Motorcycle specifications TriumphTiger 850 Sport 2022 Tigger and his sneakers

With its Tiger models, Triumph boasts one of the most impressive ranges of trail bikes on the market. Between the 660, 900, 1200, GT, Rally, Pro, Explorer... the number of models and versions is deafening.

How do we keep it simple? Start at the beginning. It's called the entry-level, it's the beginning of the adventure, and it's called Tiger Sport. The 660 arrived to carve out a niche in the half-urban, half-country trail clan. The 850 has not lost its place, with its larger stature and displacement. Could this be the 1050 Sport's little brother?

Not at all! A far cry from its Speed Triple-on-stilts philosophy, the 850 is a versatile mid-size trail bike, gentler, more accessible, no relation to the Street Triples, not really sporty but already self-assured. A feeling of déjà-vu? That's to be expected, since this is the old 900 Tiger, simply rebranded and upgraded for power.

Triumph hasn't gone overboard on this one. Different indicators, a more dynamic name, modified colors and bang, the bike changes identity. But only at a glance, since absolutely everything else has been transposed. Chassis, peripherals, trim, size, design... everything.
Still, we appreciate the new decors; the gray/black of the ex-900 was not very cheerful. The punchier two-tone graphics of the 850 are frankly more pleasing.

its displacement-scented name implies a loss of engine volume. The truth lies elsewhere. The three-cylinder cubes 888 cm3, as in the entire 900 family (Rally and GT, with or without Pro). The manufacturer has only lowered the power. 10 hp and 1/2 mkg of torque lost for this Tiger. It still has 85 hp at 8,500 rpm, a good deal more than its designated rival, the BMW F 750 GS. They're virtually on an equal footing when it comes to torque, where the British model maxes out at 8.4 mkg at 6,500 rpm. The German offers 0.1 more. Not enough to make a difference.

Fewer watts, but regular ones , to help those new to the world of trail riding by Triumph to acclimatize more easily. A willingness to broaden the range is also reflected in the possibility of throttling down to A2, something the 900 couldn't do. Or rather, it was reserved for higher-end versions.
An assisted, anti-dribble clutch reduces effort and the possibility of locking the rear wheel.

More affordable, but still a Triumph. That is to say, a motorcycle where the call of nobility is part of the obligation. Take the Stylema front brake calipers, for example. Top-of-the-range, with formidable braking potential, but too premium for this machine. What's the point of having the jaws of a first-rate hypersport on a trail bike like this?
A pre-Burgundy approach to digital technology. The 900 siblings are the most equipped, but the Tiger 850 Sport has nothing to complain about. The 5-inch TFT screen alone immediately gives a feeling of superiority. Then there's the choice of 2 riding modes (Rain and Road), switchable traction control and ABS.

Marzocchi is in charge of suspension, with a 45 mm inverted fork and a preload-adjustable monoshock. This is not a lot of adjustment possibilities, but that's the fate of all entry-level bikes. On the other hand, the Tiger makes up for it in other ways. The rider can adjust the bubble to 50 mm with one hand, the seat to 810 or 830 mm, and the handlebar angle. No center stand or handguards on board. Most users will be more appreciative of two features that will enable them to ride for long periods: the 20-liter fuel tank; and the presence of a 12V socket for plugging in accessories (GPS, telephone, MP3 player, coffee maker, mattress inflator, etc.).

The basic 900 Tiger seemed lost, morose and neglected compared to its Rally and GT variants. By becoming the 850 Sport, it gains in identity what it loses in watts. Triumph has found a new purpose for it, a new path, and is offering it at a slightly lower price. 400 euros less than its predecessor. That's still 2 plates less than its GT cousin. But right up there with the Tracer 9. It won't be a game of sport for the 850 Tiger, but it will be a fine challenge.

M.B - Manufacturer's photos