Triumph Tiger 850 Sport vs Tiger Sport 660: Which Should You Buy?

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[@neelsurve8660]

This comparison was exactly what I saw myself doing a month back before going for the 850 Sport. The points that tilted the decision towards 850 Sport were - better pillion seat comfort, luggage top box not too far behind the pillion seat for backrest, braking hardware (same as the Tiger 900 GT series), more comfortable riding posture for me. That being said couple of points that were a plus for the 660 were - That 'traditional' Triumph triple exhaust note that you miss with this T-Plane crank and of course lower price point. Generally, I look at the 850 as a stripped down Tiger 900 (good value) which is a good thing as you are getting a bike platform which in terms of pricing can go much higher. All that you loose is electronic features, which for me aren't a big deal. On the other end, the 660 Sport is a upgraded Trident. Which is a lower tier platform getting 'upgraded' towards earning the Tiger name. My 2 cents, cheers!

[@vedjanve4361]

On point man! There's nothing I have to add to it. I agree with it. I have street triple S myself and I have ridden the Trident I feel a rider will easily grow over the power. Whereas the tiger is a bigger bike much more torquey and fun to ride.

[@alexwotherspoon5630]

I tried the 660 as I was curious about the riding position (have a gsxs750 and mostly sports bikes over the years..... Is the riding position of these two very close in feel? Loved the 660 but feel I would outgrow it.

[@kwakithailand]

*SPOT ON* 👍

[@erixlast6020]

660 pull so good i dont know why need viby t plane crank..

[@nicolasbarndt8152]

I'm 38 years old, and I haven't ridden a bike for 20 years. 850 is what I'm going with, traveling to the West Coast and heading up north to Seattle. I am taking my time and enjoying the moment. #Norman Reedus.

[@UncleWally3]

What made me leave British bikes to become a very satisfied and dedicated fan of Japanese bikes for more than half a century? Performance, reliability, value and the wide variety of products. Thirty years ago I wouldn’t have bet a dime that Triumph could live up to those same attributes. Glad I’ve been proven wrong.

[@moisessahagun4771]

Bad decision...

[@richardevans3813]

Having just changed from a ST765RS to a Yamaha T9GT I can't help thinking that Triumph have missed a great opportunity in combining their superior engine & build quality to develop the ultimate sports tourer with 17" wheels & 120bhp power. Tiger Sport 765RS anyone?

[@gaborkrammer]

Absolutely!

[@GIGABACHI]

660 all the way ! I have no use for an ADV rig. Install the optional quick shifter, heated grips and done. 👌😀

[@AfricaTwinRider]

I test rode both back to back. I bought the 850 and love it. The 850 is bigger, more comfortable, has loads more low end torque. I really love the t-plain triple, it’s like a twin low down. Can’t wait to get some more miles on it this summer.

[@sureshmanne7245]

Excellent review, crisp and short, with all details explained well.

[@pggp273]

A genuinely helpful and valuable review for anyone making a purchasing decision between these two bikes.

[@niallmcmenamin7368]

Fair play MOTOBOB, you kept it together and didn't miss a beat through many a distraction while filming this. What a pro :D Great comparison too mate, very informative.

[@nigelbush7255]

Thank you for the comparison I think as I get older for me weight is a big factor so I’m thinking of the 660 because it’s a all round motorcycle that will do everything I need well .

[@jerrymorales6501]

Great review. I opted for the 850 prior to the 660 coming out. Your review only solidified my satisfaction with the 850. It may have been good to try out both bikes on street and some mild off roading. In my experience the 850 does well on road. I have taken it off road, and the Anakee's performed excellent. Maybe with the right tire combination the 660 would do well. Still, for long road trips across different types of road, I'm thinking the 850 would still come out on top whether on or off road.

Congrats on 200k! I started watching your videos when you were still living in London and KZbin was a hobby for you because you "only had" around 30k so yeah... Keep up the good work!

[@motobob]

Thanks mate! Appreciate the support for all that time 🙏

[@expatbiker1907]

Nice round up thanks. Exactly my dilemma..... A nice dilemma to have! Will ride both this summer and look for a deal at the end of the year.

[@skifast1356]

Nice review -thanks - personally I think 850 offers more power, comfort and handling is as good. Didn't like gearing on 660 felt it needed another gear and felt one had to work the bike harder to get decent performance.

[@Vegesaurus7]

That Tiger 850 looks to me to be a really excellent motorcycle with all that I would ever need and at an amazing price. These days bikes are getting more and more exy so I really applaud triumph for offering these options. It’d be the 850 for me at 185cms, and the grunt would be good for my style of riding. but I do like the sportier looks of the 660.

[@cumnmrmptaaa4234]

It's odd to me when manufacturers make their larger bike the more offroad oriented rather than their smaller, lighter bike that would obviously be more capable with proper suspension and a larger tire

[@user-tm9ho3bm4v]

The adv crowd is mostly comprised of middle aged men with money to spare. They can't ride in a straight line but want a bike to have everything and do everything. That's how you end up with a hulking "off roader", what a joke.

[@stephenedwards3397]

i have been riding Ducati’s for many, many years but am at that stage of my riding career where I enjoy smaller bikes more and am no longer suckered in to the bar room Top Trumps about bigger engines, more power etc etc. Says he with a Diavel !! However I am seriously considering swapping out the Dukes for something else and the Sport 660 har really caught my eye. My first ever bike was a T140ES Bonneville from 1981, which I still have and I can really see it being joined by the smaller of these Tiger Triples quite soon.

[@beborodner930]

Going from a KLR to a used tiger 800. I glad I made the switch. I can't speak for the 660, but the 850 is very similar to my 800 and man what a great machine!!

[@neilmackinnon3371]

I borrowed the 660 from Fowlers recently and found the foot controls a little too small for me. I've been interested in the 850 since it was released, but I have been told by two different dealers that every bike they can get is already sold so I've not had a chance to ride one. But from my experience with the 660, I'd say out of the two the 850 would be the one for me.

[@sagarpatil1185]

Best comparison video I found yet ❤

[@gunton21]

Love my 850, I ride two up most of the time, I just love the comfort and handling.

[@davidmallia628]

My choice will be the tiger 660 dual sport adventure bike that was hinted by triumph as the next in the 660 range platform.

[@mrbagman1]

Nice Review Ron See you at the glider site

[@roychilds4098]

850 front forks have got more dive than a submarine. Bigger =heavier.Sold mine and ordered 660 after test ride. Will definitely change front sprocket.

[@barryhughes1612]

I bought the Tiger 850 Sport from Mike at Fowlers and took delivery on 4th March, my third Tiger and and my seventh Hinckley Triumph.

[@josemiguellopez9459]

They are not in the same category... I don't go off-road ,so the decision was quite easy counting in that. I've already ordered my 660!!

[@petermcgarva7207]

I rode the 850 and was very impressed , I’d go that way between the two. I am 184cm/95kg so the extra torque suits me a lot better . I ended up buying a 950 Multistrada in the end.

[@MachoMadness69420]

Good choice.

[@rajeshr1470]

Like wise 🙌

[@Ruchir1712]

Here in India, the 660 is significantly more than the trident and forays almost into the bigger Tiger's category.

[@pateris]

660 for me, soon in my garage o'death next to my beloved Street Twin. Light, nimble and confortable for long rides is the word ! (Though I just did 700 km on my Street Twin !) Too bad cruise control is not even an option though…

[@spangoz1000]

Not a lot of love for the 660, kinda strange given its universal praise in the moto blogging community. Unless your going off road or need to carry a pillion the 660 wins it for me, especially if you add the quick shifter option at only 250 quid.

[@stephenjohnstone7552]

I did a test ride with my gf and 2 up seemed fine on the 660, motorway wind blast noise was insane but for comfort for me and gf we loved it and also seemed to have enough power for long distnace riding no probs

[@OntarioAndrews415]

Both bikes look nice. I think it comes down to what you said: "what are you going to mostly use it for?" Cheers!

[@ricsimmons2003]

Got the 850 highly recommend it great for Aussie roads

[@garychadfield552]

I think the T plane crank would put me off, I like the triple because it is smoother than a twin, to make the triple more like a twin seems mad. My current bike is a street triple which has been geared up 19% by using a Bonneville rear sprocket, range has been extended by almost the same 19% and sooo much quieter at 70mph (ish) cruising speed, I'm sure the Tiger 660 could be modified the same way. Biggest stopper for me on this and most other modern bikes is the stupidly high pillion seat. My GF is very tall & doesn't like being perched up high.

[@Zippytie]

had a test ride on the 660 , was excited from all the raving reviews , but within 50 meters wanted to take it back , the dash board /clocks shake around like there mounted with jelly , surely triumph realise the british roads are full of pot holes , and the bikes an adventure style so you would expect it to deal with a bit of rough , no thank you

[@marcusgeorge1825]

Nice one Bob. Thank you. For me I simply go for a bike that’s designed for basically one thing, not a comparison. If I want to get dirty, then I’ll tow a dirt bike to where it can shine, same for the roads and again same for the race tracks (where you need to tow it). Understandably most don’t have the abilities to cover all bases so if you want a Jack of all trades and can only afford one then it would be something like to 850. If you’re only sticking to paved roads, with no intention of going off-road then go with the 660 or something similar. 👍🇦🇺😎

[@bionickchief]

I agree, nothing will beat the offroad experience of a 250/450 enduro or the comfortable sporty touring of a street tourer but i kinda like the adventure class, something like the new Africa twin or tenere700 will get you to work fast and easy, will easily handle a long two man trip and can also do some heavy trail riding offroad, you can't deny that versatility

[@marcusgeorge1825]

@@bionickchief Yep. If you can only have one then both of the bikes you have mentioned will fill the gap nicely. However it’s still a comparison.

[@MattMiss79]

The difference in maintenance intervals 6K for the 850 sport vs 10K for the 660sport may sway the decision as well, although I'm sceptical about this. A smaller displacement, higher revving engine gets longer maintenance intervals?

[@MichaelSrensenVirklund]

Thanks, have been looking for a replacement for my Triumph Tiger 955i 2004, its heavy off gravel, I wont use so maney money on my new biks as the 900 Gt and pro costs (In Denmark the Tax trippels the price of your prices 😒) So my alternatives are Aprilia Tuareg 660, Triumph - Tiger 850, Tiger 660 Sport and the Yamaha Tenere 700 (KTM 790/890 are out, too much electronics and far to expensive) so I'm closing in Triumph Tiger 850 and Yamaha Tenere.... But I still have my doughts regarding power, even though I travel light I'm affraid I miss the power I have on my Tiger 955i, I just love It, but It getting old and closing 100.000 Km. Thanks for the video.

[@christophereaves7108]

Bob triumph are very clever because they put the base bike out at under the Japanese competitors but then by the time you have all the optional extras they come in more expensive. £210 for connectivity when that should come standard.

[@borkarms]

Very well explained 👏 👌 My choice the 850.

[@straightup1234]

Really like 850 out of the 2, looks great 👍 is baby tiger ADV in the works this really would appeal to me 😀

[@Andy-kf8dc]

I've got Honda CR125R and now ready for next step. I think 660 more danger and crazy bike. Which bike easier to manage?Thanks for advice

[@duramirez]

2 Accessories I think is required right out the gate is the Central kick stand, and the Nav Module for the 660. :D I am having a blast with my 660, I used to own a Tiger XC 800 and the 660 feels like a toy in comparison which I like 😆

[@MikerWales]

Passed my test a week ago and super-excited to be picking up my 660 as my first 'big bike' in a month from Fowlers. Think the 850 would be a bit much for me as a first biggy, and the 660 sounds like something I can grow with rather than grow out of. Super-excited!

[@pateris]

Good point mate, enjoy, see yer on the road !

[@nicolafrancone6226]

Same for me. Just put a deposit down today. Can’t wait to pick it up. Haven’t text ride it yet but as soon as I sitter on it felt like the bike I want to be riding for many miles … hope was a good choice

[@MikerWales]

@@nicolafrancone6226 Am sure it will be!

[@alistairmcintyre3487]

the vibration issue would put me off the 850/900 T Plane tigers, I've read this issue on quite a few platforms

[@MichaelWilliams-jc2ui]

Alistair, the vibs on this engine have been overstated by many testers. I have no problem at any speed and as the mileage goes up it gets smoother still. I had the tiger 800 for 6months and got rid cos whilst it was a great bike the engine was to anodyne for me. This triple is great for me with loads of character.

[@moisessahagun4771]

Not true, I own both bikes and the t-plane vibration is annoying

[@jameslovell9864]

Rode both today. Back to back. Didn't want to get of the 850. As for the 660 .great machine if your a 20 yr old. The 850 just works for me. Always take a test ride if possible. I would have bought the 660 on looks all day long. How wrong would i have been. Maybe an age thing. But the 850 is superb. Especially without all the technical stuff i personally don't need. (Just my humble opinion)

[@Mytwistedvoices]

Question for the Beeline, where is the Triumph "edition" do you have a link?

[@Alancclive]

Just bought the 850 , brilliant all around my choice

[@kkhalifah1019]

The real diff is that the 850 not only makes more torque but also that it makes 90% of it at 2500rpm onwards. The torque curve stays relatively flat all the way to about 7500rpm, where I hv never had to go in the 12 months I owned it.

[@chrispiatt2235]

I really like the 850 Sport. To me, the large and feature-laden ADV bikes are quite embarrassing for lack of a better term.

[@tonybowman9868]

Can you do a bobber comparison test please thanks !

[@ed.t.hansen6499]

good if any vdo's compared all the tft display featuers; bmw has engine temps, tpms display that is most handy

[@judge831]

As someone who got a "well balanced" single cylinder sumo as my first bike, I can confidently say vibration plays a big role in rides that last more than an hour. As much as I prefer the sound of the 850, I think the 660 would be more enjoyable overall.

[@chewie8]

850 without a doubt.

[@runnersaleh3167]

I ride 850 for two years i cover singapore laos border n singapore to golden triangle myanmar border..its a good bike

[@suezix8689]

660 as a comfy city bike for me would work well in a 2-bike garage.

[@57410320]

I thought the tail was stolen when I saw by first time the 660... I use to be careful with passenger comfort, so the 850 would be better for me

[@chuckcull5674]

If you live where there are a lot of bad roads and potholes, the 850 is the clear choice for its longer suspension travel.

[@1ridgy]

Excellent Vlog. There’s no replacement for displacement is the old saying. For touring you’d be better off with the 850 in my opinion, but I’m slightly biased as I’ve ordered the Tiger 900 having tired of the Trident 660

[@RomulusReemus]

Also a Trident 660 rider, first bike. Contemplating CA to AK and looking at 850/900 for more substance, less whine at 75mph. How have you felt about the 900?

660 is a great bike overall, but going with 90km/h on 6th gear, I was listening to an engine whine which I really didn't like. 850 Sport rides a lot more quiet and is very comfortable in the low revs. Riding with 120km/h you listen to a quiet, pleasant engine note, with no high frequency components. On higher revs it is indeed more vibey. Yet I don't do any sports riding and I don't need to rev the 888cc engine so much. So for me this is not important. Also, the Stylema brakes look and work great. I did a few hard braking tests and the bike was pulling stoppies.

[@cumnmrmptaaa4234]

Why didnt you go bigger sprocket in front/smaller in back?

[@chrishart8548]

Why make a triple vibe like a twin?

[@miguelprera2670]

Excellent and needed comparison! A good comparison between the Tiger 850 and 900 GT Pro please

[@brandonkeller6493]

GT Pro is better. End of comparison..

[@buzzy1011]

From what I understand just more electronics and a cruise control for 4 thousand more dollars..

[@marioguedes8074]

It will all come down to what use you'll give, although the 850 seems to be more complete I am not sure it'll be practical for city use or commuting.

[@sureshmanne7245]

In any use 850 got more grunt so it price bracket is comfortable one can pick 850 without any doubt

[@nordfaen]

Wow! I didn't know that Michelin produce tyres also for motorcycles. Awesome 🤔👌👍

[@acnorea123]

Great comp. Can you also comment on tiger 800 xca compared to these two? I am looking at a used one for 800 xca. Thanks in advance.

[@motobob]

That’s the bike I have - hard to beat the spec for the money, hence why I bought it

[@acnorea123]

@@motobob Great thanks for the quick reply. Would appreciate any pointers on what to look out for. It has 7.6k Miles on it. Put up by the local Triumph dealer.

[@G91YS]

Tiger 660 for sure!

[@sasokuzmanovski985]

Sport 660: Max Power EC48 PS (35 kW) @ 8,750 rpm Max Torque EC59 Nm @ 5,250 rpm

[@scott1063]

I’ve had 3 Triumphs and I love the triples. I’ll never buy another bike without cruise control. So, I want a higher end 660 with cruise, a slightly larger tank would be good too. After market screen and seat will fix the rest.

[@d.f.9064]

I sat on the 850. The amount of expensive plastic sticking out there, that will be impossible to replace in ten years, scared me off. The 660 for me as it looks to have less pieces to get broken and replaced, if I had to choose one.

[@MrAndrew1953]

Probably the 850 with the larger screen. Shame about the lack of cruise control. Do you get a centre stand on the 850. Shaft drive would be nice.

[@xpusostomos]

Shaft drive is a massive power sapper

[@MrAndrew1953]

@@xpusostomos I don’t agree that with you that it’s a massive power sapper. Having owned 3 shaft driven bikes. In the real world,with 3 large capacity adventure bikes (2 BMWs and a Honda XLV750) I always found they had more than enough low/mid range power to get the job done. I never had any issues with the shaft drives- totally reliable.

[@glynlinton474]

660 bought and paid for from Fowlers …. Just waiting on delivery

[@edsonroadmoto]

The tiger has my vote as most roads I go on are under 60 mph

[@Messiahwalter]

850 no doubt ...it is my next bike

[@stefanjepp6612]

Unfortunately we do not get a 850 sport in Germany. We musr go for a 900GT which is much more expensive than the Tiger 660.

[@marcpilon9189]

What? No comments about the luggage capacity for bikes aimed at touring? Shame.

[@ruysk]

The 850 has 228cc extra and comes with Brembo's. I can't understand why it doesn't cost considerably more. Must be one of the best bargains.

[@leodoingthings1706]

well in EU its 2000 euro difference so it adds up

[@ed.t.hansen6499]

pannier seat on 850 seems far better, bigger and grab rails. Probably no cruse control, quick shifter ?? tpms ? engine temps ?

[@trailblazeratv6306]

850 Sport is gorgeous

[@peterfallows6802]

I only wish that they’d have a proper bigger tigersport again

[@dsicher123]

I like the 660 Sport

[@paulmarshall1083]

I’m going for 660 hopefully pick up in June but I do like 850 to

[@realhealthtech4726]

Super bro

[@avengera7287]

Best best best best best best best best best best best best review

[@benkelly2190]

I’d say the 660 dash is better. The 850 rev counter is overly complicated and unnecessary. Must try harder.

[@SergeyVikultsev]

I think the same way. 660 dash is simple but clear.

[@ed.t.hansen6499]

Seens the 850 is a lower seat to get on And pannier seat is far more comfy

[@constantineco]

I m waiting for a Tiger with this 660 engine

[@abisheka355]

I've would've gone for 850 but the price difference is 2500 now...I also like 660 it's good on road

[@pavlospavlidis9758]

T-plane is like cp3 engine?

[@SergeyVikultsev]

No, CP3 is smoother engine.

[@sandwaves5642]

SERVICE intervals ???

[@tonyhewitt1345]

I believe all Triumphs have a 10,000 mile service interval. I could be wrong though 🤔😊

[@MotoGoato]

The 660 is a nice bike and I dare say the better looking of the two .. but it would be the 850 for me, still a good looking bike and offers a fair bit more than it's smaller sibling without asking for much more cash ... plus ya can't fit a center stand on the 660.

[@roberthall1437]

MB If i was riding solo it would be the 660, riding 2 up it would be the 850. Horses for courses.

[@xpusostomos]

Don't think it makes much difference, but then again, depends on the size of the pillion

[@LonelyTreeSunset]

Bring on the Tiger Sport 1200. I'm convinced they are working on filling this gap.

[@pateris]

That's one heavy, and 150 hp is a big, hem, too much…

[@LonelyTreeSunset]

@@pateris Don't agree! The Tiger Sport 1050 is gone, and BMW's XR needs a competitor. 150 Hp is enough, but certainly not too much. Triumph could easily hit to 220 to 230 kg mark with their new 1200 triple. It's not the lump their previous 1200 was.

[@pateris]

@@LonelyTreeSunset I should have said "too much for me" !

[@LonelyTreeSunset]

@@pateris👍

[@pateris]

@@LonelyTreeSunset Yep, I've got big bikes in the past, but now, I go for light and nimble (Like, says… the new Tiger ?)

[@martinguy3803]

The only part that I would disagree on is the vibes. I tested a 660 to see if it was less vibey than the 850 due to the regular firing order. It was noticably much more vibey than the 850.

[@user-tm9ho3bm4v]

How is it at around 120-140kph on the highway?

[@martinguy3803]

@@user-tm9ho3bm4v The 660 was buzzy at various speeds. The 850 has vibes from about 110kph, more noticeable under load but much less than the 660 in my back to back rides. I think the 660 felt like it was working harder. Don't get me wrong, neither feel too vibey, both lovely, it's just I don't agree with the comparison.

[@user-tm9ho3bm4v]

@@martinguy3803 thanks, sounds like the 660 is a great all around bike. I'd maybe change the gearing before going on a long trip but that's me being picky

[@luckyintervale]

Well, since I’m breaking in my 660 Sport…. 😬 #sportouring #revit

[@hallvardpaulsen]

850 obviously.

[@Sumpguard]

850 sport mate.

[@gmc3578]

they are both very desirable! we should challenge them to a race up a twisty road!

[@avitarmageddon1721]

Why? There are many faster bikes for the money.

[@xpusostomos]

​@@avitarmageddon1721but not more fun

[@1PotatoeMasher1]

The 660, with the gas tank, Brembos, and front end of the 850 would be perfect. They are both very nice bikes as is though.

[@krzysztofb2562]

Tiger 660❤

[@CJ-ws5sd]

Give me a new Thunderbird or Adventurer with the 850 engine.

[@app1mxh]

Yamaha Tracer 9 😊

[@ed.t.hansen6499]

just heard the tiger 850 sport is NO more; not bringing them into thailand any longer !! why/what. There is no coverage witih simiilar light bikes with a great seat setup. loosing sales to bmw, yamaha . gt pro is over $4500.00 more than the 850 sport.