What a great video, I have ordered a new Triumph 800, traded in the old one (3 years old ) looking forward to getting it soon, and after running it in and an oil change, I will be ready for some touring, since seeing your vlog, I cannot wait.
Yes Colin, my current videos are all practice to try and ensure I get a good video record of the Scotland Tour. :) I haven't been doing this for very long as you can probably tell :)
I really enjoyed your review of the new Tiger, I own a 2012 XC & I'm looking forward to test riding the new model. My only question is regarding the colour of this demonstrator, it looks like Lucerne Blue. According to the Triumph website this colour is not available on the XRT, the blue of choice is Matt Cobalt. Perhaps it's just the trick of the light.
Hi and thanks for watching and yes this is the 'new' Matt Cobalt Blue. It is the colour I ended up buying and I think it's gorgeous. Not everyone agrees :)
Thanks for watching and your comment. That is my plan - XRT on order. I love the Explorer but find it a bit too tall and heavy at times (i'm a bit of a short-house at 5'8" and a 29" inseam). I've done 3500 trouble free miles on it and have been lucky not to drop it on a couple of occasions. I don't think that would be a problem with the 800 XRT as it carries much less weight and has a lower centre of gravity. The weight difference of 44 Kg over the explorer means that the lower power of the 800 is barely noticeable. The downside is chain maintenance but I am having an E-System Scottoiler installed to help overcome that issue on long tours. Just chain adjustment to consider but again the Scottoiler will reduce that frequency.
RetroBiker ok cheers, pick one up next week, looking forward to it. There’s not many clips up off the new bike so is there any chance of some more? Thanks again
At the lower right corner of this video I see time and date. Which camera is attached to your helmet? Reasonable quality as well. Please, don’t forget updating any breakdowns in future.
With the TFT display, how can I keep it in the low contrast mode, as i like the black background as opposed to the white high contract. Short arms need bar risers, apart from that the 800 is an amazing bike.
Hi RB, before committing to the XRt, have another test ride to checkout if this "New" model still "Tramlines" on white lines, or banding or where there is a longitudinal join in the tarmac e.g where they have laid cables etc. This is a well documented problem on the XRx/t 800 forums, it can be VERY scary. On one November evening in drizzle, I was on a county lane travelling from Staplehurst to Sutton Valance (on my way home from J.S Gedge at Hastings), I've never been so scared (and I've been riding since 1959!), its a narrow road and is used as a rat run, and with a lot of on-coming cars, I could not see properly because of the drizzle, and the bike was going all over the road, it was horrible. I have tried two loan bikes with the Triumph recommended alternate brand of tyre, and they still had the problem (its OK for this to happen in day light, you can see the where you are and normally just let it go, but at night its a different ballgame). The problem is the front tyre is not a "radial" its a cross-ply, its also been suggested the ratio (100/90 - 19) makes the tram-lining worst, its suggested using a 110/80 - R19 Road Pilot 4 (radial) which should improve it, unfortunately, this tyre or size is not recommended by Triumph (although some say there is a technical note from Triumph saying this could be used as an alternative), the problem with this is that, from the insurance point of view, it is a modification, I've not tried asking my insurance company's view (I think it would be negative or expensive), I'm just going to PX for something else (I previously have had a Honda CBR600 a Hornet 900 and VFR 800 Crossrunner) the Triumph's are a riders bike whereas the Honda's are stable but, well, boring, perhaps a KTM, YAM or Beemer (but unfortunately, no local dealer) !.
Thanks Gordon.I believe it is quite a common issue on many bikes, my Z1000sx does it especially when the tyres are getting worn. I had an extensive test ride on the new XRT(much longer than my video) and didn't encounter any such issues. It is a much improved bike and my order is already placed and I have no desire to change it. The Metzeler tyres are also used on the Explorer that I also currently ride and no issues there either. I think many of the documented problems have been down to tyre wear and incorrect tyre pressures :)
Hi RB, That's quite interesting, my tyres only had about 1000 miles wear, but not sure about tyre pressure, I assumed they were OK as I was picking the bike up after a service (no guarantee they were checked though). As I said, in all other respects, it's an excellent bike which I really like. I think I'll try to blag a ride on the new XRt and give it a test, as I was just about to order either the "New" Honda X-ADV or the newer version of the Crossrunner (I felt the "old" Crossrunner which I had, was heavy, and in particular, top heavy and PX it for the Tiger ). Did you get the loan XRt from Laguna Ashford or Maidstone, or did you go to Sussex?
Me too, to much like a car show room and attitude, I went to JS Gedge, they are very nice, particularly Gavin, a nice ride in the summer, not so good in November. Cheers Gordon
Gordon Waltham The best thing I ever did to my tiger 800,was put Michelin pilot rd 3s on,removed those scorpion trails,despite what triumph say it transformed the bike.
Thanks for your comment Starfire XD. I definitely wouldn't swap full height standard suspension for a heated seat so the "low version from the factory" is definitely NOT the answer for me. The XRX Low comes with the low seat anyway and currently doesn't have the option for a swap to heated. The XRT with the low seat is more than manageable and I can get the balls of both of my feet down. I will be given the heated seat when I collect the new XRT, so I could press a local upholsterer to move the heating element over to the low seat if I was so minded :)
@@RetroBiker Hi, I purchased this exact bike (your old one) few weeks ago. Absolutely loving it! I find the seat a little short for me. Was there anything you changed to lower the seat, any suspension adjustment at all? Thank you! Dave
@@davemanning3349 you can adjust the seat to a higher position by locating in the higher lugs when you replace the seat after removal. Hope this helps. It's a great bike, always reliable and fully 'loaded'. Enjoy [thumbsup] - just remembered you have to move a bar that's rubber loaded. It's in the manual which was with the bike when I handed it over.
OK thanks. Not turbulent but somehow the screen on my new one seems better. I will probably go for a Puig when they become available though, for the extra width more than anything. It is fairly comfortable to ride up to around 60mph with visor up.
A bit late here, I just did a 1300+ mile trip on the 800 XRx and my neck is still sore from bobbling around. Also, I found it unstable above 75mph. That said, low speed was amazing!
Fantastic bikes but just out of my league. Iv ridden a couple of the 800 Tigers and they do ride really well, but not 12k well.! Just my opinion though.
Thanks for looking Tim Holt. You raise an interesting discussion there. Just what is a 12K ride supposed to be like. My guess is that it will be different things to different people. My opinion is that with the refinements and new technology the Tiger is good value in the current market if you want a decent touring machine and good all-rounder. :)
Kevin Westwood maybe. A lot of refinements and new electronics tthough. You pay your money and................😁 Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment 👍
Thanks for the excellent review. I am considering getting a Triumph Tiger 800. It looks like a near perfect motorcycle.
What a great video, I have ordered a new Triumph 800, traded in the old one (3 years old ) looking forward to getting it soon, and after running it in and an oil change, I will be ready for some touring, since seeing your vlog, I cannot wait.
Enjoy! Looking forward to mine as well Colin. Scotland in April. Thanks for watching and for the comment :)
Great review - looking into one myself. Need to book a test ride!
Great machine!
when you go up to Scotland R B will you be recording your trip so we can all enjoy it, also are you travelling alone or with fellow bikers.
Yes Colin, my current videos are all practice to try and ensure I get a good video record of the Scotland Tour. :)
I haven't been doing this for very long as you can probably tell :)
I really enjoyed your review of the new Tiger, I own a 2012 XC & I'm looking forward to test riding the new model. My only question is regarding the colour of this demonstrator, it looks like Lucerne Blue. According to the Triumph website this colour is not available on the XRT, the blue of choice is Matt Cobalt. Perhaps it's just the trick of the light.
Hi and thanks for watching and yes this is the 'new' Matt Cobalt Blue. It is the colour I ended up buying and I think it's gorgeous. Not everyone agrees :)
Great review and a great bike! What is the brand of your helmet cam? Its very clear with no pixillation 👌👍 Thanks
Thanks for your comment. This was shot using a Drift Ghost HD.
RetroBiker Thank you for that I’ll invest in one 👍 and, you should do tours? I’d put me name down cos you go to some great places👌🤘Ride safe
Good review,would you change from your Explorer for the 800.
Thanks for watching and your comment. That is my plan - XRT on order. I love the Explorer but find it a bit too tall and heavy at times (i'm a bit of a short-house at 5'8" and a 29" inseam). I've done 3500 trouble free miles on it and have been lucky not to drop it on a couple of occasions. I don't think that would be a problem with the 800 XRT as it carries much less weight and has a lower centre of gravity. The weight difference of 44 Kg over the explorer means that the lower power of the 800 is barely noticeable. The downside is chain maintenance but I am having an E-System Scottoiler installed to help overcome that issue on long tours. Just chain adjustment to consider but again the Scottoiler will reduce that frequency.
Great review and the first proper on the uk road test hats off......
quick question, how is the pillion heated seat controlled ?
Phil Carr switch on front of left switch cube next to foglight switch. I did point it out on my brief walkaround. 👍
ah ok so that switch operates rider and pillion seats ?
Sorry missed this somehow. Yes the one switch operates both seats.
RetroBiker ok cheers, pick one up next week, looking forward to it.
There’s not many clips up off the new bike so is there any chance of some more?
Thanks again
Have you seen my short 'breaking-in' video?..................... enjoy your new Tiger and ride safe :)
Very nice and interesting test ride video! But why didn't you punch it one time? Would have loved to hear it accelerating through the gears.
Thanks. The bike had only done 180 miles and I was respecting the Manufacturers break-in instructions. And 'punching it' isn't really my style.
good
At the lower right corner of this video I see time and date. Which camera is attached to your helmet? Reasonable quality as well. Please, don’t forget updating any breakdowns in future.
Hi, thanks for watching. The camera is a Drift Ghost HD. The bike is a Triumph so I don't anticipate any breakdowns LOL
With the TFT display, how can I keep it in the low contrast mode, as i like the black background as opposed to the white high contract. Short arms need bar risers, apart from that the 800 is an amazing bike.
Rob Pinter Hi, scroll through the menus and change from auto contrast to high or low 👍
Very good review. One question: can I mirror my Android phone on the TFT panel?
I think not. Thanks for looking :)
RetroBiker The 2018 models you can 👌 that is what I was told 🤷♂️
Hi RB, before committing to the XRt, have another test ride to checkout if this "New" model still "Tramlines" on white lines, or banding or where there is a longitudinal join in the tarmac e.g where they have laid cables etc. This is a well documented problem on the XRx/t 800 forums, it can be VERY scary. On one November evening in drizzle, I was on a county lane travelling from Staplehurst to Sutton Valance (on my way home from J.S Gedge at Hastings), I've never been so scared (and I've been riding since 1959!), its a narrow road and is used as a rat run, and with a lot of on-coming cars, I could not see properly because of the drizzle, and the bike was going all over the road, it was horrible. I have tried two loan bikes with the Triumph recommended alternate brand of tyre, and they still had the problem (its OK for this to happen in day light, you can see the where you are and normally just let it go, but at night its a different ballgame). The problem is the front tyre is not a "radial" its a cross-ply, its also been suggested the ratio (100/90 - 19) makes the tram-lining worst, its suggested using a 110/80 - R19 Road Pilot 4 (radial) which should improve it, unfortunately, this tyre or size is not recommended by Triumph (although some say there is a technical note from Triumph saying this could be used as an alternative), the problem with this is that, from the insurance point of view, it is a modification, I've not tried asking my insurance company's view (I think it would be negative or expensive), I'm just going to PX for something else (I previously have had a Honda CBR600 a Hornet 900 and VFR 800 Crossrunner) the Triumph's are a riders bike whereas the Honda's are stable but, well, boring, perhaps a KTM, YAM or Beemer (but unfortunately, no local dealer) !.
Thanks Gordon.I believe it is quite a common issue on many bikes, my Z1000sx does it especially when the tyres are getting worn. I had an extensive test ride on the new XRT(much longer than my video) and didn't encounter any such issues. It is a much improved bike and my order is already placed and I have no desire to change it. The Metzeler tyres are also used on the Explorer that I also currently ride and no issues there either. I think many of the documented problems have been down to tyre wear and incorrect tyre pressures :)
Hi RB, That's quite interesting, my tyres only had about 1000 miles wear, but not sure about tyre pressure, I assumed they were OK as I was picking the bike up after a service (no guarantee they were checked though). As I said, in all other respects, it's an excellent bike which I really like. I think I'll try to blag a ride on the new XRt and give it a test, as I was just about to order either the "New" Honda X-ADV or the newer version of the Crossrunner (I felt the "old" Crossrunner which I had, was heavy, and in particular, top heavy and PX it for the Tiger ). Did you get the loan XRt from Laguna Ashford or Maidstone, or did you go to Sussex?
I actually went to Carl Rosners in South Croydon as I've not had the best of experiences at Laguna. Rob Ford at Rosners is a real diamond :)
Me too, to much like a car show room and attitude, I went to JS Gedge, they are very nice, particularly Gavin, a nice ride in the summer, not so good in November. Cheers Gordon
Gordon Waltham The best thing I ever did to my tiger 800,was put Michelin pilot rd 3s on,removed those scorpion trails,despite what triumph say it transformed the bike.
Is this the xrt low ,and if it is what hight is your seat ,thank you , im 5,7 and am thinking of buying one of these , beautiful machine mate .
Dylan O'Sullivan Hi. As far as I am aware there's no such thing as an XRT Low, only XRX. This test ride was on a standard XRT. Thanks for watching 👍
ok thank you very much for your info , iv just looked it up and your right xrx low is the one . happy riding mate .
Dylan O'Sullivan and you mate 👍
I thought they already raised the bars on this and got it closer to the rider aswell
I don't think so. I have Rox risers on mine :)
You now don't have a heated front seat as when you swap to the low seat you loss it, so the low version from factory is the answer.
Thanks for your comment Starfire XD. I definitely wouldn't swap full height standard suspension for a heated seat so the "low version from the factory" is definitely NOT the answer for me. The XRX Low comes with the low seat anyway and currently doesn't have the option for a swap to heated. The XRT with the low seat is more than manageable and I can get the balls of both of my feet down. I will be given the heated seat when I collect the new XRT, so I could press a local upholsterer to move the heating element over to the low seat if I was so minded :)
@@RetroBiker Hi, I purchased this exact bike (your old one) few weeks ago. Absolutely loving it! I find the seat a little short for me. Was there anything you changed to lower the seat, any suspension adjustment at all? Thank you! Dave
@@davemanning3349 you can adjust the seat to a higher position by locating in the higher lugs when you replace the seat after removal. Hope this helps. It's a great bike, always reliable and fully 'loaded'. Enjoy [thumbsup] - just remembered you have to move a bar that's rubber loaded. It's in the manual which was with the bike when I handed it over.
How was the helmet turbulence?
OK thanks. Not turbulent but somehow the screen on my new one seems better. I will probably go for a Puig when they become available though, for the extra width more than anything. It is fairly comfortable to ride up to around 60mph with visor up.
I’ve a new XRX and I’m battling with the turbulence.
A bit late here, I just did a 1300+ mile trip on the 800 XRx and my neck is still sore from bobbling around. Also, I found it unstable above 75mph. That said, low speed was amazing!
Fantastic bikes but just out of my league. Iv ridden a couple of the 800 Tigers and they do ride really well, but not 12k well.! Just my opinion though.
Thanks for looking Tim Holt. You raise an interesting discussion there. Just what is a 12K ride supposed to be like. My guess is that it will be different things to different people. My opinion is that with the refinements and new technology the Tiger is good value in the current market if you want a decent touring machine and good all-rounder. :)
Nice review,i purchased a tiger 800 in 2011,when they first came out,£7149,now their £12,000 plus,to much.
Kevin Westwood maybe. A lot of refinements and new electronics tthough. You pay your money and................😁 Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment 👍
Kevin Westwood No, they start at £9100. Still a 2k hike though.
Does the updated tiger 800 have a slipper clutch,most new bikes seem to have them now.
Kevin Westwood yes it does 👍