The worst-kept secret in Milan? That Triumph is entering the middleweight multi-cylinder enduro arena with a pair of neat-looking and lightweight Tigers—the 800 and 800 XC. These bikes are powered by a brand-new 800cc (74.0 x 61.9mm) version of Triumph’s established Triple said to deliver 95 hp at 9300 rpm and 58 ft.-lb. of torque at 7850 rpm with a fat and flat power curve.

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According to Triumph, these “junior” Tigers tip the scales at 462 and 473 lb., respectively, with a full 5 gallons of fuel. The frame is a tubular-steel, twin-spar design, in which the engine serves as a stressed, structural member. Wheelbases span 60.1 and 60.5 in. Rake is a steep 23.1 degrees and trail is 3.4 in.

Here is where the two models differ: The more street-oriented 800 features an inverted 43mm Showa fork offering 7.0 in. of travel; the XC has a 45mm unit with 8.7 in. of travel. Out back, the 800 has 6.7 in. of travel while the XC has 8.5. Seat height on the standard model can be adjusted from 31.9 to 32.7 in. (with even lower or taller seats available as options), while the XC ranges from 33.3 to 34.0 in.

Ten-spoke, cast aluminum wheels shod with 110/80-19 and 150/70-17 tires are fitted to the standard bike; the XC rolls on wire-spoke wheels with semi-knobbed 90/90-21 and 150/70-17 rubber. Nissin supplies the brakes: 308mm dual front discs with radial-mount four-piston calipers and a 255mm disc and single-piston caliper out back. Both bikes can be ordered with ABS that can be deactivated for off-road duty.

We are scheduled to ride both the Tiger 800 and 800 XC soon, so stay tuned for more information and complete riding impressions.
CW