Tiger 800 vs Tracer 900

TCFA · Trackday Trickster Joined: 25 Aug 2013 Karma :

Tested them both today, having gone in last weekend to book a ride on the Tracer. Tiger was the XRT.

Obviously my impressions are a bit limited as it was a London based dealer and not great testing roads, but my tuppence worth below.

I've come off an 03 CBR600F for reference. I like it, I'm going to keep it, either turn it into a track bike or just use it when I want a bit of "sports bike" type fun. What I'm after is something adventure styled to give me more comfort on long trips and some decent luggage.

Tiger first. Definitely comfy! All felt a bit alien at first. Throttle feel very light and sensitive - I expect that is to do with it being ride by wire and not linked to a cable. Heated seats were a bit much today but could probably good if I find myself ooop north in winter. I'm short and my toes were both on the ground. Seat was on highest setting though so drop it down I think I'd be even comfier. It had an optional bigger screen on it and it all seemed to do its job. Didn't explore the modes though because it all seemed a bit convoluted. Engine lovely and smooth, and able to get a wriggle on. Felt the brakes needed a good squeeze.

Tracer next. Engine a lot stronger. And loud in a good way! Brakes much stronger too - bit too grabby in town perhaps. "A" mode felt a bit snatchy but again I was in town. Initially I didn't think I'd get on with the position as the bars felt a bit wider, but the whole thing felt a bit more familiar to me in terms of engine, braking and handling. I could tell it would be all the fun that the reviewers say it is. That said though, seat felt fecking uncomfortable on my bony arse (tho ergos otherwise felt a bit better). Right foot kept brushing engine casing when off the peg or looking for back brake. Cheaper than the trumpet, and definitely a bit larier, but down on comfort and civility and if I bought it, I'd end up spending cash on panniers, better seat, bigger hand guards, screen etc. Not sure I could do distance on it without doing something about the seat (air hawk like on CBR at very least, but this is a taller bike and so might not be suitable). Trumpet has all that I need.

I think if I was getting rid of the CBR, I would go for the Tracer as it's got that sportiness that I would be losing, but as I'm planning to keep it, I think I'll go for the fuller plusher package of the trumpet. Let you know how I get on on a better road, and if I think that it's lacking - but I think I'll be pretty happy.
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Then: Kawasaki ZZR250 > Suzuki Across 250 > Suzuki SV650 > Honda CB750
Now: Honda CBR600F and Triumph Tiger 800 XRT

Polarbear · Super Spammer Joined: 24 Feb 2007 Karma :

I'm not that knowledgable about the Tracer, but isn't the Street Triple more of a comparison than the Tiger 800?

Interesting write up though Thumbs Up

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Triumph Trophy Launch Edition

Rogue_Shadow · World Chat Champion Joined: 10 May 2012 Karma :

https://forum.arcadecontrols.com/Smileys/default/pics.gif

Tracer 900 (MT09 Tracer)

https://images.mcn.bauercdn.com/pagefiles/520799/tracer-2.jpg

Tiger 800 XRT

https://www.sagmart.com/other_images/triumph-tiger-800-xrt-2015.jpg

Great type up for each bike Thumbs Up

The snatchy throttle for the Tracer 900 is a known issue, however a manufacturer remap solves alot of the twitchy response at slow speed. I mucho prefer the styling of the Tracer yet the Tiger seems the more capable bike.

Waaarrrggghhh · Nitrous Nuisance Joined: 27 Oct 2016 Karma :

Never ridden anything higher than a 125 but I think the Tiger looks so much cooler. Plus, it's British Thumbs Up

BrownTrousers · Trackday Trickster Joined: 08 Sep 2013 Karma :

I did the same back to back tests last spring and couldn't agree more. Tracers engine is better, Tracers price is better but triumphs practicality is better (luggage options, screen & guards, comfort). I also much prefer the looks of the tiger.

I bought a Tiger. May have been different if I had been coming from a faster bike but coming from 50bhp parallel twin, the Tiger engine is plenty fun.
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Ducati Multistrada 950 | Triumph Tiger 800 XR | Honda CBR500R | Yamaha YBR 125 Custom

Samsbike · Nitrous Nuisance Joined: 16 Jan 2016 Karma :

I am going against the grain and would vote for the tracer. While I like Triumphs (and have owned two) - their customer and warranty support is non-existent.

Also if you are keeping the Tiger long term, check the servicing costs.

Polarbear · Super Spammer Joined: 24 Feb 2007 Karma :

Tdibs · Traffic Copper Joined: 16 Jan 2015 Karma :

I tested both back to back also and came to the same conclusions.

Tiger is a more well rounded and refined bike but not as exciting. I can imagine just going mile after mile on it though.

Tracer had a brilliant engine, but the fueling, bouncy front end and hard seat/bad screen were a let down. So the lower price of the tracer is a bit deceptive as you are likely to pick up the bill in mods for what the factory did not do.

Second hand Tigers are cheaper(ish) though.

Did not have the balls to throw wads of cash at either yet.
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