Triumph Tiger XR Review

Back in 2012 when Triumph displayed their line of bikes we had bikers day dreaming and fan boys having sleepless nights to see these bikes on road or may be able to buy one. Without wasting time Triumph launched in India in 2013 with a decent line-up with bikes like Bonneville, Street and Speed Triple, Daytona, Rocket 3 and the mighty Tiger Explorer. We ride the Triumph Tiger XR, read our in-depth review.

I was a lucky boy working at a dealership that had taken the franchise. Except for the Daytona as I cannot ride super sport bikes, I got to ride all and was overwhelmed by the Tiger. It was big, bulky, monstrous, and scary. Well that was what the Tiger 1200 explorer was. Few months down the line they launched the XCa and XCx which was an 800 cc Tiger. This was a bike, made to do almost the same things as the explorer but much more affordable and much less intimidating. Finally in 2016 Triumph launched a new line of the Tiger 800 to further reduce cost and add some value added features along with making the bike a BS4 compliant. The line up was Tiger 800 XR, XRx, XCx, XCa. XR being the base model.

Triumph Tiger XR Price in India

Even with the INR 10+ Lakhs, this is still the 3rd cheapest Adventure Tourer. 1st being the R.E Himalayan and 2nd being the Kawasaki Versys 650. All three are worlds apart in terms of price with Himalayan being approx INR 2 lakhs, the Versys 650 approximately INR 7.8 lakhs and Tiger 800 Xr at an average of 13 lakhs. Even at this price the Triumph Tiger XR is the base model of the line up.

Also Read: Triumph Tiger XCa vs Ducati Multistrada 1200S – WORLD EXCLUSIVE

Triumph Tiger XR Top Speed

The Triumph Tiger XR does a top speed of 220 km/h as many 650 cc bikes do more This isn’t much for an 800 cc bike, but that is not what the Tiger is looking at. You can do 130 km/h and continue with almost the same speed over bad undulations or pot holes. You can even take the bike off-roading.

Triumph Tiger XR Specifications

Triumph Tiger XR Dimensions

Also Read: Kawasaki Versys 100 Review

Triumph Tiger XR Design

Despite its large dimensions Triumph has tried to keep the look more for utility rather than aesthetic value. The 1st thing you will notice is the large owl’s eyes like headlamps staring at you. Above that is the big windscreen/visor. This is a good wind deflector and works really well unless you are an extremely tall person. Sadly the visor is not adjustable. The long travel suspension with its upside down forks give the bike a rugged look. The tank supports a small fairing, giving the tank a dual tone look. Triumph Tiger XR’s tank is huge and why not it is a massive 19-litre. When we look at the base of this bike, you notice the ground clearance and instantly know that this bike is meant to go places. Triumph has tried to reduce weight and yet keep the bike strong by adding a tubular steel trellis frame.

This chassis is visible and makes the bike look tough. Something that i love is the way the exhaust goes just below the seat like a proper off roader, not many adventure bikes have the exhaust mounted so high. Helps in water wading height a lot. Lot of people question if the pillion is affected by the exhaust heat, well no as triumph has added very good heat insulators. Just like the bike both the rider’s seat along with pillion seat are massive and are extremely comfortable.

Triumph Tiger XR Gadgets

The LED parallel line tail lamp looks classy over this rugged vehicle. At the front the digital instru-cluster gives every info you want and has an analogue tachometer. This is two things I did not like about the bike and that was that the rear foot pegs are attached to the chassis. If at all it breaks on a fall, all the best fixing it back. Also the rear suspension connection extends down and can be a chance of getting hit is not taken care off. I feel Triumph need to rectify this issue in this otherwise near perfect bike. 

Also Read: Ducati Scrambler vs Kawasaki Versys 650

Triumph Tiger XR Engine and Transmission

This 800 cc generates a decent 94 bhp. Now this engine is tuned for high torque. The power feels less as Triumph’s over bike, the Daytona being a 675 cc engine generates 120 odd bhp. The huge 79 Nm torque helps reduce gear shifts and it is so well done that if you are in 6th gear you can come down to a speed of 30 km/h and it pulls all the way to 220 km/h. The 94 bhp is more than enough to cruise all day doing long distances as that is what this bike is meant to do.

Also Read: Aprilia Tuono V4 Review 

TriumphTiger XR Mileage

Triumph claims an efficiency of 22 km/l. This is an outstanding figure for an 800 cc bike. Some owners even claim 23+ km/l. With a humongous 19 litre tank, you can do a easy 370+ km before hitting a fuel stop. That in my opinion is a big blessing. Also that is a mind boggling task by a 800 cc bike. 

Triumph Tiger XR Ride and Handling

Considering its larger proportions, it is a very intimidating bike to ride when you just mount the bike. But once you get going this bike begins to grow on you. The wide handlebars and the low centre of gravity work well in sync. The bike is quick off the line and thanks to the large torque figures and very well laid out gear ratio, riding long distances becomes really easy. I tried using the bike in traffic and I have to say it may not be as good as a daily commuter but it can be used rather easily. Only things to look out for is the engine heat and the larger turning radius. But once you get going everything seems to be a breeze.

Yes it is an adventure bike and it is not meant for corners. If you try, you will get the feeling of looking down from a balcony. Triumph Tiger XR may not be too fast but you don’t have to slow down either. The traction control takes a bit getting used to as it worked very well when i hit a gravel patch, it did not let the rear wheel over spin. At the same time it can be tricky as when I jumped over a speed breaker there was a loss in power, and all of a sudden a surge. This creates a heart in the mouth situation. I am happy that Triumph decided to put Metzeler Tourance tyres and they provide excellent grip and can be used or dual purpose too.

At 213 kgs this is no paper weight but you don’t feel the weight very easily. The Nissin brakes work exceptionally well to stop even this raging bull. Both the suspensions work well to soak bumps and also aren’t too soft to make you lose complete confidence while cornering.

Triumph Tiger 800 XR Colours

The Tiger XR is available in the following colours

• Crystal White
• Jet Black

And yes my eyes are filled with tears of joy as it does come in Black.