ACCESSIBLE ADVENTURE Triumph LAUNCHES new Tiger 850 Sport

A year ago Triumph updated its Tiger range, moving from 800s to 900s. Now there’s a new Tiger in the urban jungle, and this one fits bang in the middle of the two existing ranges with its 850 designation.

So, what’s going on? Well, this: The Tiger 850 Sport has been designed to be a more accessible option in the range in terms of everything from price to power delivery. It replaces the base-model Triumph Tiger 900 in the line-up.

The new model shares the new 888ccc triple engine, its T-plane crank and the 1-3-2 firing order with the 900 range, but it has been given a unique tune for a more accessible and manageable delivery of usable power and torque.

In other words, the power and torque figures are a little lower than the 900 range. Peak power comes at 84bhp at 8500rpm (10bhp less than Tiger 900) and peak torque is 82Nm at 6500rpm (5Nm less than the Tiger 900). Those are still healthy numbers, and the smoothness of power delivery that’s bound to come with the change is no doubt welcomed by many.

There is good news for A2-licence holders, too. The Tiger 850 Sport will be available with a dealer-fitted A2 restriction kit.

The styling of the new 850 Sport is more adventure bike than sports tourer, with the ‘beak’ and general look of the Tiger range unchanged.

Equipment on the 850 Sport is the same high standard as the 900 range of Tigers. It features Brembo Stylema brakes, with twin 320mm discs; Marzocchi upside-down cartridge forks and gas pressurised, preloadadjustable RSU; 5in TFT instruments; Road and Rain riding modes, with dedicated throttle and traction control maps; All LED lighting, including daytime running light (DRL); Slip & Assist clutch; Adjustable screen; as well as ABS and switchable traction control.

The Tiger 850 Sport comes with a two-year unlimited mileage warranty and 10,000-mile service intervals. Availability hasn’t been confirmed yet, but prices start from £9,300.