New Triumph Tiger 850 Sport unveiled

Triumph unveils the more road-focused and more accessible version of the Tiger 900 ADV. The Tiger 850 Sport replaces the base Tiger 900 in the range, and it'll be launched in India in February 2021. 

Triumph has unveiled the new Tiger 850 Sport. Billed as a more road-focussed and more accessible version of the Tiger 900, the 850 Sport replaces the base Tiger 900 in the company’s model portfolio. The Tiger 850 Sport will be launched in India in February 2021, making the Tiger range more accessible for ADV enthusiasts of the country.

The Tiger 850 Sport is based on the same underpinnings as the Tiger 900, which means both are identical in terms of design. However, the 850 gets a couple of cosmetic updates that differentiate it from the 900 range. This includes bold 850 Sport stickers on the tank and two new dual-tone colour schemes – Graphite/Diablo Red and Graphite/Caspian Blue. In addition to that, the Tiger 850 Sport gets all-LED lighting, including a DRL, which wasn’t offered with the base 900.

Powering the Tiger 850 Sport is the same 888cc inline three-cylinder engine as the 900. The engine has been detuned slightly as it now produces 83.8bhp@8,500rpm and 82Nm@6,500rpm. In comparison, the Tiger 900 produces 93.9bhp@8,750rpm and 87Nm@7,250rpm. The engine comes mated to a six-speed gearbox with a slip-and-assist clutch.

The frame, suspension and brakes are identical to the Tiger 900. The 850 Sport comes with Marzocchi upside-down front forks (non-adjustable) and a mono-shock at the rear wheel with preload-adjust. Braking duties are carried out by Brembo Stylema at the front, with twin 320mm discs, and a single 255mm disc on the rear wheel. The 850 Sport also comes with new dual-purpose Michelin Anakee Adventure tyres (80% road and 20% trail riding). At 192kg (dry), the 850 Sport is as heavy as the base 900.

In terms of features and equipment, the 850 Sport is identical to the base Tiger 900. You get a 5-inch TFT display, ride-by-wire throttle, two riding modes (Road and Rain), adjustable windscreen, a 12V socket, switchable traction control, and ABS (non-switchable). In addition to this, the bike will be offered with 60+ accessories.

With the Tiger 850 Sport, Triumph is going after the BMW F 750 GS – a more road-focussed ADV that sells more than its more rugged sibling, the F 850 GS, around the world. While the Tiger 850 Sport can be called the rebranded version of the base Tiger 900, it’s definitely going to make the Tiger brand more accessible for customers, especially in India as we don’t get the Tiger 900 base model here. At the moment, the Tiger 900 is only available in higher-spec variants (GT, Rally and Rally Pro) in India.

The Tiger 900 range currently starts at ₹13.70 lakh (ex-showroom). Expect the Tiger 850 Sport to be priced at around ₹12.50 lakh (ex-showroom).

Also read, 

Triumph Tiger 900, Track Test 

Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro vs BMW F 850 GS Adventure