The Triumph Tiger Sport 800 is one of the most anticipated motorcycles of recent years, blending the adventure and sport segments in a perfect balance of performance, comfort, and practicality. It takes the foundations of Triumph’s renowned Tiger series and sharpens them to create a machine that appeals to riders who crave versatility in their motorcycle without sacrificing the thrilling dynamics of a performance-oriented bike.
Introduction to Triumph Tiger Sport 800
Triumph has always been at the forefront of motorcycle innovation, known for producing bikes that merge design, technology, and practicality. The Tiger Sport 800 is no different, designed to cater to a wide range of riders, from those who want a powerful tourer to those in search of an agile, fun bike for everyday riding.
The Tiger Sport 800 slots between the Tiger 660 and the Tiger 900 in Triumph’s range, marking its presence as a middleweight, sport-oriented motorcycle with an edge in handling, technology, and ergonomics. Whether it’s tackling twisty mountain roads or long highway stretches, the bike promises to be a highly capable all-rounder.
Design and Styling
Bold and Modern Design
The Tiger Sport 800 builds upon Triumph’s signature design language with a more compact and muscular look compared to its larger Tiger siblings. While retaining the adventure bike DNA, it has a sportier aesthetic, with aggressive lines and sculpted bodywork that gives the bike a purposeful stance.
The front end of the bike features a striking headlamp design that combines modern LED technology with a classic motorcycle look, offering superior visibility while ensuring the bike stands out from the crowd. The 800 also includes sharp angular body panels and a sculpted fuel tank that improves both aerodynamics and rider comfort.
Ergonomics
Triumph has paid special attention to the ergonomics of the Tiger Sport 800. The seat height is designed to be manageable for a wide range of riders, ensuring ease of handling whether you’re on urban streets or rugged trails. The handlebars are placed in a natural, upright position, offering comfort for long-distance rides while still providing the sporty handling desired by thrill-seekers.
Premium Quality Materials
Triumph’s reputation for high-quality craftsmanship is evident in the materials used throughout the design. From the durable, high-grade aluminum frame to the top-notch suspension components, everything about the Tiger Sport 800 feels solid and reliable. The attention to detail is apparent in the fit and finish, making the bike not just an excellent performer, but also a visually appealing machine.
Engine and Performance
The Heart of the Tiger: 800cc Inline-3 Engine
At the core of the Triumph Tiger Sport 800 is a 765cc, triple-cylinder engine. This engine is derived from the same powerplant used in the Street Triple, a platform known for its dynamic performance. The 800 offers a perfect mix of torque and horsepower, delivering 95 hp at around 9,000 rpm and 70 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm. This results in an engine that’s smooth, responsive, and provides just the right amount of power for a variety of riding situations, whether you’re carving through curves or cruising along highways.
The triple-cylinder engine is lauded for its unique character. It offers the best of both worlds, combining the low-end torque of a twin-cylinder engine with the top-end power delivery and refinement typically associated with four-cylinder engines. This makes the Tiger Sport 800 an exciting ride for those who enjoy a lively throttle response and smooth power delivery.
Performance and Handling
In terms of performance, the Tiger Sport 800 is built to deliver a thrilling ride. It comes equipped with a well-tuned suspension setup, ensuring excellent road holding and comfort over a variety of surfaces. The suspension features fully adjustable forks up front and a rear monoshock, which allows riders to fine-tune their ride depending on their weight and riding style.
Coupled with the high-performance brakes, the bike can handle everything from tight corners to high-speed braking with confidence. The upright stance of the bike ensures that it remains stable and responsive, even during aggressive cornering or hard braking.
The lightweight nature of the Tiger Sport 800 also gives it a nimble feel. Its relatively compact size compared to larger touring bikes ensures that it can easily weave through traffic or tackle winding mountain roads with agility. On the other hand, the bike remains stable at higher speeds, ensuring comfort and confidence on long stretches of highway.
Technology and Features
Triumph has always integrated cutting-edge technology into its bikes, and the Tiger Sport 800 is no exception.
TFT Display and Electronics
The bike is equipped with a 5-inch TFT display, offering a clear and easy-to-read interface for riders. This display can show a variety of information, such as ride modes, navigation, tire pressure monitoring, and more. The menu is customizable, allowing the rider to toggle between different views to suit their preferences.
Ride Modes and Traction Control
One of the key highlights of the Tiger Sport 800 is the ride modes system, which allows riders to tailor the bike’s performance to the road conditions. The bike comes with multiple modes, including Road, Rain, and Sport, each offering a different balance of power delivery, throttle response, and traction control intervention. This feature allows riders to adapt the bike to different weather conditions, from wet roads to dry tarmac.
Cornering ABS and Traction Control
The cornering ABS system is a standout safety feature, enhancing the bike’s braking performance during cornering by dynamically adjusting the brake force to match lean angles. In combination with the traction control system, this makes the Tiger Sport 800 one of the safest middleweight motorcycles in its class. Riders can rest assured knowing that the bike has the latest safety technology to assist them in keeping the rubber side down, even during challenging riding conditions.
Connectivity and Riding Assistance
The bike also features a Bluetooth connectivity system, which allows the rider to connect their smartphone to the motorcycle. This feature can be used for navigation, music control, and making calls while keeping both hands on the handlebars. Riders can also track bike diagnostics and performance data using the My Triumph app.
Comfort and Versatility
The Triumph Tiger Sport 800 doesn’t just excel in performance but also prioritizes comfort and versatility.
Seat and Long-Distance Comfort
The seat on the Tiger Sport 800 is designed to provide comfort during long journeys. It offers adequate padding and support, making it an ideal choice for those who regularly take long rides. The ergonomics of the bike are designed to reduce rider fatigue, with controls that are easy to operate and a handlebar position that ensures good posture, reducing strain on the wrists and shoulders during extended rides.
Luggage Options
For touring enthusiasts, Triumph offers a wide range of luggage options, including panniers and tank bags, which can be fitted to the Tiger Sport 800. These accessories add practicality to the bike, making it a true contender for long-distance touring while maintaining its sporty characteristics.
Handling and Ride Quality
The ride quality of the Tiger Sport 800 is a perfect blend of comfort and precision. The suspension system works to absorb bumps and rough patches of road, providing a smooth ride even on uneven surfaces. The bike’s lightweight chassis makes it agile and responsive, while the adjustable suspension allows you to dial in the ride for different conditions. Whether you’re navigating tight corners or cruising at higher speeds, the bike handles with poise and confidence.
Competition
In the highly competitive segment of sport-touring motorcycles, the Tiger Sport 800 faces direct competition from bikes like the Yamaha Tracer 9, the KTM 890 Adventure, and the Suzuki V-Strom 800DE. While these competitors offer similar performance capabilities and features, the Tiger Sport 800 stands out with its unique engine character, advanced technology, and premium build quality. Its focus on versatility means it appeals to a wide range of riders, from urban commuters to long-distance tourers.
+————————————-+—————————————–+
| Specification | Details |
+————————————-+—————————————–+
| Engine Type | 765cc, Inline 3-cylinder, liquid-cooled |
+————————————-+—————————————–+
| Power Output | 95 hp (71 kW) @ 9,000 rpm |
+————————————-+—————————————–+
| Torque | 70 Nm @ 6,500 rpm |
+————————————-+—————————————–+
| Gearbox | 6-speed, constant mesh |
+————————————-+—————————————–+
| Final Drive | Chain |
+————————————-+—————————————–+
| Fuel Capacity | 20 liters |
+————————————-+—————————————–+
| Fuel Consumption (Approx.) | 5.5 L/100 km |
+————————————-+—————————————–+
| Front Suspension | Showa 43mm USD fork, fully adjustable |
+————————————-+—————————————–+
| Rear Suspension | Showa monoshock, fully adjustable |
+————————————-+—————————————–+
| Front Brake | Dual 310mm disc, Brembo 4-piston caliper|
+————————————-+—————————————–+
| Rear Brake | Single 255mm disc, Brembo single piston |
+————————————-+—————————————–+
| ABS | Cornering ABS with switchable traction |
+————————————-+—————————————–+
| Ride Modes | Road, Rain, Sport, and customizable |
+————————————-+—————————————–+
| Seat Height | 810 mm (adjustable) |
+————————————-+—————————————–+
| Wheelbase | 1,520 mm |
+————————————-+—————————————–+
| Dry Weight | 198 kg (approx.) |
+————————————-+—————————————–+
| Length | 2,130 mm |
+————————————-+—————————————–+
| Width (with mirrors) | 910 mm |
+————————————-+—————————————–+
| Height | 1,370 mm |
+————————————-+—————————————–+
| Front Tyre | 120/70 ZR17 |
+————————————-+—————————————–+
| Rear Tyre | 180/55 ZR17 |
+————————————-+—————————————–+
| TFT Display | 5-inch, full-color |
+————————————-+—————————————–+
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, My Triumph app compatibility |
+————————————-+—————————————–+
| Standard Features | Cruise control, Heated grips (optional) |
+————————————-+—————————————–+
Conclusion
The Triumph Tiger Sport 800 brings together the best of both worlds: a sportbike’s agility and a tourer’s comfort. With a powerful 765cc triple engine, sharp handling, modern tech, and high levels of comfort, the Tiger Sport 800 is a versatile bike that will appeal to riders looking for an all-around performer.
Whether you’re a seasoned rider seeking thrilling performance or someone who values comfort and practicality, the Tiger Sport 800 offers something for everyone. Triumph has succeeded in crafting a bike that’s not just a joy to ride, but also incredibly practical, ready to tackle any road or terrain with ease. If you’re looking for a bike that can handle everything from the daily commute to weekend getaways, the Triumph Tiger Sport 800 is definitely worth considering.