Triumph has launched the Tiger 800 XCa in India with a price tag of Rs 15.16 lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi). This is the top-end variant in Triumph’s middle-weight adventure motorcycle line-up which sits above the Tiger 800 XCx. Now, considering the styling and purpose of the Tiger 800 XCa, there are two other motorcycles which come up as its closest rivals – the BMW F850 GS and the Honda Africa Twin. Let’s check out which one of them emerges as a superior in this specification comparison.
Design:
Adventure motorcycles exude a raw and muscular appeal and, these three motorcycles are no different. A few elements which are common across these three bikes are tall windscreens, bikini fairing, spoke wheels, single unit handlebar and a high-set, stubby exhaust canister. However, the Triumph Tiger and BMW F850 GS sport a beak-like fairing on the front while the Africa Twin flaunts sleeker minimalistic panels on the front end.
Features:
Starting with the newest entrant, the Triumph Tiger 800 XCa comes loaded with features such as a five-inch TFT display, switchable ABS, traction control, cruise control, six riding modes along with LED lights and DRLs. Meanwhile, the BMW F850 GS is similarly loaded with electronics but it gets five riding modes. However, it is equipped with quickshifter which is absent on the Triumph. Coming to the Honda Africa Twin, the rider aids it offers include switchable ABS, seven-step traction control, four-riding modes and fully-digital instrument cluster. However, what’s different on the Africa Twin is the DCT automatic gearbox which makes off-road riding easier.
Engine:
The Honda Africa Twin features a 999.11cc, twin-cylinder engine which is the largest of the lot. This unit churns out 86.04bhp and 93.1Nm of torque. Whereas, the BMW F850 GS is powered by a smaller 853cc, twin-cylinder motor but it produces more power at 93bhp and 92Nm. Now, the Triumph Tiger 800 XCa makes similar power as the BMW but generates lesser 79Nm torque from its 800cc, triple-cylinder powerplant.
Cycle Parts:
The Triumph Tiger 800 XCa rides on 21-inch front and 17-inch rear wheels which are suspended on WP inverted forks on the front and monoshock at the rear. Braking duties are handled by a 305mm disc with dual-piston caliper on the front while the rear gets a 255mm disc with single-piston caliper. The Tiger sports the largest fuel tank with a capacity of 19 litres. The tyre-sizes, braking and suspension hardware of Honda and BMW remain closely similar to the Triumph. As for the fuel tank capacity, the Honda Africa Twin sports an 18.8 litre fuel tank while the BMW F850 GS incorporates the smallest 15 litre tank.
Pricing:
Starting with the most affordable offering, the Honda Africa Twin retails at Rs 13.23 lakhs. Looking at its features and engine displacement, the Africa Twin appears to be an enticing product. Moreover, its automatic gearbox adds to its ease of riding. The BMW F850 GS, on the other hand, is also a feature-rich bike while it also boasts of the highest power figures. The smallest fuel tank reduces its range though. The standard variant of the F850 GS is priced at Rs 13.55 lakhs while the higher-spec Pro variant retails at Rs 15 lakhs. Coming to the Triumph Tiger XCa, it’s the top-spec bike in its family and gets several impressive features and the largest fuel tank. Considering this, its price tag of Rs 15.16 lakhs seems to be justified.
(all prices are ex-showroom)
