As my Tiger crosses 17k miles in just under two years of ownership, I’ve been thinking about my time with this bike but this one thought stands out amongst the rest.

There is a special bond one develops when you own your own bike.

I’ve ridden well over 100 different motorcycles in the past 3 years and it continues to be a privilege that I’ll never take for granted. Of those bikes, there are 10 that truly stand out that I think about to this day. Bikes I would consider smuggling cocaine in a cavity so I could go out and buy one. Mind-blowing machines that are truly a marvel of engineering, hyper capable, strike a visceral chord in my soul and bring me immense joy.

They come and go back to their respective press fleets and at the end of each goodbye, I revert back to my Tiger 800XC. It’s the motorcycle that greets me every day when the garage door opens whether or not I am taking it out for a ride. Without fail, the sight of it always makes me smirk with satisfaction

Though it was third in my list of ADV bikes to buy at the time, it’s a purchase I don’t regret. Consistently coming to that conclusion as time passes is the hallmark of a great bike. Not weight, horsepower, and spec sheets, etc... It's how it makes you feel every day. How it compliments or enhances your lifestyle and skillset as a rider. 

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I've taken great pains to maintain and protect this bike from my own carelessness in the dirt and so far, every piece of armor has paid for itself ten times over.  The most consistent issue has been the stock suspension. It’s notoriously soft and improperly setup for my weight and riding style.  This month it will receive the last and most important upgrade to I’ll make for a while: a fully adjustable suspension system courtesy of Ohlins and Andreani. Once installed, I’ll seek out legendary suspension expert Steve Biganski to dial it in for me.

This kitty is about to become a beast! 

Tiger 800XC Amidst the Sierras 20190712-XT2X9772