Triumph Motorcycles is a renowned British motorcycle manufacturer known for producing premium adventure bikes.
The company recently launched its new Tiger 850 and revamped the Tiger 900. Both these bikes come with a host of new features and upgrades that make them highly attractive in the market.
However, with the new launch, buyers are confused about which bike to buy. In this article, we’ll compare the Triumph Tiger 850 vs 900 and help you make an informed decision.
Contents
Engine and Performance
The most crucial aspect of any bike is its engine and performance. Let’s take a closer look at the engine specifications of both the Tiger 850 and 900.
- Triumph Tiger 850: The Tiger 850 comes with an 888cc, 3-cylinder engine that produces 85 horsepower and 82 lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired with a six-speed gearbox, and the top speed of the bike is 130 mph.
- Triumph Tiger 900: The Tiger 900 comes in two different variants, Rally and GT, with different engine specifications. The Rally variant has an 888cc triple-cylinder engine that produces 94 horsepower and 64 lb-ft of torque. The GT variant has an 888cc triple-cylinder engine that produces 93 horsepower and 64 lb-ft of torque. Both variants come with a six-speed gearbox, and the top speed is 141 mph.
From the above comparison, the Tiger 900 has a slightly more powerful engine than the Tiger 850.
However, the difference is not significant and might not be noticeable during normal riding conditions.
Suspension and Braking System
The suspension and braking system of a bike plays a vital role in providing a comfortable and safe riding experience. Let’s compare the suspensions and brakes of both bikes.
- Triumph Tiger 850: The Tiger 850 comes with adjustable Showa suspension at both the front and rear, offering 180 mm of travel. The braking system features Brembo Stylema four-piston calipers with twin 320mm discs at the front and a single 255mm disc at the rear.
- Triumph Tiger 900: The Tiger 900 Rally comes with adjustable long-travel Marzocchi suspension at the front and rear, offering 240 mm of travel. The GT variant comes with adjustable Showa suspension at both the front and rear, offering 170 mm of travel. The braking system features Brembo Stylema four-piston calipers with twin 320mm discs at the front and a single 255mm disc at the rear.
The Tiger 900 has a better suspension system, especially the Rally variant, which is ideal for off-road adventures.
However, the braking system of both bikes is top-notch and provides excellent stopping power.
Ergonomics and Comfort
Riders spend prolonged hours on their bikes, and it’s crucial to have a comfortable riding experience. Let’s compare the ergonomics and comfort features of both bikes.
- Triumph Tiger 850: The Tiger 850 comes with a comfortable seat height of 810-830 mm, making it ideal for riders of different heights. The handlebar is adjustable, and the footpegs are positioned in such a way that riders can comfortably ride for longer durations.
- Triumph Tiger 900: The Tiger 900 comes with two variants; the Rally variant has a seat height of 850-870 mm, and the GT variant has a seat height of 810-830 mm. The handlebar is adjustable, and the footpegs are positioned slightly forward than the Tiger 850, providing a more relaxed riding posture.
Both bikes come with adjustable handlebars, but the Tiger 900 has a slightly more relaxed riding posture, which proves more comfortable during long-duration rides.
Price and Availability
Pricing is a critical factor when it comes to buying a new bike. Let’s compare the prices of both bikes.
- Triumph Tiger 850: The Tiger 850 has a starting price of $12,500.
- Triumph Tiger 900: The Tiger 900 has a starting price of $14,700 for the GT variant and $15,400 for the Rally variant.
The Tiger 850 is more affordable than the Tiger 900, and if you’re on a budget, it’s a good option. However, the Tiger 900 has more advanced features and upgrades, making it worth the extra investment.
| Feature | Triumph Tiger 850 | Triumph Tiger 900 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 888 cc, inline 3-cylinder engine | 888 cc, inline 3-cylinder engine |
| Power | 85 horsepower (approx.) | 95 horsepower (approx.) |
| Torque | 60 lb-ft (approx.) | 64 lb-ft (approx.) |
| Suspension | Showa adjustable front forks, rear monoshock | Showa adjustable front forks, rear monoshock |
| Brakes | Twin 320mm front discs, single 255mm rear disc | Twin 320mm front discs, single 255mm rear disc |
| Weight | Approximately 192 kg (dry) | Approximately 194 kg (dry) |
| Seat Height | 830 mm | 810 mm |
| Fuel Capacity | 20 liters | 20 liters |
| Riding Modes | Rain, Road, Off-Road | Rain, Road, Sport, Off-Road, Rider-configurable |
| TFT Display | 5-inch full-color TFT display | 5-inch full-color TFT display |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth-enabled with My Triumph connectivity | Bluetooth-enabled with My Triumph connectivity |
| Additional Features | LED lighting, cruise control, heated grips | LED lighting, cruise control, heated grips, keyless ignition |
Conclusion
The Triumph Tiger 850 and 900 are both excellent adventure bikes, and it’s challenging to choose one over the other.
Overall, the Triumph Tiger 900 is a better bike, with more advanced features, better suspension, and similar pricing to the Tiger 850.
However, if you’re on a budget, the Tiger 850 is an excellent option, providing excellent value for money.
It’s essential to analyze your specific needs and budget before making a decision. We hope this comparison guide helps you make a more informed decision.
