2016 Triumph Tiger 800 XCx Editor Score: 87.75% Engine 17.75/20 Suspension/Handling 13.25/15 Transmission/Clutch 8.75/10 Brakes 8.75/10 Instruments/Controls 4.25/5 Ergonomics/Comfort 8.5/10 Appearance/Quality 9.0/10 Desirability 8.0/10 Value 9.5/10 Overall Score 87.75/100

When last we visited a Triumph Tiger 800 in XC guise it was in a shootout against BMW’s F800GS Adventure in 2014. This was prior to Triumph’s further diversification of the lineup which now consists of eight models – four XR and four XC including the XCx tested here.

The XCx upgrades the standard XC with a variety of niceties including cruise control, ride modes, auto-canceling indicators, auxiliary socket, centerstand, as well as protecting the bike better via sump, engine, radiator and hand guards. All of this for an MSRP increase of $1,200 ($13,700 vs. $12,500).

According to Triumph, the XCx weighs seven more pounds than the XC, mostly due to its centerstand and variety of protective guards. On the MO scales the XCx came in at 519 pounds full of fuel, making it the lightest bike among those tested in our forthcoming Wire-Wheel Adventure-Bike Shootout. The 800cc Triple of the Tiger produced marginally better horsepower than Honda’s 998cc parallel-Twin (87.5 hp at 9200 rpm vs. 85.7 hp at 7600 rpm), but substantially less torque from its 200cc-smaller displacement (52.9 lb-ft at 7900 rpm vs. 67.0 lb-ft at 5900 rpm).

All XC models roll on a 21-inch front, 17-inch rear tire combo, which helps unburden off-road encumbrances. Transitions through a series of paved twisties will be slightly more lethargic, but it’s a good compromise for an ADV bike. Climbing a seriously tight roadway on our way up to Big Bear, the only thing holding the Tiger back was the grinding of its footpegs through an unrelenting stream of 15-mph corners.

2015 Triumph Tiger 800 XRx vs. Yamaha FJ-09

Also helping the Tiger in off-road situations is the amazingly well-thought-out combination of preset parameters in its Off-Road riding mode. A simple button push on the left front of the instrument cluster switched the Tiger from Road to Off-Road mode, effectively changing the power delivery, TC and ABS settings to better suit unpaved conditions. And, if you’re not happy with the factory settings you can modify them in Rider mode, personalizing them to your preferences, which is then also selectable via the same instrument cluster button.

The Tiger’s seating position is somewhat more road biased with its handlebars positioned lower than other off-road adventurers, forcing a rider to lean over a tad further when standing on the pegs. Taller riders never complained of discomfort, and shorter riders welcomed its adjustable 33.0-to-33.8-inch seat height.

For anyone entertaining the thought of longer-distance traveling, the addition of cruise control is almost worth the price of admission alone. The set-it-and-forget-it option for long stretches of straight lines can’t be beat. The self-cancelling turn signals are admittedly cool, once you get lazy enough to let them do their job.

Depending on your point of view, the chain final drive can either be beneficial or detrimental, but at least the x model comes with a centerstand that makes lubrication, adjustment and repair much less ominous tasks – especially when away from the comforts of home.

The Tiger proves to be a good option for anyone intimidated by the typical 600-pound adventure bike. Its more easily managed size and weight are something to be seriously considered, and its reasonable MSRP is a grand value considering the robust electronics package and other add-ons.

2016 Triumph Tiger 800 XCx + Highs Fun on the pavement and in the dirt

Small and light makes right

Good value for the price – Sighs Engine is a little revvy for technical off-roading

Doesn’t have the torque of larger-displacement engines

Bars are low when standing