Couldn't give a shit about the shape of the headlights - FFS - since when has the shape of headlights been an essential element / deal breaker on a supposed "tough as old boots" adventure bike.

I would have thought the more important potential deal breaker is Triumph's persistence with high center of gravity designs. If the engines were fully dry sump with remote oil tank (instead of being jacked up over a deep wet sump) and also rotated forward / laid down for the lowest possible center of gravity (see BMW 1300S and 1600), then there would still be good ground clearance with much improved handling.

It just bloody mystifies me why manufacturers of bikes that are supposedly focussed towards functionality / adventure usage are apparently oblivious to the benefits of light handling and rider effort for this application.

Remote reservoir for rear shock would be my guess. With any luck there will be a remote preload adjuster as well.

There were rumours of electronic suspension, and the ability to adjust preload from the handlebars would be cool, although as with the MTS1200S, I would worry about reliability / maintenance issues down the line.

Yeah, this bike and the RT are apples to oranges, but didn't know if the F800GS crowd was suffering on longish trips. Curious to see US MSRP. With the XT priced just over the 800GS, Triumph had better really have a good price point to draw people in on this bike.

The headlight-instrument assembly seems to be too far forward. It looks misplaced as if it has slid down the beak a bit. This must be to accomodate the older riders who need reading glasses to see up close. :D

Do those beaks cause serious harm to people like pedestrians?

They don't look like they would be super safe.

That's what I was thinking too.

It's also clear from the photos that the rear shock on the XC is longer -- there's more room between the top of the tire and the undertail. Forks are obviously longer-travel as well.

Let's hope that in addition to the longer travel, the XC suspension also offers more adjustability.

--mark

Tiger 800.
Available from December 2010 (after the NEC).
Price around £7000, ABS as a £600 option.
Colours : Crystal White (as found on the Thruxton SE and Tiger1050),
Phantom Black (as found on Tiger 1050 and Speedmaster), Venom Yellow
(all new colour exclusive to Tiger 800).
Steel Trellis Frame
Showa 43mm USD forks.
19" cast front wheel.
Ignition key controlled immobiliser system.
Height adjustable seat with 20mm range of adjustability.
Adjustable handlebars.
Seat height 810-830mm.
Wet weight 210kg.
95 ps (98bhp aprox').

Tiger 800 XC.
Available from late December/early January.
Price around £7600, ABS as a £600 option.
Colours : Crystal White, Phantom Black, Intense Orange (as found on
Tiger 1050, Speed Triple, also known as blazing orange)
Showa 45mm USD forks with 220mm of travel.
21" Wire spoked wheels.
Seat height 845-865mm (seat is again adjustable).
Hand Guards.
Radiator Guards.
Wider bars than tarmac version.
Other features as per Tarmac version.

Hell, I could sell my GSA and almost pay for one of those.

Who wants a slightly used WR250R? LOL.

White XC!!! My Duc dealer is also a Triumph dealer, think I will need a 7500 service on the duc about Dec sometime. Make note, bring CC.

oooh....holiday snaps: http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/bike...photos-galore/

Some new pics!:clap

http://www.motorcycledaily.com/wp-co...op-730x554.jpg

http://www.motorcycledaily.com/2010/...00-and-800-xc/

I think it is a great looking bike, even the street version. I hope it lives up to the hype so in a few years, I can buy a nice low-mile used one.:lol3

31.9"-32.6" seat height on one,
33.25"-34" on the other.

Not bad. I might actually be able to wing an XC without too much stress. Worse case, it forces me to be a better rider. Depends on the seat shape and CoG. If not, the 800 would be fine. And it wouldn't suck to have both. Cool.

I'll have to say this for Triumph. At least they seem to recognize that people demand more info and they're letting it seep out, rather than making people wait in a vacuum. At least it keeps the tribes from getting restless. It seems to me they're watching and listening to what people are saying.

Has anyone noticed the XC version seems to have an additional 2 cables/hoses that appear to terminate one the front forks, in addition to the brake hoses that are also visible on the road version...

Any ideas...? :ear

http://www.motorcycledaily.com/wp-co...2110bottom.jpg