Triumph Tiger 850 Sport 1 Year Review

[@trekkydelirium-vroom5821]

So far: 33000 km of happiness with my Tiger 900 GT 2020 (not the Pro)… i love my bike and the love story is still going on… Cheers from Montreal…

[@FTAAdventures]

Awesome! Glad you're getting along with the Tiger 900!

[@RatherBeWheeling]

I came very close to buying this bike earlier this year. Love the looks and the seating position. I ended up going with a very clean 2009 Vstrom with low miles, just could not pass up the value for a road tripper. I do wish it had ABS, but I am also not worried about dropping it in the dirt.

[@FTAAdventures]

Good choice!

[@fredeaton5543]

Hi. Firstly I really enjoy you videos and find them really informative. I’d like to say that every after market accessory for the tiger 900 will fit the 850. It’s the same bike apart from some wiring and electronics eg it’s not wired for fog lights but is for heated grips. I have the same bike as you and look forward to your videos.

[@FTAAdventures]

Thanks for the info!

[@NickHellings-zq8xt]

Can the 850 be fitted with factory cruise control ?

[@z1107eod]

@@NickHellings-zq8xtno

[@slowsteve3497]

@@NickHellings-zq8xtno. But there may be an aftermarket option.

[@YTisDumb]

Great video sir! I, like you, went from BMW to Triumph. I enjoyed my f700gs, but upgrading to the tiger 800 was a good move. I have 18k on my XCA with no issues. I have really come to love Triumph design language and build quality. I hope you have many carefree mile to enjoy with your 850!

[@FTAAdventures]

Thank you! Congrats on the Tiger, my friend has the XC. They are really great bikes!

[@richardbillings8517]

Thanks for the honest review. I have a sport touring bike, but the adventure bike is where I want to go next. Your videos get me excited for this next step. Keep em coming.

[@FTAAdventures]

Thank you! Will do!

[@pistolpete6321]

So glad it’s working out for you, I think the color is really nice!

[@FTAAdventures]

Thank you!

[@phillipbruce2104]

Style 2 will show you total mileage at the top of the screen when you have trip displayed. I'm like you I normally keep it on fuel economy but it's nice to know total mileage every once in a while.

[@FTAAdventures]

Thanks for the tip! I'm checking it out now

[@gunton21]

Good review, same thoughts as mine, three years on a great bike.

[@ed.t.hansen6499]

saw a 850sport today; at the dealer as i went up to test ride the GT pro . its was looking good also with a smaller pannier seat and its own analog-digtal display. But a much better price . I was looking at the 850 for being light and lower.

[@podthewelder]

Tiger Tiger TIGER!!!!! I’ve got a 2018 Tiger 800 and it is by far the best new bike I’ve ever owned!!!!! It does and handles everything I throw at it!!! I absolutely love my Tiger!!! 🇬🇧 🐅 🤙🍻

[@FTAAdventures]

Couldn't agree more!

[@kkhalifah1019]

Mine is at the 22000km mark. Apart from a squeaky rear brake (solved by swapping out to EBC organic pads), zero issues throughout the warranty period. Those Anakee Adventures that it comes with are just fantastic as OEM fitment and by the looks of it mine should be able to do another 5000km before I bin them. Right now though, the bike feels like it could do with a 17T damped front sprocket. The new Vstrom 800 RE that was launched just recently will give it a good run for its money, though.

[@adamwillis7281]

As a fellow owner I’d agree with all your comments - also very happy so far. I’d just add however that you can indeed see the mileage displayed in some of the onscreen modes - not only when the ignition is turned on! Threw me a bit until I spotted where ..

[@FTAAdventures]

Glad to hear it. I will have to look again for the total mileage.

[@NickHellings-zq8xt]

Thanks for the review.... considering an 850 myself.... I don’t want to sell my 2007 1050 Speed Triple to be able to afford the more expensive 900 Tigers.... and my daily hack is a DR650 !

[@billparke1520]

This bike is a very good option as a budget ADV bike. I agree with your review 100%.

[@FTAAdventures]

Thank you!

[@tissot0325]

I don’t call the triumph entry but they are fantastic bike and I had a 2012 for 60000 miles and very little problems

[@FTAAdventures]

That's awesome! I don't consider the Tiger to be entry level either but some do.

[@546Scott]

I've owned a Triumph 955i and it was a fantastic bike. I was looking into the adventure bike market but was leaning towards a driveshaft bike like the 1200 Triumph however that pushes the price way up over 20K thanks for the info! What bothers me about a lot of these manufactures is they do not have Apple car play outside of the Honda...

[@bruceramseyramsey2605]

As always; Nice job. I went w the v85tt Guzzi. Drive shaft oil change and and valve adjust in 1.5 hrs. That's big for me as Amarillo has no bmw Triumph or Guzzi dealers close. This my second Guzzi so I now it reliable. The Triumph is beautiful.

[@FTAAdventures]

Thank you! Those are great bikes, glad to hear the service on them is easy.

[@steveswartz7040]

You can see the mileage anytime. Go to the tpms screen and press right on the joystick.

[@FTAAdventures]

Thank you, I'm checking it out now.

[@jimstoneman1732]

Yep, I was going to mention that as well. At least that’s where it is on my 2020 Rally Pro.

[@chrissunde1104]

Great review, right to the point.

[@FTAAdventures]

Glad you liked it!

[@markchristianson8178]

FTA very well done yes i never heard you say anything about a break down . I love my 1000 V strom but you got me thinking about your bike . But one problem we don't have a dealer here on Vancouver Island BC big down fall you would have to take a 2 hour ferry to get service no thanks . You don't need a huge ADV to have fun at all your bike rocks enjoy be safe !!

[@FTAAdventures]

Thank you! The V strom is an awesome bike! Must be some great riding up there, I hope to get up there next summer maybe.

[@filofilo8127]

Good review Tim. I have a Tiger 800. Just returned from an interstate trip here in Australia. Comfortable bike for long distances and well balanced in the twisties. Engine is smooth with plenty of power and vibration free. No complaints here.

[@FTAAdventures]

Awesome glad to hear that!

[@dadrider3]

Are you sure? No vibrations around 120 km/h , 75 mph?

[@orangelion03]

I have the 900 Rally Pro, but I LOVE the color options on the 850! You like the blue....the orange red knocks me out! I looked into buying the orange plastic pieces to put on my black RP...about $500 =D Which brings me to my answer to your accessories comment: the 850 and the 900s are all nearly identical when it comes to mounting points etc. For instance, any protection bars for the 900s will fit the 850 (for sure that anything offered for the 900GT will fit); racks too. If youre not interested in all the electronics the 900s offer, the 850 is a fantastic option. Best looking bike in it's class/price class IMHO (as the 900s are in theirs, but I am biased).

[@FTAAdventures]

That orange red is pretty great too! That’s really good to know, I had a feeling the 900 bolt-on accessories would fit the 850. Thanks!

[@jamesmchestnut2871]

I popped in to say hello. I've been watching your videos for years now. I've never helped you out any because, I save every penny I can to take my own. Just wanted to let you know I enjoy your videos.

[@FTAAdventures]

I really appreciate that! Glad you’re enjoying my videos. Ride safe!

[@richschuster1097]

Hey Tim, thanks for the update on the Tiger. Have you thought about an Alaska trip? I’d love seeing the adventure.

[@FTAAdventures]

Maybe one day! I definitely want to get up there

[@alastairtheduke]

I like this bike, really wish it had cruise control but still

[@FTAAdventures]

I agree!

[@christopherfreeman3095]

Good, concise review. Glad you mentioned the pillion space/comfort/limitations. I am fortunate enough to be able to have 2 bikes, but one of them needs to be capable of multi-day yours with my wife. It is hard to find reviews that mention pillion capability. For the exact reasons you mentioned, I narrowed down the possibilities to the Tiger 12 Explorer, and 1250 GSA. Ended up buying the GSA, due to ease of maintenance (which you also covered). Also I ended up being able to ride that AZ ride through Sedona / Jerome in reverse on my tour from AL-CO & back. It really is spectacular. Thanks for what you do for the riding community. Safe travels.

[@FTAAdventures]

Thank you! Congrats on the GSA, that's an awesome bike. Glad to hear you got to see Sedona and Jerome, those are my. favorites!

[@kramr7012]

Thorough and meaningful review. Thanks for sharing your perspective. Enjoying the course you developed!

[@FTAAdventures]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@DJPTEXAS]

Triumph makes a quality product....

[@FTAAdventures]

I agree

[@defaultuser3410]

I have the same bike, a 2023, agree with your review, except for one point: I find the engine gets very buzzy on highway speeds, over 110 km/h or about 4200 rpm. I took a long trip, and by the end, my hands were numb. The vibrations could have been mitigated if they'd made the 6th gear a little higher, to lower the rpm below the point where the engine starts to vibrate excessively, or if there was a cruise control available so you could rest your right hand. I had to install grip puppies and bar end weights to minimize the vibration...they help, but barely. This one problem makes me regret not paying more for the 900 to get the cruise control. I've also had some issues with the bike bouncing, that the dealer can't seem to fix; I had to change a warped front disc and rear sprocket after only 3 months; and the DIN outlet keeps cutting off. I must have got a lemon, I guess...too bad, because without these problem, it would have been a great bike.

[@FTAAdventures]

Sorry to hear about the buzzing on highways and your other issuse. I haven't noticed the vibration yet. Nothing worse than numb hands when you're trying to ride.

[@marcoluoma3770]

Great review, thanks. As an update, the three BMW dealers near me want $350-$400 for an oil change on my R1200GS, so $200 isn’t that bad. (Like you, I decided to do it myself.)

[@FTAAdventures]

Thank you! Wow prices have really gone up in the last few years!

[@scottburton68]

great review. Do you have a video about your luggage?

[@michaelbaxter8249]

Nice bike aTim. I’m 6’6” and the Triumphs probably fit me better stock than any other brand.

[@FTAAdventures]

Right on!

[@nick4506]

be greatfull, my first oilchange on my ktm 1290 gt at berts in la was 468$ a number I will never forget and never forgive. its been 7 years and i have done it all myself.

[@FTAAdventures]

Damn! That’s rough!

[@andrearossi2212]

Great review! Any update available?

[@OutonaBimble]

Not having the option to see the odometer is a pet peeve of mine also! 😂I'm glad you're enjoying yours; I'm loving mine. As far as accessories, the 900 and 850 are mostly interchangeable. Except the side stand foot enlarger, the 900 Rally and Rally Pro have a different shaped foot so if searching for one look for 850 or 900 compatible.

[@FTAAdventures]

Good to know! Thank you!

[@surfman1968]

Appreciate the review Tim. While I’m not in the market for a new bike at the moment, if I ever am I’ll be taking a long look at the Triumph bikes.

[@FTAAdventures]

Thank you! Triumphs are definitely worth consideration

[@donnaroushall5397]

I have the tiger 660’sport and I’ve never been happier with my bike…. Triumph knocks it out of the park with all of their adventure bikes….

[@FTAAdventures]

@@donnaroushall5397 that’s awesome, glad to hear it!

[@NebulaLuna]

You can see the total milage if you go to one of the other display styles, the only good display style which is the one you chose is the only one that can't show the total miles when you cycle through what each display sees. Also have you thought about getting the GIVI Sport windscreen for this bike or any kind of tune such as a DNK tune?

[@FTAAdventures]

Thank you for the tip, I'm checking that out now. I haven't considered the GIVI windscreen, been happy with the stock. I'll look into the DNK tune.

[@NebulaLuna]

Great, I am not 100% sure if the total miles is on EVERY other of the total 4 styles, but I know I have to change mine to one of the others to find the total miles. Your original videos on the bike helped me purchase my 2023 Tiger 850 sport! I have your rival in Red. Cheers mate!!@@FTAAdventures

[@FTAAdventures]

@@NebulaLuna congrats on the triumph, that red looks pretty awesome too!

[@TriumphLover]

Wanna trade? My 2012 Tiger Explorer for your 850. It's got 54,300 miles. Had tons of service. It's got all the accessories, Garmin Sumo, radar, fogs, heated seats. It's too heavy for me now. Oh, I just did an oil change 😊 I know you don't want it😂... Maybe next year the 850. Great review Tim!

[@FTAAdventures]

LOL No trades on this bike, I love it, thanks for the offer though! Maybe consider the 850 like you said, its a great bike!

[@michaelbaartz4538]

Nice review, thanks

[@FTAAdventures]

Thanks for watching!

[@Jon_Bass4001]

Hey Tim, thanks for the update on the 850. I’m with you on the paint scheme; it’s a great looking combination. I wonder if there’s an app for Triumph motorcycles that works with an OBD2 adapter similar to MotoScan for BMW bikes. It’s nice to be able to pull codes, do maintenance tasks, and reset service reminders without a dealer visit and the $$$. As always, thank you for bringing us along for the rides!

[@FTAAdventures]

Thank you! I'll have to look into that. I miss the GS-911 for my BMW to reset service reminders and reset fault codes.

[@leeredpath8332]

i would like to see more offroad riding with this bike along with your thoughts on its dirt capabilities

[@FTAAdventures]

I’m working on it

[@mikemills5144]

Thanks Tim. I have the 1200 GT Explorer and have had just a tonne of issues with the clutch. I ended up having to have it replaced at 12,000km and it left me stranded 1500 miles from home. Other than that I really love everything about it. Can you talk about the chain maintenance you have done? I wanted the shaft drive because I hate doing the chain maintenance, but basically it limits me to about 3 or 4 ADV bikes.

[@FTAAdventures]

Sorry to hear about your clutch issues! That sucks. As far as chain maintenance I typically clean and lube every 1,000 miles or so. Haven't needed to adjust the tension yet.

[@ed.t.hansen6499]

very light is a plus . $4500 less than the tiger900 gt pro . rear suspension for adding 70kg passenger might be an issie ? comments. Add on's seem ez to find. i hear quick shifter add on works. Ill have to live without cruz control . I only need on road . First looked at the sport 660 but this is lighter; better seats, better specs.

[@cyclops116]

The OD should be in the upper corner of the service screen

[@davemcmahon8140]

It's a nice-looking bike, that's for sure, Tim. But I still love the Beemer! But I do get it given given costs with your lifestyle. Dave

[@FTAAdventures]

Well said!

[@DavidKD2050]

Seems like a great bike but compared with the 650 VStrom it’s thirty. To be fair probably exactly proportionally with the increased performance. But being able to squeeze 500km, or roughly 300 miles, from the VStrom opens up rides that would otherwise be nail biting 😬. And I don’t like gas stations 🤷‍♂️

[@bybikenw7928]

That odometer quirk is annoying.......And what's with Triumph not being able to calibrate a speedometer??? I'm on my 3rd Tiger ('07 1050ABS, '13 Explorer 1200, now 900RP Aragon). I love the Tiger, but at highway speed they've all been off about 5MPH. I have compared it to GPS and radar. It's a percentage, the faster you go the farther off it is.

[@FTAAdventures]

That is interesting, I did not know that about. the speed.

[@olitomar]

tim, you can see the odometer on the service tab with style 2 display

[@FTAAdventures]

Thank you!

[@davechavis4275]

Hey man, still loving my BMW 1200 gsa. Having said that the triumph is a great bike also, and the wieght is something to consider.

[@FTAAdventures]

Glad to hear you're enjoying the GSA, those bikes are awesome!

[@rosemaryus-ct6151]

i think it's safe to say that anybody's butt hurts after 5-600 miles lol. i recommend the best seat u can find no matter what bike u ride. also i learned to take my weight off the seat periodically; it makes a huge difference. i try to remember to do it in the short distance between highway on and off ramps. i normally ride the highways.

[@FTAAdventures]

LOL That's true! Great tip about taking your weight off the seat once in a while. Thanks!

[@MikeK6046]

Tim - I feel you made a VERY WISE decision in getting the 850. IMO/ "for me" it is a great motorcycle regardless of money, "sort of thing". BTW, if you want/ need Cruise Control look into the Atlas Throttle Lock. In closing, I LOVE the new BMW R1300GS that's coming out & some of the improvements they've done to it, however for my riding style I can't justify its price, but the Triumph 850 (and what it has to offer) is the best choice for me (or maybe the new BMW F-800GS that's coming out soon?!?)

[@FTAAdventures]

Thanks! Yeah that 1300gs looks awesome but I can’t justify the price either. The 800 is a great bike too, I had the 800gsa for a while and it was great.

[@MikeK6046]

I totally agree with you. Enjoy your 850 and your travels!!!!@@FTAAdventures

[@slogoinrider]

I've got a '23 850 sport. Put 15k miles on it in a year up and down the west coast and into Arizona. Only issue I've had was my fault, no aftermarket bash plate and small rock was thrown from the front wheel and hit the lower right radiator hose and split it. Lost all the fluid 30 miles from nowhere. Did a field repair with tire patch glue, alum foil and zip ties. It's at the dealer now and I'm looking at a $1,000 bill. Hose, heat exchanger and fluid flush. Does your bash plate protect the hoses? Anyway enjoy you vid's. Barkbusters with end weights makes it vibration free.

[@FTAAdventures]

Sorry to hear about your radiator issues! That sucks but I'm glad to hear you were able to get yourself out of that situation. Too bad about the cost though! I'll have to look and see if the bash plate does protect the hoses, I'm not sure. Thank you, good to know!

[@ahiboss19]

Could you please do a comparison of Tiger 850 vs Transalp 750 ?

[@chonkyb3134]

Nice bike

[@FTAAdventures]

Thanks

[@debbiemartin2849]

hi Tim, oddly i was looking at the 850 today, and i was curious to find out what it was like. you've answered all my questions beautifully, like you i have the bmw 1200 gs but now looking for a new touring bike, and the tiger seems to tick all the boxes, although i think i prefer the 900 gt.. i m not sure if you have the Aragon ediiton in the states but it is fantastic. im waiting till next month to have a look at the new edition tiger 900gt pro.. stay safe.

[@FTAAdventures]

Awesome! Good luck with that, ride safe!

[@juliemcgillivray3394]

Have you experienced excessive engine heat from the radiators, about which some Tiger 900 riders complain?

[@FTAAdventures]

I haven't had that issue yet.

[@GarysnewYT]

Hi There Tim, When you have the time later, can you make a video about why too many people in car and truck vehicles hate motorcyclists and even try to do harm to them on the road. This is concerning to me because I’ve seen way too many news articles and videos about that problem on the road. What to do to try to avoid that problem on the road. Thank you.

[@FTAAdventures]

That’s a great point! I try to ride as respectfully as possible to help avoid any issues. It’s the bad riders that give the rest of us a bad reputation. I haven’t had any road rage issues on the bike for the most part.

[@TallyHoTech]

Thanks for this Boss. Better than the GS?

[@FTAAdventures]

Not better just different

[@newenglandscrambler2262]

I don't know what Triumph's aversion to the odometer is. The new 1200s are even worse. It doesnt even display on startup. You have to go into a service sub-menu to find it. Also a pet peeve of mine.

[@FTAAdventures]

That is super annoying, I wish they would fix that!

[@SergeyVikultsev]

Thanks for the video! I have the same bike. What is your current mileage on this bike after the year owning it?

[@FTAAdventures]

About 10,000. It was a low mileage year for me, didn’t take my yearly ride to New York to visit family.

[@chrislatorre3875]

How does it compare to the KLR?

[@FTAAdventures]

Much better IMO, though the KLR is better off road

[@jeremysmith9898]

I am done with chain drives!

[@PhilipBurton-dn3ce]

I have a 2014 Daytona 675r....mileage disappears just after you turn it on...

[@Wagongirl01]

I"m looking at buying one of these, but I'm reading a lot of complaints online about the heat coming off the left side and also from the radiator vents at the front. Are you having any issues with this? I test rode a 900 GT and could feel heat within 15 minutes of riding it....but I don't know if it's every bike. Online comments seem split 50/50.

[@FTAAdventures]

Haven’t had that issue.

[@Wagongirl01]

Okay, thanks!! I ended up buying the 900 GT - I just loved it. I was able to do another test ride (about 45 mins) and there was some heat but it wasn't much, so I'm going to hope for the best! Thanks!@@FTAAdventures

[@ronf572]

Any reason you haven’t added handguards? Pros/cons?

[@FTAAdventures]

Just haven't gotten around to that yet. I want to though.

[@thodoris3790]

hi there!have you got any issues with engine heat,to the knees,from the air vents?

[@FTAAdventures]

Nope nothing like that

[@stevepolk1039]

Just curious did you look at the BMW F 850 GS?

[@FTAAdventures]

I had an 800GSA a while back it was a great bike but I really wanted to try something different this time.

[@ed.t.hansen6499]

weight limit is 222kg ? How can you add any passenger and top/panniers > must be a wrong spec here, as stated. confirm ?

[@ed.t.hansen6499]

850 sport is now cancelled in Asia. Why U ask ! its great.

[@djoseph7178]

Im trying to decide between the 850 sport and the Honfa Transalp 750. Any advice?

[@FTAAdventures]

Don’t have any experience with the Honda. I imagine it would be cheaper and easier to maintain. But I love the Tiger.

[@TheYorkie1954]

pet peeve of mileage really bugs me as well

[@royal-enfield1]

stiff competition from the versys , transalp & suzuki 800

[@FTAAdventures]

True!

[@app1mxh]

It will take me years to see 10k 😢

[@chrisb5986]

BMW maintenance cheaper than Triumph? B-U-L-L-S-H-I-T.