Triumph Announces Major Updates to Tiger 800 XC and XR
Tiger 800 gets a host of performance, technology & styling updates for 2018.

The Tiger 800 XC and XR, known for their powerful 800cc triple engines, are part of a bloodline that began with gold-medal winning Tigers of the 1936 International Six Day Trial. Triumph was the motorcycle of choice for both the multiple winning British teams and famously Steve McQueen’s US ride entry in 1964. Decades later, the story continues with a new generation that takes the Tiger’s capability to a whole new level.
The new, significantly updated Tiger 800 XC and XR family has received over 200 chassis and engine upgrades. These are complemented by a suite of major off-road improvements that work hand-in-hand with carefully crafted on-road enhancements. Triumph has specifically targeted improvements to technology, comfort, and style alongside the introduction of a new generation engine that maximizes the rider experience. As a result, the new Tiger 800 is better in every way – both on road and off.
“We’ve developed a host of major new technology and performance updates designed to enhance the new Tiger 800’s capability both on and off-road. With developments that complement the Tiger’s accessible and agile, easy riding style, as well as its existing distinctive Tiger poise and presence, the new 800 line-up is built for maximum adventure – every single day.” – Paul Stroud, Chief Commercial Officer for Triumph Motorcycles.
Improvements To Tiger 800’s Off-Road Capability
• More than 200 upgrades to the chassis and engine.
• More responsive, optimized Triple engine.
• New shorter 1st Gear enhances traction, low-speed maneuvering & acceleration.
• New lighter, free-flowing silencer with improved exhaust note.
• New “Off Road Pro” riding mode, with a choice of up to six riding modes.
• New five position adjustable screen.
Technology Advances
Every new Tiger 800 represents a huge step-up in rider technology with improvements including full-color TFT instruments, up to six riding modes, high-specification Brembo front brakes, optimized suspension configurations, handlebar-mounted switches incorporating elegant backlit buttons, distinctive signature all-LED lighting, updated cruise control, enhanced chassis, and premium bodywork. All of these add to the Tiger 800’s extensive core state of the art Technology
Major Triple Engine Update
A mass-optimized 800cc Triple engine now gives more immediate power delivery and a peak power output of 94 HP. It has even more character and a lighter exhaust system with a sportier soundtrack that together transform the new generation engine. There is a new, shorter ratio first gear to enhance off-road traction, all-road low speed responsiveness, and more immediate acceleration that gives the rider a truly thrilling feel. In addition, the new Off-Road Pro riding mode on the XC models allows an advanced rider to take complete control off road.
Improved Ergonomics
Triumph has enhanced the rider ergonomics across the whole Tiger 800 range. This includes moving the handlebars back by 10mm for a more commanding riding position, higher specification Brembo front brakes, new Showa adjustable front suspension, new handbook-approved off-road tire specification fitment, new five-position single hand adjustable windscreen and aero diffusers for segment-leading aero protection, and a new seat compound giving all-day riding comfort.
Signature Styling and Premium Finish
Tiger signature styling is now even stronger across the latest 800 range. New premium bodywork includes high quality painted finishes with updated side panel designs, along with higher quality badges, graphics and detailing to deliver real presence. This also gives each Tiger a more contemporary and dynamic stance that highlights the on and off-road bias of each model, while retaining the distinctive and instantly recognizable Tiger 800 silhouette.
Tiger 800 XC and XR Core Technology
The Tiger 800’s trademark handling and category-defining core technologies are the foundation of this bike’s superb riding experience. All the Tigers’ essential adventure standards are maintained with ABS, traction control, ride-by-wire throttle, cruise control, heated seats and grips, power sockets, and a two-position seat height (810-830mm on XR models, 840-860mm on XC models) adjustable by 20mm to suite riding style and terrain, and a low ride height XRx model variant that at 760 mm is 50mm lower than the standard XR range of seats.
Different Tiger 800 models
From the road-focused Tiger XR, mid spec XRX and range topping XRT, to the off-road hungry Tiger XCX and fully-loaded XCA – not forgetting the XRx low ride height model – Triumph has aimed to make available a Tiger 800 for every person, every ride and every adventure.
The new Tiger 800s are expected to start arriving on US showroom floors around mid-February 2018. Prices to be announced.
2018 Triumph Tiger 800 Specs
Engine Type: | Liquid-cooled 12 valve, DOHC, in-line 3-cylinder |
Displacement: | 800cc |
Bore & Stroke: | 74.05 x 61.9mm |
Max. Power Output: | 94 HP @ 9,500rpm |
Max. Torque: | 58 ft-lbs @ 8,050rpm |
Compression: | 11.3:1 |
Fuel System: | Multipoint sequential EFI |
Exhaust: | Stainless steel 3 into 1 header system, stainless steel silencer |
Clutch: | Wet, multi-plate |
Gearbox: | 6 speed |
Final Drive: | O-ring chain |
Frame Type: | Tubular steel trellis |
Suspension (front): | (Showa for XRs and WP on XCs) 43mm upside down forks (adjustable rebound and compression damping on XC and XRT models) |
Suspension Travel (front): | XR: 7.41 in. (180mm); XRx Low: 5.5 in. (140mm); XC: 8.7 in. (220mm) |
Suspension (rear): | Cast aluminium swing arm, (Showa for XRs and WP on XCs) mono-shock, hydraulically-adjustable preload, remote oil reservoir on XC |
Suspension Travel (rear): | XR: 6.7 in. (170mm); XRx Low: 5.9 in. (150mm); XC: 8.5 in. (215mm) |
Brakes Front: | Twin 305mm floating discs, Brembo 2 piston sliding capipers, Switchable ABS |
Brakes Rear: | Single 255mm disc, Nissin single piston sliding caliper, Switchable ABS |
Tires Front: | XR: 100/90-19; XC: 90/90-21 |
Tires Rear: | 150/70-17 |
Wheels Front: | XR: Cast aluminum 19 x 2.5 in.; XC: Wire spoke 21 x 2.15 in. |
Wheels Rear: | XR: Cast aluminum 17 x 4.25 in.; XC: Wire spoke 17 x 4.25 in. |
Seat Height (STD/Low): | XR: 31.9/32.7 in.; XRx Low: 29.9/30.7 in.; XC: 33.1/33.9 in. |
Height (without mirrors): | 53.1 in. |
Rake: | XR: 23.8º; XC: 23.4º |
Trail: | XR: 3.41 in.; XRx Low: 3.39 in.; XC: 3.68 in. |
Length: | 87.2 in. |
Wheelbase: | XR: 60.2 in.; XC: 60.8 in. |
Dry Weight: | XR: 428 lbs.; XRx: 440 lbs.; XRx Low 438 lbs.; XRT: 441 lbs.; XCx: 452 lbs.; XCA: 459 lbs. |
Fuel Capacity: | 5.0 US Gallons |
Fuel consumption: | 50.5 mpg |
Color Options: | Crystal White, Matt Cobalt Blue, Siver Ice, Jet Black, Lucerne Blue, Matt Jet Black, Marine Green |
Price: | XR: $12,000; XRx: $13,650; XRx LRH: $13,650; XRt: $15,350; XC:$14,450; XCa: $15,850 |
Availability: | End of February 2018 |
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This has me desiring a test ride on an XC model. I test rode one about 5 years ago, and the thing that made me decide to not buy, was the amount of heat from the motor that was dumped on the rider. Living in the AZ. desert, well, that was gonna be a non-starter. The pictures above show a radiator with a duct that looks like it pretty much does the same thing, aimed right at the rider’s thigh. Oh Well, we’ll see…
I ride in NorCal around Sacramento… and up to Oregon, over to Nevada and even down to Baja. Yes, the heat is pronounced off the Tiger 800xc, as it was on a Sprint ST — the latter almost cooked my balls from that underseat exhaust. That said, if you stand and ride in dirt or quickly on pavement it’s not oppressive on the the Tiger 800xc and very much appreciated in late fall, winter and spring… to keep you warm and dry you off. 😉
Any word on if the forks are adjustable? I can not tell from the pictures, and text is silent on this point.
Preload adjustable only, out back at the shock. Is that correct?
Hi Bob. Looks like the forks come with adjustable rebound and compression damping on the XRT, XCX and XCA models only. And the rear shock is preload adjustable only on all models.
Thanks! I was hoping Triumph had not forgotten this important part of the off-road setup puzzle. They got major dissed in the magazines on the previous revision models, for not “walking the walk”, off-road. No to see what the heat levels are going to be, from the engine to the rider.
I love my 2013 Tiger 800xc and it does a lot of dirt, gravel and even mud. All the new tech and improvements sound like a win-win, but PLEASE Triumph include proper 50/50 tires for the XC range instead of anemic 90/10 tires when purchased — the 90/10 tires are perfect for the XR range.
Easily solved with a little give ‘n take when negotiating the purchase deal? “I got to have these 50/50 tires, or no deal”?
Off topic but what brand gear is the rider wearing in the first photo?
Thanks
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