What we’ve learned
600 miles on Tiger 850 Sport
NEW FOR 2021 Triumph’s Tiger Sport is now the entry into Hinckley’s middleweight adventure family. Replacing the standard Tiger 900, with the Tiger 900 GT, GT Pro, Rally and Rally Pro above, it has 10bhp less than its more expensive cousins to allow for A2-licence restriction and a broader remit to appeal to new riders.
But that doesn’t mean it’s dull — you only have to look at the Trident 660 to know that Triumph does ‘budget’ bikes well. We’ve got this 850 on test for the next few months and despite being far from a new rider myself, I’ve found it very effective on UK roads. This is what we’ve learned in the last four weeks.
1
It’s more sportstourer than adventure bike
Designed as a road-based entry level into the Tiger family, it has accurate steering and excellent suspension control so it’s easy to hustle and get the most from.
The 45mm Marzocchi forks aren’t adjustable but offer loads of feel and less travel than the adventure-spec equivalent and they’re better for it. Likewise, the shock has no damping adjustment (but it does have hydraulic preload with an easy-to-use knob), yet works superbly. Ride quality is impressive on all roads and handling is perfect for bumpy B-roads as well. It’s huge fun but I’d never, ever, take it anywhere near a green lane, even if the OE Michelins might be able to handle it.
2
It’s low; damn low
It’s got one of the lowest seats on a mainstream adventure-style bike. At 810mm on its lowest setting, it’s just 10mm higher than a Trident 660. A Tiger Rally Pro is more than four inches higher.
I’m 6’2 and don’t find it that cramped, plus you can get that extra 20mm by altering the position of the mounts under the seat, which makes a real difference and allows you to weight the handlebars more. After a few hours in the saddle, taller riders will definitely need a stretch though – your hips will thank you.
Of course, another downside of the low stance is that ground clearance is limited if you start getting enthusiastic with the cornering. Keen riders will drag with pegs but, for some, that’s all part of the fun.
3 The motor is all you need
There’s been much written about the middleweight Tigers’ T-plane crank. Designed with an uneven firing order to promote traction, it gives the motor an organic, throaty feel. Good-natured vibes add to this but the shakes never intrude. Most of all, it makes superb use of its claimed 84bhp. Electronically restricted to make 10bhp less than other Tigers, it’s still a very effective motor, with bottom-end and midrange unaffected. There is tall enough gearing to despatch 90mph motorways stints and still a healthy kick at the top-end. It sounds wonderful too, even if it reminds more of a parallel-twin than the usual triple baritone. But there’s charm — no mean feat with the current cloying noise and emissions regs.
4 Equipment levels are sparse
To differentiate itself from the other bikes in the Tiger range, Triumph stripped the £9300 Sport of kit but you can get most of it back on the options list. Heated grips at £149 are a no-brainer, as are handguards at £119, for wind-protection as much as anything. Also, in this world of tech, an up/down quickshifter would be nice, though it is a £320 option.
If you’re in the market, you should also consider the Expedition topbox fitted here: it integrates nicely to the luggage rack, is waterproof and stays stable, too.
Tick the above boxes and you’re looking at £920 worth of kit, pushing the price to £10,220, which is still £1000 less than a basic-spec Tiger 900 GT, though the GT has cruise-control as stock and that isn’t an option on the Sport.
5 It’ll smash distance
Despite the lack of a possibility of ever having cruise-control, the Sport can comfortably eat miles. Wind protection is wonderful; turbulence-free and quiet whether you wear a peaky lid or not. The riding position is relaxed and even though the seat is low, it is well-padded.
The 850 Sport loves motorways and A-roads; the motor settles into a contented state of equilibrium at anywhere between 70mph and 90mph and you have to work really hard to ever get fuel consumption below 50mpg. On a long run, you can easily see 210-220 miles from a tank. Seriously useful.