I have just had a 30 min test ride on the Tiger 800, not long enough I know, but all I could manage due to snow causing problems with booked rides.
Initial inspection
My walk round inspection and sit on the bike highlighted a few nice design features, it feels a nice place to sit with everything in the right place.
The bike starts very easy and ticks over smoothly with none of the BMW engine rattles. The controls and switches are very conventional, I was glad to see both headlamps come on together, has the rule on this change
Riding
The clutch action is just on the right side of heavy and the gears slick together with no crunches.
Once on the move the bike is very well balanced and the suspension seems supple and free of clunks when riding over pot holes. The engine is supposed to be the best bit and it dose work well pulling from 2000 easily, the fueling is spot on with no surges and flat spots. There was too much chance of ice and the engine too new to try its speed and higher in the rev range. In town the clutch action became heavier and the gear selection more difficult, probably needs more running in.
Verdict
Its a nice bike and everything works, but I have not come away with a feeling of "I must have one". The engine is strong but its more likely to appeal to a Jap four cylinder bike rider, I found it a bit bland. The riding position is OK and the seat comfy but the bars are too low, I need to test the XC when the weather improves.
The instruments are OK, but I prefer an analogue speedo. The display gives you engine temp, fuel, a very small digital clock and a gear indicator. It dose not have an ambient temp display or a trip computer facility which is a shame because the street triple one was very good.
I do hope this bike is good for Triumph, its good for the adventure bike market and will attract riders who have considered previous adventure bikes a bit agricultural in the engine department. Its an alternative to the F800 but I don't think it beats it much in any department. When I rode the F800gs home I still had a smile on my face and thats why Im sticking with BMW.
