“For me, pure enjoyment is when the road ends and the real excitement begins - exploring off-road trails.”  As an experienced instructor at Triumph’s off-road Adventure Riding Experience in the Brecon Beacons, Matt Reed regularly rides the arena comprising grass, dirt, rocks, mud, gravel, bogs, and water, and there’s little doubt in Matt’s mind that both the Tiger 800 and Tiger 1200 ranges are absolutely perfect for getting the most from off-road adventuring as well as road-going journeys.

Matt has welcomed countless visitors who are keen but nervous about taking a Tiger properly off-road.  But he insists that there’s a fundamental key; “Relax!  And enjoy the ride!”  As a former British and World Enduro racer and British rally and Cross Country Championship competitor, Matt – who grew up in the Brecon Beacons and knows the area like the back of his hand – is well-placed to give that advice.

Matt regards the latest Tiger 800s and 1200s highly; “They handle so well, the balance is perfect, and they inspire confidence in your riding.  They continue to amaze me, they have the capabilities to take you anywhere.”  That makes the easy-handling Tigers the perfect bikes on which to learn, improve, enjoy, and refine your riding.  “So jump on a Tiger and start exploring - you’ll never look back.  It will open up a whole new outlook for epic adventures!”

A skilled test rider for Triumph Motorcycles with many years’ service, Felipe Lopez has clocked up more miles in the Tiger saddle than most other riders.  But that hasn’t stopped him seeking ever more exciting riding experiences.  Most notably, he rode a stunning prototype Tiger 800 – named ‘Tramontana’ – in the gruelling 2018 PanAfrica Rally across Morocco’s sand dunes.

One of the things Felipe loves most about Triumph’s Tigers is the amount of torque that you can feel, right from low-down.  “That torque delivers a superb feeling of control, and that undoubtedly contributes to increased confidence and enjoyment during the ride.”  Confidence is of course a big thing for so many riders, but Felipe has no doubts that Triumph’s Tiger range is perfect for venturing away from the asphalt; “The Tiger builds confidence with its easy off-road handling and superb suspension options.  You get the feeling there are no limits and, whatever the conditions, you just keep riding ahead with a smile.” 

Felipe notes that so many people buy Tigers, whether as an adventure bike or not, but then don’t always get to fully explore the limits of their bike to discover its real off-road capabilities.  “They’re the perfect ergonomic package; exceptional chassis, powerful triple engine, and a relaxing but exciting riding experience.  You’ll be surprised at how far you can go on a Tiger,” he adds, “But when you’re riding these bikes, the destination really doesn’t matter!”

“One second I was looking at tinned meat, the next I knew I needed to travel around the world on a motorcycle!” It was the monotonous normality of a supermarket aisle that was the scene of Munich-born Lea Rieck’s own personal epiphany.  With just two months riding experience under her belt, Lea realised her dream and took off on her round the world trip on her Tiger 800 XCA called Cleo!

“I quit my job, and as I pulled away with Cleo, it was like a huge weight off my shoulders.”  Setting off through Eastern Europe, Russia, China, Nepal and Thailand, Lea then headed off to Australia, and on to South America turning northwards to follow the Andes, up through Mexico and the US before heading back to Europe.  Undertaking such a long journey obviously caused challenges, doubts, highs, and lows, but by her own admission she was, “Well-equipped with a top-of-the-range Tiger that is designed to handle long-distance riding.”  

While there were often days upon days of tarmac, Cleo really came into her own when the route drifted off-road; “With a Tiger, you’re never in the wrong gear, the engine is powerful and smooth as silk, and I never ached because there’s no vibration on even the roughest surface.”  Lea is now writing a much-anticipated book about her experiences, but she’s adamant that you don’t need to travel as far to enjoy your Tiger; “It took me 90,000 miles to realise that we all have real adventure on our doorstep.”

Street Freestyle pioneer Ernie Vigil has been riding since he was given his first motorcycle one Christmas morning when he was just six years old.  Since then he’s achieved respect as one of the most trailblazing riders in the world.  “I grew up racing motocross, but the first Tiger I jumped on was for a Portland to Dakar video shoot and I was blown away.”

Now a veteran of numerous world-class races including the Baja 1000, Mexican 1000, and Alcan 5000, Ernie originally raised a few eyebrows when he lined up on a Tiger 800; “It’s just ideal for hard intense riding, and when you’re passing other riders on their dirt bikes you soon appreciate that the Tiger’s power delivery is unbelievable; linear, friendly, smooth, and balanced.” Ernie holds his Tiger as being key to rider confidence; “It’s every bit as good on the road, too!  There are no restrictions. You’re free to do whatever it is you want riding-wise. And for me that’s priceless!”

It’s clear that to get the very best from adventure riding you need the right equipment, and Tigers fit the bill perfectly.  “The Tiger looks the part, and it handles everything; road, dirt, beach, rocks, sand dunes, silt beds, you name it.  It’s one bike that does everything... you could choose a Tiger 800 and ride it for the rest of your life and it would still put a smile on your face every time.”