Tuesday, January 28, 2025

Triumph Tiger 800 vs. Other Adventure Bikes

 

Triumph Tiger 800 vs. Other Adventure Bikes: What You Need to Know

Adventure bikes have gained immense popularity over the years, offering riders a perfect combination of on-road comfort and off-road capability. Among the numerous options available, the Triumph Tiger 800 has become a standout choice, competing fiercely against other adventure bikes in its class. But how does it truly measure up? In this blog post, we’ll compare the Triumph Tiger 800 to other notable adventure motorcycles, highlighting its strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision.

What Makes the Triumph Tiger 800 Unique?

The Triumph Tiger 800, first introduced in 2010, has carved a niche for itself as a versatile and reliable adventure bike. With its inline-three engine, comfortable ergonomics, and a host of rider-friendly features, it offers an exceptional blend of performance and practicality. Over the years, Triumph has refined the Tiger 800, making it a worthy contender in the competitive mid-weight adventure bike segment.

Key features of the Triumph Tiger 800 include:

  • 800cc Inline-Three Engine: Smooth, linear power delivery with a unique character.

  • Ergonomic Design: Adjustable seat height, upright seating position, and wide handlebars for optimal comfort.

  • Advanced Rider Aids: ABS, traction control, riding modes, and a slipper clutch.

  • Versatility: Equally capable on tarmac and light off-road trails.

With that in mind, let’s see how the Triumph Tiger 800 compares to other popular adventure bikes.

Triumph Tiger 800 vs. BMW F850GS

The BMW F850GS is another strong contender in the mid-weight adventure bike category. Known for its German engineering and rugged design, the F850GS is often pitted against the Triumph Tiger 800.

Performance

The BMW F850GS is powered by an 853cc parallel-twin engine, delivering 90 horsepower and 86 Nm of torque. While its engine is slightly more powerful than the Tiger 800’s 94 horsepower and 79 Nm of torque, the Tiger’s inline-three engine offers a smoother and more refined power delivery, especially at lower RPMs. This makes the Tiger more forgiving for new riders and easier to manage in stop-and-go traffic.

Comfort and Ergonomics

Both bikes offer excellent ergonomics, but the Triumph Tiger 800 edges out with its adjustable seat height (810mm to 830mm) and a more upright riding position. The BMW F850GS, on the other hand, has a seat height of 860mm, which may be challenging for shorter riders.

Off-Road Capability

The BMW F850GS is often regarded as more off-road-oriented, thanks to its 21-inch front wheel and long-travel suspension. While the Tiger 800’s 19-inch front wheel and slightly shorter suspension travel make it more suited for on-road touring, it still performs admirably on light off-road trails.

Technology

Both bikes come equipped with advanced rider aids, but the Triumph Tiger 800’s intuitive controls and clear TFT display make it more user-friendly. BMW’s interface can feel more complex, especially for riders who are new to adventure bikes.

Verdict

If your priorities on-road comfort and a refined engine, the Triumph Tiger 800 is the better choice. However, if hardcore off-roading is your main focus, the BMW F850GS might be more suitable.

Triumph Tiger 800 vs. Yamaha Tenera 700

The Yamaha Tenera 700 has made waves in the adventure bike market, offering a no-nonsense approach to off-road riding at an affordable price point. But how does it compare to the Triumph Tiger 800?

Performance

The Yamaha Tenera 700 is powered by a 689cc parallel-twin engine, producing 72 horsepower and 68 Nm of torque. While it’s less powerful than the Tiger 800, the Tenera’s lighter weight (205 kg vs. the Tiger’s 205 kg dry weight) gives it an edge in off-road agility. However, the Tiger’s triple-cylinder engine offers a more engaging and smoother riding experience on the road.

Comfort

The Tiger 800’s comfort-focused design makes it a better choice for long-distance touring. Its adjustable windscreen, plush seat, and superior wind protection ensure a comfortable ride on motorways. The Tenera 700, while capable, has a more minimalist approach, with less emphasis on rider comfort.

Off-Road Capability

The Tenera 700 is a clear winner when it comes to off-road performance. Its 21-inch front wheel, high ground clearance, and rugged design make it a true off-road machine. The Tiger 800, while capable of handling trails, is more at home on tarmac and light off-road routes.

Technology

In terms of technology, the Triumph Tiger 800 outshines the Tenera 700. With its advanced rider aids, TFT display, and multiple riding modes, the Tiger offers a more modern and feature-rich experience. The Tenera 700 focuses on simplicity, which appeals to purists but may leave tech-savvy riders wanting more.

Verdict

Choose the Triumph Tiger 800 if you want a well-rounded adventure bike with modern features and excellent on-road comfort. opt for the Yamaha Tenera 700 if you’re looking for a rugged, off-road-focused machine.

Triumph Tiger 800 vs. Honda Africa Twin 1100

The Honda Africa Twin 1100 is a larger and more powerful adventure bike, often considered a step above the Tiger 800. However, it’s worth comparing the two to see how they stack up.

Performance

The Africa Twin 1100 is powered by a 1,084cc parallel-twin engine, producing 100 horsepower and 105 Nm of torque. While it’s significantly more powerful than the Tiger 800, its larger engine can be intimidating for new riders. The Tiger 800’s manageable power delivery makes it a more beginner-friendly option.

Comfort and Ergonomics

Both bikes are designed with comfort in mind, but the Africa Twin’s larger size and higher seat height (850mm to 870mm) may not be ideal for shorter riders. The Tiger 800’s adjustable seat height and compact design make it more accessible to a wider range of riders.

Off-Road Capability

The Africa Twin is renowned for its off-road prowess, with features like a 21-inch front wheel, long-travel suspension, and advanced off-road-focused electronics. While the Tiger 800 can handle off-road conditions, it’s not as specialized as the Africa Twin.

Technology

Both bikes are packed with technology, including multiple riding modes, ABS, and traction control. However, the Africa Twin’s advanced features, such as its optional Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT), give it an edge in terms of innovation. That said, the Tiger 800’s simpler interface may appeal to riders who prefer straightforward controls.

Verdict

The Honda Africa Twin 1100 is an excellent choice for experienced riders seeking a powerful and capable adventure bike. For new riders or those looking for a more manageable option, the Triumph Tiger 800 is the better fit.

Triumph Tiger 800 vs. KTM 790 Adventure

KTM’s 790 Adventure is a lightweight and aggressive adventure bike designed for off-road enthusiasts. How does it fare against the Tiger 800?

Performance

The KTM 790 Adventure is powered by a 799cc parallel-twin engine, producing 95 horsepower and 88 Nm of torque. It’s similar in power to the Tiger 800 but feels more aggressive due to its sharper throttle response. The Tiger’s smoother power delivery makes it more forgiving for new riders.

Handling and Agility

The KTM 790 Adventure’s lightweight design and low center of gravity give it exceptional off-road handling. It’s more agile than the Tiger 800 on challenging terrain. However, the Tiger offers better stability and comfort on highways and longer rides.

Technology

Both bikes are well-equipped with advanced technology, but the KTM 790 Adventure leans towards off-road-oriented features, such as its Rally mode and adjustable traction control. The Tiger 800, with its all-around focus, offers a broader range of features suitable for various riding conditions.

Verdict

Choose the KTM 790 Adventure if off-road performance is your top priority. For a balanced adventure bike with strong on-road capabilities, the Triumph Tiger 800 is the way to go.

Conclusion

The Triumph Tiger 800 is a versatile and well-rounded adventure bike that holds its own against competitors like the BMW F850GS, Yamaha Tenera 700, Honda Africa Twin 1100, and KTM 790 Adventure. While each bike has its strengths and weaknesses, the Tiger 800’s smooth engine, comfortable design, and advanced rider aids make it a standout choice, especially for new riders or those looking for an all-purpose adventure motorcycle.

When choosing your next adventure bike, consider your riding style, priorities, and experience level. If you value comfort, versatility, and modern features, the Triumph Tiger 800 deserves a spot at the top of your list. Whether you’re exploring winding roads or venturing off

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