2018 Triumph Tiger 1200 XCa | First Ride | Review

[@Kendoji1]

You truly are the Bob Ross of motorcycle reviews. Good job, two thumbs-up. :)

[@NothingToProve]

Thank you Kendoji, I really try to keep it slow and simple because I don't like to repeat myself...hehe. Greetings from Germany!

[@PhatSimey]

Great review! I test rode an Explorer 1200 a couple of months ago, and although it was really agile when moving, the static weight even getting vertical off the side stand was a little unnerving! Settled for a Tiger 800 in the end, which I am very happy with.

[@OswaldoLafee]

spot on review. I have that same bike and it is not a bike that I want to take off-road ever (I have) toured the entire US twice on it from coast to coast and back and will not change it. It's heavy and I'm 5'8 and but can manage without a problem. I have to be very careful on slow speeds. Smooth, comfortable and reliable like none of my GS buddies. Long live triumph. Just discovered your channel today by the way, good job here. New subscriber.

[@GalambaPortugal]

I'm a portuguese gentleman and being so i Will get my Tiger 1200 xrt in 3 weeks 😀 greetings from Portugal 😎

[@woodstock048]

I have decided it is time to get back on a real bike, started many years ago with a Triumph, started looking, came upon this channel. You sold it. You are the best. Will go to my dealer tomorrow but will have to also try the 1250.

[@NothingToProve]

And I'm not a Triumph "fan boy" either. 🤔 Yes, try the 1250, it handles the weight a little better than the 1200, but the 1200 looks better imho.

[@ottomatic7823]

Just had to rewatch this. Your opinion does matter to me. Heading into town to check out a used ‘18 Tiger 1200 XCA. And as a Ford driver, an F~150 in Deutschland.... das is gut!

[@NothingToProve]

Thank you! I've owned two F150's, in fact I had to sell my last one before I moved to Germany :( that was a sad day. Love them, as soon as I move back to the States, I'll get me one again. The 1200 Tiger is a good machine, a bit top heavy for me but still if you don't mind that, or are a taller guy, then it's not a problem. Ride safe, Scott

[@willraven7]

American Werewolf in Germany. Love the reviews bother! Greetings from Texas!

[@NothingToProve]

LOL! Thanks willraven7, yea, I need to go home soon... I miss it.

[@mikedempsey7804]

As always, a nice job with your review. Very professional, and you always provide a good description of systems!

[@ncarnaiz]

Holly sh*t! What a nasty weather! In any case, for the review! Greetings from Madrid, Spain

[@dennism1919]

Hey Scott! Another nice review, Sir. I know it's a little after the fact and all (a little?!?) but seeing this piece brought back memories for me! Shortly after I bought the Trophy I Learned of all the updates etc. that were coming, and I thought "HA! I can take care of this one, not put a lot of miles on it and then trade up to the new model." Just think, a new, evolved Trophy SE with all those sweet updates... But it never happened. The Tiger got all the updates instead and the Trophy got discontinued. I was so mad! My dealer actually offered to help get me out of the Trophy and into a Tiger in the up-spec road variant. I took one out for the day. I really liked the bike a lot, but for what I do the Trophy was a better bike. Perhaps I'll take a gander at the 2020's and see if they grab me. So thanks for the flash backs, pal! LOL!

[@NothingToProve]

LOL, you're welcome! I had a riding buddy back in the States that had a 1200 Trophy, we'd swap bikes some times and it was a great bike, it did every thing well, I really like the look of it. But in the end Triumph just couldn't sell enough of them...oh well.

[@GalambaPortugal]

And There is something that you didn't mention... The design! The class! The exclusivity! Things that really matter to a real rider facing other brands like the ugly GS or the KTM...

[@SickBikeDude]

I just sat on this at the dealer yesterday, VERY comfy. Well compared to my Speed Triple anyways. Looks awesome in its white as well. Nice review man!

[@ridingwithmarshall]

Excellent video! I love your work, just honest and yet engaging, without talking into your helmet and trying to fill every second like so many do. One question: Where are you from? You sound American, but you are all over other countries, and the language on the Tiger was set to German (I think, from the brief view).

[@NothingToProve]

Thank you. Yes, I'm an American but I currently live in Germany. take care, Scott

[@keyboarddancers7751]

Suggestion for all bikers with huge windscreens: Rain-X. I use it on my car's screen and above 65 mph even in heavy rain, I don't even need my wipers. All the water just beads off; it's magical! If constant high speed and performance is not your goal with these sorts of big ADV bikes, then surely fitting slightly more off road oriented tyres are the way forward to cover all eventualities? Interesting that whenever anyone makes comparisons between the biggest ADV contenders, they very rarely ever mention the Multistrada.

[@NothingToProve]

There is a reason for that. Sales. But no, it is compared in several "comparo's" they are just rare.

[@travelinben1966]

I like that it has a big electric windshield.The competition should also.Have a schnapps when you get home Scott!😂

[@SanandanDA]

Greetings from India So which bike would you pick? BMW 1250 GS or Triumph Tiger 1200? I lean in the favor of the GS as it weight is carried low and the ease of riding it offers due to that reason. Cheers, great reviews, no non-sense and to the point.

[@NothingToProve]

Hi Sanandan, thank you. Which would I pick between these two bikes? The GS, it's simply better at everything, which is what an adventure bike is supposed to be. Cheers from Germany!

[@samsara3694]

Hey! Not sure that your heart was quite in this review, due to the awful weather: I missed some of the small details and slow considerations that you sometimes give in your reviews. But as ever, I find your reviews very soothing and relaxing to watch, thank you!

[@NothingToProve]

Hi Samsara, yea, it was cold, windy and wet, not a good combination, I had already delayed the review of this bike for 8/9 days, made several appointments to ride it and cancelled them all cause of the weather. I was so frustrated after cancelling/delays/waiting that I just did it, regardless of the weather, and I think that this frustration is what you see in the video. The "damn the torpedo's full speed ahead" mentality of my personality showed through. You will see me back to my normal level of professionalism and talking speed in my next video, you have my word. :)

[@Mrfacts_ge]

A English Revolution ❤️❤️❤️😍😍

[@Mrfacts_ge]

Wow 😍 Beautiful location ...

[@OperationFoxley19441]

It's beautiful thanks for reviewing!!

[@NothingToProve]

Thanks. This was the worst weather conditions I've ever filmed under. Cold, rain, wind, you would not believe the amount of footage I had to cut out cause you simply could not see because of the rain drops on the camera lenses.

[@ShaftDrive]

Great review. I’m debating on something else to run this year. SAR for more off road but this is smooth for long touring.

[@Speedytrip]

I'm hesitating between this one and the Super Tenere 1200. I like the low maintenance of the Yamaha Engine, but the dash and windscreen on the Tenere is about 30 years behind this one...Id like to try both to see which one has the most comfortable suspensions.

[@NothingToProve]

Just wait till the new Tiger 1200 comes out this April, lighter, weight is lower...everything is better, well, they always say that, I hope to do a review of one as soon as it comes to the dealer 😁👍

[@roadglide]

BMW R1250 GSA or Triumph Tiger 1200 XCa?

[@GalambaPortugal]

But this gentleman will obviously point to the GS... Since he is a BMW funboy!

[@NothingToProve]

Neither, KTM 1290 SA. But it really depends on which day you ask me...it may change.

[@jimgordon3468]

Triumph. Hands down

[@Youfranstubecopier]

Thanks for the video..great review i am driving KTM super adventure S ....that's also a great bike....but for the future ...Triumph will bi the bike...thanks!!

[@motorsuzuki3860]

Hi Great review - as always, thank you! How do you compare Tiger 1200 vs 800 ? If you travel without pillion maybe 800 is better ? How about reliability of Tigers ? Are its bulletproof ? How do you compare 1200/800 to Africa Twin Adventure Sports ? Thank you.

[@NothingToProve]

Hello, and thank you. 1200 vs. 800, I like the 800, mainly cause it is so light and the 1200 is so top heavy, almost 40 kg difference. Travel, hmm...that's a hard question...hmm...depends on what you are looking for in a travel bike really, if you are going to do any off road I'd choose the 800, but 100% on road, then both are very good. Bulletproof, I have never owned a Triumph, so I cannot give any advice there. Ah, the Africa Twin question. It's been a few years since I've ridden one but the Twin is probably the best adventure bike in off-road conditions, well I'd say it's a tie with the KTM Super Adventure. On road, the Triumphs might be ahead of it but not by much.

[@motorsuzuki3860]

@@NothingToProve Thank you for reply. I am looking to travel in 99% on road... Africa Twin AS is around 1.5k eur more expensive than Tiger 800 XCA but service and running cost are cheaper in ATAS and I read that Tiger is not the most reliable... that's why I worry a bit of Tiger...

[@Kendoji1]

Motor Suzuki Hey, I had a 2017 Tiger XRT and then switched to a 2017 Africa Twin DCT. The Tiger was absolutely wonderful. Incredible fit, finish and tons of gadgets that made it a fantastic and comfortable sports touring bike. I only ride on road and the Tiger was just about perfect. So why did I swap? The Tiger’s triple engine never excited me the way a rumbling twin does, so once I’d tried an AT and heard the roar of those twin cylinders I was sold. The AT is lovely, but on road the Tiger handles better and is more comfortable. If you like triples I’d recommend the Tiger for on road sports touring. But if you come from cruisers and love the braaawp of a twin, you might just prefer the AT. And the AT is better off road of course. When it comes to reliability I think both bikes have their issues, but I consider the Tiger more bombproof. Honda cut some corners with the AT as you’ll read on the forums.

[@motorsuzuki3860]

@@Kendoji1 Thank you a lot ! :)

[@OswaldoLafee]

I've had both and 4 tigers overall. Currently have the bike on the video. For adventure travel (which is always without a pillion) 800 is the way to go indeed due to the weight and also lets not forget its beautiful unique sound. For touring long distance without dirt, there is no comparison, this one is better. Both Bullet proof. Out of the 4 I had he bweird electrical problem on one of the 800s and the clutch cylinder broke on this after 25K miles. So, super reliable one of the best reasons why I'm so loyal to the brand.

[@ridingwithmarshall]

Oh, and my wife agrees, you look like a younger Marlon Brando. Think Jor-El from the first Superman movie, but slimmer.

[@noizychild]

Which would you choose for a trip across the US with full luggage? All road travel.

[@NothingToProve]

BMW R 1250 GS/A

[@noizychild]

Thank you for the quick response! I have the 1290 sdr, but it is not for long trips. Shopping the versys 1000, 1250 gsa, multistrada, tiger 1200, and super adventure. I appreciate your feedback.

[@NothingToProve]

I also own a 1290SDR, and if you're into absolute power, being a SDR owner like me, then I'd also consider the 1290SA for a trip. Just depends on what you want to focus on...power (SA) or refinement (GSA). Good luck with trying to decide... :)

[@noizychild]

@@NothingToProve thank you very much! I definitely like power, but I cannot give in to the unique look of the SA. But I plan to ride them all and decide.

[@ZDmario]

Great bike ,top of the class,but price here in Croatia is just too much

[@markkulyas2418]

If you're thinking about buying a Triumph Tiger consider buying used, unfortunately these bikes do not hold their value. I'm seeing 2021 for $14,000 and 2018 for $11,000

[@19BoRaS80]

Good video and nice insight into buying decision. Can you please give few words about too much (??) heat that comes from engine into thighs and higher? I met some opinions about it and just looking for confirmation or denial for that...

[@NothingToProve]

Hi Pawel, it was the end of October when I test rode this bike, and it was very cold, just a few degrees above freezing, so I cannot give you a comment on the "heat" issue that others have experienced. I did not notice any heat, in fact that would have been welcomed if I could have felt some heat coming off the engine. Sorry :)

[@19BoRaS80]

@@NothingToProve I understand :-D Thank you for your quick reply anyway :-D And yes it requires 25C and above to find it disturbing as owners say...

[@19BoRaS80]

@DC Debates Thanks a lot for your comment. I hoped this is not that big issue, but seems it is after all... And the same opinion as other users' grate bike unless it's warm outside :(

[@keepersofthedeep]

@Larry J 100 percent true !

[@peterfallows6802]

ABS doesn't work on the leaves `aye` ❕🔱 I wonder what the shop had to say⚠️❔

[@NothingToProve]

about 550 euros worth of saying...😢😢😢

[@ottomatic7823]

@@NothingToProve Siri tells me that's about $669.51 in today's exchange. Ouch...

[@21bCreations]

You seem to be riding this bike on the WRONG side of the road for the UK!

[@NothingToProve]

Oh, hey, maybe that's why I crashed. Thanks for the tip! :)

[@tonyvidtube]

Typical English weather but definitely NOT English roads unless we now drive on the the right and the road signage is in Kilometres LOL!!

[@alexmorgan3435]

@@tonyvidtube It was filmed in Germany. I guess he thought English bike English weather.