2025 Tiger Sport 800

[@kevinroberts2395]

Great analysis Terence. I'm one of the 'on my way down' group who will definitely look at this bike next year when it's released here in Australia. 2 further considerations for me will be 'price point' and 'seat to peg' height. Comfort is the major consideration being in my mid 60's.

[@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff]

Thanks Kevin. Seat to peg will be the same as the 660 I think. The peg is a little further back than the Trident if I remember which does have the effect of opening up the hip, should be good.

[@capz3217]

You're making a good point about downsizing. I'm currently riding a Multistrada 950S which is about 20kg heavier and really top heavy. Felt alright on the test ride, but after a long day riding, with full luggage, getting on and off and pushing it around, I start longing for something a bit smaller and lighter. So maybe, I give that Tiger a try when it arrives at the dealers next year. With the its specs, it's definitely a great value proposition. And I certainly don't need more power. I just test rode a V85 TT last week, and that was bloody brillant too.

[@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff]

I was very interested in the 950s a few years back and just couldn't get on with the seating position. I was disappointed at the time as I was a close buy. I didn't get that top end feel on the test ride either, interesting comment from an owner. Top heaviness was the reason I eventually let go of my '18 Tiger 1200. Yes, I think the 800 will appeal to many. Thanks for watching.

[@tonybarton3746]

Been riding 53 years lots of big bike 140 hp + never used half of it , big tourers 500 mile one day trips , you don’t need a big bike to go touring the 660 has just the right amount of power to weight ratio, as for cruise control , quick shifter, different drives modes , nah It’s all in experience throttle control , fwd observation ( keeping your distance) I’m staying with the 660 😊👍👍👍

[@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff]

My 95HP Daytona 660 there has three rider modes, it doesn't need any to be honest, I have none on my CB1100EX or Daytona 1200 either and I don't feel I am lacking in anything. These options are extremely cheap for a manufacturer to add and they get talked up like they are something amazing. I do think they are a good idea where they make a material change to the nature of the bike though. My 2018 Tiger made significant changes to the damping based off the rider modes, that was useful. I have to admit to loving a quick-shifter where they work well as i have a tiny little arthritis in my hands now. Hard to use 140HP realistically on the road I'll admit but I'm glad those bikes exist to give people choice if they want it. Thanks for watching Tony.

[@newbierides]

You kinda got it spot on when describing who the bike is for. You basically described me. I started on an R3, had a Yamaha bolt, then an MT07, now I have an MT09. I don't ever see myself going to the 1200s they are way too big for my daily commute. The tiger 800 is the perfect mid size bike for me. Small enough for a daily commute, large and comfortable enough for a long day ride that I do every now and then, cruise control, more wind protection than my MT-09. I already put a down to hold mine, still gotta wait till around March when they get to the dealer. I almost switched my MT-09 for the tiger 660, but felt like the 660 didn't have all the power I needed and lacked cruise control. The 800 basically has everything I wanted the 660 to have and everything I feel like is missing on my MT-09.

[@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff]

Yes, it is a great blend of price/functionality/weight without going totally overboard on electronics, the sweet spot for many I think. I'm not convinced the greater majority of riders care about adaptive cruise, blind spot, pre-emptive braking, onboard cameras and the like. I'm glad those hi tech bikes exist, choice is a great thing but as I have got older I've grown to realise I don't need them. I have piles of fun on my CB1100EX which has ABS, nothing else, same goes for my '94 Daytona 1200 which has nothing at all 😅.

[@rogerhealy1642]

This one is definitely at the top of my list. I also would like shaft drive, but that drives up the cost and weight. For me, this hits the sweet spot of performance, comfort (hopefully) and affordability. I really like the 10,000 mile service intervals and Triumph’s focus on affordable maintenance. The maintenance cost was the biggest downside of the three BMWs I’ve owned.

[@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff]

I have a 1250GS and it is great you don't have to oil a chain but I really don't find it a chore on a bike. They only need cleaning on an occasion and a quick spray lube is mostly all that is required, a couple of minutes at most. As for adjustment they have got a lot better in terms of stretching, on most bikes I think anyway. On the comfort front I would encourage every owner to wind the rear damping to absolute minimum and then maximum and ride over the same stretch of poor'ish road at both settings to see the range on offer. You get an idea then of what you like and can set accordingly for the ride comfort that suits you. Thanks for watching Roger.

[@nathanwhitley3358]

Really excited for this release. I’ve had a 2012 tiger 800 as my first bike for a couple of years and love it. Only real shortcomings are the non adjustable suspension and I’d like a little more kick off power especially for 2up or loaded luggage. This sport 800 promises all of that and much more. 17” front wheel and smaller frame will make it more of a shredder for blasts in the mountains as well.

[@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff]

Yes, can't wait for the official road tests and a test ride myself. It is a great little package.

[@colinshurey976]

I have a Tiger 1050 sport , i will be swapping it out for one of these

[@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff]

1050 Sport was a fabulous bike, deserved to sell much better than it did. I think the 800 will be a nice buy, good tech for a reasonable price.

[@Wolfman-me5kd]

I have a tiger gt 2020 , and I have been looking at 2024 tiger, but this 800 has made me have a rethink 🤔

[@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff]

Physically you are going to drop way down in road presence, these are small enough bikes but that suits a lot of people too. I don't think you're alone in those thoughts.

[@tonydare7614]

It's for me🤣, just ordered one in France! I'm on the way down. Got an R12 ninet at the moment but this I believe will be a true all-rounder and a great fun bike. Got to wait until Feb/March for delivery. Quite agree about the dash, it's fugly!!

[@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff]

Congratulations, that engine is going to be such a peach. Keep the dash just out of sight on the helmet chin bar 🙂. Enjoy!

[@tonydare7614]

@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff 🤣 thanks, great idea

[@jmulroy1]

Have a 2016 Tiger Explorer XRT 1200, and it’s been a great bike, but like you said I’m looking to move down at 75. This bike would be perfect if it had shaft drive. On long tours you have clean and lube every few days, and that’s a pain in the ass after riding all day when you’re ready to relax. Hope the gearing in 6th gear lets the engine run at relaxed rpm’s. Enjoy your vids with knowledge and an Irish sense of humor. All the best from Wisconsin.

[@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff]

Thanks for the kind words 👍. I had an XCa 1200 so I know where you're coming from! Personally I wouldn't get too concerned about the chain. They really do not need cleaning on tour, just a quick lube every other day. The centre stand option on this bike is very reasonably priced too and that will help make a quick chain lube easier. Best of luck looking for the new bike! Cheers.

[@padzxt1]

I have a 2019 XRT 800, which I love everything about apart from the looks. This new bike is stunning to look at but the dash for me isn't up to much and I'm guessing heated seats aren't standard but will be offered as a costly option?

[@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff]

I don't think heated seats are on the cards and yes, those clocks!

[@benschofield7565]

The 660 is a great looking bike, this is even better. If it had a seat set-up more akin to the 900 or the 1200, it would be a contender for me. Maybe there'll be a 1200 one day.

[@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff]

I don't think they will go all the way up to the 1200 with a road tourer of this style, slow sellers now. But I do think a larger framed version, with 900 style seats to this spec would be nice too. It is just where they pitch it on price. It is funny how we have gone full circle. Triumph had the 1050 Sport and it was a slow seller, hopefully this 800 will do better, I think it will. Thanks for the comment Ben.

[@benschofield7565]

@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff I'm very tempted by a 1050. 2020 version are about 8k......a 900 would be perfect 👌🏻

If I'm considering it, it's exactly because of downsizing. I currently ride a Guzzi 1200 Sport, which has less horsepower but brutal torque and weights around 265Kg wet. Right now I could do with a 800cc/80BHP/80NM bike no problem. If it's got more, that's fine as long as it's smooth. Weight, you cannot fake. A lighter bike will be a godsend for city chores and short rides.

[@darrenmilo9565]

On their way down…precisely that. I’ve a tiger 1200 and I’ve had enough of lugging it about. It’s fantastic for motorway and long days but miserable for smaller roads and commuting. I had decided to swap her for a 660 but now I don’t know what to do 😂

[@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff]

@@darrenmilo9565 oh go on, wait for the 800, only a few more kg’s but still a big drop from the Tiger 1200 😄.

[@darrenmilo9565]

@@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff I can see a winter of contemplation coming on 🤔

[@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff]

@@darrenmilo9565 Excellent, just what the winter was made for!😃

[@Fret-knot]

I'm also really surprised that they didn't upgrade the clocks on the 800. Apart from that, for a road focused, light(ish) weight road / touring bike, I think it's looking good. We just need to see how it rides and what it's like in the saddle.

[@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff]

@@Fret-knot I reckon it will be a brilliant solo tourer, enough tech without going totally overboard. Thanks for watching 👍🏻.

[@thorstentrapp274]

Compression ratio is quite high...actually a bit to much for my taste...unfortunately. Is that really necessary? Is it so hard keeping it under 13:1?

[@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff]

The higher you can make your compression ratio the more efficient you can make your engine. You get to a limit of course with regular petrol/gas because it will self ignite due to the heat. This is why diesel engines have better mpg as they can run higher compression ratio's (and be more efficient) as the fuel is less volatile and can withstand it. I would say emissions could play a part in this too, possibly?

[@thorstentrapp274]

@@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff , cheers for your feedback. I understand all that. I would want to use it in South America. There are multiple issues in this regard. The other thing is excessive heat radiation from the engine quite a number of bikes are suffering from...the 900 Tiger too (13.1:1 if I remember correctly) If you're riding in a colder climate that may be even pleasant, but not everywhere. Wear, maintenance, costs...there are downsides to it. Why not give it 50cc more and reduce compression ratio? That's what I would perfer...even if it had a few bhp less...I wouldn't care. It's not a race bike.

[@georgeblumenthal7938]

I was looking at the 660, but now I will wait. I have owned the 900. Just look for fun on backrooms, no long distance riding.

[@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff]

I reckon this will do it. If the Trident 660 upgrades are anything to go by I have no doubt the upgraded Tiger Sport 660 version will be announced soon enough and might provide the same level of upgrades as this so it still may suit.

[@grahamwarren2893]

Thanks for a useful video. Tempting. I have a 2019 Tiger 800XRT which I use for solo touring. I don’t need more power or rider modes. Cruise is very useful abroad and a quickshifter is nice but not essential. I don’t need rider modes. I would like a little less (and lower) weight/CofG and ideally more mid-range torque. This new bike seems to cover the bases without , I suspect,the unpleasant vibes of the 900 that stopped me from considering it. The dash looks awful though.

[@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff]

I do prefer the conventional 120 Deg crank of the regular triples rather than the Triumph 900cc crank layout too. I like the turbine smooth effect. This 800 seems to have the essential features people want without going bonkers on gadgetry which might be the new sweet spot in these times? Yes, dash is awful!

[@jhc38]

i like the view of it. but i have to try it out. this could be my new bike. my honda cbf 600 sa is getting a bit long in the tooth just rounded 85k km this season

[@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff]

A nice replacement for that CB I would say.

[@collcolin]

How about a comparison to the 900

[@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff]

They are such different chassis and styles of bikes I'm not sure any comparison would be valid in terms of which is a better lump. The 900 uses the T-Plane crank and this 800cc engine uses the traditional triple layout (which I much prefer). I think the 900 kitted out bikes are going to stay the more premium end of things and this is a push in their "value-premium range". I'd love to see the 800 in a larger frames chassis but I won't hold my breath.

[@markheinig]

You may not see the benefit of cruise control where you ride, but I ride in the western US where there are many highways and other roads that would benefit from it - to the point of being a required feature for many. I would've bought a Tiger 660 by now if it had CC.

[@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff]

Yes, I have spent some time in the US and can see why cruise fits the bill there. I do my very best to avoid highways and when doing so in Europe the road is never straight rendering cruise redundant. Thanks for the comment.

[@markheinig]

@@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff Yes, I have spent some time in Europe and agree with you.

[@adamkaminski]

I don't like the bigger bikes, for me, 800cc is kind of the limit. I like to use the bike daily, commuting, to go downtown where there is heavy traffic, eventually a small trip. I can't think of having a bike to leave it in the garage and use it once a year, like some friends that have the 1250GS... I can't have 2 bikes either, so, I think Triumph is going on the right way, making bikes more versatile.

[@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff]

Agreed but I must admit to owning four bikes but two are older are leisure bikes I service myself and are very cheap to insure. I am lucky to have the storage space though so that helps. I do have a 1250GS and do use it for two up work but I see so many with 5,000 km on them three years later, just pile a load of cash in the back garden and set fire to it instead! I don't take it out for shorter journeys though, love jumping on my plain (in terms of technology) non-gizmo/gadget Daytona 660 for most rides, it is just easy. Thnaks for the comment Adam.

[@carlosalonso9866]

Would be interesting to know how it fairs against the Kawasaki Ninja 1000sx, down on power but 35 kgs lighter…

[@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff]

A completely different feel I reckon and the Kawasaki I would put at the next level up. This Tiger Sport 800 is going to appeal to a lot of riders looking for a lighter more compact bike with a bit of punch. Conversely I think there will be a lot who won't like the compact nature of the Tiger Sport 800 as well. Cheers, thanks for watching.

[@carlosalonso9866]

@@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff As soon as they hit the show rooms I'd like to test it. I know it's down on power against the Ninja but it's over 20kgs lighter and if the ergonomics are more relaxed, I could be tempted

[@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff]

@@carlosalonso9866 me too 😄

[@MaxPowerFilthcrud]

I kind of hoped for a new frame since for my size (193cm/6'4) with unfortunately long legs the 660 plattform looks tiny. My love for sport tourers doesn't help. I really am looking to swap away from the roomy adventure bikes to something more road orientated, but I bet I'll be back once I have folded my legs behind my ears a couple of times, looking again for more all-day comfort. For you demographics: am 35 years old. PS: I would really like to know what Triumph saves using those ugly dashes. If you dont want to go large tft, at least do it versys 1000 style.

[@apa100]

Vfr 800 vtec was more modern and still is after 20 years please triumph di something exiting

[@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff]

@@apa100 Apples and Pears though. The Honda was in its day quite a premium bike whereas this is aimed and priced much lower y comparison. You’ll never see Honda make another 800cc V4, far too expensive to manufacture. I’ll admit I’d still take the VFR’s old clocks rather than this one! 😩. Cheers and thanks for watching.

[@yellowbearworks2535]

The 1m$ question is: Why the Tiger 850 has to be replaced with that one? I think that bike even in this detuned version was more premium than this one coming. Yes, I do not care about the horse power or sevice interval BS, but it had practically the same torque and a mighty 900 engine.

[@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff]

I think that 850 engine is class in the 850 Sport and I agree has a more premium feel with a larger frame to it as well. Granted the 850 Sport does not have all the new electronics but an owner can go up to the 900 if he really want's them. I just think they are being driven by affordability and spiralling material and production costs. This new 800 give riders the option of having a reasonably well specified bike, e.g. corner traction/ABS, cruise etc at a more affordable price. I think the demand is there. They should of at least put the 850 Sport TFT on the 800 though. Thanks for watching.

[@Brian-ie2un]

I love the 800, as I can get a 660 cheaper.

[@thodoris3790]

with the way yamaha destroyed the looks of the new tracer 9,i see this selling like hot cakes

[@RideSafeNSmart]

I think your dead right, alot of people will look to these to downsize but still want nice quality 👍

[@azadr9231]

It's a brilliant bike. It's just going to murder the Tiger 660, unfortunately.

[@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff]

After all the upgrades on the Trident recently there is no way the 660 Sport won't get most of these new features. Maybe not the adjustable suspension, upgraded front brakes and the like but it isn't going to stand still. If there is still a decent price difference the impact might not be too bad? There are a lot of owners out there that are still very price sensitive and insurance costs/fuel consumption are still a consideration for many I would say. Thanks for the comment 👍.

[@azadr9231]

@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff I 100% agree with you, and I hope Triumph gives Tiger 660 the Trident treatment as well. Also, in Australia, 660cc is the cut-off for learner license. So for the first 3 years of your motorcycle license you wouldn't be able to buy an 800 even if you could afford it.

[@Brian-ie2un]

and a lot more expensive.

[@mickleblade]

I'd say it will be rubbish for 2 up. I tested the 660, your lady is up in orbit, 18.5cm step between seats

[@mickleblade]

Oh, and the grab handles are too low

[@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff]

Yes, physically it is still a small bike. Very capable if you are a couple of young petite things though 😆. That seat difference might suit some and not others for sure. I think this bike will be generally bought as a solo bike with occasional pillion capability. Cheers Mike.

[@mickleblade]

@@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff she also said the grab handles are too low

[@adamkaminski]

My wife demands my bikes have higher seats, so she can see the panorama. When I had a bike with seats at the same height, she didn't like it, and said she could only see my helmet.

[@mickleblade]

@@adamkaminski different strokes for different folks I guess, but she'd need to be an orangutan to get her hands on the grab handles!

[@Brian-ie2un]

Give me a 660