Triumph 800 Tigers - Anyone Know Anything About Them?

Some of the guys on the 'other' forum have had them, @burndownthediscos on here has had one I believe, as far as I am aware they are pretty bullet proof! Maybe drop him a pm

 

I bought a new 800 last year not the latest model. I have to say I do like it but there are a couple of things which are a bit of a niggle. The front suspension is a bit crap really but it is easily fixed to a pretty good standard by fitting new internals. The rear is ok but again if like me you travel a lot with wifey on the back and a top box it can be a bit hard. Now I knew about these issues before I made my purchase and test rode the bike for a whole day from my local dealer and apart from the above I love the bike. I will be sorting out the suspension next year as and when because I intend to keep the bike. Go test ride one first is what I would say then make up your mind horses for courses good luck.

 

good friend of mine has a 14 plate, loves it, does everything apart from banish winter :Arghh:

 

They're ok I hated mine though. Wind turbulence is fucking horrific on them. I bought 3 different screens including the expensive madstad and tried 3 different helmets as I was getting blinding headaches with the turbulence. This is with ultimate ear custom plugs in too. I need my hearing for my livelihood so I got rid on the advice of an audiologist who rode mine and confirmed its horrific.

Not to mention its heavy. Front has an annoying bobbling feel at speed and the fuel economy is shite.

I had a Honda nc750 for 8 weeks during insurance claim and its much better for winter and commuting. 200 miles to a tank too. Looks a bit wank but does the job.

 

A friend has a 2013 800 XC, it was rusty in five minutes, the heated grips are rubbish, the general build quality is poor, the seta is a thing of torture, but the engine is great.

What burndownthediscos says is wise the Honda nc750 might look shit, but it has good weather protection, luggage, reliability and reasonable mpgs.

 

The BMW 800 GS makes a good commuter as well and it will tour and go off-road. Some say its a better all rounder than the 1200.

 

I love em, my old man had one and I rode it quite a few times. I found it to be very comfortable and never had any issues with buffeting? I like naked bikes though so maybe I didn't notice it...
The old man commuted all year round on it and didn't have any issues with rusty bolts etc. (I do find it amusing that people are moaning about other bikes going rusty on a Ducati forum)
The engine is a peach though, it really makes the bike

 

Was talking to someone recently and his mate went from BMW GS to the 800 tiger within a year he was back on a BMW. Apparently build quality was better. I did consider a tiger, but went for the BMW GS.

 

I had an 11 plate xc from new. 11,000 miles in 2 years out in all weathers. Gel seat was a must for long journeys and I really enjoyed it. just wanted more oomph hence a Multi now.
Never missed a beat and you could get 200 miles on a tank if you rode very gently. Great fun in the twisties.

 

I have an F800GS and I think its better than the 800XC, but its no better as a commuter.

 

I test rode a 2015 Tiger XRx and it was great fun on back roads. I thought the handling was fantastic, don't know what the older ones are like. Or the XC. Bought a KTM SMT in the end. Feels just a light as the Tiger, chassis is every bit as nimble and its considerably livelier. KTM fasteners are definitely rust-prone but the rest of the finish is pretty good. The Tiger's got a more comfortable seat though and much better fuel range but it doesn't have the same grin factor in the engine department.
I didn't consider the 800 GS because I'd already tried the water-cooled 1200 and after that if I was going to have a Beemer, good as the 800 is, only the 1200 would do..

 

BTW I forgot to mention, bloke from work bought a new tiger 800 and he had no complaints and likes it.

 

Had the road version for 2 years now and its a cracking bike. No probs with bufferting, heated grips are good. Had the seat re padded and now its mint. 50 mpg most of the time. Don't get this rust problem, mine is rust free, handles well etc. Had a Tuono before and miss the V twin grunt, hence looking fr a Multi. Any other questions, happy to answer

 

I run an 800 Tiger alongside my 899
It's a cracking bike for doing big mileage or if you just need to get out in crappy conditions
Contrary to what's said above, i don't find the wind buffeting too bad, although it's tall height does mean it picks up side winds pretty badly compared to a lower sports bike
I have the factory heated grips on mine, and they get very toasty in minutes, and the seat seems to fit my arse quite well. I did 800 miles on mine last week in the cold and wet, and I found it to be totally comfortable and deal with the crappy road conditions well
If I was being nit picky, there's not much feel in the front brake, and it makes more engine noise than exhaust note, but other than that, it's great value for money, and i genuinely believe them to be good bikes
Disclaimer, I've not ridden the BMW to compare

 

Not owned one, but it was "on the list" when I was buying my Explorer. Couple of test rides and really liked 'em.
Never hear much bad about them, reckon you'll be fine

 

I have run a 2012 Tiger 800 Road for two years and 12,000 miles. Its a great bike for covering big miles. I find it comfy and the build quality is great it feels solidly built. I recommend fitting road focussed tyres I use Bridgestone sports touring rubber which improves the handling . I have the touring screen which I find ok when in the fully forwards position. (I am 5ft 10ins tall) On second hand bikes check that the chain adjusters are not seized. There are two holes on the inside of the swing arm that let muck and water in. You can block these with plastic bungs used in box section shelving. (The tiger forum if good for these tips). Truimph replaced my swing arm even though the bike was out of warranty. I have been getting between 55 and 65 mpg with up to 165 miles until the fuel light comes on. I have heated grips and spots which I think are worthwhile extras. The Truimph hand guards are too small, this has been addressed on the latest bikes. Bark busters are considered the best ones. I wasn't keen on the Triumph luggage as it was expensive, so went for detachable Givi pannier frames with second hand panniers. Triumph engine guards are good and have saved a lot of damage when and old dear knocked my bike over.
In summary, not the sexiest bike in the world, but economical comfy and quick enough to have fun on I am really pleased with it.

 

If it's just for commuting, you'll not go far wrong with a 1050 Tiger. Had one for 4 years and did many a 50 mile E/W commute and 1.5k+M European tour on it. Never let me down once and that 1050 triple is a peach. Should get a nice low mileage one for significantly less than an 800 of similar age.

 

My mate bought one for his first bike and I took it out for a blast. I was very impressed especially in the twisties and the engine felt really good. In the end got myself my KTM Adventure 1190R as a I like a bit more hooligan but I wouldn't discount the Tiger as an option for a commuter and travel bike.

 

get a street triple instead