Expert Review
Triumph Tiger Sport 800 (2025 – ) review
Feisty triple brings out the Tiger’s sporting heart in a convincing alternative to the Yamaha Tracer 9


Words by: Phil West
Published on 28 January 2025 | 0 min read
The Auto Trader expert verdict:
4.5
Triumph very much had the best-selling Yamaha Tracer 9 in its sights when it came up with this bigger, higher spec version of its Tiger Sport 660. The result matches the Yamaha for performance, beats it for character and standard equipment while also undercutting it on price.
Reasons to buy:
- Convincing real-world performance
- Entertaining triple character
- ‘Just right’ spec/value

Design
“The improved suspension and more generous spec are really all you want from a sports tourer”
Triumph has done a brilliant job with this new Tiger Sport 800. Seemingly just a larger version of the Trident 660 based Tiger Sport 660, the extra power for this 800, the improved suspension and more generous spec are really all you want from a sports tourer. Standard features like an adjustable screen, cruise control and quickshifter should have the class leading Yamaha Tracer 9 beaten in every respect – including price. An entertaining, characterful sportster in its own right, the Tiger Sport 800 is also a comfortable and well-equipped tourer nailing that ‘just right’ balance of size, performance and value.
Expert rating: 5/5

Riding position
“The riding position is natural, neutral and all-day comfortable”
With near identical all-round proportions to the Tiger Sport 660 and sticking with the upright, ‘adventure sports’ posture, the Sport 800 is neither too big nor too small, even for your 6’ 3” tester. The new seat is plush and deeply padded for two, the pillion also getting reassuringly substantial grab handles. The riding position is natural, neutral and all-day comfortable, the screen is two-way height adjustable by one hand on the move, with the upright position taking off the bulk of motorway windblast. There are extra wind deflectors and hand guards are available as accessories.
Expert rating: 5/5

Practicality
“It’s not just an OK tourer it’s a great one, with all the features you need”
If your definition of practicality is being able to tour, take luggage and a pillion, commute economically while also offering a characterful, sporty ride when the mood takes then the new Tiger Sport 800 does it all. And then some. It’s not just an OK tourer it’s a great one, with all the features you need plus a colour-matched, three-case ‘GT Pack’ accessory option for just £1,100 which also includes heated grips and handguards. As a commuter, it’s meanwhile very affordable, nimble and cheaper in nearly every respect than its main rivals. But it’s probably at its best as an entertaining real-world sportster where its typically Triumph handling and flexible triple shine brightest. The fact it all gels so well yet costs under £11,000 is the icing on the cake.
Expert rating: 5/5

Performance & braking
“The Tiger Sport 800’s brakes are, meanwhile, another example of smart component choice”
In the real world the Tiger Sport 800’s 115 horsepower, 84Nm, three riding modes and quickshifter are all you really need and makes you wonder why anyone would pay double for something like a Ducati Multistrada V4. Those figures are well up on the 660cc triple on which the 800’s engine is based, Triumph increasing the bore and stroke of the smaller engine rather than downsizing the triple out of the 900. As a result it’s lighter and more compact but still has the characterful flexibility we all know and love, while being competitive with the class leading triple in the Yamaha Tracer 9. The Tiger Sport 800’s brakes are, meanwhile, another example of smart component choice, being Triumph-branded J.Juan calipers keeping cost low with no apparent compromise in stopping power.
Expert rating: 5/5

Ride & handling
“As is typical for Triumph, they’re beautifully set-up for a ride that is comfortable without being at all wallowy”
Although the Showa suspension components are based on those of the preceding Tiger Sport 660 they’re both recalibrated for the 800, with compression and rebound damping adjusters on the forks and rebound at the rear along with a useful remote preload adjuster. No, there’s nothing fancy, but nor are they lacking in any way – again, they’re just right. And, as is typical for Triumph, they’re beautifully set up for a ride that is comfortable without being at all wallowy, plus handling through the twisties that’s more than sufficient, certainly better than most rivals and unquestionably impressive at this price point.
Expert rating: 5/5

Running costs
“Triumph emphasises the Tiger Sport 800’s comparatively low cost of ownership against its most obvious rivals”
With many bikes it’s usual to think little regard has been given for minimising running costs but Triumph emphasises the Tiger Sport 800’s comparatively low cost of ownership against its most obvious rivals. It’s also cheaper than a Yamaha Tracer 9 or BMW’s F 900 XR, while its hunger for consumables like tyres, pads and drivetrain components is likely to be little different. Yes, it’s a shame you have to pay extra for three of the four Triumph colour options) but even that’s just £100 so who really cares?
Expert rating: 5/5

Reliability
“The new 800 is based on the proven Trident 660 and the whole package is relatively under-stressed.”
Triumph’s newcomer is a brand-new bike with a fresh engine so we’ll have to wait and see on reliability. That said, the brand has more experience than anyone with these three-cylinder engines, the new 800 is based on the proven Trident 660 and the whole package is relatively under-stressed.
Expert rating: 4/5

Warranty & servicing
“The more costly major valve adjustment services are due only every 20,000 miles”
If the regular two-year manufacturer warranty doesn’t stand out the Tiger Sport’s 10,000-mile service intervals certainly do, and offers another cost-saving for high-mileage owners. The more costly major valve adjustment services are due only every 20,000 miles.
Expert rating: 5/5

Equipment
“As standard there are three riding modes, a part LCD/TFT dash, that adjustable two-position screen, cruise control and quickshifter”
It’s always difficult to deliver a compelling spec when costs are so critical, especially for tourers. But the Tiger Sport 800 still ticks pretty much every box. As standard there are three riding modes, a part LCD/TFT dash, that adjustable two-position screen, cruise control and quickshifter. If you want more, a saucy Akrapovič silencer is available as an accessory with a GT Pack comprising colour-matched three-box luggage, handguards and heated grips also on the extras list.
Expert rating: 5/5

Why buy?
“The Triumph is also more characterful and cheaper than an equivalent BMW F 900 XR”
This corner of the sport tourer class has been dominated by the hugely popular Yamaha Tracer 9 but on this evidence the Triumph is at least as good, better looking and keener value. Sure, the top spec Tracer 9 GT+ is now far more sophisticated and arguably classier but costs over £13K. The Triumph is also more characterful and cheaper than an equivalent BMW F 900 XR and simply a brilliant all-rounder.
Expert rating: 5/5