my Yam 900 TDM. So thinking of getting hold of a secondhand Silencer, in the hope of getting some more mpg out of it. other than that, i'm very happy with my XR800, I'm sure i'll have it for many years to come. oh mpg I quote are imperial gallons, think America gallons are a different measure.
The Arrows muffler is just too expensive. I got a sleek, black matt G.P.R Furore Italian-made slip-on and the look and noise are terrific. Not too loud, but still a bit more of a growl than with the stock exhaust. And with its oval shape it's so sleek on my 2011 800 XR... That GPR muffler gives you twice as much enjoyment from your Triumph engine.
Nah, keep it, I stick the Japanese reliability, thanks but no thanks !