“Like Twin Brothers - The Triumph Tiger 800 and 800XC...”

If you've read the reviews and road reports on the new Triumph Tiger 800's you'll be familiar with the concept. I had the chance to ride both the 800 and the 800XC the other day and found them to be at once the same and yet slightly different. They are both similar, 21in wheels lift the XC higher, on the low seat I could only touch my toes. It's high, with a nice riding position and so well balanced; light to the touch, firm on the road and utterly quick. 800cc, 92hp, 216kg, the fuel injected thoroughbred triple serves up speed on demand, with power delivered so smoothly to a triple trumpet fanfare. The 800 was lower, 17in wheels Vs 21in on the XC - balls of my feet, quite manageable. Stiffer front legs, I liked it in traffic more than the XC - a height thing, preferring to crawl to the red light and not dab a foot, slow speed control was a cinch, something both bikes did very stylishly. Squeezing the powerful twin disks brings on a deeper bow on the XC, the 800's front legs were firmer. Positive smooth gear changes were totally reliable, though sometimes the small triangular brake pedal wasn't always under my toe, I'd like a wider foot peg too.

The raised bars on the XC gave an instant 'king of the road' feel. And the tall windshield made cruising at 70 quite comfortable and both bikes felt stable, solid and under control in strong blustery crosswinds, though panniers may have altered the experience.

Later, riding the XC I was undecided as to which I preferred. Rear suspension lowering kits are available in the UK - lower the seat an inch or more, should get at least the balls of my feet on the deck. It was easier to ride up 6inch curb stones and cutting corners on green verges was fun too.

Intense Orange XC, on the tough-baked black frame, stands out in the crowd. Phantom Black for stealth, Venom Yellow or White, four colours, take ‘em or leave ‘em.

Final Analysis and given the chance (next spring perhaps), I'd ride either from London to Leh, but with an XC on the tank, I’m sure I’d have more fun.