Review: 2025 Triumph Tiger Sport 800
There are few motorcycle marques that have the kind of revered cache in their badge like that of Triumph. The legendary British brand began producing motorcycles and delivering two-wheel dreams in 1902.
Like so many other manufacturers, Triumph was hit by the tsunami of Japanese product and went into receivership in 1983. This invited the famous resurrection of the company under John Bloor, Triumph producing a delightful string of exciting motorcycles ever since.
The latest in the lineage of pulse-quickening models is the Tiger Sport 800, a mid-level, Sport Touring mount that is equal parts performance, accessibility, and affordability.
Sharp, refined design cues provide the attractive aesthetics, while Triumph’s utterly luscious triple engine configuration provides the combustive guts. The end result is an astonishingly impressive mid-size motorcycle delivering comfort, ride-ability (for a wide range of experience levels) in a highly functional package, with an additional attractiveness of low-cost ownership. Let’s dive in with particulars.
Engine, Transmission, Clutch
The heart of the Tiger 800 is its dynamically-enhanced triple powerplant (798cc liquid-cooled, 3-cylinder, 12-valve DOHC). This isn’t just a punched-out 660.
Engineers gifted the new Tiger with very usable power, focusing less on high-revving and placing emphasis on the all-important torque curve, in this case providing wonderful pull throughout the entire power band.
The end result is an engine that exudes exceptional character at low and mid-range with linear power delivery, sans any surprises, and plenty of top-end if you want to go there. 113 peak hp at 10,750 rpm and 61.9 lb-ft torque at 8,500 rpm come together in an alluring exhaust note exiting the stainless steel three-into-one header.
A succinct 6-speed gear box, with Triumph Shift Assist standard, makes the clutch unnecessary after getting underway. For old schoolers (of which I am one) the Slip & Assist clutch offers excellent feedback and consistent engagement/disengagement with an ease of pressure throughout the lever range.
Throwing A Leg Over
Everything exactly where nature wants it to be. At 5’11” the knee bend is so slight as to be unnoticeable.
Height, width, and bend of the handlebars in relation to shoulders and back is ergonomically sound, creating a tidy, comfortable cockpit for a low-fatiguing, long-distance riding experience.
Chassis is tubular steel perimeter design with a twin-sided pressed steel swingarm. A wheelbase of 55.98-inches coupled with 23.8-degree rake and 3.9 trail give the Sport a responsive yet predictable character in cornering without sacrificing any straight line stability.
Suspension duties front and rear are handled by Showa. Forks are 41mm in upside-down mount, with adjustable compression and rebound damping. On the rear is a Showa monoshock with adjustable rebound damping and easily accessed (from seated position) hydraulic preload adjustment. These units provide a generous and plush 5.9-inches of travel front and rear.
Dual 310mm floating discs on the front-end are grabbed by 4-piston calipers in a radial mount, delivering very effective and progressive braking (ABS), while a single 255mm rotor in single piston caliper provides solid rear wheel response to balance out braking preference and loads.
17-inch 5-spoke cast aluminum alloy wheels tastefully blend with design cues and are shod with 120/70 front and 180/55 rear rubber.
Getting Underway
Presenting the hp/rpm numbers for the Tiger Sport 800 in spec sheet form is like reading the Cliff Notes for “The Great Gatsby”—you may get the gist of it, but you’re going to miss all the fine literary nuances.
Deceptively docile at idle, the Sport’s 113 hp, married to a wet weight of 471.8 pounds, give it a lively deportment once moving.
The engine accommodates a spate of riding preferences; lug it and savor the torque, put it in the mid-range for mellow but sharp response, or step it up and let it sing, it all works, and works beautifully.
The shift assist makes for clutchless up- and down-shifts, replete with throttle blip. Gear ratios are evenly spaced to accommodate the 800’s power, balancing delivery, revs, and shifts seamlessly. The Slip & Assist clutch provides smooth, predictable operation, reducing rear wheel hop on aggressive downshifts.
A highly intuitive motorcycle, the Tiger seems to read the rider’s mind, easily deciphering input and intent, transforming those actions fluidly. It makes for an incredibly confident riding experience, the bike’s responsiveness and agility an exercise in confidence.
The Tiger has three ride modes; Road, Sport, and Rain. Surprisingly, Rain mode doesn’t automatically clip power, offering a very respectable amount of performance while monitoring traction/wheel spin more aggressively. However, the switch from Road to Sport is a pleasant jump, giving the throttle response a healthy, crisp kick.
Misc.
The manually-operated windscreen has what felt like six grooved settings. Although presented as “on-the-move adjustability,” in actuality the angle and force required to move it makes that a little difficult.
The good news? The shield works well at toning down cockpit turbulence, augmented by deflectors that help drive airflow away from the rider.
LCD Multifunctional dash in an integrated color TFT screen carries all relevant information in an economically placed and easy to read layout.
Our test mounts were fitted with accessory grip warmers. Triumph deserves the “easiest ever grip warmer switch award.” Cleverly integrated into the left hand grip collar, toasty hand warming is available with just a slight movement of the thumb. Also, the Tiger Sport has the easiest kickstand to find with your foot of any motorcycle.
The Bottom Line
One comes away from riding the new Triumph Tiger Sport 800 realizing there is nothing to place in the “I don’t like” column. That’s saying a lot.
The engine delivers on a wide range of riding styles. Lug it all day in third gear, or scream it just off the rev limiter, the bike will accommodate the newer, less experienced rider, while tantalizing the most demanding.
The triple engine design has one of the most agreeable deliveries of power on the market, with wonderful response. And that sound!
With an MSRP of $12,495, the Tiger Sport 800 is a great deal of motorcycle. Add panniers and a top case and hand guards to transform it into a very entertaining and highly rewarding touring mount that will make every single point A to point B trip a cherished two-wheel memory.
Triumph drop kicks the decision process for the undecided by proffering a general low-cost of ownership/maintenance with generous service intervals.
Technical Specs
+ A very impressive, performance-oriented platform befitting a wide range of riders
– A bit of battering from the elements at high speed
Distributor: Triumph Motorcycles
MSRP: $12,495
Engine: liquid-cooled, 3-cylinder, DOHC, 12-valve
Displacement: 798cc
Power: 113hp @10,750rpm; 61.9lb-ft @8,500rpm
Transmission: six-speed, assist-and-slipper clutch, Triumph Shift Assist, X-ring chain final drive
Rake/Trail: 23.8°/3.9in
Weight (Wet): 471.8lbs
Seat Height: 32.87inFuel Capacity: 4.92gal
Fuel Consumption: 60.1mpg (average as tested)
Color: Sapphire Black, Graphite, Cosmic Yellow, Caspian Blue