Triumph Tiger 800 Xc

"The most characterful middleweight adventure bike you can buy used."

The Tiger 800 XC is one of those bikes that genuinely delivers on its adventure promises without bankrupting you in the process. The triple cylinder engine is the star here — smooth, torquey from low revs, and sounds absolutely brilliant with an aftermarket pipe. It handles dirt tracks with genuine confidence, not just marketing confidence, and the upright ergonomics make all-day riding feel effortless. Pre-2015 models had a somewhat agricultural gearbox and the suspension was average at best, so hunt for a post-2015 XCx if your budget allows. Used examples need careful inspection. Check the throttle bodies for carbon buildup, inspect the frame around the steering head for any stress cracks if it's been dropped, and verify the bungee cord points haven't been ripped off by a previous overlander. Coolant hoses on high-mileage bikes can weep quietly. Budget for a full service immediately — these engines reward regular oil changes and hate neglect. Avoid anything with a patchy service history.