Triumph Tiger 660 VS Tiger 850 - Which is Best?

[@mickleblade]

Did you know it has 12k miles valve clearances? That's a big bill every year, and highly inconvenient part way round a euro tour

[@John_Neves]

Hey there. That's 20K kms... Not the greatest that's for sure, and definitely something to account for towards our final decision. But if my experience tells me anything, most bikes will go through double or triple that without any issues with valve clearance. Hopefully some experienced "Triumphista" viewers will give us there feedback around here, because it's something i'd actually like to know. Thanks for that. I'm going to pin it if you don't mind. 💪👍

[@paulopinho74]

@@John_Neves Sobre a folga das válvulas posso dar minha experiência com a Tiger 995i de 2006. Também tem um intervalo de verificação da folga das válvulas de 20k km. Foi feita a verificação com cerca de 35k km e apenas 2 das 12 válvulas estavam ligeiramente fora da tolerância especificada. Pelo que o mecânico me disse podia ter continuado a andar que não fazia diferença. Um abraço.

[@John_Neves]

@@paulopinho74 Fantástico! Obrigado pela info 👍😎

[@edgarrider2842]

12 miles for trident or tiger 850.

[@davidcorbett1905]

Really? Appreciate this information !

[@hezrimustapha6906]

By the way, i absolutely love the way you do the test and narrate your review. I watch lots of both the 'normal people' review and the more professional review. You stood up quite easily among the top.

[@John_Neves]

Wow man! Thats a very nice comment 😁 I'm glad they are helpful for you 👍 More on the way 💪

[@rodhunt5199]

Thanks…the direct review/comparison I’ve been waiting for. Really helpful.

[@John_Neves]

Fantastic! I'm glad it was helpful 👍 As tourers, there are specific features we look for. As many professsional reviewers seem to leave simple, but important, real world features out, i though I'd share what i really look for as a motorcycle traveler and start comparing bikes. It makes a lot of sense for me, and it makes me glad to know that some of my points are also important to others. So, regarding my information, which bikes seems the best for you? 🙂

[@rbejva]

I sat on both the 850 and 660 in the dealership. The 850 felt much more consistent, almost confidence inspiring. I was surprised.

[@John_Neves]

Yep. Just what i felt also 💪👌

[@ruiferreira321]

I dont get how you can even compare the 2. The 850 is 3000 euros more so 1/3 more, for the price the 660 is much better.

[@sebbwebbo7557]

I like that review. It's kind of refreshing compared to all that paid "professionals" from the big magazines and channels. Feels more down to earth to me.

[@John_Neves]

Thanks man. 💪 I know where you're comming from. I've always felt that the "pros", many times don't give us all the useful real life information we really need to choose a bike. So i thought I'd do my own thing 😁 I'm happy you find my vids usefull 👍👌

[@AfricaTwinRider]

I test rode both the 660 and 850 back to back. I’ve ordered a 850. 👍

[@John_Neves]

That makes perfect sense to me 😁👍

[@JorgeVentura79]

What a beautiful shot at 11:45, thats what i call a perfect memory wallpaper. Keep up with the good content, honest reviews and great to watch, can’t wait to see the next one! 👌🏻

[@John_Neves]

Waiting for opportunities to take more wall papers just like that one 💪👍😁

[@gregclarke4254]

Love the video and the Burt Reynolds clips......LOL

[@John_Neves]

Thanks man. The bandit was part of my childhood, and i was hoping it would bring back good memories to others 😁 Glad you liked it 👍

[@MrGopusunil]

Thanks for the video John. Just in time to help me decide between 660 and 850.

[@John_Neves]

Fantastic. Which bike are you going for?

[@MrGopusunil]

@@John_Neves - Love to go for 850 sport but local dealer says 6-7 months of waiting time. I am not able to decide now :( if to wait or go for Tiger 660 releasing by end of the month in India.

[@John_Neves]

@@MrGopusunil wow... that's a long time... Be patient. Buy exactly what you want, or you may regret it later 😉

[@MrGopusunil]

@@John_Neves Thanks for the advise.

[@ajaykarthick9301]

@@John_Neves Right words, John. 👍🏽

[@scotttigersport6604]

Brilliant review as always. I hope you are both well

[@John_Neves]

Hummmm. If you're watching this video, it's because you're not too happy with the Tiger 660... come on, let's have it. 😁 Is it the buffeting that's getting on your nerves??

[@mrbjay5443]

This is my dilemma about which one to get.Perfect video, and just in time

[@Geshmaal]

This is a much more interesting comparison to me than Trident vs Tiger 660!

[@John_Neves]

Completely agree... 👍

[@drewmorg.]

I love this series! And even better that you are an OG V-Strom 1000 owner with a ton of seat time. That's the most qualified opinion in my mind!

[@John_Neves]

Thanks man, I'm glad you're enjoying it 😁 Just between us though, replacing the strom is more dificult than i could have imagined 🤫

[@drewmorg.]

@@John_Neves I love to hear it !!! Any thoughts on 650 vs 1000 ? I can find those 1000's around here all day long for under $4000 in excellent condition. 650 costs the same, I know the 1000 burns more fuel especially the older gen. I've been sorta eyeballing the latest gen 650 Vstrom, I don't plan on 2 up touring just beach rides and some highway.

[@John_Neves]

For the mean time, a comparo between the stroms, is not on the list. I still have a few bikes to go though before i get to suzuki. Africa twin, gs, ducati multistrada and desertx. I've had some requests for the vstrom though, so i might actually try to pick up one of these new models and see for myself how they pair against the older versions 😁 Most modern bikes are fantastic. Choose the one you would most love to see in your garage 👍🏍

[@KamikazeJoeNYC]

ECU flash is definitely worth it on the 850

[@edgarrider2842]

I am going to be sad for your part away with trident, but also i am happy and excited for new machine 🔥💘👑

[@John_Neves]

Yeah... The Trident is a fantastic bike and very competent in most areas we need. But this winter we took a trip that really emphasised the importance of weather protection... It's all fun and games, until temperatures drop below negative, and you notice that the best goretex suits can only take so much rain... I foresee an exciting search for new bikes 😁👍 Thanks for watching my vids 👍 I'm happy you enjoy them 👌

[@edgarrider2842]

@@John_Neves yeah i liked a lot your estimation on the situations. 👍 I remembered that trident has a windscreen you put it on.. I guess it couldn’t be very useful on long trips and different air conditions.. 🤔 I asked it, because i was thinking to try it on mine 🤔

[@shamane67]

Excellent Video. Useful review. Lookiing forward to what comes next

[@John_Neves]

I'm almost finished editing the next vid. Coming real soon 👍

[@raymondlaney8508]

This is a hard choice and looking at both for my second bike. Currently have a Harley Street 500 and I know both would be great. This video helped a ton but think I need to sit on both. Not sure if the 660 will feel too small

[@John_Neves]

Thanks man. It's good to know my vid is useful 👍 For my height 178/ 5.10, the 660 is fine. If you're traveling and doing lots of two up, then you'll be better off with the 850 for sure. Happy shopping 👍😁

[@ryanhuang7402]

Hi John，nice video. I used to choose between 850 and 660，finally, I chose 660.Because I almost don't off-road，I like the sporty and exterior of 660.Just as the name，tiger660 SPORT. But I'm not satisfied with the brakes and the front fork of 660.It‘s not good as 850. In my area, them sell for almost the same price. In fact，I want a“tiger850 sport”，but there was no choice.

[@John_Neves]

At least you bought the most sexy of the two 😁 I personally loves the brakes on that bike. Maybe yous aren't working as thet should?

[@sidylima1984]

Excelente vídeo amigo!

[@John_Neves]

Muito obrigado. Fico contente que tenha gostado 👍😁💪

[@steveharper9068]

Cant go wrong with a tiger 800. Even a low mileage second hand one.

[@Bikers.forjesus]

Parabéns pelo vídeo João Neves, muito bom e esclarecedor, sou Brasileiro e vivo na Alemanha e seu vídeo me fez pesquisar melhor antes de comprar minha moto. Grande abraço!!!!

[@John_Neves]

Muito obrigado amigo. Fico contente que tenha sido útil 👍 Ver se esta semana lanço o video comparativo entre a Tiger 660 e a Tracer 7. Acho que também vai valer a pena ver 💪

[@Bikers.forjesus]

@@John_Neves 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@simonryder4857]

They should take a leaf out of Ducati. Multistrada V4 has venting fins to remove engine heat from the rider and reduces to 2 cylinders when in town

[@John_Neves]

Now that's some cleaver engineering right there 👍 Triumph has something similar on the 1200 But i haven't tested it yet 🤔

[@eminiscalperpro9729]

the 24 tiger 850 looks better with it's new color scheme. The gray with black fender and beak looks much better as it doesn't stand out as much as the red or blue beak. But, either way she is still a sexy machine!

[@hezrimustapha6906]

John, 1) assuming i opt for the low seat option for the 660 (at 810 mm, same as 850's lowest level), which one maneuvers easier and feels less heavy in city traffic at sub 20-25 km/h? 2) have you ever ridden Strom 650 XT before?

[@John_Neves]

Hi there. No i have not tested the strom 650xt. Sorry i can't help you on that. Between the two tigers of this test, to be very honest, slow down Maneuverability was so similar, it would not be fair to choose one over the other, for that feature only. If you travel, the 850 is better. If not, buy the one you love the looks more 👍.

[@hezrimustapha6906]

@@John_Neves understood! I just came back from 660 test ride today and found the gearing to be a bit odd. Nonetheless i have not tested the 850 yet. Only sat on it and felt the seat to be a bit narrower closer to the tank than it is on the 660. I can get the 660 in 2 months max, but for 850 i'd have to wait till jul/aug 😒

[@John_Neves]

@@hezrimustapha6906 gearing in the 850 is better, more direct. The 660 feels buttery in my opinion... My advice? Go test the 850 before putting your cash down.... I'm almost sure your choose it over the 660. A couple of months wait, is not such a big deal, when so much money is at stake. Be patient my friend 👍💪

[@hezrimustapha6906]

@@John_Neves yup definitely. Thanks john

[@skifast1356]

Very useful,thanks.I ride a Tiger 800 and tried the 660 as a next option. In comparison,I fully agree the 800-900 Tiger category is much better. The seat height on the 660 was frustratingly high (I think will put lots of folk off,unless quite tall).Also to go down to 790 on the seat height will appeal to some.The 660 lacked punch, meaning you would have to thrash the arse of the bike if you are a fairly quick rider. The 660 didn't give me that real thrill and in terms of immediate handling the 800-900 category feels more secure and better into corners.The gearing on the 660 also seems odd, you almost feel you need another gear. There seems a lot of hype and praise around the 660 but would highly recommend folk check out the bigger option first. Yes more more money but more bike and thrills. am certainly not going the 660 route now since this video confirmed my views. Hopefully during the series you will check out a GS750.I wish Triumph would put the 660 exhaust design on the 850-900 Tigers.

[@John_Neves]

Very nice post 👍 GS750 is a great idea! I'll try to book a test ride. Thanks for that 👌💪

[@tommaso.simone]

liked and subbed, great video!

[@John_Neves]

Thanks 👍 I'm glad it was helpful. 😁 More to come 🏍🏍

[@kelljah]

I think you’re right, I’ve ordered the 850 instead. Thanks

[@John_Neves]

Fantastic. You'll love it 👌😊

[@kevm3]

I don't really feel like there is a 'better' in this cause, but moreso which one is better for your personal needs. Even though both are in the 'Tiger lineup' I don't even feel like they are the same kind of bike. The 850 is an adventure bike, whereas the 660 is more of a sports tourer. I'm not even sure why the 660 is in that Tiger category, but I guess they didn't want to create a whole extra category for just one bike. The 850 is the more expensive bike with more premium components/power, but the problem is that it is significantly bigger. If you're going off-road and touring, the 850 might be better, but for around town and just lesser commutes and you're in a lot more congested places, the 660 has an advantage.

[@MotoGoato]

Nice video and good comparison. For me the 660 isn't an adventure bike .. it's just a tall touring bike for tarmac, much like the Yamaha Tracer 7. The 850 is an adventure bike .. sure it's road biased but it'll still be more competent and comfortable off road with it's longer travel suspension, 19 inch front wheel, longer wheel base, T-crank engine (specifically designed for better off road traction) and better suited geometry all around. Dont get me wrong, the 660 is a nice bike ... just not what I'd class as an adventure bike, not even a road biased one 😉

[@John_Neves]

I'd definitely agree with you, but i can disagree also. 😁 The real adventure is in the person, not the bike 😎 You see the photo of the CBR1000RR riding on knobbies @11:44 ? That sports bike has seen more adventure than 99.9% of so called adventure bikes will ever see 😄😄 But philosophies aside, essentially i agree. ADV bike are best suited with at least a 19' front wheel 😉 Glad you enjoyed the vid 👍

[@MotoGoato]

@@John_Neves Yep, I wont argue with that ... people have ridden around the globe on R1s and C-90s without so much as chucking a set of knobblies at the bikes, I guess it depends on how much of a challenge you're looking for. It's like you can spread butter with a fork ... but we both know it's easier with a butter knife. Horses for courses and all that 😉

[@John_Neves]

@@MotoGoato ahahha. Nice butter with fork quote 😅😅

[@rasichap]

I'm with you on the beaks.

[@itsallabouttheridekeepingi4449]

Great 👍 reviews mate , just checked out your Tracer 7 one . I like your own personal options that you require. I’m from Australia and owned my fair share of on and off motorcycles. I will not go into that but just in saying I have a Yamaha TDM 900 that I find as a great Sports , ADV tourer , ( one ☝️ of the first in that type of design ) BUT to improve its design I put a 2007 Vstrom Front forks and wheel on ( giving it a 19 inch front wheel - for that perfect on and off road compromise) also added braided lines , calliper adopter from SV racing parts - mounting Honda CBR600RR twin pit brakes . Fork brace , modified seat , Benellli 1130 pannier racks and panniers ( they are semi hard soft design- came from my 1130 Trek . Also Vstrom 650 rear shock to bring wheel base back in . The bike has more ground clearance now and handles fantastic. HEAPS of other mods , off road pegs for standing , hand guards , crash bars - anyway the bike didn’t cost my much and the mods were cheap . All up around 8000,00 AUS so 6500 Eruo. It only has 48,000 kms and cannot see why I would update with something else .

[@John_Neves]

Hi there. Thanks for the compliment 💪 That is indeed a fair share of mods! 😯 The TDM is an extraordinary bike. I've always loved it. But i fully understand you. In all honesty, I'm having difficulty in finding justification for spending the extra thousands to exchange my VStrom 1000. Trying out all these bikes, the only area i see the strom outdated is in the brakes which i can easily upgrade. I don't care for eletronics, so i wouldn't spend cash for those... let's see what happens... 👍

[@itsallabouttheridekeepingi4449]

@@John_Neves I get it mate , I have had 4 new bikes since 2014 , and think 🤔 buying new is a waste of money 💰 had a Triumph 1050 Tiger sport , Ducati Scrambler 800 , , SWM 650 Superduel and Benelli 1130 Trek . Now still have the SWM 659 , a Yamaha XT660 and the TDM 900 - I call it the YamaSuzuki 😂😂😂. So my last two were second hand with low kms ( and NO tech ) BUT I do thing ABS , basic traction control and Cruise control are a good 👍 thing . Have you considered the following: 1. The T7 - super reliable and great for on and off road - has ABS ( only 206kg wet ) 2. The Aprilla 660 - unfortunately heaps of tech but does has cruise . 204Kg wet 3. Or even a second hand KTM 1090 - I reckon one of the best they built since the 990 . The new 690,890,s to much Chinese input now and to many reliably issues . Or a Honda 2016-18 African Twin 1000 , a fantastic reliable bike with basic tech ( unlike the new 1100 ) A few there mate 👍 Or the Motor Guzzi V85 TT

[@John_Neves]

@@itsallabouttheridekeepingi4449 i consider everything 😁 I'll be testing the T7 and the New africa twin for sure. Aprilia... don't know... I love the looks and heritage of the Guzzi. I have to see if i can get a test ride for that one. It's not easy.... What has concerned me most lately is actualy the buffeting. I thought these new bikes would have it sorted out by now, but their worse than my strom 😬 I'll also be on the GS soon and i hope to god it buffets alot! Otherwise I'll go broke trying to finance a pair of them 😂 cause i already know its a really good bike... hopefully the weight will put me off also 🤣🤣

[@humbertobarradas1268]

Olá, também gostei do video, o pormenor da tradução faz a diferença para muitos visualizadores. Pena não teres analisado o conforto para o pendura. Continuação de bom trabalho.

[@John_Neves]

Obrigado amigo 👍 Pois.... Na verdade tem toda razão e seria um teste mais completo. Mas como tenho a sorte de ter uma esposa motard, é uma característica que não preciso de avaliar para o nosso propósito 😁 Entretanto já estou a editar o video da Tracer 7 e 9. A 7 é muito completa. Surpreendeu 👍

[@stuarthall2523]

I had a tiger800 which I enjoyed, but when out with bigger bikes I found it lacking and moved up. As for cruise control, on a motorbike? It’s unnecessary and in my view, a gimmick.

[@John_Neves]

Yeah... i'm actually a motorcycle traveler, and do thousands of miles on each trip. I've never had cruise control on my bikes, and like you, i also don't really feel i need it. But as many people appreciate it, i thought it would be important to mention 👍 I'll be test riding a bike with this feature very soon, so as someone that shares your point of view on the matter, i think it will be an interesting experience 🤔 I'll be sure to point out my thoughts on that particular video 👍

[@marlushenriquesilva3836]

Assistindo seus vídeos aqui do Brasil!! Graças a legenda estou conseguindo entender tudo....😁😁😁... Ansioso pelos próximos comparativos, pois aqui no Brasil demora muito chegar alguns modelos de motocicletas e outros nem chegam ( exemplo: S1000 XR, F 900.... dentre outras). Muito bom seus vídeos 👏👏👏

[@John_Neves]

Muito obrigado amigo! Fico contente que os videos lhe são úteis. Grande abraço de Portugal 💪💪

[@scout8112]

Nice comparison. But is the 850 still available?

[@John_Neves]

Yep. Quite a recent bike 👍

[@ed.t.hansen6499]

adv touring is great; with good seating; but handling in the city, heavy traffic goes to the 660 sport.

[@chrissunde1104]

You do good work 👍.

[@barrista2008]

Excelente Vídeo, como a Tiger 660 Sport é lançamento o vídeo comparativo é bem esclarecedor. Por favor me dê sua opinião, se voce tivesse uma Honda Cb 500X 2021 trocaria pela Tiger 660 Sport 2022?

[@John_Neves]

Olá amigo. Muito obrigado pelo seu comentário. Pessoalmente nunca experimentei a Honda 500X, portanto não posso opinar sobre isso. Estou todavia a editar o próximo video, onde estou a comparar a Tiger 660 contra a Tracer 7, e se não houvesse mais nenhuma moto no mundo, apenas estas duas, compraria a Tracer 7 👍

[@1990-t1j]

The 850 certainly looks better. Lovely Algarve sunshine.

[@John_Neves]

The Algarve is the place to be 👍😁

[@1990-t1j]

@@John_Neves I'll be back in early June.

[@javiervar494]

Well done 👌 Tiger 850 is your bike

[@All_True_Especially_The_Lies]

what are the bags on the Trident? I am trying to get a good quality pair for mine, thanks!

[@John_Neves]

Hi there 👋 They are the hepco & Becker. Full review on my channel 👍

[@All_True_Especially_The_Lies]

@@John_Neves Thank you!

[@SkippyTheBeerCan]

Sorry, are those ripped jeans in the knee or is that skin colored protection to the knees? Love the bike review.

[@John_Neves]

@@SkippyTheBeerCan skin coloured protection 🤣🤣

[@SergeyVikultsev]

What do you think 850 vs Tracer 9?

[@John_Neves]

Hi there 🖐 If you like racing the twisties, get the Tracer 9. For everything else, the Tiger has a 900 model which has 10 more HP than the 850. I would get that. 👍

[@Slycarlo]

John have you tried the 2021 Vstrom 1050?

[@John_Neves]

Hi there 👋 I haven't actually. I'm not so keen on the looks to be honest 😬. But i would be curious to give one a go, if i get my hands on one 👍

[@Slycarlo]

Trident and Tiger 660 throttle can be ecu remap

[@John_Neves]

Yep 👍

[@hezrimustapha6906]

So you found acceleration of V Strom is better than both the 850 and 660. Which V Strom is that - the 650 or 1050?

[@John_Neves]

Hi there. Yes. Very much so.🙂 I'm actually talking about my Vstrom 1000, 1st generation. The one that appears in the beginning of the video. 👍

[@russellsoanes7516]

Is there any reason why you're not looking at another VSTROM?

[@John_Neves]

Hey there 🙂 I've been extremely happy with my Vstrom over the 13 years I've owner her. She's had a few upgrades of course, and is a much better bike than she was brand new. She's also been rock solid reliable. But i look at the new model and even the previous one, and i can´t see the distinct Vstrom in her. Suzuki keeps on completely changing the looks in hopes of winning over some of the BMW audience instead of staying true to their nature and their followers. I'm going on aren't i?😁 I'm just not to keen on the looks... I don't like the front head light. It lacks character IMO 🤣🤣

[@sebbwebbo7557]

@@John_Neves imho the 1050 vstrom looks like the dr.big from the 90s...a really characterful looks if you ask me ;)

[@edwardmadry4299]

call me when you want to sell your trident - i'm looking for that in white kolor, with heated grips and side cases.

[@John_Neves]

Ahaha. So it's exactly how you want it then 😁. We'll sell it when we find a suitable replacement for my wife 👍

[@kevinramsey2967]

Which s better?

[@John_Neves]

For me and my needs? The 850. But it may be different for others. I try to explain the pros and cons of both, for the viewer to choose 👍

[@andysatch9150]

Good review, but who the hell rides a motorbike without gloves? Insanity.

[@John_Neves]

Thanks man 👍 Well.... it's not normal, but it does make producing the content easier... cameras, buttons, zips and what not...it's quite a hassle with gloves 😬

[@podunkman2709]

If I had to look at the dash of this bike every day, I'd throw up. Looks like a toy for a 3 year old. Who designed it for God's sake

[@maguslascivious4980]

i HATE electric throttles just because of that shitty lag in throttle response.

[@John_Neves]

To be honest, the Tiger 660 was strange in this sense. In neutral, it's really laggy, but on the go it's fine. Weird 🤔

[@maguslascivious4980]

@@John_Neves Maybe you just don't notice it on the go because the bike was moving. Back in 2019 I test drove a couple new Subarus and damn near got smashed at an on ramp because of the absurd lag in the e-throttle. I'll stick to my beat up old legacy with the cable throttle til it falls apart lol.

[@seventybuick]

Funny listening to you talk about looks of bikes while you riding the ugliest motorcycle made.

[@John_Neves]

🤣🤣🤣 Not many ADV bikes look that good IMO, and i'd agree with you, that the 1st gen V-Strom isn't a great design either... But in my defence, I've tweek mine quite a bit, and i think it looks better than most. 😁 But i would say that wouldn't i 😅😅 Thanks for watching the vid. I hope it was helpful for you 👍