I had a 2012 Tiger 800XC for 10 years (60000km) and just bought a 2024 Tiger 900 RP. I miss my 800 but the new 900 is improved in just about every way. 4000km on the new bike and counting. ❤ it. I added barkbusters, wider pegs and proper ADV tires. Great content. Thx.
@@TripodFrancois I've ridden all Hinckley Tiger models, as a road rider I much prefer the 800 or the 1050's over the lumpy vibey T plane 900's or 1200's. I'd much rather take a smaller Honda XR or Suzuki DRZ on the rare occasion I want to abuse a bike off road .
Had a tiger 800 xcx was a great bike but got written off after someone knocked it over and bent the frame nice to see the new tigers have addressed the frame issue currently ride a 1200 xrt now and in love with it!
Jimslip… you saying the old 800 is better and smoother than a 2024 Tiger ?, (not ‘22 or ‘23 year), if so …you do not know what you’re on about !!!! Fact ! I had a 800 and swapped to ‘24 model and they are worlds apart, there is nothing I prefer on earlier gen !
Really appreciate this comparison!!! I bought a used 2012 800xc . Have had it for 3 yrs and put 20000 of my own miles on it. Super reliable machine. It's my only bike. Been wanting to upgrade to a newer used 900 or used KTM 1190 or even a brand new DR650 :) But, the 800 . I love the engine and the suspension upgrades , heed crash protection, and other tweaks I've made. 3 yrs into it and I'm still enjoying this bike. Makes it hard to replace..
Did a Triumph demo the other day and got to ride the new 900 rally and it was far and away my favorite of everything I got to ride from them that day. I liked it so much I'm seriously contemplating buying one. Just felt like a magic carpet to me. Even the thrum eeking thru the rubber mounted bits felt to be a perfect in level and frequency. My only small gripe was the windscreen was noisy no matter where I set it. I see Vstream makes a replacement and I've had great luck with them. I'm sure it will cure that particular issue. It's also too tall for me, but dog bone links are available to lower it too.
I had a Tiger 800 for 4 years and wanted to trade for the 900 when it came out. I loved the looks, but hated the engine, so they lost a sale. They should have stuck to the 120 degree crank in the GT versions at least. Very few people ride adventure bikes off road.
You should try the 2024- updated version. I think Triumph realized they were losing potential sales to people like you and addressed the problem rather well. Incredible engine.
@@TheSloppiestJoe The vibration and noise is awful on the 900. The increase in engine heat is even worse. I own a '22 model. My wife has an 800 Tiger and I also own a 955 Tiger. Both are way smoother and don't sound like a paint can full of nuts and bolts on a paint mixing machine. I found the '24 model no better. I just went back to riding my 955. I have always loved Triumphs, but never again.
@@bobbydill6388 saying you found the 2024 model "no better" only indicates how unserious you are and how little one should take what you say under consideration
@@TheSloppiestJoe You do not know me, so you have no idea how serious I am. I am a factory trained motorcycle mechanic with many years experience. I've put over 300,00 miles on motorcycles. I've put over 100,00 on just one of my bikes I have now. Not serious? The new '24 tiger still vibrates. It still sounds like the engine is coming apart, and it still puts out too much engine heat! It has a whole extra 6 horsepower. Wow. If you like it then fine, just remember we are all allowed to have our own opinion. My ride showed me that the '24 model was no better than my '22 model. Not good enough for me. Triumph can and should do better. Start by going back to the old engine firing order, then redoing the fairing for heat exhaust like on the '24 1200 Tiger. Think what you want to, and so will I. I'm done with this subject.
@@bobbydill6388 Yes, not serious. I don't need to know you, your comments are enough. For example: it has +13 hp vs the 20-23 models, not 6. The impression is you're making things up. So I agree, no need to keep wasting my time
I have a 2011 800XC that I rode two up around the Americas (Alaska to Ushuaia and MANY places in between) from June 2014 to March 2024. 104,000 miles in total. I'm back in the UK with the 800XC which is now receiving some much deserved TLC. In March this year I picked up a new 900 Rally Pro. I would say that the new bike is quantifiably better in every way than the 800XC. However, I'm not sure the 900 is significantly better overall than the 800, if that makes sense. Yes, the tech is nice, tubeless rims etc are great. Maybe I just need to put more miles (currently at 2,000) on the 900 and do some trips (New Zealand and Australia planned for 2024, 2025 and 2026, between 18 months and 2 years in total). Not sure yet which bike to take on the next trip. Head says 900, heart says 800 🙂
@@brianErickson-bx9hp Mostly regular maintenance. Any mechanical issues we had could be attributed to specific incidents. For example, new radiator required in Peru after being hit hard by some flying object, broken rear wheel rim after hitting unmarked tope (sleeping policeman) in Mexico at speed. Significant repairs included replacing starter motor brushes and a new rear shock which wasn't surprising given the beating it took. The stepper motor was bypassed at about 50,000 miles, I renewed the coolant hoses once they reached about 11 years old (they were getting hard), I replaced the inlet rubbers as a precaution having read of some owners have cracked rubbers and the fuel pump was replaced at about 85,000 miles mostly due to it being full of cr@p having spent 3 months in Bolivia with their sh!t fuel . Really, given that we were loaded, two up, and rode some really rough dirt roads the bike did fantastically well. We will never sell it.
Been rocking a '16 800XCx for a while now. On and off road, does great on both. Can't justify dropping a bunch of cash for minor (in my opinion) upgrades. The wheels and removable pillion pegs are nice though. Everything else is just nice but not necessary.
Sure the T-plane gets a bit busy in the higher revs but for me, the low end torque for around town and when going off road (which I do regularly), are worth the extra vibes…
Triumph, according to me, unfairly compared the Tiger 800 and 900 in terms of torque delivery at the beginning. In the charts they showed the 900 was supposedly much better against the 800 because of the T-plane. In my opinion, if the 800 cranked engine had a larger capacity then the differences would be much smaller and possibly meaningless. But in that case, the new version would not be image-wise as good as they showed. Of course, I'm not saying that the Tiger 900 is bad, it's just a slightly different motorcycle than many fans expected. Of course, marketing unfortunately has its own rules.
@@abartos That may very well be true in terms of of pure numbers, but the T-Plane creates another trick well known and only truly useful off-road (or on any slippery surface), which is allowing the tire to regain traction as a result of the pause between the firing of cylinders 2 and 3… but only serves those using the bike in those conditions, which might be only half of those with the Rally and very few with the GT.
@@SylvainSlyTherriault You are right about the pause while transferring power to the wheel. Too bad we can't have cranking as a configuration option:) It would also be quite interesting to offer the GT version with 120 degree crank, and the Rally with T-Plane.
After a few hours on the rally pro, the hotspots under my butt tend to get a little tender. Off road, I find it to be a beast. Second gear above 2500 rpm works well for me. The torque of the triple has gotten me out of many situations. Feels really top heavy with a full tank of fuel offload. I considered changing the rear sprocket for a slightly better down low torque, but riding at speed would become way to buzzy.
I bought my 2019 Tiger 800 XCa new. I’ve loved it every mile. Got to admit the 24 model 900 RP is very enticing, I don’t fancy another monthly payment. BTW the newish tubeless rims are a major pull for me, yet mine is paid for.
Couldn't get on with the T-Plane crank, in fact it cost Triumph a sale. Couldn't work out why triumph dont offer their smooth triple engines on the road versions of their adventure tourers?
snap. Me too. I've loved the two 120 degree triple Triumph bikes I've had. Triumph might have sold me a 900 Tiger . They could also do with having a 17 inch front wheel and road biased handling. I don't want to go off road. Currently I'm more likely to buy a Yammie Tracer 9GT which doesn't have T plane silliness.
Just for balance, I love the T plane in my GT pro. The grunt the sound through the Akrapovic and just the whole feeling, I actually don’t want everything silky smooth it would feel a bit to sanitised for me. Each to their own it wouldn’t do for everyone to be the same.
@karlosh9286 what got me is the 900 is still using the 100/90/19. Tyre that the 800 had. All new bike but still this tyre. And everyone just fits a 110/80/19. Anyway.
Drop the front sprocket on your 800 to a 15-tooth or 14-tooth for lots of off-road torque, which will completely transform the 800. The engine is so smooth that there will still be no noticeable vibration on the highway. The OEM 16-tooth sprocket is too tall, especially for two-up riding in town. Add Galfer front rotors; then the 800 is very competitive with the current 900s. I have also upgraded both ends of the WP suspension (springs and tuned valving), so it is difficult for my riding buddies with 900s and me to decide which bike is better, other than everyone likes the smooth triple over the T plane on the pavement.
I almost bought a Tiger 900 Rally Pro. But for a number of financial reasons I dropped my budget right down and bought a cheap Tiger 800 roadie. It may not be quite as technically as good but it's close enough and cost a fraction of the price. It's still a geat bike, especially on road with the smoother engine.
Great vid, doesn't help though, I have a 2nd gen 800xc, love it to ride, have ridden the 900 and love that more, will be the replacement, if your taking it off-road the changed are game changers, its narrower lower CG, T-plane crank gives much more instant low grunt, just a little annoyed at having to be stationary to change mode, and the poor tyre choice they fit as standard, come on Triumph, at least fit 80/20's
the '18 / '19 800 XCA is a great bike. Overall it is very capable, and the motor is fantastic. To make it more competitive with your riding buddies on KTM 890 Adventure R's for off road riding, add two teeth on the rear sprocket, and replace the rear shock. Alternatively you could drop one tooth off the countershaft - which works great off-road, but is a bit too much for high speed highway. But either gearing change vastly improves the 800's low end performance! Obviously the '24 Rally Pro (the new name for XCA) is more refined and has more horses. And if money was not an issue, most would choose the '24 model. I am torn on whether the tubeless wheels on the '24 are actually an 'upgrade'. There is a reason the KTM 890 Rally comes with tubes. And the '24 Tiger probably needs its shock replaced to be able to aggressively ride it off road also. Personally I love the sound and character of the '18 / '19 800 XCA motor much more than the '20-'23 Tiger 900 RP. But the '24 900 comes closer to the great sound and character of the 800! If one were to race the slightly upgraded 800 - with two more teeth on the rear sprocket and an upgraded shock - against a bone stock '24 Tiger - on and off road, I'm not sure the '24 tiger would be significantly faster, or consistently win. In fact, a shock upgraded 800 might be enough to give it the edge over the 900 - at least off road. I think both bikes are very capable, and you can't go wrong with either of them! This is the least expensive high quality shock for the 800 that I know of: (epmperformance.com/products/type-461-hose-attached-reservoir-shock-tr08-1ad-tiger-800-xcx-2016-2017?variant=49512046952727). Even though it says it's for the '16-'17 model, it also works on the '18-'19 model. Be sure to add the HPA for ease of adjustment.
I hope they do a rally version of the Tiger 660 if they could keep it around the 200kg mark and keep it low enough for less experienced riders it’d be a fantastic middle weight option. The 660 engine is a peach.
I have over 100,000 miles on my BMW 1200GS now plus I’m 75. I’m shopping for a middle weight ADV bike so I’m looking at BMW and Triumph. The lower and lighter the better as I’ll be riding this into my 80s. I’d consider the KTM 890 also but they’re having problems with the valve train so it’s not a contender.
Got a Tiger 800 XCA from 2019 with only 28000 miles / 45000 km. Already 2100 GPD / 2500 EUR in repairs. Crankshaft sensor had to be replaced (alternator included) and when TFT dashboard gets overheated half of the display doesnt lit up. Dashboard replacement is around 1400 GBP / 1700 EUR. Might be an awesome machine, but speaking from my experience, reliability not so much. Sorry for the rant.
The extra power/engine size doesn't really have anything to do with being newer. The big questions would be things like does the 21inch front/suspension handle better in twisties and which one handles better offroad?
I like both but for mostly highway miles, I think the 800 is good for me. Especially now that I've found some nearly new pre-owned 2016-2019 800XCa's, it's hard to spend 10k US $ more for a 24 tiger.
45000 joyful miles on my 3rd gen 800, tried the 900 but can't tolerate the vibes from the t-plane crank. Keeping my 800. Triumph please come to your senses and bring back the smooth triple, just add a little more flywheel mass and all will be good.
I disagree about the Metzler Tourance NEXT 2 OEM tyres, albeit I’m talking of my 2022 GT Pro and more recently my 2024 GT Pro. They are a compromise and a cross ply on the front rather than a more road orientated radial. On the GT Pro we have though a 19” so as you say they are likely better on the 21” front with the benefits a bias belted tyre gives for off-road. The issue I find is they tend to tramline and skip the cornering line at speed. Sure that’s easy to ride around but for me they don’t inspire confidence. My solution is fitting a 110/80 aspect ratio radial compared to the OEM 100/90 crossply. This is permissible for the rim width and there’s barely any difference in rolling diameter. It’s like you say, pick the bike and tyres for what you want to do mostly. Personally I run Dunlops. First I tried the Mutant which is a great all season tyre, then a TrailMax Meridian, but tomorrow I get Dunlop Road Smart III fitted, as more drier weather sport touring for me. All is compromise eh with these TallRounders as I’ve heard them called. For off-road I have a proper dirt bike.
These bikes are the two-wheeled equivalent of SUVs. Adventure motorbikes are becoming the new Touring rigs for a great many people. There is nothing wrong with that. NOTHING! New is often just that: Newer. An example of really new making enough of a difference for people to buy would be the new touring rigs from Harley-Davidson. The 2024 Electra Glides and Road Glides are tremendously improved and are selling better because of that. The Triumph 900 is equally impressive and should do well in its category! Thank you for a great comparison video! SS from the USA
Tiger 800 is the better bike for road use smoother engine, better fuel economy. Triumph should make two versions the road version with the smooth 120 degree crank ,and the of road version with the t plane crank. sales will determine which engine people prefer.
I had 2018 XRT tried the new 900 Pro didn't like the engine or the heat from the engine and the tft is pants compaired to 800 tft. Not everyone wants a super twin feel, bought a BMW instead.
I own a Tiger 800 xca for some years now and I'm looking to upgrade. Doubting between the Tiger 900 GT Pro and the Tracer 9 GT+. It's a damn shame Triumph doesn't offer a regular triple in this chassis. Not sure about the Tom Jones crank...On the other hand, the Tracer is not really a looker in my book. I rather prefer the looks of the Tiger. So, not sure where to go from here. Maybe I'll stick with my trusty 800 for now 😊
Someone at Triumph has a sense of humour it seems… I guess the T in T-plane is named for Tom Jones… at 7mins 25, if Motobob’s take on the T-plane’s cadence is correct, it sounds a bit like the opening bars of Tom Jone’s song (“It’s not unusual to be loved by anyone…”). 😂 @Jagknorr at just read your comment after writing mine…
My brand new 2013 Triumph Tiger 800XC was the absolute worst purchase I ever made. An absolute parade of "known issues" from poor paint, bad wheel powder coat and thin anodization. The mirror stems went from black to grey to bare steel in three years despite being stored indoors. The engine burned oil from new and had low compression on #3. Voltage regulators would pop every 3 years and blow out all the bulbs on the bike. Heated grips and horn failed in the first three years. Parts were always 6 weeks away. I also had two transmission failures in the first 3 years (shift shaft and shifter pawl). Interestingly, Triumph recalled the shift shaft in the Daytona but not the Tigers. The front wheel was plagued by stiction hop. My dealer had no interest in helping me and Triumph refused to warranty anything. After 3 years and 42k miles the bike was completely worn out. I was afraid to leave town on it. Until things have demonstrably changed, I will never buy another Triumph. One was enough for me.
Being a Greek proud owner of an XcX 800 2019 i have no intend changing it, as it looks and feels more of a real distinct MOTORBIKE...now they all tend to be lookalikes and at 52 i am done with electronics and gimmicks!!!
Triumph will never sell me a T plane crank triple . When it came out around 2020, at the time I thought it was silly. T plane crank triples are to me a gimmick and still very silly. Give me a 120 degree Triple any day. 120 degree triples are my favourite bike engine.
The marketing boys have lost the plot methinks ! I'm on my 9th 120 degree Triumph triple and love them, I'd like to change one of my 1050's so rode both 900 & 1200 Tigers, I honestly expected to buy but couldn't believe the horribly bad vibration resulting in numb hands & fingers in 20 mins. I'm a road rider & totally dismayed there's no big road sports tourer or sports bike with luggage capability. After 20 years of Triumphs I'm currently looking to swap brands !
@@Nell1052 yep. I really want a 120 degree Triple engined sports tourer. The Tiger Sport 1050 that went out of production a few years ago could do it , the new Tiger Sport 660 , well the engine will not be torquey enough for 2 up . That leaves the Tiger 900s and 1200s , they all have the horrendous T plane crank . I keep looking at a Yamaha Tracer 9GT !
@@chrishart8548 I'd like to see this comparison, however, I cant touch ground on the BM, The 900 is same height as my 800xc but with a narrower seat (at front) makes a huge difference
Not even close *WAY* better but yes, very much overengineered by and large (excepting the Honda Ct125 still the best motorbike ever made) and only getting better with ABS as standard, eclutch automatics and amazing electronics now plus connectivty fit and finish incredibe number of brands to choose from service and support and lifestyle #wingnuts
Very true (just look at the standard tyres) however, I'm a 70/30 (on/off) rider and I'd happily trade some of my on road for more off road, however I absolutely love my 800xc on-road, especially twisies
Biggest issue is the ever increasing prices. What are supposed to be “midrange” bikes are topping £15K with luggage, which is what the top end bike was not that long ago. Can’t wait to see more ~500cc parallel twins with 50hp at sub £7K. That or a used 800 seems a much more palatable proposition for those a bit cash strapped.
I had the 800xca and didn’t rate it someone at a meet who owned one described it as a mondeo and it summed it up perfectly did everything alright but won’t set your soul alight by any means very boring bike think I lasted 6-7 months before I traded it in only had 2000 miles on the clock and sometimes on start up it used to sound like the cam chain was going fall off cut out on acceleration turned out it was the cut out switch got faulty and when it vibrated under revs shut the bike off had to replace the whole cube heated grips were useless heated seat very good had the scorpion can as well but still sounded a bit tame loads of buffeting but I’m tall decent range on it cruise was good I’m glad it’s in the past 😂
I had a 2012 Tiger 800XC for 10 years (60000km) and just bought a 2024 Tiger 900 RP. I miss my 800 but the new 900 is improved in just about every way. 4000km on the new bike and counting. ❤ it. I added barkbusters, wider pegs and proper ADV tires. Great content. Thx.
yes agree. Loved the 800 xcx, got 900 RP for 18 months now and love it. 800 was awesome offroad, 900 a bit better.
i still have my 2012 xc and done 60k miles in the uk i tried the new 900 and i still prefer my xc over the new one
I agree it’s better but not 7k better which is my changeover cost, decided to keep the 800 XCA it also feels more substantial which I like
@@TripodFrancois I've ridden all Hinckley Tiger models, as a road rider I much prefer the 800 or the 1050's over the lumpy vibey T plane 900's or 1200's. I'd much rather take a smaller Honda XR or Suzuki DRZ on the rare occasion I want to abuse a bike off road .
Had a tiger 800 xcx was a great bike but got written off after someone knocked it over and bent the frame nice to see the new tigers have addressed the frame issue currently ride a 1200 xrt now and in love with it!
I got the new 2024 Tiger 900 RP and have had no issues doing 900+kms in a day the vibrations are very little. It is a FANTASTIC machine
It would still be more comfortable with a 120 crank. I know I have had both.
@@jimslip4292 yes I've had tracer GT and MT09 but it's not as bad as ppl make it out to be.
Jimslip… you saying the old 800 is better and smoother than a 2024 Tiger ?, (not ‘22 or ‘23 year), if so …you do not know what you’re on about !!!! Fact ! I had a 800 and swapped to ‘24 model and they are worlds apart, there is nothing I prefer on earlier gen !
@@kf4435hi mate …I have the 2016 tiger xrx …looking to upgrade now you think the 900 is exciting / nimble and smooth enough??
Got a 2018 800 xrt don’t go off-road so does everything I want it to and can’t warrant changing it for the cost involved so I guess it’s a keeper
Really appreciate this comparison!!! I bought a used 2012 800xc . Have had it for 3 yrs and put 20000 of my own miles on it. Super reliable machine. It's my only bike. Been wanting to upgrade to a newer used 900 or used KTM 1190 or even a brand new DR650 :) But, the 800 . I love the engine and the suspension upgrades , heed crash protection, and other tweaks I've made. 3 yrs into it and I'm still enjoying this bike. Makes it hard to replace..
Did a Triumph demo the other day and got to ride the new 900 rally and it was far and away my favorite of everything I got to ride from them that day. I liked it so much I'm seriously contemplating buying one. Just felt like a magic carpet to me. Even the thrum eeking thru the rubber mounted bits felt to be a perfect in level and frequency.
My only small gripe was the windscreen was noisy no matter where I set it. I see Vstream makes a replacement and I've had great luck with them. I'm sure it will cure that particular issue.
It's also too tall for me, but dog bone links are available to lower it too.
Just fitted the new Michelin Anakee Road tyres to my Africa twin. Fantastic tyres! Nothing else comes close!
7:24 its not unusuaaal to be loved by anyoooone. 🎶
Well done!
I guess I’m not the only one that thought that as well 😂
i love most of the things on the tigers, the only gripe i have is the start up and dash software being slow.
@@serpentblade8704 this is a legitimate complaint, though you get used to it very quickly.
I had a Tiger 800 for 4 years and wanted to trade for the 900 when it came out. I loved the looks, but hated the engine, so they lost a sale. They should have stuck to the 120 degree crank in the GT versions at least. Very few people ride adventure bikes off road.
You should try the 2024- updated version. I think Triumph realized they were losing potential sales to people like you and addressed the problem rather well. Incredible engine.
@@TheSloppiestJoe The vibration and noise is awful on the 900. The increase in engine heat is even worse. I own a '22 model. My wife has an 800 Tiger and I also own a 955 Tiger. Both are way smoother and don't sound like a paint can full of nuts and bolts on a paint mixing machine. I found the '24 model no better. I just went back to riding my 955. I have always loved Triumphs, but never again.
@@bobbydill6388 saying you found the 2024 model "no better" only indicates how unserious you are and how little one should take what you say under consideration
@@TheSloppiestJoe You do not know me, so you have no idea how serious I am. I am a factory trained motorcycle mechanic with many years experience. I've put over 300,00 miles on motorcycles. I've put over 100,00 on just one of my bikes I have now. Not serious? The new '24 tiger still vibrates. It still sounds like the engine is coming apart, and it still puts out too much engine heat! It has a whole extra 6 horsepower. Wow. If you like it then fine, just remember we are all allowed to have our own opinion. My ride showed me that the '24 model was no better than my '22 model. Not good enough for me. Triumph can and should do better. Start by going back to the old engine firing order, then redoing the fairing for heat exhaust like on the '24 1200 Tiger. Think what you want to, and so will I. I'm done with this subject.
@@bobbydill6388 Yes, not serious. I don't need to know you, your comments are enough. For example: it has +13 hp vs the 20-23 models, not 6. The impression is you're making things up. So I agree, no need to keep wasting my time
I have a 2011 800XC that I rode two up around the Americas (Alaska to Ushuaia and MANY places in between) from June 2014 to March 2024. 104,000 miles in total. I'm back in the UK with the 800XC which is now receiving some much deserved TLC. In March this year I picked up a new 900 Rally Pro. I would say that the new bike is quantifiably better in every way than the 800XC. However, I'm not sure the 900 is significantly better overall than the 800, if that makes sense. Yes, the tech is nice, tubeless rims etc are great. Maybe I just need to put more miles (currently at 2,000) on the 900 and do some trips (New Zealand and Australia planned for 2024, 2025 and 2026, between 18 months and 2 years in total). Not sure yet which bike to take on the next trip. Head says 900, heart says 800 🙂
Mechanically what’s was necessary to keep it running strong to 104k?
@@brianErickson-bx9hp Mostly regular maintenance. Any mechanical issues we had could be attributed to specific incidents. For example, new radiator required in Peru after being hit hard by some flying object, broken rear wheel rim after hitting unmarked tope (sleeping policeman) in Mexico at speed. Significant repairs included replacing starter motor brushes and a new rear shock which wasn't surprising given the beating it took. The stepper motor was bypassed at about 50,000 miles, I renewed the coolant hoses once they reached about 11 years old (they were getting hard), I replaced the inlet rubbers as a precaution having read of some owners have cracked rubbers and the fuel pump was replaced at about 85,000 miles mostly due to it being full of cr@p having spent 3 months in Bolivia with their sh!t fuel . Really, given that we were loaded, two up, and rode some really rough dirt roads the bike did fantastically well. We will never sell it.
Been rocking a '16 800XCx for a while now. On and off road, does great on both. Can't justify dropping a bunch of cash for minor (in my opinion) upgrades. The wheels and removable pillion pegs are nice though. Everything else is just nice but not necessary.
Those rear pegs on the 800 tigers really put me off the bikes. What were they thinking. Just a load of out of place welded on tubing.
Sure the T-plane gets a bit busy in the higher revs but for me, the low end torque for around town and when going off road (which I do regularly), are worth the extra vibes…
Triumph, according to me, unfairly compared the Tiger 800 and 900 in terms of torque delivery at the beginning. In the charts they showed the 900 was supposedly much better against the 800 because of the T-plane. In my opinion, if the 800 cranked engine had a larger capacity then the differences would be much smaller and possibly meaningless. But in that case, the new version would not be image-wise as good as they showed. Of course, I'm not saying that the Tiger 900 is bad, it's just a slightly different motorcycle than many fans expected. Of course, marketing unfortunately has its own rules.
@@abartos That may very well be true in terms of of pure numbers, but the T-Plane creates another trick well known and only truly useful off-road (or on any slippery surface), which is allowing the tire to regain traction as a result of the pause between the firing of cylinders 2 and 3… but only serves those using the bike in those conditions, which might be only half of those with the Rally and very few with the GT.
@@SylvainSlyTherriault You are right about the pause while transferring power to the wheel. Too bad we can't have cranking as a configuration option:) It would also be quite interesting to offer the GT version with 120 degree crank, and the Rally with T-Plane.
After a few hours on the rally pro, the hotspots under my butt tend to get a little tender. Off road, I find it to be a beast. Second gear above 2500 rpm works well for me. The torque of the triple has gotten me out of many situations. Feels really top heavy with a full tank of fuel offload. I considered changing the rear sprocket for a slightly better down low torque, but riding at speed would become way to buzzy.
I bought my 2019 Tiger 800 XCa new. I’ve loved it every mile. Got to admit the 24 model 900 RP is very enticing, I don’t fancy another monthly payment. BTW the newish tubeless rims are a major pull for me, yet mine is paid for.
Been running tubeless on my 800XC for last 3 years, not difficult to do with the right kit
Couldn't get on with the T-Plane crank, in fact it cost Triumph a sale. Couldn't work out why triumph dont offer their smooth triple engines on the road versions of their adventure tourers?
Same. I couldn’t see enough benefit to upgrade to the 900
Yep. My thoughts exactly. They lost a sale with me too
snap. Me too.
I've loved the two 120 degree triple Triumph bikes I've had.
Triumph might have sold me a 900 Tiger . They could also do with having a 17 inch front wheel and road biased handling. I don't want to go off road.
Currently I'm more likely to buy a Yammie Tracer 9GT which doesn't have T plane silliness.
Just for balance, I love the T plane in my GT pro. The grunt the sound through the Akrapovic and just the whole feeling, I actually don’t want everything silky smooth it would feel a bit to sanitised for me.
Each to their own it wouldn’t do for everyone to be the same.
@karlosh9286 what got me is the 900 is still using the 100/90/19. Tyre that the 800 had. All new bike but still this tyre. And everyone just fits a 110/80/19. Anyway.
Good honest real world comparison.
The T-plane crank is a fool’s errand.
Not if you actually take it off road, much more instant low grunt over the 800, it will be the primary reason I swap
Love my 2017 XRT 800 from new. Only issue for me is the seat which I'll be swapping out soon for a Sargent/Corbin
Rob, I love your comparison. Opinions always very detailed. I think I'll take a CF Moto 675 Mt😊
yea i went and got myself the 1200 and wow what a bike can chew up miles easy and its not bad off road too suprised me for sure
Loved my tiger 800 took me all over the UK & Europe, biggest regret was selling it can’t find anything to match it :(
i have 2015 tiger 800xca, other bike :honda cb1100, bonnie 900, ducati scrambler 800 and sportster 48... and love the 800xca until now.
800 for me
So happy with my 900 GT Pro so i pick that one 😀
Snap, loving mine.
This would be a good segment. I was looking at the S1000rr and the 2020- are just a couple grand off from the previous generation model
Drop the front sprocket on your 800 to a 15-tooth or 14-tooth for lots of off-road torque, which will completely transform the 800. The engine is so smooth that there will still be no noticeable vibration on the highway. The OEM 16-tooth sprocket is too tall, especially for two-up riding in town. Add Galfer front rotors; then the 800 is very competitive with the current 900s. I have also upgraded both ends of the WP suspension (springs and tuned valving), so it is difficult for my riding buddies with 900s and me to decide which bike is better, other than everyone likes the smooth triple over the T plane on the pavement.
Great video, I would stick with a T800. Greetings from Brazil.
@motobob Loved the comparison. One quick question, does Tiger 800 XCA comes with tubeless tyre factory fitted?
No, none of the XC 800's were tubeless, not terribly difficult to convert though
I almost bought a Tiger 900 Rally Pro. But for a number of financial reasons I dropped my budget right down and bought a cheap Tiger 800 roadie. It may not be quite as technically as good but it's close enough and cost a fraction of the price. It's still a geat bike, especially on road with the smoother engine.
Great vid, doesn't help though, I have a 2nd gen 800xc, love it to ride, have ridden the 900 and love that more, will be the replacement, if your taking it off-road the changed are game changers, its narrower lower CG, T-plane crank gives much more instant low grunt, just a little annoyed at having to be stationary to change mode, and the poor tyre choice they fit as standard, come on Triumph, at least fit 80/20's
the '18 / '19 800 XCA is a great bike. Overall it is very capable, and the motor is fantastic. To make it more competitive with your riding buddies on KTM 890 Adventure R's for off road riding, add two teeth on the rear sprocket, and replace the rear shock. Alternatively you could drop one tooth off the countershaft - which works great off-road, but is a bit too much for high speed highway. But either gearing change vastly improves the 800's low end performance! Obviously the '24 Rally Pro (the new name for XCA) is more refined and has more horses. And if money was not an issue, most would choose the '24 model. I am torn on whether the tubeless wheels on the '24 are actually an 'upgrade'. There is a reason the KTM 890 Rally comes with tubes. And the '24 Tiger probably needs its shock replaced to be able to aggressively ride it off road also. Personally I love the sound and character of the '18 / '19 800 XCA motor much more than the '20-'23 Tiger 900 RP. But the '24 900 comes closer to the great sound and character of the 800! If one were to race the slightly upgraded 800 - with two more teeth on the rear sprocket and an upgraded shock - against a bone stock '24 Tiger - on and off road, I'm not sure the '24 tiger would be significantly faster, or consistently win. In fact, a shock upgraded 800 might be enough to give it the edge over the 900 - at least off road. I think both bikes are very capable, and you can't go wrong with either of them! This is the least expensive high quality shock for the 800 that I know of: (epmperformance.com/products/type-461-hose-attached-reservoir-shock-tr08-1ad-tiger-800-xcx-2016-2017?variant=49512046952727). Even though it says it's for the '16-'17 model, it also works on the '18-'19 model. Be sure to add the HPA for ease of adjustment.
I hope they do a rally version of the Tiger 660 if they could keep it around the 200kg mark and keep it low enough for less experienced riders it’d be a fantastic middle weight option.
The 660 engine is a peach.
I have over 100,000 miles on my BMW 1200GS now plus I’m 75. I’m shopping for a middle weight ADV bike so I’m looking at BMW and Triumph. The lower and lighter the better as I’ll be riding this into my 80s. I’d consider the KTM 890 also but they’re having problems with the valve train so it’s not a contender.
vstrom 650 aint bad for a tourer
If you want to stick to shaft drive, have a look at the updated 2024 Moto Guzzi V85TT. I had a test ride on one and was surprised how good it was
I considered the BMW 800 before I bought the Tiger 800, BM was way too high for me, and the on-road thrill on the Triumph is just such a joy
I've really come to like the t-plane on my 2023 bike
Got a Tiger 800 XCA from 2019 with only 28000 miles / 45000 km. Already 2100 GPD / 2500 EUR in repairs. Crankshaft sensor had to be replaced (alternator included) and when TFT dashboard gets overheated half of the display doesnt lit up. Dashboard replacement is around 1400 GBP / 1700 EUR. Might be an awesome machine, but speaking from my experience, reliability not so much. Sorry for the rant.
The extra power/engine size doesn't really have anything to do with being newer. The big questions would be things like does the 21inch front/suspension handle better in twisties and which one handles better offroad?
When he pulled onto the road in the beginning I thought he was about to get smashed by a car! I forgot you drive in the other lane haha
I like both but for mostly highway miles, I think the 800 is good for me. Especially now that I've found some nearly new pre-owned 2016-2019 800XCa's, it's hard to spend 10k US $ more for a 24 tiger.
45000 joyful miles on my 3rd gen 800, tried the 900 but can't tolerate the vibes from the t-plane crank. Keeping my 800. Triumph please come to your senses and bring back the smooth triple, just add a little more flywheel mass and all will be good.
I disagree about the Metzler Tourance NEXT 2 OEM tyres, albeit I’m talking of my 2022 GT Pro and more recently my 2024 GT Pro. They are a compromise and a cross ply on the front rather than a more road orientated radial. On the GT Pro we have though a 19” so as you say they are likely better on the 21” front with the benefits a bias belted tyre gives for off-road. The issue I find is they tend to tramline and skip the cornering line at speed. Sure that’s easy to ride around but for me they don’t inspire confidence. My solution is fitting a 110/80 aspect ratio radial compared to the OEM 100/90 crossply. This is permissible for the rim width and there’s barely any difference in rolling diameter. It’s like you say, pick the bike and tyres for what you want to do mostly. Personally I run Dunlops. First I tried the Mutant which is a great all season tyre, then a TrailMax Meridian, but tomorrow I get Dunlop Road Smart III fitted, as more drier weather sport touring for me. All is compromise eh with these TallRounders as I’ve heard them called. For off-road I have a proper dirt bike.
These bikes are the two-wheeled equivalent of SUVs. Adventure motorbikes are becoming the new Touring rigs for a great many people. There is nothing wrong with that. NOTHING! New is often just that: Newer. An example of really new making enough of a difference for people to buy would be the new touring rigs from Harley-Davidson. The 2024 Electra Glides and Road Glides are tremendously improved and are selling better because of that.
The Triumph 900 is equally impressive and should do well in its category! Thank you for a great comparison video!
SS from the USA
Tiger 800 is the better bike for road use smoother engine, better fuel economy. Triumph should make two versions the road version with the smooth 120 degree crank ,and the of road version with the t plane crank. sales will determine which engine people prefer.
I had 2018 XRT tried the new 900 Pro didn't like the engine or the heat from the engine and the tft is pants compaired to 800 tft. Not everyone wants a super twin feel, bought a BMW instead.
I own a Tiger 800 xca for some years now and I'm looking to upgrade. Doubting between the Tiger 900 GT Pro and the Tracer 9 GT+. It's a damn shame Triumph doesn't offer a regular triple in this chassis. Not sure about the Tom Jones crank...On the other hand, the Tracer is not really a looker in my book. I rather prefer the looks of the Tiger.
So, not sure where to go from here. Maybe I'll stick with my trusty 800 for now 😊
If you like to drive my 2013 tiger 1200... but i live in switzerland. A triumphdealer is 20min away to compare for the new one.
Very light off road is fine with normal road tyres.
Someone at Triumph has a sense of humour it seems… I guess the T in T-plane is named for Tom Jones… at 7mins 25, if Motobob’s take on the T-plane’s cadence is correct, it sounds a bit like the opening bars of Tom Jone’s song (“It’s not unusual to be loved by anyone…”). 😂 @Jagknorr at just read your comment after writing mine…
Love the 800 but given a 900 I’m sure i’d like that too 👍🏻
What about lower center of gravity on the new one? I think on 900 its exeptionally low, but i dont testride 800 yet.
My brand new 2013 Triumph Tiger 800XC was the absolute worst purchase I ever made. An absolute parade of "known issues" from poor paint, bad wheel powder coat and thin anodization. The mirror stems went from black to grey to bare steel in three years despite being stored indoors. The engine burned oil from new and had low compression on #3. Voltage regulators would pop every 3 years and blow out all the bulbs on the bike. Heated grips and horn failed in the first three years. Parts were always 6 weeks away. I also had two transmission failures in the first 3 years (shift shaft and shifter pawl). Interestingly, Triumph recalled the shift shaft in the Daytona but not the Tigers. The front wheel was plagued by stiction hop. My dealer had no interest in helping me and Triumph refused to warranty anything.
After 3 years and 42k miles the bike was completely worn out. I was afraid to leave town on it.
Until things have demonstrably changed, I will never buy another Triumph. One was enough for me.
Being a Greek proud owner of an XcX 800 2019 i have no intend changing it, as it looks and feels more of a real distinct MOTORBIKE...now they all tend to be lookalikes and at 52 i am done with electronics and gimmicks!!!
Triumph will never sell me a T plane crank triple . When it came out around 2020, at the time I thought it was silly. T plane crank triples are to me a gimmick and still very silly. Give me a 120 degree Triple any day. 120 degree triples are my favourite bike engine.
Yeah but my 2024 GT pro sounds really good.
@@fussyvegan3048 I'm glad you like it ! 🙂
The marketing boys have lost the plot methinks ! I'm on my 9th 120 degree Triumph triple and love them, I'd like to change one of my 1050's so rode both 900 & 1200 Tigers, I honestly expected to buy but couldn't believe the horribly bad vibration resulting in numb hands & fingers in 20 mins. I'm a road rider & totally dismayed there's no big road sports tourer or sports bike with luggage capability. After 20 years of Triumphs I'm currently looking to swap brands !
@@Nell1052 yep. I really want a 120 degree Triple engined sports tourer. The Tiger Sport 1050 that went out of production a few years ago could do it , the new Tiger Sport 660 , well the engine will not be torquey enough for 2 up .
That leaves the Tiger 900s and 1200s , they all have the horrendous T plane crank .
I keep looking at a Yamaha Tracer 9GT !
@@karlosh9286 It's very flattering that Yamaha are essentially making a copy of the bike Triumph were famed for 🤘
Triumph done great job updating Tiger 800 to 900, new 900 is such a great bike.❤❤
Another great video keep it up 🤟🤟🤟💪💪
Thats why the new engine has the 'it's not unusual' crankplane designed by tom jones.
Waiting suzuki v storm 800de
NEED F900GS vs TIGER 900 Rally Pro
F900gs better of road tiger better on road and less tiring. Just like the f800gs vs tiger 800. Tiger is always a better road bike.
@@chrishart8548 I'd like to see this comparison, however, I cant touch ground on the BM, The 900 is same height as my 800xc but with a narrower seat (at front) makes a huge difference
Not even close *WAY* better but yes, very much overengineered by and large (excepting the Honda Ct125 still the best motorbike ever made) and only getting better with ABS as standard, eclutch automatics and amazing electronics now plus connectivty fit and finish incredibe number of brands to choose from service and support and lifestyle #wingnuts
T plane better for offroad, 120 degree better for road riding. Now where are most bikes ridden i wonder 🤦
Very true (just look at the standard tyres) however, I'm a 70/30 (on/off) rider and I'd happily trade some of my on road for more off road, however I absolutely love my 800xc on-road, especially twisies
Biggest issue is the ever increasing prices. What are supposed to be “midrange” bikes are topping £15K with luggage, which is what the top end bike was not that long ago. Can’t wait to see more ~500cc parallel twins with 50hp at sub £7K. That or a used 800 seems a much more palatable proposition for those a bit cash strapped.
no bolt on DB killer - "bad motobob, bad" :D nice try tho!
😮
I had the 800xca and didn’t rate it someone at a meet who owned one described it as a mondeo and it summed it up perfectly did everything alright but won’t set your soul alight by any means very boring bike think I lasted 6-7 months before I traded it in only had 2000 miles on the clock and sometimes on start up it used to sound like the cam chain was going fall off cut out on acceleration turned out it was the cut out switch got faulty and when it vibrated under revs shut the bike off had to replace the whole cube heated grips were useless heated seat very good had the scorpion can as well but still sounded a bit tame loads of buffeting but I’m tall decent range on it cruise was good I’m glad it’s in the past 😂
A bit of punctuation wouldn't go amiss.
@@davidoram3423 we’ve found him