First official photo of Triumph Tiger 800 XC

[young1]

Looks nice

http://www.motorcycledaily.com/2010/10/first-official-photo-of-triumph-tiger-800-xc/

[Eddieb]

Noice.  

[Edbear]

I agree, be good to see more of it!

[HenryDorsetCase]

Nice

now my question. Will the Street Truple grow to 800cc? (unleashing a flood of cheap Street Triple R 675's at a price I can afford?)

[Crim]

I do like the look of that! - after lotto tonight do I get the F800gs or wait for the Triumph? ............... decisions .............. decisions

just thinking............if I bought one - I presume I would have to practice the vacuous "model with shades on" look to get the best out of them?

Have the specs been released yet or are they still teasing that out?

[tri boy]

Optional bike wash kit is tempting.....<a href="http://s226.photobucket.com/albums/dd204/triboy1/?action=view&current=tri800.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd204/triboy1/tri800.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

[Monstaman]

Look groovy and yeap would love to see more of it too!

[BMWST?]

the oil pan looks huge and the skid plate looks as though it will get a good workout

[Monstaman]

the oil pan looks huge and the skid plate looks as though it will get a good workout

Some tech specs would be cool, can't wait to compare to the 800 GS.

[GPS MAN]

Very, Very Nice!

:yes: Now, let's see how it compares to the BMW......

[dino3310]

i dont like it much, looks a bit like the GS with more panache and spunk and i bet it sounds grouse, i was expecting some thing a little different from the norm or maybe a shunken version of the 1050, still a fab looking bike and i bet it will perform very well but it just dont hit that spot for me:facepalm: i'll be buying the scrambler with the more classic look before the XC (when i win lotto that is)

[Corse1]

looks great to me!! I would be lining up for one if thats what I was in the market for. The triple will always outdo any BMW offering even if the bikes look the same.

[Corse1]

looks great to me!! I would be lining up for one if thats what I was in the market for. The triple will always outdo any BMW offering even if the bikes look the same.

After all...we are all into fang factor aren't we.....:yes:

[Taz]

After all...we are all into fang factor aren't we.....:yes:

What's Fang Factory?

[dino3310]

After all...we are all into fang factor aren't we.....:yes:

thats why i brought the XR6 :Punk:

[tegeem]

this would have to be the most drawn out bike release ever. if it doesnt match the hype, theyll get crucified. but ill still be lining up for a fang on one of them myself (as long as it doesnt turn men into one of those sunglass wearing tools) and ill go with the optional washing kit...

[Corse1]

What's Fang Factory?
British motorcycle company.....

[NordieBoy]

The short header to collector distance would indicate a revver not a torker.
But they've only done it to keep the exhaust system tidy.
Hmmm...

[young1]

More photos, looking better all the time.
http://www.motorcycledaily.com/2010/10/triumph-releases-official-photos-of-tiger-800-and-800-xc/

It is going to be interesting to see the V4 mid displacement adv bike that Honda is going to launch at Milan, this is meant to be purely for the street but they are meant to be displaying "a concept of a future, 1200cc, V4-powered adventure bike."

[Padmei]

Isn't that a speed triple with a different screen? I spose the adv part is trying to keep it below 200kph

[Woodman]

Isn't that a speed triple with a different screen? I spose the adv part is trying to keep it below 200kph

Would be interesting up Hira or on a "Shanes tour" Mind you i quite like the look, not a lot different to the f800 and super tenere really. If I was going to get a road bike it would be one of that genre.

[Crim]

Would be interesting up Hira or on a "Shanes tour" Mind you i quite like the look, not a lot different to the f800 and super tenere really. If I was going to get a road bike it would be one of that genre.

Yes I love the look but - I think I would need to keep the KLR so I wouldn't mind dropping it - also long range I think the S10 would be more comfy - and I do like the WR250 as a lighter better option for close to home adventures :facepalm: so not only a lotto win required I am also going to need a bigger garage!

[dino3310]

would be a bugga to clean up shiny after a grubby ride

[tri boy]

would be a bugga to clean up shiny after a grubby ride

Duh, thats why you get the optional cleaning kit:love:

[Woodman]

Duh, thats why you get the optional cleaning kit:love:

Mate with that cleaning kit I would get very dirty.:innocent:

[marks]

Mate with that cleaning kit I would get very dirty.:innocent:

if I had a cleaning kit like that I'd wash my face every day...

is it just me ....

If the new Truimph was similar in price and performance to the BMW 800 it would still be my preference cause a) its not a BMW and b) its a Triumph.

there is some sort of reverse snobbery going on here - Triumph - as a brand seem to have a 'working class - 'bit orf ruff' image ( and quite different to Harleys - 'I want to be a bad boy but I'm really just a wanker' image) that is the opposite of BMW's slightly effeminate "I'm a corporate manager on my way for a latte" image.

Triumph XC 800 - the liverpool kiss of adventure bikes....:yes:

I want one

[dino3310]

Triumph XC 800 - the liverpool kiss of adventure bikes....:yes:

I want one

wat the head butt of ADV bikes, i'd rather have the kick arse of ADV bikes

[Crim]

http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2011-triumph-tiger-800-and-800-xc/#3498567

you would probably want a more sustantial (higher) bashplate I reckon - and is that the Oil filter (same place, slightly higher than the as the S10)

[NordieBoy]

Mmmmmmm latte...

[dino3310]

would love it as a tourer

[LBD]

R800GS or 800XC....will come down to $ and what colour would sir like...

And that looks one big muffler.....

Not a bad looker however....

[warewolf]

If I was going to get a road bike it would be one of that genre.Agree; in this part of the world (australasia) these bikes make good sense. Crappy roads and lotsa gravel ones.


If the new Truimph was similar in price and performance to the BMW 800 it would still be my preference cause a) its not a BMW and b) its a Triumph.Yep, that was my call.


there is some sort of reverse snobbery going on here - Triumph - as a brand seem to have a 'working class - 'bit orf ruff' imageTheir early (early-to-mid 90s) sales collateral was big on that theme. Suspect it's a carry-over from their previous incarnation.

[Devil]

Want!
http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/10/2011-triumph-tiger-800-action-17.jpg

[White trash]

Want!
http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/10/2011-triumph-tiger-800-action-17.jpg

Ya-fucken-uck! I can't believe you guys like the look of the thing. Triumph have outBMWed BMW in the styling department.

[Eddieb]

Ya-fucken-uck! I can't believe you guys like the look of the thing. Triumph have outBMWed BMW in the styling department.

Says the man who has wet dreams over MVX 250's :girlfight:

[White trash]

Says the man who has wet dreams over MVX 250's :girlfight:

LOL. You may have a valid point.

[Devil]

Triumph have outBMWed BMW in the styling department.

Sounds good to me! Hehehehe

[Night Falcon]

Looks like an F800 with a bigger bum. :shutup:

Did BMW do such a credible job with their GS range that every other manufacturer has to copy them (except KTM of course)? looks like a good bike for most adventurists come lounge tourer...Come on KTM make a 700 adventure...do it... do it now:corn:

[dino3310]

Looks like an F800 with a bigger bum. :shutup:

Did BMW do such a credible job with their GS range that every other manufacturer has to copy them (except KTM of course)? looks like a good bike for most adventurists come lounge tourer...Come on KTM make a 700 adventure...do it... do it now:corn:

I do believe the DR BIG had that nose job long before the GS

[Devil]

Briefly ridden!: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNtOyUne_h4&feature=player_embedded
They say 95hp...

[Taz]

R800GS or 800XC....will come down to $ and what colour would sir like...

As the R800GS doesn't exist that just leaves the 800XC......

[Eddieb]

Briefly ridden!: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNtOyUne_h4&feature=player_embedded
They say 95hp...

Typical crap MCN review where they don't know how to ride or review anything other than like a sportbike, oohh, does it wheelie and can I get my knee down on a roundabout?

[NordieBoy]

Typical crap MCN review where they don't know how to ride or review anything other than like a sportbike, oohh, does it wheelie and can I get my knee down on a roundabout?

Well it was the Tiger road version...

[thepom]

Looks better than a beemer and hopefully will have better suspenders than the bmw,s basic set up...oh but it will probably not be any cheaper though..

[LBD]

As the R800GS doesn't exist that just leaves the 800XC......

Huh? Wot you dribbling about?

[Crim]

Engine:
Type: Liquid-cooled, 12 valve, DOHC, inline three cylinder
Capacity: 7499cc
Bore/Stroke: 74 x 61.9mm
Fuel System: Multipoint sequential electronic fuel injection
Exhaust: Stainless Steel, 3 into 1, high-level stainless steel silencer
Final Drive: X Ring Chain
Cluctch: Wet, multi-plate
Gearbox: 6 Speed
Oil Capacity: 3.7 liters (1.0 US Gal.)

Chassis
Frame: Tubular steel trellis frame
Swingarm: Twin-sided, cast aluminum alloy
Wheels:
Front: Cast Aluminum Alloy 10-spoke 21 x 2.5 in.
Rear: Cast Aluminum Alloy 10-spoke 17 x 4.25 in.
Tires:
Front: 90/90 ZR21
Rear: 150/70 ZR17
Suspension:
Front: Showa 45mm upside down forks, 220mm travel
Rear: Showa monoshock with remote oil reservoir, hydraulically adjustable preload, rebound damping adjustment, 215mm rear-wheel travel
Brakes:
Front: Twin 308mm floating discs, Nissin 2-piston floating caliber (ABS available)
Rear: Single 255mm disc, Nissin single-piston floating caliber (ABS available)
Front Brake Master Cylinder: Nissin Master Cylinder, 14mm diameter

Dimensions
Length: 87.1"
Width (handlebars): 34.0"
Height without mirrors: 54.7"
Seat Height (adjustable) 32.2" - 34.0"
Wheelbase: 61.7"
Rake / Trail 23.1"
Fuel Tank Capacity: 5.0 Gal.
Wet Weight: 473 lbs.

Performance
Maximum Power: 94 hp @ 9300 rpm
Maximum Torque: 58 ft.lbs @ 7850 rpm

Color Options: Crystal White, Phantom Black, Intense Orang

Triumph Tiger 800XC Price: TBA

[Eddieb]

Engine:
Type: Liquid-cooled, 12 valve, DOHC, inline three cylinder
Capacity: 7499cc


Cool, a 7 1/2 litre ADV bike ;)

In real money:
Wet weight is 215.5kg.
Fuel Tank Capacity: 22.75 litres

[Kickaha]

Cool, a 7 1/2 litre ADV bike.

All it needs now is a supercharger

[cs363]

All it needs now is a supercharger

NOW it's starting to sound like a proper adventure of a bike! :D

And there I was thinking it was just a BMW without those funny sticky-out bits.....

[Crim]

Cool, a 7 1/2 litre ADV bike ;)


yeah I just copied and pasted - how the hell are they going to get 7499 ccs between your legs?

presume it is 799 or is it 749 or 794 or ................... whatever (in a sarcastic voice just like my 7 year old)

anyway the front brake resevoir looks a little more understated than the F800GS:yes: - had a look round one down at Jeff Gray's during Octoborbikefestthingy the front brake fluid resevoir sticks out like the proverbial dogs bits - looks like they have got the risers in the wrong place - stacked them up and put the resevoir on top :facepalm:(or is it like a hot water cylinder in the attic - gravity assisted?):innocent:

[Taz]

Huh? Wot you dribbling about?

R800GS - Never heard of one. Post up a pic and not one of an R80GS or an F800GS and then I'll stand corrected mmmkay :)

[warewolf]

Fuel Tank Capacity: 22.75 litresNup; 19L. (5.0 US gal.)

[Eddieb]

Nup; 19L. (5.0 US gal.)

Hmmm, seeing as Triumph is an english company I used UK gallons, why would they quote using US?

[warewolf]

Hmmm, seeing as Triumph is an english company I used UK gallons, why would they quote using US?Biggest consumer market in the (western) world? and most xenophobic? Poms probably can translate metric - especially if it annoys the Froggies.

Really... I dunno, but I'd just finished checking out the TriumphAdventure.com website which said 19L for the 800, then claimed "long range fuel tank" for the 800XC... but it was only 19L too. :scratch:

Some other odd things, such as the 800XC accessories including bespoke panniers for both models, but they aren't listed for the 800.

[LBD]

R800GS - Never heard of one. Post up a pic and not one of an R80GS or an F800GS and then I'll stand corrected mmmkay :)

Might have a point there....looks like a common misconception

[marks]

I really want to like the Triumph but if I put my sensible cap on I really have only limited use for a 'big' adventure bike.

when you get into multi cylinder adventure bikes you are really (in my humble opinion) getting into adventure tourers

I want 2 things from an adventure bike
1/ a bike that I can comfortably ride from one end of the country to the other
2/ a bike that I can enjoy taking on lumpy tracks like old whanga rd, makiro etc

The klr is surprisingly good as a tourer and is at the upper end weight/size wise of what I enjoy riding in lumpy conditions.

A bigger bike like the XC would only reduce my ability to enjoy riding in the places I love

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long live the klr :yes:

[Crim]

I really want to like the Triumph but if I put my sensible cap on I really have only limited use for a 'big' adventure bike.
The klr is surprisingly good as a tourer and is at the upper end weight/size wise of what I enjoy riding in lumpy conditions.
long live the klr :yes:

Agree with all the above however the difference in weight is not all that and power to weight is no comparison

KLR is about 196kg at 43 horses
XC is 216kg at 94 horses

If only I was a betterer rider with a bigerer wallet.....................:blink:

[Padmei]

Agree with all the above however the difference in weight is not all that and power to weight is no comparison

KLR is about 196kg at 43 horses
XC is 216kg at 94 horses

If only I was a betterer rider with a bigerer wallet.....................:blink:

Price does matter in many cases tho. Can't see the triumph costing less than the Ten.

[marks]

Agree with all the above however the difference in weight is not all that and power to weight is no comparison

KLR is about 196kg at 43 horses
XC is 216kg at 94 horses

If only I was a betterer rider with a bigerer wallet.....................:blink:

particularly off road (not gravel) - I think more horsepower can make a bike harder to ride. The klr might be vrging on underpowered but it puts its power down very well - maintaining traction when a 'light flywheel/high power' bike will just spin up and go sideways (and possibly dump its rider).

on road - more horse power would simply increase the chance of me doing something really dumb or earning lots of demerit points.

sure would like to take an XC for a ride though :yes:

logic is one thing - a bike that gives you a woody is another thing entirely

[Monstaman]

Still non adjustable forks like the F800GS, you woulda thought on a bike like this it would be a given thing.

[tri boy]

Still non adjustable forks like the F800GS, you woulda thought on a bike like this it would be a given thing.
That is one of the things that I noticed also.:angry:
I'm trying hard to get excited about the beastie, but at best I'm sporting a 1/2 mongrel for it.
Talk of the 450 baby XC is what is twitching me more.
Mark:wavey: stick with your trail bike, and get a Scrambler for sporting wood.MHO

[Waihou Thumper]

All the blurb, then right at the bottom...Due, March 2011....

$17990.......:)

[Crim]

$17990.......:)[/SIZE]
[/I][/COLOR]

Looks like a good price - the F800GS are going for about 23k - unfortunatly still about $17,900 above my present budget:facepalm:

[Crim]

All the blurb, then right at the bottom...Due, March 2011....

$17990.......:)


Been on there two days and they have already gone up 2 grand - supply and demand or a cock up when they originally listed?

[Crim]

Bit of surfing this morning, found this from MCN

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HdWHxGsVV3Q

and also.................from Phil West

Like most, I watched Ewan and Thingey’s ‘Long Way Round’. And like many I’ve harboured fantasies of traversing the globe on an adventure bike, picking up enough tales of diseases and delicacies along the way to blow the kids inheritance but generate a lifetime of pub talk.

But unlike the vast majority I’ve been lucky enough to actually ride, at length, all the biking contenders for the job, both on road and off, ranging from the original 1150 and 1200 GS Adventures, to BMW’s newer 800 versions, KTMs, Transalps and even Ducati’s Multistrada.

But as of today the bike that’s right at the top of my fantasy list is Triumph’s all-new Tiger 800 XC. Give me a few months of freedom and a date in Vladivostok or Timbuktu and this is the bike I’d want. But, equally, take one summer Sunday and point me at Matlock Bath and this’d be what I’d choose – seriously.

In short, right now, I think the Brit triple is the best all-round adventure bike in the world – no mean achievement when you consider the quality and variety of the competition and the fact Triumph has never really built a bike like this before.

[Monstaman]

I asked a question about the suspension on Bayrides add on Tardme as it says adjustable forks as well as adjustable rear, this was my question followed by their response.

Good evening, been looking at getting a F800GS but these look like a contender, I note you say it has fully adjustable forks?, I was under the impression they are non adjustable. Can you please confirm this, many thanks Andi



Andi,

The text has come straight from the Triumph website so yes they are adjustable front and rear suspension, bikes will arrive end of Jan, first shipment sold out and second will arrive mid Feb.

We will have a demo of each version.

Hope this helps.

[ukusa]

The new Tigers (demos at least) have apparently arrived at Street & Sport, Ch-Ch. I assume other dealers have their demos too. Might just have to pop in & book a ride.

[HenryDorsetCase]

The new Tigers (demos at least) have apparently arrived at Street & Sport, Ch-Ch. I assume other dealers have their demos too. Might just have to pop in & book a ride.

I got their email yesterday and they confirmed they have one of each.

I am keen to take one for a strop, but more likely to buy a street triple

[Kickaha]

The new Tigers (demos at least) have apparently arrived at Street & Sport, Ch-Ch. I assume other dealers have their demos too. Might just have to pop in & book a ride.

Didn't book a ride but saw it yesterday while I was in there, very nice looking bike in real life

[.chris]

I have just booked in for a ride tomorrow AM. I shall endeavor to report my findings.

[Monstaman]

I have just booked in for a ride tomorrow AM. I shall endeavor to report my findings.

Supposed to be testing one in Dunners at Veitches, not sure when they get their one.

[Eddieb]

I have just booked in for a ride tomorrow AM. I shall endeavor to report my findings.

Take your camera so you can also report pics

[Crim]

C'mon own up - who had the XC out at Street and Sport when I went in to have a gander at quarter to 4 this afternoon?:crybaby:

Can we have a quick report from anyone who has taken one for a spin:yes:

Cheers Crim

[trustme]

Had a quick spin on the 19" version. Typical triple motor, smooth & linear power, fuels really nicely so no stutters or sudden surges, meaty mid range but not huge top end, bike was very new so I did not push it, my impression was it liked to be short shifted rather than wound out & progress was still more than satisfactory
Handles nicely, very stable but not super agile. I'd roll the bars forward if it were mine, seems a bit cramped in that area. my knees were against the frame not the tank, dunno if that is good or bad.
I was not allowed on gravel but I did find a road that had a surface masquerading as roadworks for about 5km [ nudge nudge wink wink ] surface was pretty well swept but bike remained steady & composed, rear brake seemed a little dead & lacking feel.

You could put up a lot of miles very quickly & comfortably on this bike. Now to scrounge a ride on an XC

[ukusa]

C'mon own up - who had the XC out at Street and Sport when I went in to have a gander at quarter to 4 this afternoon?:crybaby:

Can we have a quick report from anyone who has taken one for a spin:yes:

Cheers Crim

bummer mate, I saw you arrive (I was talking to the staff member you asked). It arrived back less than 5 mins after you left)
Never mind, there's always tomorrow eh.
Probably have my ride next week sometime.

[.chris]

Just got back from my demo ride.

First up;
Wow, what an engine, so smooth on the power, and power by the boat load.
The bike felt pretty big but I quickly got used to that.
Felt pretty good while up on the pegs, felt weird as you look directly down you see down the forks and the front wheel seems to disappear and you feel almost like you are leaning too far forward, but felt stable and surprisingly nimble (went mildly off-road, but nothing too rough since it is a demo bike and not mine).
Felt pretty damn nice in the gravel, well planted and the smooth power makes things easy.

It came with pretty roady tires, but they managed the gravel ok, but would liked to try it with some TKC's or similar on-board.

Very comfortable, I was on the bike for an hour with only a 1min break and no discomfort at all. The seat was nice and wide, and just the right level of firm. Felt great while switching my weight in the gravel having a wide seat makes that transfer of weight so much easier than a rounded thin seat like the 690.

The 690 never felt more like a trail bike after I got back on it, just shows how quickly you can get used to another bike.

And onto some photos. Was too lazy to take the SLR, so just some handsnappers I am afraid.


https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_Gr4w3OEMfJs/TVSEy4PrUcI/AAAAAAAAJuU/-Ys9a5vAuY4/s800/DSC04908.JPG

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_Gr4w3OEMfJs/TVSE0f8iZ0I/AAAAAAAAJuY/3Z94QF-uKh4/s800/DSC04910.JPG

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_Gr4w3OEMfJs/TVSE2WKa8QI/AAAAAAAAJuc/dPrKiATTg6c/s800/DSC04911.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_Gr4w3OEMfJs/TVSE4RxdilI/AAAAAAAAJuw/Tcpjll6jIs8/s800/DSC04913.JPG

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_Gr4w3OEMfJs/TVSE6LekeDI/AAAAAAAAJu0/ubyYpVFT6yI/s800/DSC04914.JPG

[NordieBoy]

Meaty swingarm on the bugger isn't it.

Wonder how many "offs" the passenger pegs will take before bending their mounts or the subframe?

[Monstaman]

Just got back from my demo ride.

Coulda dropped it off in Wanaka bro!!



Wonder how many "offs" the passenger pegs will take before bending their mounts or the subframe?

The F8's are the same! ... dumb idea, why not make them boltable.

[.chris]

Meaty swingarm on the bugger isn't it.

Wonder how many "offs" the passenger pegs will take before bending their mounts or the subframe?


Yeah I did feel they would be great if they could be un-bolted & removed.
The non-exhaust side one looks like it sticks out way too far, but did not get in my way while riding today, so can't be too bad. But I bet I wish they could be removed.

[marks]

Just got back from my demo ride.

The 690 never felt more like a trail bike after I got back on it, just shows how quickly you can get used to another bike.

so which would you have preferred to ride home on?

what do the Triumphs retail at?

[Monstaman]

what do the Triumphs retail at?

$20490.00 retail price

[.chris]

so which would you have preferred to ride home on?

what do the Triumphs retail at?

I really liked the XC, I think if it had been around when I got the 690, I would still have got the 690, but now I know more the type of riding I do, the XC is probably better suited.

They are $20,500, so not a cheap addition to the garage. But if I wanted a bike for those longer weekends away, it would be pretty high on my list.

[.chris]

Coulda dropped it off in Wanaka bro!!



I tell you what I could quite easily ride that baby down for a visit, all you have to do is buy one for me :)

I think I pushed the bounds of my demo ride about as far as comfortable for everyone involved.
Even got her a little dirty (it was pretty showroom clean when I left).
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_Gr4w3OEMfJs/TVSE7rkoD2I/AAAAAAAAJu4/WEeXwUVjwB4/s800/DSC04915.JPG

One thing I quite liked was the position of the speedo/tach etc, you could easily move them lower or higher and have plenty of room for the gps/route book.

[Padmei]

I had a sit on one today. When I first saw it I thought it was a GS from the front with normal headlites.
Very nice seat & kickstand also the plastic guards like the Ten looked pretty meaty. Nice looking twin discs too. I only got to go brmm brmm as I sat on it tho.

The screen was very very clear. I didn't like the way the speedo etc sat out on the long perch - I can see why - for the turning circle however just looked a bit oddish.

If i could stay upright on bikes & keep them clean then it would be nice to own.

[Night Falcon]

I like the cut of its gib....but $20K...its just too much for a bike i'll likely drop, drown, and slide down a sealed road....just like the one I paid $23K for a while back :facepalm: least the 690 was cheap....not:shutup:

[Waihou Thumper]

..but $20K...its just too much, least the 690 was cheap....not:shutup:

:shit: Have you really totalled the $ spent on the KTM? haha.....Was that what you meant? I bet that has cost you well over the price of a 'off the rack Trumpy'
Shit! aint bike riding pricey when we wanna make it look like a Dakar bike without the sponsorship.....:shit:
But, aint it good, you get the enjoyment.....then comes along a nice toy to dabble over..

[Night Falcon]

:shit: Have you really totalled the $ spent on the KTM? haha.....Was that what you meant? I bet that has cost you well over the price of a 'off the rack Trumpy' ....my wife is still counting :gob:


:shit: Shit! aint bike riding pricey when we wanna make it look like a Dakar bike without the sponsorship.....:shit: But, aint it good, you get the enjoyment.....then comes along a nice toy to dabble over......some people get the same pleasure out of collecting "dinkies"....I've never known what it is but I have always gone all weak at the knees when ever I see knobly tires....go figure:love:

[Waihou Thumper]

. all weak at the knees when ever I see knobly tires....go figure:love:

Maybe you wife wants to make sure you get her some 'ripple soled' shoes...:) Made of rubber.......:facepalm:

[Woodman]

If i could stay upright on bikes & keep them clean then it would be nice to own.

Couldn't have said it better myself.


looks nice tho aye/

[young1]

I must say that I am suprised at the price, after seeing what they sell for overseas (and yes taking into account GST) I thought they would be cheaper. I rang the local dealer here today to see if they had one or when they were getting one. A nameless person answered the phone and after asking around told me that the person who knew had gone fishing and had not told anyone else....

[tri boy]

Called in Ham/cycles just before.
They only have the more road based model at the moment.
Tis an interesting bike, and after throwing a leg over it etc, I could live with one as an all round NZ road bike.
The fr suspension seems way to firm for gravel/twin track work though. (not sure if the XC carries a similar spring rate/valving)
It's got a nice seat, and clever touches, but I'm not sold yet.
I know the test ride will be great, (like allnew bike test rides), but I'm not sure it's the bike for me. MHO
(don't ask about the accessories costings):shit:

[Crim]

I had a sit on one today. If i could stay upright on bikes & keep them clean then it would be nice to own.

I went to have a sit on one - but the bloke was flat out and i didn't just want to help myself - that's twice I have been down there and not even had a sit on it :crybaby:

But ..... did have a decent look at it +1 for Padmei's quote "if I could stay upright......." don't reckon it would be a one stop shop though if you had one you'd have to have a DRZ400 or WR250 for the "good" bits

couple of comments - Passenger pegs, you could make them removable quite easily with a bit of grinding / welding. Oil filter and other bits look a bit exposed (same as new super 10) so would need bigger aftermarket bashplate. I like the footpegs - removable rubber inserts which would, hopefully, fit both styles of boots without having to move gear / brake levers.

Now I have just got to get a sit / ride on one :yes:

[Racing Dave]

231936

I had an hour's ride on both models, and liked them both. In particular the engine, clutch, brakes, seat. mirrors are all excellent. Perfect fuelling and just the right amount of flywheel. A wee skid on a shingle road shows they'll have great promise when knobblified, but they also need a proper bash plate and metal handguards (Barkbusters or similar) as the plastic ones won't save a lever in a spill. Most of all, both need the bars raised and moved forward (the XC has reversable clamps to help this) as the standing position is only comfortable for short periods. Add the optional centre stand and heated grips and it'll be a fine mid-sized bike for pretty much all conditions. Lovely rasp from the muffler when under load. The height adjustable seat allows footing for most people, and the pillion perch appears roomy enough. The footpeg rubbers are removeable, leaving cleated pegs for slippery conditions.

[MD]

Motorad have a white XC and green-ish road Tiger. Smart looking machines.
I only went around the block for a 3 minute ride. Engine is smooth ..just like the rest of the Triumph triples of course. Lots of nice touches like the adjustable seat heights, removeable rubber peg inserts, some handlebar adjustment. I found the reach to the bars was a fraction further forward than expected, not wrong, just further than, say my Tiger 1050. Guess that's why it has some adjustment!

If my riding was heading towards gravel roads the XC would be a ripper choice. Since I'm more into sealed roads I'll stick with the extra punch of the 1050cc

[Devil]

.... Add the optional ......heated grips...

Triumph price: $500.

[Bass]

First picture I saw, I thought "that needs a decent bash plate", but what do you attach it to?
With the engine as a stressed member, there's no frame tubes there and mounting it to the motor seems to defeat the purpose a bit.

[Ocean1]

First picture I saw, I thought "that needs a decent bash plate", but what do you attach it to?
With the engine as a stressed member, there's no frame tubes there and mounting it to the motor seems to defeat the purpose a bit.

Don't know what they'll do, (if anything) but I've moulded potable rubber between cases and bash guards before now. Works bloody well.

[Crisis management]

there's no frame tubes there and mounting it to the motor seems to defeat the purpose a bit.

The 640 bash plate bolts to the crankcase.......it's a hard fix too, no absorbtive material between and it seems to work (you should see the condition of my bash plate!)

[Eddieb]

Airhead GS bashplates bolt to the sump and seem to work fine.

[Oscar]

Airhead GS bashplates bolt to the sump and seem to work fine.

GS sumps are made out of bits left over from Tiger Tank construction.

[warewolf]

The 640 bash plate bolts to the crankcase.......it's a hard fix too, no absorbtive material between and it seems to work (you should see the condition of my bash plate!)Que? It bolts solidly to blocks (part 93) on the inboard lower engine mount bolts, and to the frame downtube at the front above the spin-on oil filter. It's got 4 rubber bungs (part 95) between the outboard frame rails and the bashy... well at least my '05 640 Adv is like that OEM.

<img src="http://173.74.246.25/munnracing/catalog/2005/05582030.gif"</img>

Personally I don't see why mounting to the crankcase is any real problem. It's a stressed member so it should be strong enough.

[Taz]

The 640 bash plate bolts to the crankcase.......it's a hard fix too, no absorbtive material between and it seems to work (you should see the condition of my bash plate!)

You sure? Mine bolts to the frame.

[Crisis management]

Well bugger me sideways, you guys are right........ I could have sworn the four lower bolts went into the crankcase. :facepalm:








Clearly bolting to the frame is the only way to do it and anything bolted to the engine is an inferior design! :blink:

[michael e]

Coulda dropped it off in Wanaka bro!!




The F8's are the same! ... dumb idea, why not make them boltable.

yeah i reckon,should be like yhose wicked tyre eating orange 950 adventures..unbolt everything,straighten out,bolt back together:yes:

[javahead]

Had a good ride on the Motorad demo XC800 yesterday. Swapping between it and a 1200GSA over the Rimutakas, Wairarapa, Lake Ferry and Ngawi. Mostly seal and some easy gravel.
Lots of visual similarities but they couldn't have been more different to ride.
<img class="inlineimg" src="http://javahead.smugmug.com/Other/xc800/inspired-by/1200403047_T9fQQ-M.jpg" border="0" />
It's a beautiful motor - very smooth, perfectly fueled, a good balance between detuning for traction on gravel, and free revving for enjoyable riding on the seal.
Brakes were capable and didn't grab. On tar it felt like they needed more bite but on loose surfaces they seemed appropriate.
Perhaps due to the 21-inch front, the relatively small size and the way it carries its weight low, it felt very secure on gravel - despite the street-oriented tyres it had fitted.
Suspension was firm but quite compliant. For a 200+kg bike it felt light. Under-seat fuel tank right? If so then maybe that's what makes such a difference.
Adjustable height seat with a reasonably good shape, light controls, and a screen just large enough to take the worst of the wind made it quite comfortable for a day's ride.
Felt very much like it was in its element as an all-road tourer. A nice bike for sure.

[Ocean1]

For a 200+kg bike....

:facepalm:

[Devil]

:facepalm:

Wot?
:mellow:

[Ocean1]

Wot?
:mellow:

I've got this fetish about chucking bikes around that weigh twice what I do, especially nice shiny new ones. I've got enough on me plate picking myself up.

I can't believe that with design and materials we have now that bikes are heavier than they used to be. I know it's got to do road duty too, but shit we're talking 2 dirt bikes in mass. 3 trials bikes.

[george formby]

I've got this fetish about chucking bikes around that weigh twice what I do, especially nice shiny new ones. I've got enough on me plate picking myself up.

I can't believe that with design and materials we have now that bikes are heavier than they used to be. I know it's got to do road duty too, but shit we're talking 2 dirt bikes in mass. 3 trials bikes.

Ditto. Sprot bikes are coming down in weight & going up in power, when you fall off they are easy to pick up, in pieces. Adventure bikes have gone from Mini Moke to Hummer in 30 years & you have to pick them up all at once, they don't disintegrate when you fall off.:rolleyes:

A manufacturer releasing a sub 200kg bike fully wet which is comfortable, capable, long legged & priced right will get my attention.
I had hoped Triumph were heading in this direction, at least they have an extra cylinder & are not the lardiest out their so good start.

[Devil]

Ditto. Sprot bikes are coming down in weight & going up in power, when you fall off they are easy to pick up, in pieces. Adventure bikes have gone from Mini Moke to Hummer in 30 years & you have to pick them up all at once, they don't disintegrate when you fall off.:rolleyes:

Heh, this is the most applicable response to the weight.
Unfortunately that's life, if you want it to be able to cart luggage, take abuse without snapping in half and be easy to repair (steel subframes) then there's a weight penalty.

[Devil]

I'm hanging out for a KTM 690 Adventure, myself. Although i'm going to have a darn hard time talking myself into selling my GSA as I love it so much, despite being a quarter ton tank.

[NordieBoy]

despite being a quarter ton tank.

How much does the rest of the bike weigh?

:bleh:

[cold comfort]

:facepalm:

Wet weights. Super Ten 261 kg, BMW 1200 gsa 256 , KTM 990 229, Triumph XC 214. Looks like a lightweight in comparison.

[Waihou Thumper]

Only when it lays horizontal is weight an issue right?
Just don't drop it, or more importantly, don't drop it alone...:(

[Ocean1]

Heh, this is the most applicable response to the weight.
Unfortunately that's life, if you want it to be able to cart luggage, take abuse without snapping in half and be easy to repair (steel subframes) then there's a weight penalty.

You can't seriously be suggesting that a trials bike is less abuse resistant than yer generic ADV machine. Can you?

Can't remember what it's called but there's a rule that represents the opposite of the diminishing returns rule. If you trim 1Kg from an engine then the frame can be less strong, meaning you can trim a Kg from that, which means.... Gedit?

Trouble is the marketing dude's know full well that what sells is widgets. The more widgets a bike has the better it sells. Widgets don't weigh much but they've proliferated over the years to the point their combined mass is aproaching critical mass.

Any heavier and the whole motorcycle concept will crash through the resultant event horizon and dissapear up it's own arsehole.

Collin Chapman: "Get that fucking spring washer off there, nothing this car can survive 20 laps without gets a free ride."

[Devil]

You can't seriously be suggesting that a trials bike is less abuse resistant than yer generic ADV machine. Can you?

Can't remember what it's called but there's a rule that represents the opposite of the diminishing returns rule. If you trim 1Kg from an engine then the frame can be less strong, meaning you can trim a Kg from that, which means.... Gedit?

Of course, but you're thinking in the wrong direction. The engine needs to be > < this big, so the frame needs to be x strong. It needs a decent tank on it, so frame needs to be x + a bit more. Now it needs a decent seat and gadgets, so frame becomes x + x + x again. Oh it needs to cart stuff around. Up goes the weight again. Want to be able to have it repaired easily? Gotta be steel framed rather than alloy, up goes the weight again.

[Devil]

Wet weights. Super Ten 261 kg, BMW 1200 gsa 256 , KTM 990 229, Triumph XC 214. Looks like a lightweight in comparison.

When you compare it to the beefiest of the beefy sure, but make the more appropriate comparison (BMW F800GS) and you'll see the beemer is under 210kg...

I hear rumours about KTM bringing out something around the 800cc mark to compete in 2012.

[Padmei]

Only when it lays horizontal is weight an issue right?
Just don't drop it, or more importantly, don't drop it alone...:(


I find that it's not the weight but where the weight is. My KLR & BMW weigh roughly the same - Fking heavy:apumpin:. if the kLR gets 3degrees off centre at a standstill then look out. The BMW when it falls kinda rocks like a weeble back up again.

[Devil]

How much does the rest of the bike weigh?

:bleh:

Crap
Under
Nordies
Tent.

Hint: Read down :bleh:

[rocketman1]

How could could Triumph get it so close to looking like a BMW 800GS without putting a BMW badge on. Imitation is the best form of flattery I suppose

[Ocean1]

Want to be able to have it repaired easily? Gotta be steel framed rather than alloy, up goes the weight again.

I've held the steel frame from my EXC in one hand and the alloy frame from a CR125 in the other. No contest, the alloy frame is much heavier. Alloy is used for motorcycle frames not because it's light but because it's manufacture doesn't require human labour. Can't catagorically say for sure which is more rigid but I bet the chromoly is.

Weight is not a strong factor for most buyers when choosing a bike, so it's not a serious design consideration. It should be.

[Monstaman]

Wet weights. Super Ten 261 kg, BMW 1200 gsa 256 , KTM 990 229, Triumph XC 214. Looks like a lightweight in comparison.

Agree with this, XC is still lighter than the big boys making it more user friendly all round.


Crap
Under
Nordies
Tent.

Hint: Read down :bleh:

:devil2: done and he has been


How could could Triumph get it so close to looking like a BMW 800GS without putting a BMW badge on. Imitation is the best form of flattery I suppose

... and reading the ADV Parallel Universe section they may have built it better forgiving it is a series 1

BMtroubleU are still having some of the same problems that they had back in 08, same gripes from the owners thus nothing is perfect eh, lets just hope it is not wired by Luigi :eek:.

I think for the weight difference it is a serious contender straight off the shelf, all the usual farkles will still be need to make it how YOU want it.

[warewolf]

I've held the steel frame from my EXC in one hand and the alloy frame from a CR125 in the other. No contest, the alloy frame is much heavier. Alloy is used for motorcycle frames not because it's light but because it's manufacture doesn't require human labour. Can't catagorically say for sure which is more rigid but I bet the chromoly is.Dunno that human labour comes in to it, everything is welded by robots these days, izit? IIRC alloy can distort when welded, unlike or much more so than steel, so is baked to relax it afterwards. Seem to remember Hinckley Triumph did something clever with their welding process on the alloy swingarms to avoid that distortion.

Possibly the alloy is stiffer. Ally alloys are bulkier than steel for the same strength even though they may be lighter, which means they can triangulate for better stiffness. In the Doohan era, 500GP bikes started to get frames too stiff to feedback to the riders, so Honda selectively polished parts of the alloy frames to create appropriate flex. Absolute rigidity is not necessarily the ultimate goal when you want some shock absorption.

KTM steel frames are also CrMo steel, which are significantly lighter & stronger than standard steel. Dunno what everybody else uses, could be CrMo, too.

Gack! It's been too long since I was doing materials physics at uni, drawing crystalline structures, phase diagrams, physical testing etc of alloys. :sleep:

[Ocean1]

Dunno that human labour comes in to it, everything is welded by robots these days, izit? IIRC alloy can distort when welded, unlike or much more so than steel, so is baked to relax it afterwards. Seem to remember Hinckley Triumph did something clever with their welding process on the alloy swingarms to avoid that distortion.

Distortion during welding is more of a problem with steels than Aluminium. Particularly with medium carbon or high tensile steels. Welding alloy does fuck the temper, though, so you have to post-weld heat treat the frame. That may be what Triumph were doing with their swingarms. Side note: BSA once constructed an argon atmosphere welding room so they could make Ti MX frames, (Pre-TIG technology). The frames failed, it cost them the championship. Ti is an utter bitch to weld to this day.



Possibly the alloy is stiffer. Ally alloys are bulkier than steel for the same strength even though they may be lighter, which means they can triangulate for better stiffness. In the Doohan era, 500GP bikes started to get frames too stiff to feedback to the riders, so Honda selectively polished parts of the alloy frames to create appropriate flex. Absolute rigidity is not necessarily the ultimate goal when you want some shock absorption.

Designers might well triangulate frame assemblies, but they don’t tend to, the marketing accountants tend to win that particular battle. Most alloy frames are made up of cast or forged parts and extrusions. The extrusions are tubular, same as a steel frame. The cast or forged parts are invariably single sided shells, not very ridged. Be nice if they were closed shells but that’d be very expensive to make. Also, the welding automation would then need to be as sophisticated as that for a full tube frame, possible but difficult.

I don’t subscribe to the theory that frames should flex. I think they should be as ridged as possible within a reasonable mass budget. Suspension elements are there to deal with and effectively control wheel movement, if designed-in chassis flex produces better results it’s because the suspension isn’t doing it’s job properly.

Tubular space frames are expensive to make, but in my experience they’re more ridged and a lot lighter than a modern alloy bike frame.

[warewolf]

I don’t subscribe to the theory that frames should flex. I think they should be as ridged as possible within a reasonable mass budget. Suspension elements are there to deal with and effectively control wheel movement, if designed-in chassis flex produces better results it’s because the suspension isn’t doing it’s job properly.How much does your "effective" suspension flex left-right? A bike on its side in a corner tends to negate much of the suspension's action since the forces are no longer operating in the same plane.

I would have thought the top 500GP teams would have pretty effective suspension.

btw I think you mean "rigid" not "ridged". Ridges are another design element to add rigidity.

[Ocean1]

How much does your "effective" suspension flex left-right? A bike on its side in a corner tends to negate much of the suspension's action since the forces are no longer operating in the same plane.

I would have thought the top 500GP teams would have pretty effective suspension.


Yes, a bike on it's side or a rider hanging off the inside does apply lateral force to the wheels but I don't see why they need to deflect sideways. I'd say "effective" suspension is that which has minimal friction in spite of that lateral loading, and which will nonetheless control the wheel movement to best effect. Don't see how allowing the frame to do lateral suspension duty is going to contribute to best control practice.

As far as the GP dudes go I'd be dissapointed if they didn't try pretty much everything that occurs to them. I'd be interested to know if anyone's deliberately compromised their frames since the advent of sophistocated on board telemetry.


btw I think you mean "rigid" not "ridged". Ridges are another design element to add rigidity.

Correct.

And correct.

[Kickaha]

As far as the GP dudes go I'd be dissapointed if they didn't try pretty much everything that occurs to them. I'd be interested to know if anyone's deliberately compromised their frames since the advent of sophistocated on board telemetry.


I don't know if i would use the word "compromised" but they have engineered in frame flex in different areas as a result of testing or rider feedback

[cold comfort]

Tried out the shiny orange demo kindly loaned from McIvor and Veitch. Picked it up after work on Sat and had it all day today. Couldn't have been a better day as well.
The mission was to ascertain its suitability for carrying me and the missus over a days riding on various road surfaces and inevitable comparison with my now sold Multistrada.(some would say all NZ's sealed roads are various, but I digress).
Took in a loop from Dunners via Middlemarch, Danseys Pass Moeraki return.
Engine- very SMOOTH. They have the mapping right and throttle response is crisp though not aggressive. Great to say goodbye to the snatchy Ducati version.Nice linear power. 6th gear definitely overdrive, not for passing.
The sticky on the tank advised keeping the revs below 5000 rpm so not a true test of acceleration. Having said that it pulled strongly with 2 up and did not disappoint. Nice growly engine note too.
Comfort- again blew away the Mouldystrudel. Wife very comfy for 4 of the 5 hrs when knees starting to feel stiff and my bum requiring a little lateral movement. She rated it as good if not better than the Bandit.
Wind protection quite adequate. My first impression was of buffeting over 70 km/hr but strangely 2 up it was fine (?change in angle of attack) On reflection having the seat on the lowest setting may have had something to do with it (it may have been higher when i first took it for a quick run solo)
Handling- bloody brilliant. For a 21in front handled twisty asphalt with ease. Boot contact in a few exuberant corners but NO peg contact (unlike the Ducati "sports bike").
The "dreaded" Battlewings, while not as confidence inspiring as a more aggressive pattern,handled the loose stuff with no tendency to front end wash and never gave me a moments concern cornering under power. Again allowing for my pedestrian skills,concern for (a) my wife (b) the loan bike i was not riding with the enthusiasm reserved for my DR!
Brakes- some criticism elsewhere of front being inadequate but i found them fine particularly as i was having to brake more to avoid over revving with engine braking.(the 5000 limit again).
Instrument layout is good. Easy to see for those older gentlemen like myself who prefer to read things at arms reach!

Downside- getting nabbed on the coast by the revenue collector for $120 plus 20 demerits for watching the road/ traffic instead of compulsively staring at the speedo whilst overtaking..:facepalm:
Oh well, C'est la vie. Still cheap bike hire for a day.:niceone:

[Eddieb]

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