2021 Triumph Tiger 850 Sport | First Look Review

November 17, 2020 editor 10 min read

Triumph has announced the 2021 Triumph Tiger 850 Sport, a new road-oriented Adventure-Touring model, based on the latest Tiger 900 platform. At $11,995, the 850 Sport is the most affordably priced Tiger in the lineup and will replace the current base model Tiger 900.

The Triumph Tiger 850 Sport fills an essential role within the greater Tiger 900 family, as it hopes to attract riders through its more manageable power delivery and lower peak performance numbers, as well as its road-focused suspension and wheel setup.

Although this new model carries an 850 designation, it is essentially, a re-tuned base model 2020 Triumph Tiger 900. As such, all components and geometry figures remain the same between the two motorcycles. Outside of the engine tuning, two distinct liveries are available, “Graphite & Caspian Blue” and “Graphite and Diablo Red,” exclusive to this model.

Triumph sees the BMW 750 GS as the 850 Sport’s direct competitor and has also employed a similar branding strategy as the Bavarians. Although the BMW 750 GS features a 750 designation, it utilizes a re-tuned version of the 853cc parallel-twin engine and the same chassis found in the BMW 850 GS. The 750 designation also implies a lower level of performance. The BMW 750 GS’s component choices are touring focused, while the 850 GS uses an ADV biased suspension and wheel setup, clearly stating their intended use. Similarly, Triumph leans on the expanded Tiger 900 lineup to satiate those with greater off-road or touring aspirations.

Powering the 850 Sport is the exciting 888cc in-line triple-cylinder engine, featuring the T-plane crank design and 1-3-2 firing order, which is said to improve tractability at lower rpms. The crucial difference between the 850 and 900 variants is its model-specific fuel tuning, which reduces claimed peak horsepower to 84 at 8,500 rpm and peak torque to 60.5 lb-ft at 6,500 rpm. This dedicated tune promotes a more progressive power delivery, and importantly, reaches its peak performance figures noticeably lower in the rpm range. By comparison, Tiger 900 models claim to produce 93.9 horsepower at 8,750 rpm and 64 lb-ft of torque at 7,250 rpm.

Two selectable ride modes are available, Road and Rain, which alter throttle response and traction control intervention levels. Traction control is switchable by exploring the full-color 5-inch TFT instrument panel, while ABS settings cannot be modified. To maintain a lower price, the 850 Sport does not use an IMU, unlike its mid and top-tier Tiger brethren.

Returning to the fold is the same tubular steel chassis, modular aluminum subframe and cast aluminum swingarm seen across the entire Tiger 900 range. The non-adjustable 45mm Marzocchi USD fork with 7.09-inches of travel and Marzocchi shock with 6.7-inches of travel and preload adjustment only, are employed once more. Triumph has only released a claimed dry weight of 423 pounds and defines its dry weight measurement as a motorcycle without fluids or battery. For reference, our 2020 Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro test bike tipped our shop scale at 476 pounds wet.

The 850 Sport offers a neutral rider triangle that welcomes commuting, touring and more. In its lowest position, the 850 Sport’s seat height measures at 31.88 inches. However, it can be raised as much as 0.79 inches to a maximum height of 32.67 inches to aid taller riders. There are other helpful standard features, such as: an adjustable windscreen, adjustable levers, a 12V charging port and LED lighting all-around.

Braking components remain a highpoint, with superbike-ready 4-piston Brembo Stylema calipers and 320mm floating rotors in the front. Meanwhile, a 1-piston Brembo caliper and 255mm disc take care of braking duties in the rear.

Cast alloy 19 and 17-inch wheels drive the road-focused message home, and one notable change for the 850 Sport is the inclusion of Michelin Anakee Adventure tires.

Numerous factory accessories are already offered, with various Givi Trekker luggage options, a low seat, heated grips, hand guards and several forms of engine or case protectors.

The 2020 Triumph Tiger 850 Sport is expected to arrive in dealers in January 2021. We’ll have a full test as soon as we can get our mitts on one.

2020 Triumph Tiger 850 Sport Specs:

Price: $11,995
Website: triumphmotorcycles.com
Engine Type: Liquid-cooled, transverse in-line triple, DOHC w/ 4 valves per cyl.
Displacement: 888cc
Bore x Stroke: 78.0 x 61.9mm
Transmission: 6-speed, hydraulically-actuated wet assist-and-slipper clutch
Final Drive: O-ring chain
Wheelbase: 61.25 in.
Rake/Trail: 24.6 degrees/5.24 in.
Seat Height: 31.9/32.7 in.
Claimed Dry Weight: 423 lbs.
Fuel Capacity: 5.28 gals.