For 2021, Triumph Renames Base-Model Tiger 900 the 850 Sport

[Hugh Janus]

The 2021 Triumph Tiger 850 Sport. (Triumph /)

In order to distinguish it from the rest of the Tiger 900 family, Triumph is replacing the base-model 900 with the Tiger 850 Sport, dropping the price to $11,995 and making a few minor tweaks.

In spite of the name change, the 2021 Tiger 850 Sport has the same 888cc T-Plane crank triple as the rest of the lineup; in fact, it’s essentially the same motorcycle as the outgoing base-model Tiger 900. The biggest difference is revised ECU mapping that delivers power and torque lower in the rev range and provides a friendlier, more linear power delivery. As a result of the softer tune, the 850 Sport loses more than 10 percent peak horsepower, producing a claimed 84 hp at 8,500 rpm and 60.5 pound-feet of torque at 6,500 rpm. The outgoing model (and the rest of the Tiger 900 range) produces a claimed 93.9 hp at 8,750 rpm and 64 pound-feet of torque at 7,250 rpm.

“The engine power target was set at the start of the project,” says Steve Sargent, Triumph chief product officer. “The focus was on producing a manageable and accessible power delivery at the bottom-end and midrange where most people will ride these bikes. While there is a reduction in power compared to the Tiger 900, the peak performance is still strong when compared to our direct competitor.”

The 850 Sport in Graphite and Diablo Red. With a new name and more friendly tune, the 850 Sport stands apart from the 900 range. Like its higher-spec’d siblings, it’s an all-purpose motorcycle. In 850 Sport guise, Triumph is aiming it at riders who want to take advantage of a great platform but don’t need the ultimate expression of it. The ECU tune should make it an even more competent urban commuter. (Triumph/)

The folks at Triumph illustrate the 850 Sport’s relationship to the Tiger 900 in German terms: as the BMW F 750 GS is to the F 850 GS, the Tiger 850 Sport is to the Tiger 900—same engine capacity, different electronic tune.

Other differences between the 850 Sport and the outgoing base-model 900 are a new graphics package, LED lighting, and the $500 decrease in price.

With cast wheels, the 850 Sport, like the GT models, is aimed at street riding. (Triumph/)

At first glance, it may seem an odd move, but upon further reflection, the name change makes sense considering its relationship to the rest of the lineup. The Tiger 900 GT models range from $14,300 to $16,200, and the off-road-focused Rally models range from $15,000 to $16,700. They feature a ton of tech and features that, frankly, not every rider wants or needs. The gulf between the base model and the top-end Tiger 900s is large enough that it warrants separating out the most basic model. Triumph hopes by doing so it will create more clarity for consumers and shine a light on the base model’s value.

Let’s put it in human terms. If, say, you have a brother who is more successful and better-looking, you may feel more at ease with yourself when you’re not standing right next to him, wondering why he got broad shoulders and a medical degree while all you could muster is puny arms and a paltry BA in English. Maybe I’m just projecting here.

The 850 Sport’s 5-inch TFT display is clear and easy to use and it still feels like a premium touch. (Triumph/)

Anyway, by renaming the base model, Triumph emphasizes that the entry-level middleweight triple is really targeted at a different rider than the bikes in the 900 range. It’s not a cut-rate Tiger 900 GT Pro (OK, it sort of is) as much as it’s a bike with its own unique identity. Sure, it doesn’t have a massive 7-inch TFT display, five ride modes, fully adjustable suspension, or a quickshifter, but it’s still very well equipped. The Tiger 850 Sport has two ride modes, a 5-inch TFT dash, and the same engine, frame, and top-shelf Brembo Stylema brakes as the rest of the lineup—pretty impressive, really.

The 850 Sport in Graphite and Caspian Blue. Triumph is hoping its pared-down spec sheet is less intimidating to some consumers. (Triumph/)

If one wants a modern three-cylinder bike to commute on, ride on the weekends, and take on the occasional tour, maybe a $16,000 adventure bike is overkill. If you like the basic package of the Tiger 900, but aren’t so nearsighted that you need a 2-inch-larger dash, aren’t so hardcore that you need a Rally, and can’t be bothered with all the rider aids and adjustability of the higher-priced models, then the Tiger 850 Sport may be for you. It has a lot to feel good about; just don’t park it next to a Tiger 900 GT Pro.

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