Triumph has long been a staple in the world of premium motorcycles, known for its combination of timeless design and cutting-edge technology. With the launch of the new Tiger Sport 800, the British marque continues to push the boundaries of performance and versatility, offering a compelling package that bridges the gap between the more compact Tiger Sport 660 and its more powerful big-bore siblings. The Tiger Sport 800 represents a substantial leap forward, blending sportiness, comfort, and technology in a truly unique way.
Design and Features: A Subtle Evolution
At first glance, the new Tiger Sport 800 carries familiar cues from the Tiger Sport 660, but with noticeable enhancements that reflect its more powerful nature. The bodywork remains largely unchanged, though Triumph has added new running lights above the nose intake, extra wind deflectors on each side of the screen, and more extensive radiator cowls. These refinements serve both functional and aesthetic purposes, enhancing the bike’s aerodynamic profile while giving it a more aggressive stance on the road.
One standout feature of the Tiger Sport 800 is the inclusion of a side-mounted exhaust, which replaces the belly-mounted pipe found on the 660. This design change is a direct result of the increased demands placed on the engine’s breathing system, necessitating a more efficient exhaust routing. The look is distinct, marking the bike’s transition to a more potent powerplant while still maintaining a sense of continuity with its smaller sibling.
Engine and Performance: Power Meets Precision
Where the Tiger Sport 800 truly shines is under the skin, with an engine that blends both performance and refinement. The all-new 798cc three-cylinder engine borrows some elements from Triumph’s popular Street Triple 765, but with significant modifications to suit the demands of an adventure-oriented machine. The engine’s bore measures 78mm, paired with a longer 55.7mm stroke, delivering a peak output of 113.5 horsepower (84.6 kW) at 10,750 rpm and 84Nm of torque at 8,500 rpm. This represents a power increase of around 40% compared to the Tiger Sport 660, despite only a 20% increase in engine capacity. This surge in power brings the Tiger Sport 800 into direct competition with rivals such as Ducati’s Multistrada V2 and Yamaha’s Tracer 9.
Technology and Comfort: A Rider’s Dream
Technology plays a key role in the Tiger Sport 800’s appeal. The bike comes standard with lean-sensitive traction control and Shift Assist, Triumph’s quick-shifter, for smooth and rapid gear changes. The instrument panel is a slightly more basic monochrome LCD, but Triumph has included a small colour TFT screen below for key information. This allows for a clean, straightforward display while still offering advanced functionality like phone connectivity, so riders can easily access calls, music, and navigation on the go. Despite its sport-oriented capabilities, the Tiger Sport 800 remains accessible, with a seat height of just 835mm. This, combined with a relatively low kerb weight of 214kg, ensures that the bike is manageable even for shorter riders or those less experienced with larger motorcycles.
The Triumph Tiger Sport 800 strikes a perfect balance between power, agility, and comfort. With its new engine, high-spec suspension, advanced electronics, and comfortable ergonomics, it has the potential to become a standout in the mid-range adventure segment. For those seeking a well-rounded machine that combines performance, practicality, and technology, the Tiger Sport 800 is poised to be a true focus of 2025’s motorcycle market.
Written by: Lydia Kelly
Published: 27th of November 2024