New 2021 Triumph Tiger 850 Sport vs. Tiger 900 Lineup: Which Should You Buy?

[@Ridesfar]

I think you nailed the review comparison MotoBob! I am an older rider and wanted to ease down in the weight class I had been riding. I came off a Suzuki Vstrom DL1000 to the 900GT. I liked the bike but never really got enthusiastic about all the extras offered on that bike. Once I set it, I don't change it. Now, after 4 days on the GT900 some guy in a pickup truck missed his turn and slid into me at a light. I was pretty much ok but the bike was a mess. So, after getting the settlement from his insurance company, I decided to go with the 850 Sport. I now have about 10k miles on her and have never missed the extra stuff from the GT900. I guess, it will always be subjective but I think you get all you need and save some money with the 850 Sport. Thanks for the comparison review!

[@bjfikky]

Even though I’ll probably never buy an adventure bike, still love watching your videos

[@pasiutrial]

- Hey Triumph, so how many Tiger models are you planning to sell? - Yes...

[@tvted12345]

Went with the 2022 850 Sport, and after about a month, really love it. Don't think you can go wrong with either choice. Thanks for your awesome reviews!

[@omega_profile1]

The handlebar looks so thin! Does it vibrate during long rides at 120km/h? The Tiger 660 did vibrate a lot and it was one of the reasons for me to sell it.

[@Chips690]

You nailed this review! Precisely why I traded my higher spec 1200 Scrambler! I never adjusted the suspension, I never used the riding modes and ended up thinking more about the tech than actually enjoying the bike! If you can get over the fact that Triumph dared use the word ‘sport’ and that it’s not 1000cc plus, this is a fantastic back to basics adventure bike!

[@mrsilbo6499]

Fair play to Triumph for giving us the choice of avoiding all the electronic gizmos. How many different riding modes can you handle anyway? You can feel the limits of the rear tyre in the wet through your backside! Nicely presented, Bob, with useful fact sheets for comparison.

[@KingCast65]

I'm just fine with my '12 800 no servos anywhere.

[@jamescoles2596]

This is exactly the comparison I've been waiting for. Great review as always. Made me want to go back and rewatch your triumph tiger launch video 👌.

[@motobob]

Oh good times! What I would give to ride around Morocco again...

[@aycanaydn1371]

I used to ride lots of models such as adjustable suspension, heated grips, cruise control, driving modes etc. so I recognised that I never play these kind of accesories, so I decided to buy new 850 sport and happy with it:)

[@chrishart8548]

I love my heated grips and electronic suspension. In the UK its often a little cold. And it's nice to have toasty hands. And when the road surface gets really poor. Or cobbles or those stupid yellow lines approaching most roundabouts these days sticking it in comfort is bliss. I don't have cruise control or rider modes.

[@paulrushton2829]

Brought the 850 sport last month off the back of watching your review & the M flyer think you both give honest reviews , not used it much yet has I don’t commute or anything but looking forward to the better weather and a couple of tours. Keep up the good work 👍

[@omega_profile1]

The handlebar looks so thin! Does it vibrate during long rides at 120km/h? The Tiger 660 did vibrate a lot and it was one of the reasons for me to sell it.

[@perhaps6112]

Nice one Bob. Personally if I was to buy any of the smaller engine Tiger range it would be the 900 GT Pro. I had its equivalent in the recent past, an 800 XRT, and thoroughly enjoyed it, with the additional touches that come with the top of the range models making it just that bit nicer to ride. I never ride dirt, road only. I get that the 850 is quite a bit cheaper but I like bells and whistles on bikes. The GTP includes many additional desirable features in my view, the main ones being a quickshifter, spotlights, tyre pressure monitor, heated grips and seat, electronic rear suspension, centre stand, the enlarged TFT dash with phone conn. I'd without a doubt pay the extra for the GTP over the 850 and the other cheaper versions. But that's me, we're all different. All the smaller engine Tigers are superb bikes to ride in my opinion, the 850 no exception. Some readers here are getting worked up about the "Sport" handle attached to the 850. Whilst I agree it's something of a misnomer, it's just a bit of marketing nonsense and should have no bearing on any assessment of this fine bike.

[@ashwanitheadventurer]

A very crisp and creative comparative analysis give audience a fair idea about both machine but details you explained is just very clear to understand 👍 keep up the good work

[@JimGoryeb]

The big negative to the 850 Sport is no cruise control available. Not even as an option. If it WAS offered, the 850 would be a great alternative to the Tracer 9GT for a lower price. But as it stands, you’d have to get the 900 GT/Pro for any serious touring. Shame

[@willhorsley2105]

Agree, CC ought to be an option at least. Yes, Triumph need to keep an eye on that Tracer 9 as key competitor.

[@dalecolegrove6652]

Are there any other lowish priced touring options that have cruise control?

[@JimGoryeb]

@@dalecolegrove6652 Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX has cruise control as an option.

[@MichaelWilliams-jc2ui]

Blimey, so my trip to India via Istanbul in the 70’s doesn’t count as serious ‘cos I didn’t have cruise control! Someone better tell Itchyboots as well!

[@JimGoryeb]

@@MichaelWilliams-jc2ui Sorry, bad choice of words. I just meant that, as a road focused bike, most would prefer cruise control for long distances.

[@khr1960]

being 5^6" tall its good to know they now do a factory low version which makes it a serious contender for my next bike.

[@seekerofthenarrowgate8716]

The new Harley Pan America with its adaptive ride height may be of interest to you. The suspension lowers when you come to a stop and raises back up when you are in motion. In all the reviews I have seen you don't even notice this is happening.

[@khr1960]

Interesting

[@damonoriente736]

Great video review; clear and concise and comphrensive. I just picked up a blue Tiger 850 with heated grips. It is a brilliant bike and the strengths are just as you described. The bigger screen would be fun, but the display design is the same perplexing layout. Still, there is plenty of info. The shift is precise and easy, the clutch light, and the weight balance and feel is very light; that was a key for me, even at 6' tall. 2017 V-Strom 650 and BMW F800GS before this. The 850 is not the off road tractor that the F8GS is, and it is much more refined than the 'Strom. The 900 range is great, but you are really deciding which options you feel are important, and worth paying more for.

[@chrishart8548]

The 900 gt Pro or rally Pro are really expensive. There prices are above what you pay for the next class up. DL1050 v-strom crf1100l more even than a low spec r1250gs

[@MrEdsfedup]

When are we gonna stop with the beaks on adv bikes

[@oldmanV17]

Nice work showing possible pros and cons, feels like there is enough difference that the 850 and 900 hit two different targets and the segment. Also valid if you don't want all the tech you have the 850 option. Heck, I don't even have a bike with a TFT so I guess I might be an 850 target buyer. Keep up the great work.

[@stevepovey2489]

I know it's not the biggest issue but they really do need better colours for the 900 models

[@willhorsley2105]

Actually a v good video; would like to see TTS850 vs Tracer 9. Can you do that, MotoBob?

[@davidg1230]

Thanks Rob, good analysis. Now just compare against the KTM and BMW 850 GS?

[@karlosh9286]

top review , as normal ! Looks like a good bike ... but the engine, I just don't like the T plane crank, I much prefer the smoothness of the 120 degree "classic" triple.

[@rzu7120]

I want the one with the seven riding modes, including sleepy, grumpy, happy, sneezy and dopey!

[@UncleWally3]

I usually leave it in dopey mode and hang on for dear life . . . the thrill of stupidity knows no bounds!

[@rzu7120]

@@UncleWally3 LOL

[@YevraHSeluj]

😆

[@sukalacchikhadka6931]

@@UncleWally3 bbyybyyyyyyyybbyybyybbbhbybyy m g

[@Shinysideup]

Love to see a review on the new Ducati 950 monster.

[@sangeethsuresh9320]

The triumph tiger 850 sport is very good option to have in the tiger linup, it looks great,has good performance and decent level of equipments to. Its a good entry Level adventure touring bike to the tiger linup. Please do a video on the Royal Enfield meteor 350. is it available in UK?

[@Garagecouchofjohnnyyz]

Awesome information, and a British accent that is pleasant to listen to. Thanks!

[@tomos2825]

All information that is necessary, straight to the point.Thank you very much. Regards Zoran

[@bobz1736]

That's the Tiger for me. Great review Bob 👏

[@seekerofthenarrowgate8716]

Great job Bob! I'm really digging that you live out in the sticks now. The birds chirping in the background while you were talking was sweet. That exhaust growls for being Euro 5 compliant. Great job. 🍻

[@willhorsley2105]

That is true BUT motobob’s original MO was riding a cool retro everyday including some gnarly commuting so that aspect is important to real bike users too.

[@dennisjones8906]

How much heat do the engines on these bikes give off? A few years ago, I test drove one of the midsize Triumph adventure, bikes, and was shocked at how much heat it poured out onto my lap. I owned a 2012 tiger 800 XC and it never poured heat on me. Thanks for any feedback on this!

[@jeffsikkema8677]

Hi MotoBob- hey at time stamp 7:02 it looks like the front rim has a flat spot dent at 3 O'clock. I wonder how durable those alloy wheels are???

[@davidpearce859]

Good review Bob. I’d love to see the dyno figures of the 850 and 900 done on the same day. I suspect that the power output numbers would be closer than 10hp and 5Nm according to reports.

[@visitor213]

Great great videos. Thanks from pittsburgh Pennsylvania.

[@mrbjay5443]

why should I get the Tiger 900 Rally Pro over the GT Pro?

[@PatchworkWelding]

This is the review we needed.. the 850 vs 900

[@omega_profile1]

The handlebar looks so thin! Does it vibrate during long rides at 120km/h? The Tiger 660 did vibrate a lot and it was one of the reasons for me to sell it.

[@Richard-dh8ny]

I'm wondering if the Tiger 880 might be a good compromise between the 850 & 900. Thoughts?

[@OzanTezer-t6g]

Hi, I currently own a Tiger 850, and I typically ride it in the city and go on 3-5 hour tours during the summer. Do you think I would feel a significant difference if I upgrade my bike to the new 2024 Tiger 900? Would it be meaningful?

[@ronaldwhite5670]

A very good review, thank you

[@simasb2468]

Nice review! I am leaning to get one of these beauties for the road fun. Would be comfy for 6.2 height?

[@hairyhashim4610]

How about vibration for tiger 850 sport

[@ENGBriseB]

Nice bike but would love to have the GT Pro. Especially the Triumph 1200 Tiger GT pro with the 150 bhp. Dreaming again. Thanks for sharing. :)

[@jamesdumas6602]

No Cruise Control would be the deal-breaker for me. Triumph is doing that corporate confuse your customers by calling the "Cheap Ass" model a "Sport" hoping that there would be customer is too stupid or confused thinking that your really buying a more performance orientated Sport model. When did Cheap become Sport?

[@tommoore2572]

MC Cruise has an aftermarket cruise for the 850 now.

[@baranyavuz4730]

Thanks a lot. This was a very useful video.

[@georgeblumenthal7938]

I'm reaching out to see if you can help. I recently bought the 900gt low. I want a better seat. I'm trying to find out if the heated seat option is more or less comfortable than the comfort seat option. I can't find the answer, short of buying them. PS - I got a post purchase survey from triumph and I gave you a lot of credit for my purchase. Thank you

[@stephenmitchum5864]

As someone mentioned below Tech can not make a ride but it can ruin one.

[@JohnSmith-zv8km]

Excellent video, makes me unsure as to what tiger I want now.

[@motobob]

Ride both and choose the one you enjoy the most 🙃👍🤘

[@captainaverage721]

I'm a wee skinflint Scotsman that doesent go off road, so its the 850 with some after market heated grips for me 😆

[@mickleblade]

Be careful where you connect the power, it has a canBUS, which can be upset by add ons....

[@staffordvideoproductions5788]

1 year later. The pound has dropped and is almost equal to the dollar. What effect has that had on US prices. It seems crazy but the answer is absolutely nothing. The 850 sport is selling ( on the west coast) for 12k while the 900 Gt pro is @18k plus. Yikes! Excellent review.

[@shashimenon1000]

Nice review. Thanks. Would have liked to see you put it through its paces on different surfaces. Can yoou after fit a cruise control? What would it cost? Thanks.

[@ed.t.hansen6499]

amazing how light it is; even lesss than the 660 sport. engine that different. considering the weigh of my 750GS that is top heavy; for me as getting old. 850 has better pannier setup, passsenger comfort. the 660 sport has plenty of power on climbing twisties ! 850 is just bonus in comfort . Looks great for being lighter. Miss the tpms of my bmw 750gs.

[@Love4boost]

My deal breaker with the 850 is no option for cruise control. So I’d pay the extra for the 900 be even more happy with all the extras it comes with. I’d probably even cough up the extra couple hundred for the shift assist

[@SergeyVikultsev]

I heard the rumours that Triumph might discontinue 850 because it sits between 900 and 660, so that can affect sales of either bikes. What is your view on that?

[@marcello66]

Great video as always. Either way I was a little bit disapointed that they have not updated the 1050ccm Tiger Sport to the next level rather then downgrade the 900Tiger to a 850. Hope at least Triumph will soon bring a new 1200 Tiger and at most a Sports version of it too.

[@Calcapwn300]

They didn’t downgrade the 900 and leave it alone. They made the 850 a lower trim option. The video was clear about this.

[@barryhughes1612]

Just ordered an 850 Sport from Mike at Fowlers!

[@1990-t1j]

I'd rather have the 850. I don't like tech. It looks good for this style of bike. Much better value. I wouldn't buy one, though.

[@njohnson3331]

I like simpler bikes. So, it might be nice to have this option. Unfortunately, in my state the 900's are the only ones available at the moment. Same with the competing brands, only the higher spec (more expensive) models are available. I might have to drop down to a much cheaper bike due to availability, and my budget.

[@hakankillberg6043]

Great video, thanks but i still dont get it why the 850 is called ”sport” and not the 900? What did i miss? Same engine but less specs on the 850 but what makes it sportier? Is it just a salesargument? Sorry but dont understand it

[@willhorsley2105]

Marketing nonsense, ignore it and focus on the bike

[@Roy_Godiksen]

I'd say, if you're a commuter and a "relaxing rider" i'd say the 850 is a great machine for a great price. But the 900 Rally/GT Is more bike and very much a better choice for serious riding.

[@peterkeats593]

I would buy this bike BUT Triumph is not bringing them out to New Zealand. They are bringing the 660 sport next year BUT only in Learner Approved Motorcycle (LAMS) Which sucks I already ride a bike lime that and want to up grade.

[@kevinnashskitchen3517]

It's almost impossible to find ground clearance specs on tigers

[@gshockfrogmanable]

what is that beside the right side of the handlebar? the circle looking thingy

[@motobob]

Beeline Moto navigation device

[@gshockfrogmanable]

@@motobob thanks 👍

[@rpm197214]

I hope they will bring out a 850 rally version or change the computer and have a rally drive in it. Rain road and rally. Nice 👍

[@fazerstorm-oap]

I bought the tiger 900 gt pro and am over the moon with it. I find the electronic suspension is really useful as are navigation and cruise control. A great upgrade from my tiger 800 xrx. I waited for the release of the 850 sport before committing. I was hoping the sport would be a tiger with sports orientation aka the yamaha tracer 9. I was disappointed when it turned out to be a basic version of the standard tiger. I think Triumph missed a chance to expand their range and take a share of the tracer market.

[@awesomeagnihotrisvlog]

Big difference between your. Xrx and the 900 GT ?? Iam asking cause iam looking to upgrade from my 2016 xrx

[@fazerstorm-oap]

@@awesomeagnihotrisvlog A different experience but I certainly recommend the 900. More like a twin, whereas the 800 felt more like a 4 cylinder. 6000 miles/10,000km done and not missed a beat. Very comfortable for pillions too.

[@awesomeagnihotrisvlog]

@@fazerstorm-oap Awsmmmmm 🙌🙌🙌

[@Ritalie]

What do you think about the new engine crankshaft configuration with the weird rough sounding firing order?? Is the new engine worse than the 800 Tiger which had the original crankshaft design?

[@motobob]

I prefer it from 0-70mph - it has more of a torquey feel to it. But cruising at 70mph and upwards, the smoothness of the 800 is preferable for me.

[@motoprime2731]

Early😁small youtuber inspired by your channel 👍👍👍

[@MotoRiderTube]

Funny how the "Sport" model is the less sporty of the two (less hp, less torque).

[@1990-t1j]

You've missed the point.

[@MotoRiderTube]

@@1990-t1j no, YOU missed the point. The name is stupid, imo. THE NAME! I'm not talking about the bike, I'm not talking about the product, I'm talking about the name. What is the POINT in calling it Sport, if it's not as sporty as the other versions? Doesn't make sense. Call it 850. Call it 900 Light, or Pure, or Basic, or Eco(nomic). Call it something that is meaningful, don't call it something that is not true, i.e., misleading.

[@mickleblade]

You've not mentioned the high service costs, it has ridiculously short valve service intervals

[@dalecolegrove6652]

How short?

[@mickleblade]

@@dalecolegrove6652 20k km, various yamaha's are 40k km, apparently needs throttle body balancing at 10k, not sure if km or miles. Seems a bit pants for a touring bike with an unstressed engine.

[@washedup_adventurer]

I can't wait to pick up a used 850 in a few years as an upgrade to my vstrom 650

[@pateris]

Hey, the Vstrom is supposed to be a great bike !

[@washedup_adventurer]

@@pateris it took me a long time to get used to the height/weight coming from the sv650. but I have and I'm really starting to love it. but I'd like a bit more get up and go for riding around with the wife. I'd like to think the tiger 850 would have some more. Regardless, I'll be putting many, many more miles on the vstrom in the years to come (since it is a good bike) before I truly consider any swap.

[@pateris]

@@washedup_adventurer Yes, with trails, it takes a little white to get used to the high position, but once it's done, their intuitive side (you look, it goes there almost by itself) is addictive !

[@dhavald4359]

850 is still expensive enough that could include at least cruise control. if it had, I would have bought it in a blink. but since 900 is more expensive, I am living without tiger.

[@stevesanelli90]

Great review of Tigers

[@ZeshXD]

This IS the vidéo i needed 😅 thx

[@UncleWally3]

Would an indicator of a “triumphant” marketing strategy be to distract from the competition by suggesting that potential purchasers simply choose between the 850 and 900? Or, will the strategy collapse under the weight of its own obviousness . . . and the products the competition offers? Let the games begin!

[@robbikebob]

It would be a triumph over the KTM every time. I've said it many times before but KTM's are not a bike I could love, no matter how good because the looks offend me so much. So, after hail and rain, is the screen any good? They never look like they would be.. 🤔

[@royal-enfield1]

is the triumph 850sport a better bike than the bmw f850gs ?

[@timothydubber549]

F850GS is comparable to the Rally/ Rally Pro Tiger 900. Same power, wheel size, off-road ability.

[@kingfisher111]

I wud still go for the 2018-19 version of the Tiger800. For someone who's used to the smoothness of the I3 of the previous version, this T plane crank is a 😷

[@willhorsley2105]

I think you’re right about the engine; designing in an engine imbalance for ‘character’ seems a bit unnecessary on this bike.

[@Englishbikerdan]

You should quite clearly buy the 850 Sport. :)

[@Chips690]

It appears we were the smart ones! Some dealers estimating they won’t get one now until September! 😳😜 I went for the red!

[@muratmarat5953]

I don't understand. 850 has 10 hp less but uses just as much gasoline as the 900

[@chrishart8548]

Also take away 10hp and call it sport ! I would have gave it 10hp more and made it 105hp at least. It's easily capable of 125hp. Just like the mt-09 or tracer 900. Both a 900 triple after all. But instead of 125hp triumph went with 83hp Lol!

[@greyanaroth]

I love your videos, but couldn't help feeling that you're perhaps sugar coating this motorcycle a bit much. And that exhaust note is Bleh. Tbh a real downer considering how stunning the 900 lineup is

[@danielschreiber411]

Probably going to buy a 850 Sport. If it is available in my country. Unfortunately not this year so im hoping the best for 2022.

[@Milan-yw6rm]

Nice review 👏..but its still over EUR 10k, for an adventure bike with max.seat height of 830mm and basic specs. !!! Much better deal is to go for Tenere 700 or similar, at least from my perspective. 🙄

[@sv650nyc7]

The engine is much more powerful, the brakes are much better, the entire bike is more premium than the T7.

[@mervintelford3677]

I've heard about too many electrical problems with the Tiger 900. The 850 is going to be too weak coming from a Ducati 1200 enduro model. Good looking bikes though, shame about the aftermarket problems with the new bikes. Will be keeping an eye out for improvements.

[@michals1108]

My answer tracer 9

[@haasoc2716]

İ think triumph hit the spot with 850 as there are many people dont want to pay lot for electronics which are not needed really.

[@hezrimustapha6906]

You mentioned about the 850's split radiator and different heat management away from the rider's knees/legs. So was it better than the 900? How about buzz at the bar/ peg/ seat of those two?

[@theblackvixion9348]

over all, i like Tiger 900 😅

[@taztazgameplay3575]

I love your voice, dude..

[@disekjoumoer]

To be honest, I think one would better off with a Tracer 700. The new one is pretty golden.

[@ANDY1985UK2011]

disekjoumoer well i have an MT 07 and it rusts so easily so my next bike won't be another yamaha

[@chrishart8548]

Is the Tracer now £8199 sure the tiger is worth the extra £1200 for a 900cc usd forks extra cylinder and traction control and better TFT.

[@Jonte_W]

Verry good👍

[@perrymiller6109]

Come on lads what happened to the great podcast

[@motobob]

Haha we’re recording one today actually! Truth be told we’ve just been too busy and our calendars haven’t aligned

[@perrymiller6109]

@@motobob class! Look forward to it

[@20cent]

Ugh. That's some Apple marketing strategy there (i.e cheapest iphone with 64gb but no 128 available only 256/512; cheapest mac can't be ordered with more than 8gb ram...) Same engine but down-tuned, accessories you can't add (cruise control), etc. Unless you really want a "simpler" bike, you feel like you're not buying what you really wanted and will feel frustrated. The "850 sport" should have been a "900 sport". Well, they did that on purpose...

[@bigred8438]

Is that even a worthy comparison.

[@JohnSmith-ef8nr]

Or save even more and get a T7.

[@laughingmole]

I found the T7 suspension really crashy, and poor wind protection compared to my Tiger 800 XCX and the Tiger 900 GT-Pro I tried. Otherwise it was a nice bike, light and a low price. But not for me. I am interested in the Tiger 850.

[@MacAlex007]

So... we have a 900 called 850, nonsense. We have a sport model not sportier in any way, nonsense. In total we have 5 versions of the same bike, nonsense. 😵 Why not use the Trident engine to build a really different model, like Yamaha did with the CP2 engine, and forget all this nonsense? Wouldn't make more sense to have just two 900, one road oriented and the other off-road oriented, with all the gadgets/configurations as extras that the client would pick according to their tastes/budget?

[@ridersonly..8041]

For info in Greece authorized importer does not list t850 in their site, they do not sell it!! As per their saying it costs little less and is much lesser bike than 900gt! Nonsense

[@MacAlex007]

@@ridersonly..8041 It seems to me that the Greek importer is wiser than the brand itself! 😄

[@kkhalifah1019]

For once, a bike manufacturer makes exactly the right comprises to create a more affordable version of a popular bike that does not feel cheap or castrated. Between the high spec Brembos vs cruise control, hell yeah I'd keep the better brakes!

[@rider_bravo]

New Triumphs are put together with cheese and biscuits, super brittle. Talking with bitter experience on a new 850. Have also owned previous tougher Triumph models and other brands. Truth is, all these reviews are good to compare specs, but they never tells the truth about build quality or mechanical soundness.