Tiger 800 Tiger 800 Low Vs Standard

Malcolm Bradley · Jan 7, 2019

Hi guys, I'm really hoping there's some folks out there that can help.

I'm thinking of opting for a low XRX rather than the standard as I'm used to 'normal' seat heights of ie sub 800mm sportsbike type seats - I just got off demos of KTM (lunatic) 690 Duke & Kawasaki Versys 650 which had really tall seats.... I didn't like either of them - the Duke was gutless around town and couldn't pull anything under 3,000 revs but out of town - boy what a super machine! The Kawasaki......meh!

My question is.....does the lower seat height affect carrying a pillion and panniers / top box as I'll mainly be riding the bike with the current Mrs B behind me.

Any advice gratefully received.

crispey · Jan 7, 2019

I own a standard height tiger and ride a low for blood biking. I am 5'10 maybe 11, 6'3" on my tinder page but thats another story!
The low is great 1 up and under a bit of load, panniers and 2 blood boxes, not ridden 2 up, due to a large metal plate that covers the pillion,
my bike, standard, is high, a bit top heavy , solo with panniers, but I manage and like it. With the missus on its still top heavy, don't tell her that, but I can get both feet flat on the ground.
There are a lot of things to consider with the low, ground clearance and the side stand, its a lot more upright on the stand and loads of reports of them rolling off or even falling over onto the opposite side with a bit of help from the rider!, but for one up with luggage a low is great, better than standard, 2 up, well Im not sure.
Go out and test ride one with or without the missus, its an excuse for a ride!!

Rich Bryce · Jan 7, 2019

Try an accessory low seat on the standard bike before making a decision. That said, I have a pal who rides two up on a low XRx and loves it, except for the lack of a centre stand.

Malcolm Bradley · Jan 8, 2019

Brilliant, thanks for your input guys. I think I will try out the standard bike with the seat set low, see how I get on with that as that may well be the answer.
The current Mrs B is no 5’2” nymphette so it does concern me about the reduction in ground clearance.
At least there’s options about seat height for me to ponder over.
I used to think I was indecisive but I’m really not that sure any more.....
Thanks again!