2021 Triumph Tiger 850 Sport First Look Preview

Triumph’s entry-level adventure bike is getting a new name and a revised character for ’21, as the storied English marque angles for a friendlier introduction for newer riders. The 2021 Triumph Tiger 850 Sport carriest the same 888cc mill as the Tiger 900, but with a revised tune focused on tractability as opposed to outright power.

Triumph says the new tune is aimed at making the bike more accessible and versatile, hoping to up its usefulness as an everyday mount as well as a weekend getaway machine. The changes do mean the 850 is down about 10 hp on its 900cc brethren and last year’s entry-level machine. Peak is now 84 hp at 8,500 rpm and 60.5 torque at 6,500 rpm.

The big triple is connected to a slip-and-assist clutch, in a bid to help smooth out the ride and lower lever effort.

Backing up the revised engine is a tidy spec sheet that keeps the Tiger in line with what you’d expect on a $12,000 modern motorcycle. The fork is a preload-adjustable 45mm unit from Marzocchi, which combines with a Marzocchi rear shock that is also preload adjustable. Radial-mount Brembo Stylema Monoblock calipers up front clamp 320mm rotors with the help of ABS. The rear brake is a single-piston Brembo that also features ABS.

The new Tiger comes with Road and Rain riding modes, and the traction control can be turned off independently if you’re looking to get a little rowdy. The controls and vital systems are monitored by a 5.5-inch TFT display.

At $11,995, the Tiger 850 Sport is the least expensive way into the Tiger line. It is on sale as we speak.