Triumph have released the first official picture of the new Tiger 800 XC, all decked out with the correct off-road accessories, such as a compact windshield, protection for the headlights, extra suspension travel, under-engine bash plate and most important, a 21-in. from wheel so essential to serious dirt riding.

According to “Official” rumours, the Tiger 800 XC is powered by a long-stroke version of the excellent 675 triple borrowed from the Daytona 675 and Street Triple, Triumph’s most successful models to date. There is talk of over 100hp and some 65lb-ft of torque, more than what we normally find on such bikes. For example, BMW’s popular F800 pumps out 85 horses at 7500rpm, and 62lb-ft of torque.

A more road-oriented version of the Tiger 800 will use a 19in front wheel and more suitable tires than the XC’s knobbies.

Photo: Triumph

Rubrique: Big front wheels, knobbies, bash plate, and enough power to slide the rear end at higher speeds – The full off-road Monte.

With these two models, Triumph seems to be replicating the BMW trick of offering two versions of the same basic bike, as with their F800 and the less powerful and cheaper version of the same basic bike, the F650.

Both Tiger 800 models will be fully revealed at the Milan Intermot Bike Show coming up November 1.

And come to think of it, that 800cc engine would make for a great basic street model, right up there with the new Suzuki GSX750, Yamaha FZ8 and Fazer 8, and other medium weight, low cost sporting standards coming to market.