Triumph Tiger 800 & Tiger 800XC First Look

2011 Triumph Tiger 800 MSRP
JC Hilderbrand

He’s been called dirty for plenty of reasons, but Hilde always likes it best when it involves two wheels. Riding crappy bikes since age 13 and devouring every moto mag in sight, he’s an off-road enthusiast through and through.


Triumph Motorcycles has finally released official information on the much-awaited Triumph Tiger 800 and Triumph Tiger 800XC. The XC version is designed for off-road use where the standard Tiger is for riders who will spend most time on pavement. The engine is a liquid-cooled inline Triple with 12 valves and dual overhead cams. Internal dimensions are 74 x 61.9mm for the bore and stroke which gives a displacement of 799cc. Fuel injection rations the fuel which comes from a whopping five-gallon tank.

Triumph claims the new engine will crank out 94 horsepower at 9300 rpm and 58 lb-ft of torque at 7850 rpm. Delivered through a six-speed gearbox and pushing a claimed ready-to-ride 473 pounds for the XC and 462 pounds for the street version, the Triumph looks to be a sporty ride at the least.

Both machines use a steel trellis frame and two-sided aluminum swingarm. The front brake uses dual 308mm floating discs and twin-piston floating Nissin calipers. Out back is a single 255mm disc and single-piston floating caliper. Both bikes have ABS available as an option. Exhaust exits via a 3-into-1 stainless muffler located on the right side. A luggage platform adorns the back and acts as a passenger handhold and blinkers are triangular front and rear. The instrument display offers a digital speedometer, trip computer, gear indicator, clock switchable ABS (option) and analog tachometer. From here the specifics of each motorcycle start to tailor for the intended riding purpose.

Triumph Tiger 800
The street adventure model uses cast 10-spoke aluminum wheels with a 19/17-inch front rear combo. A 43mm Showa fork suspends the front end with 7.1 inches of travel. The Showa rear shock uses hydraulically adjusted preload to managed passengers and cargo with 6.7 inches of travel. Seat height is adjustable from 31.9 inches to 32.7 with steering geometry of 23.7 degrees rake and 3.4 inches of trail. The handlebars are narrower than the XC model at 31.3 inches and it’s shorter due to smaller wheels and less suspension travel. Wheelbase is also slightly more compact at 61.2 inches.

The standard Tiger uses a front wheel cover rather than high fender and is available in Crystal White, Phantom Black and Venom Yellow.

Tiger 800XC
2011 Triumph Tiger 800XC MSRP
The new Tiger is a direct challenger and will be compared to the BMW F800GS. In regards to stance and bodywork, the two machines look fairly similar. The 800XC is available in Crystal White, Phantom Black and Intense Orange. It also has a front wheel cover, though smaller and made of black plastic, which matches the lower fork guards. A stubby front fender protrudes from underneath the headlights and small windscreen. Photos show the XC model with handguards though it is uncertain whether these will be standard issue.

Switchable ABS is a key component of the XC model allowing riders to have full control over the brakes for off-road riding. Riders will need the ability to fully lock the 17-inch rear wheel and 21-inch front hoop. Aluminum spoked rims house knobby dual sport tires which look to be Metzeler Karoo treads or something similar. Suspension is beefed up with a larger 45mm Showa fork that has 8.7 inches of movement. Unfortunately, PR material doesn’t indicate that it is adjustable in any way. The rear shock has a remote oil reservoir for added capacity and allows a measure of adjustability. Hydraulic preload and rebound settings can be fine-tuned to managed 8.5 inches of travel.

Riders keep a grip on things with a 34-inch-wide handlebar. Steering geometry is slightly different with 23.1 degrees rake and 3.6 inches of trail. Ground clearance will be increased thanks to the larger wheels/tires and the seat height is adjustable between 32.2 and 34 inches.

Triumph has announced pricing will be as follows:

2011 Triumph Tiger 800 MSRP: $9,999 / ABS - $10,799

2011 Triumph Tiger 800XC MSRP: $10,999 / ABS - $11,799

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Honda CBR250R 2011

Honda CBR250R 2011
Honda will take a stab at the entry-level sportbike market with its 2011 CBR250R. The 250 CBR gets its first taste of American shores where it will directly challenge Kawasaki’s genre-defining Ninja 250R.

A liquid-cooled 249.4cc Single powers the CBR250R (Ninja 250 is a Parallel Twin), with a 76mm bore and 55mm stroke. A four-valve head tops the Single, actuated by dual overhead cams. Smoothing out the Single’s inherent vibes is a counterbalanced shaft. Where the Ninja 250R is carbureted (to reduce costs and keep price as low as possible), the CBR will utilize Honda’s programmed fuel injection (PGM-FI). A six-speed gear box will divvy out the power, with a final chain drive.

The new CBR’s chassis features a non-adjustable 37mm fork, with Honda’s Pro-link rear suspension offering five-position preload adjustment. Steering geometry consists of a 25-degree rake and 95mm (3.74 inches) trail. Wheelbase is 53.9 inches, while seat height rings in at 30.9 inches. A small bike, the CBR250 rolls on street standard 17-inch wheels, with a claimed curb weight of 359 pounds (Ninja 250 375 pounds).

Braking comes via a single 296mm front disc with a two-piston floating Nissin caliper. Out back a second disc, 220mm, has a single-piston caliper putting on the squeeze. The big news in the braking, however, is the 2011 CBR250R’s optional combined ABS. The combined ABS system adds another piston to the front braking arrangement, with the rear pedal actuating a combined braking force front and rear. The front brake operates independently.

Stylewise the new CBR looks an awful lot like the new VFR1200, particularly the layered fairing. Instrumentation behind the tallish windscreen is an analog tach sitting atop a digital speedo, which is centered on the blue backlit LCD area.

The biggest question mark with the little Honda is its price tag, which is still to be determined. Kawasaki’s Ninja 250R retails for $3999. Recently speaking with Kawasaki reps, we learned the Japanese marque is willing to break even on the 250 with the rationale that a Ninja 250 purchase today equals a Ninja ZX-6R or ZX-10R purchase tomorrow. And how integral is the Ninja 250 in the Kawasaki lineup? It’s the top-selling unit!

"This is really an amazing machine we're adding to Honda's list of models for 2011," said Honda Powersports Press Manager Bill Savino. "The CBR250R is specifically aimed at new riders, yet it's packed full of high-tech features and offers great performance, all in a lightweight, affordable package. This new model expands another segment of the market for Honda buyers."

True, the 250 power and performance may not generate as much excitement as near 200 horsepower production Superbikes, but the little CBR250R is Honda’s biggest news in the 2011 sportbike model lineup. The CBR250R will be built in Thailand and launched globally in November.

2011 Honda CBR250R Specifications
Engine Type: Liquid-cooled, four-stroke single-cylinder four-stroke
Displacement: 249.4cc
Bore and Stroke: 76mm x 55mm
Compression ratio: 10.7:1
Valve Train: DOHC; four valves per cylinder
Fueling: PGM-FI, 38mm throttle body
Ignition: Computer-controlled digital transistorized with electronic advance
Transmission: Six-speed
Suspension Front: 37mm fork
Suspension Rear: Pro-Link single shock with five-position preload adjustment
Brakes Front: Single 296mm disc with two-piston Nissin calipers
Brakes Rear: Single 220mm disc with single-piston caliper
Optional ABS
Tires Front: 110/70-17 radial
Tires Rear: 140/70-17 radial
Rake/Trail: 25.0 degrees / 95mm (3.74 inches)
Wheelbase: 53.9 inches
Seat Height: 30.9 inches
Fuel Capacity: 3.4 gallons
Colors: Metallic Black, Red/Silver
Curb Weight: 359 pounds / 368 pounds (ABS)

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An “Affordable” Brutale

An MV Agusta is an unaffordable lust object. Look, but don’t touch, at least, for most of us. That might be about to change with the introduction of the new base model Brutale displacing 921 cc. The announcement from MV Agusta is below, and the bike is nearly as tasty as the Brutale 990R, which is currently on sale in the U.S. at an MSRP of $15,000. We don’t know the U.S. price of the new Brutale, yet, but the price in Europe is substantially below that of the 990R. This could be your chance to stretch just a little bit beyond the price of that Japanese naked for a piece of Italian artwork. The press release follows.

THE BRUTALE LINE EXPANDS

The MV Agusta model line-up is expanding with the introduction of the new BRUTALE and the 920 engine. This incredible naked has enamored the motorcycle world with its unique design that has been to date unequaled. Ever since its introduction the BRUTALE has continued to be the leader in both design and performance. With the launching of the new BRUTALE, the most beautiful and powerful naked is now within reach of an even larger number of riders whom have always dreamed of experiencing the emotions only the BRUTALE can deliver. A new engine, new chassis settings, a one-piece seat design with a focus on comfort, the BRUTALE offers a new interpretation of a high performance naked. A motorcycle that offers aggressive styling and raw performance matched with an intuitive chassis. A Brutale that is always incredible easy to ride and has never been this comfortable and intuitive.

On a cost per performance basis, the BRUTALE is without a doubt the new reference in the naked sport category. A technologically advanced 4 cylinder engine with radial intake and exhaust valves coupled with the same advanced engine control unit as the 1090RR together with one of the most evolved chassis’s the BRUTALE is able to easily tame even the most demanding roads and racetracks. This advanced performance is also coupled with a new look, with the color black dominating the new styling of the radiator shrouds and seat. But, looks are not everything and a major focus was also placed on rider comfort with a re-designed single seat that improves both rider and passenger comfort during every day use.

The BRUTALE project continues to remain faithful to the original objectives, MV wanted to build the most compact and light weight naked coupled with a superbike chassis together with raw engine performance that would enamor even the most demanding motorcyclist. The principle characteristics of the new BRUTALE are:

- Four cylinder engine with radial valves
- Magneti Marelli 5SM engine control module
- Traction control with 8 levels of intervention
- Tubular steel frame coupled with aluminum side plates for maximum torsional rigidity
- Single sided swingarm with a adjustable Sachs rear shock
- Marzocchi upside down 50mm adjustable front forks
- Brembo racing radial calipers
- New single piece seat that is both lower and narrower

THE DESIGN

The new BRUTALE is without a doubt Brutale, but at the same time this is a new interpretation of the most admired naked in the world. The attention to detail is what makes this new model different and even easier to use in everyday riding. The single piece seat is both more comfortable for the rider as well as the passenger, the turn signals are no longer integrated into the mirrors but have been placed in a position for better visibility during city traffic, the suspension is now softer and more comfortable. A Brutale that is easier to use than ever before but with the same maniacal attention to detail that one has come to expect from MV Agusta. Just one look at the tubular steel frame, the anodized handlebars with pivoting clamps, the pure form of design of the shift and brake levers, the single sided swingarm and unique wheels and it clear why the Brutale is the most beautiful naked in the world.

The two available color schemes are black and white. The single sided swingarm along with the unmistakable styling make this new BRUTALE unique. A masterpiece of Italian Design, the attention to detail and monochromatic color schemes helps to highlight the technical details like the over-under side mounted exhaust and the original MV Agusta frame design integrating tubular steel and aluminum side plates.

THE ENGINE

The 4 cylinder 16 radial valve MV Agusta engine has reached a new level of evolution and technology. The 921cc, a new engine displacement for Brutale, finds the perfect balance between power and drivability. The new displacement of the legendary 4 cylinder is obtained with a new bore and stroke ratio with a focus on optimizing the power curve of the BRUTALE to be even more manageable while at the same time offering the class leading power. The new four cylinder MV Agusta matches 129 horsepower with a broad torque curve, incredible levels of power have never been this easy to control. The crankshaft of the BRUTALE is shared with the 55mm stroke unit in the 1090RR as well as the 2nd order engine balance shaft and the optimized oiling system and the oil cooled generator.

The BRUTALE has a number of dedicated engine components including the new cylinder block and 73mm pistons as well as a cooling system with the radiator catch tank which is now at the same pressure as the atmosphere helping to keep the engine temperature under control even in the most extreme track or city driving conditions. The intake system breaths through a bank of 46mm Mikuni throttle bodies working together with the hyper sophisticated engine management system. The Magneti Marelli 5SM ecu controls the fuel injection, ignition and the various maps. The double engine map (Normal and Sport) allows the rider to tune the engine management system to the conditions and coupled with 8 position variable traction control the BRUTALE can be ridden to the limit while always remaining under control.

THE CHASSIS

The BRUTALE shares its chassis configuration and geometry with the 990R and 1090RR as well as most of the chassis components. The frame is a mixture of a steel trellis structure and lateral aluminum plates that has become the trademark of MV Agusta since the first application on the F4, a frame structure that has been continually copied but never equaled by other manufacturers. The chassis dimensions are the same as on the other Brutale models offering a perfect dynamic balance and a precise response to rider inputs. With a 1430 mm wheelbase, 25° steering head angle and 103,5 mm of trail the new BRUTALE offers without a doubt the best balance of agility and stability. A technical feature the new BRUTALE is a new steering head which offers optimized rigidity for this type of naked which will without a doubt become the new reference for easy handling. Coupled with the revised steering head design is new suspension valving which is both softer and smoother to give the maximum amount of feedback even to less experienced riders. But, make no mistakes, the new BRUTALE is still Brutale, thanks to the infinite amount of tuning possible with the 50 mm Marzocchi USD front forks and Sachs mono shock. With just a few clicks you can easily transform the BRUTALE into a track weapon. BRUTALE is also known for its agility: coupled with the new Pirelli Angel tires the feedback from the tarmac is always immediate and the 180/55 section rear tire aids in putting down the 129 horsepower from the MV 4 cylinder engine. Performance of a supersport and handle of a middleweight, the new BRUTALE from MV Agusta continues to redefine the naked sportbike segment.

Tata to pick up stake in MV Agusta

Tata is, reportedly, in talks with Claudio Castiglioni - the man who owns the Cagiva and MV Agusta motorcycle brands. Based in Varese, Italy, MV Agusta manufactures high-end, high-performance superbikes which are some of the best in the world. However, the Italian company has been facing financial problems for some time now, which means it has not been able to devote money towards new product development, and has also shelved plans of going racing in the World Superbikes series.

With Tata coming into the picture, and a subsequent cash infusion, MV Agusta could get a new lease of life. In an interesting aside, the Italian company had earlier expressed interest in wanting to sell its bikes in India, and it was being said that the Pune-based Kinetic may import MV Agusta motorcycles to India and sell them here. It remains to be seen how the situation will progress, if Tata picks up a stake in MV Agusta.

Valued at US$11.4 billion, Tata was recently ranked 57th among Top 100 brands listed by Brand Finance, a UK-based company focused on brand management and valuation.

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