Lowering the Tiger 800 XcX

turningCircle · Renault 5 Driver Joined: 10 Nov 2014 Karma :

Hi Folks,

I'm looking at buying the Triumph Tiger 800 XcX. Being a short arse, I was considering the LOW version. (Up to 50mm lower). I'm 5ft, 8 and I just don't quite get enough standing stability on the standard XcX.

I'm not bothered about being able to plant both feet but I do like to feel the ground. Frustratingly, the LOW model isn't often manufactured and so is in low supply (and will be for the foreseeable). The Triumph dealership has offered to lower the standard XcX for me (suspension and seat) by up to 30mm (would be the perfect height), however, I don't know whether that's a great idea.

It feels like i'm buying a new bike only to make a significant change to it. I'm concerned how it will affect the ride.

Does anyone have any experience around lowering adventure bikes? Something to be concerned about or am I making a big deal out of nothing?

caragh · Borekit Bruiser Joined: 11 Jun 2008 Karma :

Any reason for not choosing the xrx it's already lower by design.
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Triumph Tiger 800 XR

turningCircle · Renault 5 Driver Joined: 10 Nov 2014 Karma :

Matt B · World Chat Champion Joined: 01 May 2012 Karma :

caragh · Borekit Bruiser Joined: 11 Jun 2008 Karma :

I see where your coming from but unless your need the ground clearance the xrx is capable off road to a point. Although they are both way to heavy for anything too arduous. Only a personal opinion and not in anyway directed at yourself I think the xc versions are bought for the looks rather than abilities for a large % of riders.
Not that there's anything wrong in that at all 😊👍
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Triumph Tiger 800 XR

Rogerborg · nimbA Joined: 26 Oct 2010 Karma :

I have the factory lowered version of the lowered, road biased "F650GS" (F800GS with RWU shocks and road wheels).

It's fine to ride, and ridiculously low. We're talking Grom 125 low, I can flat foot both sides easily. You sling your leg over it and think... where's the bike?

But it doesn't feel low or cramped on the move, the bars still fit above car mirrors, and if you want to get a better view, stand on the pegs.

In my extensive off roading career (a field in Wales, the occasional bit of gravel to get a Photo Challenge picture) it's been fine. Since I have absolutely no delusions about taking it any further off road than that, the reduced ground clearance isn't an issue.

The only negative is that it can't fit the standard centre stand. Again though, since I'm not going to be servicing it in Outer Mongolia, pas de problème.

If you're being offered a legit lowering service, I'd go for it.
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Biking is 1/20th as dangerous as horse riding.
GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike