Entry-level bike done right - it's literally a 900GT minus the electronic farkles I don't need (less points of failure), plus the power is almost exactly the same up to the top end of the RPM range where I rarely go anyway. All I care about is that it makes 90% of its torque at just under 3000rpm, so you can afford to get lazy with the gearshifts. The only bugbear is that the stock windscreen isn't tall enough for me even in its highest setting, but an adjustable windscreen extender sorts that problem easily coz now it deflects the wind comfortably across the top of my helmet allowing me to ride with the visor up all day as I live in the tropics. I don't mind not having cruise control coz I dislike not being in control of the throttle at all times. Been commuting to work and touring on it for 2 years now. The only problem I ever had was the annoyingly squeaky rear brake, solved it by swapping out the rear brakepads with organic EBC ones. My Optimate says the original battery is now at 60% only, so it'll be replaced next week.
Good review of 850 Tiger. Like the bike and seems reasonable buy at MSRP of $12, 290, problem for us in Southern California or most of the US Dealers mark everything up beyond reason. Local Dlr in Brea, Ca priced the exact bike at $12,990 vs. true msrp $12,290, $1000 shipping, $800 set up, additional profit mark up $1200 and they had quite high DMV processing fee before we ever get to the normal tax & licensing cost which are understandable. I can afford the bike, just won't allow them to price gouge by approx. 25% markups. This isn't unique to Triumph, seems most other brands are guilty of this to varying degrees. BMW interestingly, is only Dlr I found who doesn't do this, their prices are certainly higher, but not above MSRP, hat's off to my local Riverside, Ca Dlr. Will keep my eyes open for low mileage used Tiger 850 or possibly a new BMW GS which is heavier, but high quality excellent bike.
i'm 72 and my 750gs is hard to move; top heavy at 222kg. and forget me adding a passenger on that ! 850 is less than 200kg like my 500x; so more maneuver if its stable enough to add 70kg on the back. The tiger gt pro up there also at 220kg plus. reviewsd the sport 660 but heavier and not a comfy seating .
Not sure. Need to do the Tiger 900 GT Pro, but I should take a look at the Multistrada 950 and maybe an Indian or two. Would love to take out the Yamaha 900 Tracer GT, but you keep selling them!
I love my 850 Sport. I added hand guards, heated grips and a 1 inch bar riser and I'm good to go. Lack of cruise isn't a problem for me as it really is only useful on extended interstate rides and I for one have no intention of interstate highway riding.
Thanks, great bike! I am selling an Africa Twin that just felt too heavy even after lowering it some. The 850 is about 100 lbs lighter as well which is a big plus! This will fit into my downsizing project!
I took a hard look at this motorcycle back in the spring when I was shopping for a new bike. It is an extremely good motorcycle, and I doubt anyone would notice the slight drop in horse power and torque from the 900--I couldn't. For me, three must haves were heated grips, center stand and cruise control. The grips and center stand were easy additions, but cruise control is not available on the 850, which was a deal killer. I think Triumph is missing the mark with the 850 by not offering cruise control, but I'm sure their reasoning is they don't want to take sales from the Tiger 900 GT, which is a more profitable motorcycle for them. I ended up purchasing a new 900 GT Pro at a reasonable discount. I love my Pro, but I almost regret buying a motorcycle with all the electronic gadgets, most of which I never use. I prefer simple motorcycles, so I worry about the reliability and longevity of the electronics. In hindsight, I'm a bit pissed at Triumph for not making cruise control available on the 850.
Hi from the UK! There is a company called Kaoko who make a throttle stabiliser. There are other companies who do similar. It is not exactly Cruise Control it is I think a similar sort of end handlebar device that when turned exerts sideways pressure on the throttle hand grip. So it will keep a constant speed on the flat, but won’t increase engine speed going uphill! I believe there are several companies make similar fittings and a Kaoko version will fit the Triumph Tiger 850 Sport. Great video and thank you.
Question: Now that you have ridden the 660 and the 850, is the 850 so much more capable if you ever wanted to ride off road a little that it would be worth the extra money? Or are they both so not suited to "adventure riding" that you really wouldn't try that with either? Thanks!
Both bikes are more road oriented. You could easily handle dirt or gravel roads with either, but I would not use either for hard core off road riding. The 900 rally pro would be my choice in the Triumph line.
@@LivingOffTheSlabThanks! I can get a new (1mile on the odometer,) 2023 660 tomorrow with hard bags and the quick shifter for under $7k, or an 850 for $9,900. All things considered, it seems like the 660 is the better deal. Thanks again!
for roads why do you need more than 2 modes ! Corning control. why? What did HD do for 60 yrs !! Allot of extra sales gimicks. Traction control is good so we hear from some. The color TFT does not seem to be as nice at the new 24' gt pro !
@@LivingOffTheSlab It would be interesting because there is no such comparison on CZcams and it seems to me that they are close competitors in terms of price and features
I´m a 66 y/0 woman and I just sold my GS1200 and got an 850 and am very happy
Entry-level bike done right - it's literally a 900GT minus the electronic farkles I don't need (less points of failure), plus the power is almost exactly the same up to the top end of the RPM range where I rarely go anyway. All I care about is that it makes 90% of its torque at just under 3000rpm, so you can afford to get lazy with the gearshifts. The only bugbear is that the stock windscreen isn't tall enough for me even in its highest setting, but an adjustable windscreen extender sorts that problem easily coz now it deflects the wind comfortably across the top of my helmet allowing me to ride with the visor up all day as I live in the tropics. I don't mind not having cruise control coz I dislike not being in control of the throttle at all times.
Been commuting to work and touring on it for 2 years now. The only problem I ever had was the annoyingly squeaky rear brake, solved it by swapping out the rear brakepads with organic EBC ones. My Optimate says the original battery is now at 60% only, so it'll be replaced next week.
Nice bike. Still like the V85TT with shaft drive. Enjoyed the video and RIDE SAFE OUT THERE!
Great review - really appreciated your concise and clear articulation of the salient points. That's refreshing!
Good review of 850 Tiger. Like the bike and seems reasonable buy at MSRP of $12, 290, problem for us in Southern California or most of the US Dealers mark everything up beyond reason. Local Dlr in Brea, Ca priced the exact bike at $12,990 vs. true msrp $12,290, $1000 shipping, $800 set up, additional profit mark up $1200 and they had quite high DMV processing fee before we ever get to the normal tax & licensing cost which are understandable. I can afford the bike, just won't allow them to price gouge by approx. 25% markups. This isn't unique to Triumph, seems most other brands are guilty of this to varying degrees. BMW interestingly, is only Dlr I found who doesn't do this, their prices are certainly higher, but not above MSRP, hat's off to my local Riverside, Ca Dlr. Will keep my eyes open for low mileage used Tiger 850 or possibly a new BMW GS which is heavier, but high quality excellent bike.
i'm 72 and my 750gs is hard to move; top heavy at 222kg. and forget me adding a passenger on that ! 850 is less than 200kg like my 500x; so more maneuver if its stable enough to add 70kg on the back. The tiger gt pro up there also at 220kg plus. reviewsd the sport 660 but heavier and not a comfy seating .
Another great review, Craig! What are you going to demo next from us?! 😄
Not sure. Need to do the Tiger 900 GT Pro, but I should take a look at the Multistrada 950 and maybe an Indian or two. Would love to take out the Yamaha 900 Tracer GT, but you keep selling them!
I love my 850 Sport. I added hand guards, heated grips and a 1 inch bar riser and I'm good to go. Lack of cruise isn't a problem for me as it really is only useful on extended interstate rides and I for one have no intention of interstate highway riding.
Thanks, great bike! I am selling an Africa Twin that just felt too heavy even after lowering it some. The 850 is about 100 lbs lighter as well which is a big plus! This will fit into my downsizing project!
Was the Africa twin really that heavy
Saw the dead play in foxboro in 1989.
I took a hard look at this motorcycle back in the spring when I was shopping for a new bike. It is an extremely good motorcycle, and I doubt anyone would notice the slight drop in horse power and torque from the 900--I couldn't. For me, three must haves were heated grips, center stand and cruise control. The grips and center stand were easy additions, but cruise control is not available on the 850, which was a deal killer. I think Triumph is missing the mark with the 850 by not offering cruise control, but I'm sure their reasoning is they don't want to take sales from the Tiger 900 GT, which is a more profitable motorcycle for them. I ended up purchasing a new 900 GT Pro at a reasonable discount. I love my Pro, but I almost regret buying a motorcycle with all the electronic gadgets, most of which I never use. I prefer simple motorcycles, so I worry about the reliability and longevity of the electronics. In hindsight, I'm a bit pissed at Triumph for not making cruise control available on the 850.
I agree, cruise control would have been nice.
Hi from the UK! There is a company called Kaoko who make a throttle stabiliser. There are other companies who do similar. It is not exactly Cruise Control it is I think a similar sort of end handlebar device that when turned exerts sideways pressure on the throttle hand grip. So it will keep a constant speed on the flat, but won’t increase engine speed going uphill! I believe there are several companies make similar fittings and a Kaoko version will fit the Triumph Tiger 850 Sport. Great video and thank you.
McCruise makes plug n play cc for the 850 Sport- $600 and change. Google it.
@@TheD7035I have that installed on my throttle grip on my Tiger 850….. works great… poor man’s cruise control.
yes some needed. cruz control, center stand and quick shifter.
Question: Now that you have ridden the 660 and the 850, is the 850 so much more capable if you ever wanted to ride off road a little that it would be worth the extra money? Or are they both so not suited to "adventure riding" that you really wouldn't try that with either? Thanks!
Both bikes are more road oriented. You could easily handle dirt or gravel roads with either, but I would not use either for hard core off road riding. The 900 rally pro would be my choice in the Triumph line.
@@LivingOffTheSlabThanks! I can get a new (1mile on the odometer,) 2023 660 tomorrow with hard bags and the quick shifter for under $7k, or an 850 for $9,900. All things considered, it seems like the 660 is the better deal. Thanks again!
Brinco brinco la la la
for roads why do you need more than 2 modes ! Corning control. why? What did HD do for 60 yrs !! Allot of extra sales gimicks. Traction control is good so we hear from some. The color TFT does not seem to be as nice at the new 24' gt pro !
👍
which would be the favorite tiger 850 or v strom 800de
Unfortunately I have not ridden the V Strom.
@@LivingOffTheSlab It would be interesting because there is no such comparison on CZcams and it seems to me that they are close competitors in terms of price and features