The Triumph Tiger 800 & 800 XC Revealed

A few weeks ahead of its big debut at the Milan Motorcycle Show a hungarian web site has published a photo-gallery of Triumphs new adventure bikes, the Tiger 800 and Tiger 800 XC.  This is the first real opportunity to study the bike’s details beyond spy shots and the single official Triumph image released a few days ago.

The Tiger certainly seems to be ticking all the design boxes for an adventure bike, and while many thought the Ducati Multistrada 1200 would be the GS challenger, it didn’t really dent the GS’s reputation as ultimate adventure bike.  Triumph’s Tiger range and its upcoming 1200cc version could just be the silver bullet to BMW’s monster bikes.

A few pictures are below and you can find more on Motorinfo.hu here

 

 

The New Honda ‘Crossover’

RTWW will admit confusion when the first details of this new bike from Honda were announced.  Orginally talked about as an adventure bike, though the drawing that came with that showed a bike not suitable for adventuring in the BMW GS sense.

Now Honda insiders are calling the bike the ‘Crossover’ and saying that it is a 800/900cc V4 bike, unique in its styling and ready to ‘crossover’ several motorcycle roles.  A bike for everyday use but not ignoring other qualities.

Suddenly it seems they may have something very tempting up their sleeves.  A new image of the front end of the bike is interesting to say the least showing a neat fairing,  stacked lights, and apparently a raised dash bringing instruments higher into the riders field of vision.

So it seems this bike is an all-round tourer and, should they fix the small fuel tank issue that has plagued and overwhelmed a lot of the good press around the VFR 1200F, Honda could be pulling the covers off something fantastic in Milan.

 

Honda’s official statement reads;

Honda today released a second design sketch of the mid-range crossover motorcycle that expands its V4 engine configuration offering.   The image shows the front face of the motorcycle, with a fairing design that improves high speed stability as well as engine cooling; and an innovative ‘floating’ instrument panel to put the gauges in the rider’s field of vision for improves safety.   This crossover is a midrange capacity motorcycle – Honda will also reveal at EICMA a new concept motorcycle using the 1200cc V4 engine first seen in the VFR1200F, to further prove leadership in this evocative and powerful engine configuration.

This mid-range machine is an exciting new approach – a crossover machine that represents the best aspects of two separate biking genres.   It will have the flexibility and exciting attitude of a Naked performance machine, with the more comfortable upright riding position and design cues inspired by adventure bikes.  With the low centre of gravity of a performance bike it is great fun to ride, and because of its wide handlebars and upright riding position it is both easy to manoeuvre and comfortable . Honda research had revealed that customers want a machine that has both a unique style and is also fun to ride in all conditions throughout the year.

Honda has delivered this customer request. The final production motorcycle will be shown for the first time at the EICMA show in Milan from 2nd November 2010, when pictures, the date for production and date of availability in dealer will be revealed.

Official & Spy Shots of the new Triumph Tiger

Two shots have emerged of Triumphs big break into the adventure market.  First up is an official image of the new Tiger 800 XC ahead of its big debut and it’s looking good, now that we’re not trying to see it through holes in a wooden crate!

While the official image showcases the off-road version of the Tiger, a spy shot caught at a fuel stop, following  a highway chase, features the road bias model of the bike.  The telling feature between the two is the cast 19 inch wheels on the road preferring version as opposed to the 21 inch with spokes wheels for the dirt scrambler.  Both bikes feature the same engine and other features and look to be fit challengers for the BMW F800GS.

The spy shot comes from George Edwards who tracked the Tiger until it stopped for fuel.  George has an excellent web site of his and his wife Cathy’s biking adventures over at www.rtrider.co.uk check it out.

Honda Teases its New ‘Adventure’ Bike

Honda Honda Honda, what are you up to?

Just released from Honda HQ is a teaser image of what Honda insiders have apparently described as their new adventure tourer bike.

Now adventure means something different to different people but these days for bikes, it’s a rugged, expensive fairing free bike i.e. the new Triumph Tiger, BMW F800GS, Yamaha Super Tenere, and of course the king of adventure the BMW 1200 GS.  The sketch Honda has released appears to be the much rumored Pan European replacement which did the rounds last year then promptly disappeared.  One of the concept images MCN drew up is below.

This new bike is to be unveiled at the Milan bike show in November, and it’s supposed to be a V4, like the controversial VFR1200, but oddly not a 1200cc bike ….huh?

Another rumor is that Honda will show a concept bike designed to be a GS challenger, but it’ll be a concept far from production with 2012 being the target year.  It would seem Honda have been caught out by the awesome efforts and innovations of Triumph, BMW, Ducati, and other Japanese counterparts this year.

Or perhaps they’ve caught the same virus as Harley Davidson  : P

Triumph’s 2011 Tiger, Thunderbird Storm, & Speed Triple on Video

Triumph has released a flashy video showcasing models from its upcoming 2011 range.  Included in the video are the new Speed Triple, Tiger adventure bike, models from the cruiser range, and more.  Triumph have got a lot of good PR mileage out of the Cologne Motorcycle show this week, with the only hiccup being the new headlights on the Speed Triple.  Next year is looking very good for the company’s finances, and ever growing popularity.

The 2011 Triumph Thunderbird Storm

The 2011 Triumph Speed Triple

 

The 2011 Triumph Tiger

 

The 2011 Triumph America

2011 Triumph Tiger Adventure Bike, Clothing & Accessories Video

Triumph have a new video up featuring some of the accessories which it will have available at the launch of its new Tiger adventure bikes.

They’ve covered all the important and expected stuff i.e. sump guard, touring screens, luggage, protection items.

All in all a good package this way comes, whether it can knock BMW from its perch remains to be seen. Performance, not bolts ons will decide that.

Check out the video below, and you’ll find previous teasers at http://www.triumphadventure.com

Official Accessories for Triumph’s New Tiger Adventure Bike

Triumph has revealed some new accessories for its new Tiger adventure bikes.  A set of rugged looking panniers for touring, and a high touring screen are set to grace the bike as optional add-ons when they launch.

Triumph obviously realize that one of the great things about class leading adventure bikes, like the BMW GS range, is the vast array of bolt on bits and pieces, and are going for broke with their entry to the market.

With a 1200 GS killer spotted testing recently, Triumph intend an unprecedented assault for the hearts and minds of adventurers everywhere.

MCN has more pictures in it’s September 29th issue.

New Video for the Triumph Adventure Bike, ‘The Chassis’

This is starting to look really really good.

The latest video shows more of the bike, and the voice over demonstrates that Triumph have looked at every aspoect of what an adventure bike needs and apparently provided it in its upcoming models.  It may be timne for BMW to start sweating a little over its adventure crown.

Triumph says in its latest update;

“Triumph’s new adventure bikes are going to have to take what ever is thrown at them when they are released into the wild later this year.

Designed, engineered and tested for the long distance ride, to places where tarmac and gas stations fear to tread. We’re working hard to ensure that these new Triumph bikes have got everything it takes to give adventurers exactly what they need.

But adventurers come in many shapes and sizes, so we’ve created two bikes with completely different characteristics to best meet your own unique journey. Want to find out more and see the bikes in action?”

For the latest video showing the bikes in action go to http://www.triumphadventure.com/

Suzuki Adds Some Extra Adventure with the V-Strom 650A XP

Sneaky Suzuki doesn’t miss much does it?

With BMW’s F800GS comfortably the front runner in the middle weight adventure bike catagory, and Triumphs new adventure bike to be revealed in all its glory soon, Suzuki have jumped in quick with an update to its V-Strom range.  With aggressive pricing at £7300 and some very useful accessories thrown in, its warmly regarded road and green lane adventure bike is looking very tempting.  While I don’t think it can match the off-road ability of the BMW (though if you have evidence to the contrary let me know) its price is excellent and the included bash plate, aluminium panniers, hand guards, and center stand, are an extra expense on the already more costly German machine.

The V-Strom is a do most things bike and suitable for the everyday adventurer who may stray on to dirt tracks while touring, and is a capable mile eater and commuter.  The valuable extras bolted to the XP make it an even better choice for the all-rounder.

Here’s what Suzuki say about the V-Strom 650A XP;

The V-Strom 650A XP is equipped with everything you need for the ultimate adventure whether it be on the motorway or off road trails.

Based on the hugely capable V-Strom 650 ABS model, the new tougher XP version boasts a host of additional features, providing a comprehensive list of practical accessories at unrivalled value.

Featuring hard-wearing black aluminium panniers and inner bags with a total carrying capacity of 82 litres, the XP is the tough and effective alternative, thanks to the provision of engine and hand guards, centre-stand and an aluminium sump guard as part of its unique specification.

The tech spec on the V-Strom is below, for more details go to http://www.suzuki-gb.co.uk/bike/dl650al1xp/

Dimensions & Weights

Overall length:	2290mm (90.2in)
Overall width:	840mm (33.1in)
Overall height:	1390mm (54.7in)
Wheelbase:	1555mm (61.2in)
Seat height:	820mm (32.3in)
Kerb Mass:	220kg (485lbs)
Fuel capacity:	22.0litres (4.8 UK gallons)

Engine Specs

Engine capacity:	645cc
Engine:	Four stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 90° degree V-twin
Bore:	81mm x 62.6mm
Compression ratio:	11.5 : 1
Lubrication:	Wet sump
Ignition:	Electronic ignition (Transistorised)
Fuel system:	Fuel injection
Starter:	Electric
Transmission:	6-speed constant mesh
Drive:	Chain

Chassis Specs

Front suspension:	Telescopic, coil spring, oil damped
Rear suspension:	Link type, coil spring, oil damped
Front brakes:	Disk brake, twin
Rear brakes:	Disk brake
Front tyres:	110/80 R19 M/C 59H, tubeless
Rear tyres:	150/70 R17 M/C 69H, tubeless

Triumph Confirms a Triple for its Adventure Bike

Triumph has confirmed it’s using an 80% brand new triple for it’s upcoming Adventure bike.  In a press release, one of many the company is trickling out over the new few months prior to the bike’s official launch, Triumph said;

Adventure bikes have to carry out a whole range of roles with minimum fuss.  That’s why Triumph has been busy ensuring its latest pair of young cubs will set a new standard when they’re introduced later this year.  We think a triple is the best configuration for an adventure bike.  It’s compact and has a natural character that ideally suits a wide range of duties.  Our long stroke engine will deliver smooth, controllable torque for both tricky off-road riding and the urban jungle…but with the higher rpm characteristics that just devour on-road miles.  A triple is also more refined than a twin, which means that the bike is less tiring and less intrusive on the open road. So you can just relax and enjoy the trip.

Triumph have also released a brief video about its engine decsions with some fleeting glances of the bike in action.

Roll on September1st for the next update from Triumph, this time covering aspects of the bike’s chassis.