Triumph's Tiger 800 has been a popular middleweight adventure sport bike for several years and there are plenty of luggage options, both from the factory and after-market suppliers. If you're planning to fit it yourself, choosing the right luggage for your bike can be daunting. It isn't always obvious how to attach the racks for top case or panniers and you might well be wondering whether you need any specialist tools or skills to do the job.
For my Triumph Tiger 800 XRx I chose a TraX Evo metal top case, by German firm SW-Motech. The rugged 38-litre alloy box matches the Tiger's adventure sport styling, provides plenty of carrying capacity and, unlike panniers, doesn't add width. That's important if, like me, you're likely to do a lot of filtering through slow-moving traffic.
This kit will fit all XR series Tiger 800s; XR, XRt and XRx. It should fit the XC, XCa and XCx too. A different rack, for the 2010-'14 model 800cc Tigers, is available, but they all fit in much the same way. There are three separate components;
- SW-Motech ALU-RACK to fit Triumph Tiger 800 XR Series (part no. GPT.11.747.1500/B). This is the only model-specific part.
- SW-Motech Adapter Plate for TraX Top Case (part no. GPT.00.152.400)
- Sw-Motech TraX Top Case (38-litre) in black (ALK.00.165.1500/B) or silver (ALK.00.165.1500/S)
You don't need to be an expert bike technician to fit the Evo top case, although SW-Motech advise that you do
need to have a "good technical understanding". If you can understand the instructions and identify the components in the fitting kit, you should be fine. If you think that a countersunk screw
refers to having sex in a bunker, then you need professional help (either from a mechanic or a sex therapist). You'll need the following tools;
- 8mm spanner (to remove bolts holding Triumph luggage rack in place)
- Hex key (to tighten screws for ALU-RACK)
- Phillips screwdriver (to attach cam-locks to ALU-RACK)
- Flat blade screwdriver (to tighten Quick-Lock fasteners)
- Pliers(for the Quick-Lock retaining rings)
If you posess those tools and know how to use them, then you should allow a couple of hours to complete the job.
The ALU-RACK fits over the plastic Triumph luggage rack, which needs to stay in place, because it provides a cover for the compartment beneath. Before attaching the ALU-RACK to the bike, you need to fit the cam-locks from the Adapter Kit to the underside of the ALU-RACK. Screw them in using a cross-head screwdriver.
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| Cam-Locks fit under the ALU-RACK |
The ALU-RACK is held above the original Triumph rack by four spacers. Two are shorter than the others and have matching screws. Put these closest to the bike's seat. Make sure you fit them in the right order! With the spacers in place, put the ALU-RACK on top and tighten using a hex key.
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| Two of the screws and spacers are shorter than the others |
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| The shorter spacers go closest to the seat |
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| This hex key from a flat pack furniture kit worked a treat. |
You can use the ALU-RACK on its own - it certainly looks smart enough. If you want to attach the Top Case then you'll need to fit an Adapter Plate. It's best to attach the fittings to the Adapter Plate sitting at the table, since there are lots of components, some quite small. Fitting the retaining rings to the QUICK-LOCK fasteners requires a pair of pliers, a steady hand and a good deal of patience! Once everything is in place, you can attach the Adapter Plate to the ALU-RACK - lock it into place with the QUICK-LOCK fasteners using a large flat blade screwdriver.
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| Note the position of guide bolts on Adapter Plate |
The TraX Evo Top Case then slides over the guide bolts and onto the Adapter Plate and is secured with the bottom latch. And you're ready to go.
That's been my experience and I hope it's useful to you. It's intended to be used in addition to the instructions and not in place of them!
