A lot of motorcycle for the money: Triumph Tiger Sport 800 has a specially developed engine

Triumph has completed the all-rounder segment with the Tiger Sport 800. The British company developed a new engine specifically for it. Was the effort worthwhile?

Since the beginning of the year, the Triumph Tiger Sport 800 has filled the gap between the Tiger Sport 660 and the 900 of the same name. A gap worth filling was identified there. And considerable effort has been put into this. Instead of designing new motorcycles from the shelf and using proven parts from previous models, Triumph has taken a different approach and developed a new three-cylinder engine with 798 cubic centimeters (cc).

Although it is based on the architecture of the well-known 660 and 765 three-cylinder engines, there are similarities in the basic structure, such as the cylinder angle and the engine housing, as well as some internal components. Nevertheless, the new 800 triple is unique in many respects. The crankshaft, pistons, cylinders, and valve timing have been adapted for the new engine. A striking feature is the use of three separate throttle bodies, which significantly improve throttle response.

The result of these efforts is impressive: With an output of 85 kW/115 hp and 84 Newton meters of torque, it propels the 217 kg Tiger Sport from a standstill to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds and reaches a top speed of 219 km/h. And the differences, especially compared to the 765 engine, are noticeable. The engine pulls very smoothly and powerfully from low revs and reaches its maximum speed at a good 10,000 rpm.

Engine with excellent manners

On the other hand, it also excels when cruising in high gears, always responding readily to the throttle and not impatiently hammering the chain or annoyingly jerking. It also refrains from choking on the throttle. In short, the engine exhibits excellent manners. The only minor drawback: Above 8,000 rpm, it sends slight vibrations into the high-cranked handlebars, which, however, aren't a problem when cruising along country roads. On the highway, however, it takes some getting used to.

We'd prefer the touring aspect of the Tiger 800 to the sporty aspect, as the aforementioned high handlebars allow for a comfortable and upright riding position, which is less conducive to cornering. The passenger also sits quite comfortably on the perhaps slightly too short seat and finds well-placed handlebars for holding on. Two panniers (€700 extra) are easily attached to the bike. The windshield can be adjusted while riding and provides good upper body protection, but unfortunately, above 160 km/h, it bends in the wind and slides back to its lowest position. Triumph should improve this as soon as possible.

The chassis, however, allows for both long tours for two – the rear spring preload is adjustable via a handwheel – and fast cornering. It inspires confidence and feel for the front wheel and allows for deep lean angles. The 41mm fork is adjustable for rebound and compression. At the rear, both the spring preload and the rebound damping are adjustable. Thanks to the good basic setup, everything works perfectly.

Brake lever sometimes difficult for small hands

The electronics offer three riding modes – Rain, Sport, and Road – which can be adjusted using a separate button on the left handlebar. However, the active riding mode is not shown on the display. Thanks to the quickshifter and blipper, gear shifting is smooth, and you don't always have to pull the clutch lever, which is a bit far from the grip. The adjustable brake lever could also be moved a bit closer to the handlebar, as even the next setting (position 5) is difficult for small hands. The brakes can be modulated sensitively, but they require a bit of pressure before they fully engage.

Of course, the Tiger Sport is also equipped with several electronic features, such as cruise control, although you can't change the speed while it's activated. ABS and traction control are on board and can be adjusted using four buttons on the left handlebar – it works intuitively. The display is easy to read at all times and offers various views that can be quickly scrolled through while riding (down arrow key).

Only small things bother

Apart from the weakly secured windshield, only minor issues with the Tiger Sport 800 are a problem. Especially since fuel consumption remained within limits during the test rides, settling in at an average of 5.2 liters. But what really makes this fine British bike attractive is its price: For €11,800, you get a lot of motorcycle for your money. By comparison, the Tiger 900 costs €2,000 more, and the Street Triple RS €1,200 more.

With the Tiger Sport 800, Triumph has created a beautiful all-rounder; the new engine is a real winner, and it's safe to assume it will appear in other models in the future. And: The price is hot.

Triumph Tiger 800 - technical data

• Engine : Liquid-cooled three-cylinder, four-stroke in-line engine, 798 cc displacement, four valves per cylinder, 84 kW/115 hp at 10,700 rpm, 84 Nm at 8,500 rpm; injection, 6 gears, chain.
• Chassis : Tubular steel frame; USD telescopic fork, 41 mm diameter, adjustable rebound and compression damping; double-sided steel swing arm, adjustable spring preload and rebound damping; 310 mm double disc brake at the front with double-piston floating calipers, 255 mm single disc brake with single-piston floating caliper at the rear.
• Assistance systems : Three driving modes (Rain, Road, Sport), cornering ABS, traction control, quickshifter, cruise control.
• Dimensions and weight : Wheelbase 1.422 m, seat height 84 cm, weight ready to drive 217 kg, payload 220 kg; tank capacity 18.6 liters.
• Performance : 0-100 km/h approx. 3.7 seconds, top speed 219 km/h. Idle noise 93 dBA, standard fuel consumption according to WMTC standard (EU 5+) 5.1 l/100 km, test fuel consumption: 5.2 l/100 km.
• Price : from 11,795 euros.