It was less than a year ago when Triumph first announced its all-new Tiger 900, a departure from the long-standing Tiger 800 platform. Now the Hinckley-based manufacturer is back again with another new Tiger model introduction, the Tiger 850 Sport, just unveiled today. 

Rumors have swirled around the interwebs for the last month about where this bike will be positioned in the Tiger family. Many speculated, based on the name, that it would be a street-only upright sport tourer, like the discontinued Tiger 1050 Sport, with 17” cast wheels front and rear. While it does share the ‘Sport’ name, unlike its predecessor it has a 19″ front wheel and a more-reasonable amount of suspension travel for light off-roading. 

Another move that perplexed many was the reduction in size from a 900 to 850. Actually, it’s still the same 888cc triple engine from the Tiger 900. In fact, it shares the same chassis and bodywork with the base model Tiger 900, which it will replace next year in the lineup. It is essentially the same bike in every way, except the engine has a different fuel map to give it a less-aggressive power output. Triumph says they wanted to identify the bike and position it as a more manageable road-biased adventure bike. The ‘850’ name signals more accessible performance compared to the rest of the line.

As Triumph sees it, not everyone is looking for a fire-breathing performance bike, especially those new to riding or moving up to a larger displacement category. The new Tiger 850 Sport offers a “more-relaxed” riding experience with a rating of 84 horsepower @ 8500 rpm and 60.1 ft-lbs of torque @ 3,750. And for those countries that have A2 license restrictions, a dealer can install a kit to drop it into A2 compliance mode (47 horsepower and 57 ft-lbs of torque). Plus the bike meets all Euro5 emission standards.

The detuned motor also comes with the benefit of longer maintenance intervals. Last year’s Tiger 900 required service every 6,000 miles, while the new Tiger 850 Sport stretches that out to 10,000 miles. Other differences with the outgoing base model Tiger 900, include new LED lighting all around, along with a distinctive LED DRL. However, there are some differences in the lighting for different markets. Here in the states we’ll get a DRL with less light output. Tires have also been swapped from Metzeler Tourance Next to Michelin Anakee Adventures. The Michelins are a bit more aggressive than the primarily street-focused Metzelers and should offer more grip for light off-road riding.

A couple of new color schemes round out the physical changes from last year’s Tiger 900 and it gets a lower price tag as well. Pricing was dropped from $12,500 (for the standard Tiger 900) to $11,995 in an effort to make it a more-affordable entry point for riders. This allows Triumph to match up more favorably with its main competition in this category, the BMW F750GS. While the Beemer is still $1,000 cheaper, Triumph’s new offering gets you higher-spec componentry, more power, better fuel range, and less weight.

Even though this is the base model Tiger, it isn’t completely stripped of the good stuff. It comes outfitted with a 45mm Marzocchi USD fork (non-adjustable) with 7.1 inches of travel, a preload-adjustable rear Marzocchi shock with 6.7 inches of travel, two ride modes (Road & Rain) controlled by a 5″ TFT screen, Slip and Assist clutch, Brembo Stylema brakes, adjustable windscreen, an adjustable seat that goes down to 31.9 inches, a 5.3 gallon fuel tank, 12V charging port, ABS and switchable traction control, and of course the character-filled ‘T-Plane’ triple engine that produces a throaty soundtrack for your rides.

What you give up compared to the up-spec GT Pro is some of the advanced electronics like additional ride modes, cornering ABS, cruise control, and tire pressure monitoring. Plus some of the premium features like heated grips, fully-adjustable suspension, along with the more-aggressive fuel map that increases output to 94 horsepower. But that all comes at a premium price that is several thousand dollars more expensive. 

Read on below for more details about the 2021 Tiger 850 Sport from Triumph:

Highlights: 

• Dedicated 850 triple engine setup.
  o Peak power of 84 HP (85PS) @ 8,500rpm, and peak torque of 60.5 lb-ft (82Nm) @ 6,500rpm.
  o Triumph triple tuned for an even more accessible and manageable delivery.
• High specification equipment and technology fitted as standard. Including:
  o Brembo Stylema brakes, with twin 320mm discs.
  o Marzocchi upside down cartridge forks and gas pressurised, preload-adjustable RSU.
  o 5” TFT instruments.
  o Road and Rain riding modes, with dedicated throttle and traction control maps.
  o All LED lighting
  o Slip & Assist clutch
  o Adjustable screen
  o ABS and Switchable Traction Control
• Two exciting new contemporary Tiger 850 Sport graphic schemes, with a category-leading level of premium finish and detailing.
• 60+ Genuine Triumph Accessories, including luggage.
• The most accessibly priced Tiger in the line-up, at $11,995

Ergonomics

With a narrow seat, ergonomically optimized footrest position, and angle adjustable handlebars the new Tiger 850 Sport has a comfortable upright riding position designed for a higher level of rider confidence and control. It also features a built-in easily adjustable two-position seat height mechanism, which enables the rider to change the seat height by ¾ in (20mm) to their preferred set-up. The new Tiger 850 Sport also comes with a large 5.28 Gal (20 L) fuel tank and an adjustable screen, delivering superior wind protection with a simple single-handed adjustment.

Accessories 

There are two luggage range options available, both created in partnership with GIVI: The Trekker side-opening panniers with 13.7 Gal (52 L) twin helmet top box, and the Expedition top-opening aluminum panniers, with matching 11.1 Gal (42 L) top box. Additionally, the Tiger 850 Sport accessory range covers over 60 options for added comfort, protection and security. All of the Genuine Triumph Accessory range comes with Triumph’s 2 year unlimited mileage warranty.

Dealers are expected to start receiving the new model in late February 2021. For more information on the new Tiger 850 Sport visit the Triumph website.

2021 Triumph Tiger 850 Sport Specs

Author: Rob Dabney

Rob Dabney started a lifelong obsession with motorcycles at the age of 15 when he purchased his first bike – a 1982 Honda MB5. Through his 20’s and 30’s he competed in off-road desert races, including the Baja 250, 500 and 1000. Eventually, his proclivity for exploration led him to dual sport and adventure riding. Rob’s never-ending quest to discover what’s around the next bend has taken him on Adventures in Latin America, Africa, Europe, Asia, and throughout the American West. As a moto journalist, he enjoys inspiring others to seek adventure across horizons both near and far.