Unveiling the 2023 Triumph Tiger 850 Sport Ultimate Adventure Bike Review

Introduction: Triumph Tiger 850 Sport: A Budget-Friendly Adventure Bike

If you want an affordable and versatile adventure bike, you might want to check out the new Triumph Tiger 850 sport. It is based on the same platform as the Tiger 900, but with some changes to make it more accessible and friendly for new or less experienced riders.

Engine: A Balanced and Responsive Three-Cylinder

The Tiger 850 Sport has a three-cylinder engine that delivers a balanced performance of torque and power. It has 888 cc of displacement and makes 84 hp and 60 lb-ft of torque. Compared to the Tiger 900, the engine is slightly detuned, but it still has a smooth and responsive throttle and a distinctive sound. The six-speed transmission is not very smooth, but it shifts well and matches the engine's character. The cable clutch is easy to use and has a slip/assist function.

Performance: Fun and Reliable on the Road

The bike is not very fast, but it is fun to ride and has enough power for most situations. The engine is one of the best features of the Tiger 850 Sport, as it combines the advantages of a twin and a four-cylinder. It is also very reliable and efficient, giving you a good range from the 5.3-gallon tank.

Suspension and Brakes: Simple but Effective

The suspension and brakes of the Tiger 850 Sport are simple but effective. The front fork is a 45-mm Marzocchi unit that is not adjustable, and the rear shock is a Marzocchi mono-shock that only has preload adjustment. The suspension is tuned for road use, and it handles well on different surfaces. It is not too soft or too hard, and it keeps the bike stable and comfortable. The brakes are from Brembo, and they are mighty and precise. The front has four-piston Stylema calipers and 320-mm rotors, and the rear has a single-piston caliper and a 255-mm rotor. The bike also has standard ABS, but it is not cornering-optimized.

Design and Ergonomics: Road-oriented and Comfortable

The Tiger 850 Sport is a road-oriented adventure bike, and it does not have any off-road features. It has a 19-inch front wheel, which makes it agile and easy to steer on the road. It does not feel heavy or slow, and it can handle corners and curves with confidence. The bike also has a great riding position and ergonomics. The seat is adjustable in two heights, and it is comfortable for long rides. The windscreen is also adjustable, but it does not offer much protection from the wind or rain. The bike has full LED lighting, a 12-volt power outlet, and a luggage rack.

Electronics: Basic but Sufficient

The electronics of the Tiger 850 Sport are basic but sufficient. The bike has a 5-inch TFT display that shows all the information you need, and it has two riding modes: Road and Rain. The bike also has traction control, but it is not lean-sensitive. The Tiger 850 Sport does not have some of the features that the Tiger 900 has, such as an inertial measurement unit, cruise control, quick-shifter, self-canceling turn signals, or a center stand. However, the bike does not really need them, as it is already a very capable and enjoyable machine.

A Practical and Enjoyable Adventure Bike

The Tiger 850 Sport is a good option for riders who want a simple and affordable adventure bike that can do everything well. It has a great engine, a good chassis, and a sensible spec. It is not very flashy or fancy, but it is very practical and fun. It is a bike that you can ride every day, and it will not disappoint you.

Competition: How Does It Compare to Other Bikes?

The Tiger 850 Sport competes with other street-focused adventure bikes such as the BMW F750 GS, the KTM 890 Adventure, and the Moto Guzzi V85TT. The Triumph has a similar power output to all of them except the KTM, which is more powerful. The Triumph also misses out on some of the optional features that the BMW offers, such as a dynamic suspension, but that is reflected in the price difference.

Conclusion

If I had to choose a bike from this segment, I would not go for the Tiger 850 Sport. It is not a bad bike, but it does not stand out from the crowd. I think the Tiger 900 or its European rivals offer more value for money and more features. They are better bikes for more advanced riders.

Report this Page