When Triumph introduced the Tiger Sport 800 for 2025, I immediately knew they had a very specific rider in mind: someone like me who craves versatility.
A machine that's equally at home exploring highways, attacking twisty back roads or comfortably handling the daily commute.
After spending serious time with it across different terrains, here’s what I found.
Visually, I think the Tiger Sport 800 strikes a great balance.
It's unmistakably adventure-styled but sleeker and less bulky than the bigger Tiger Sport 1200.
Triumph nailed the proportions, from the slim mid-section to the tall stance, it looks agile and poised.
I particularly like the new LED lighting setup, including the sharp daytime running lights, which give it a premium and modern face.
Plus, the subtle graphics updates for 2025 add just enough personality without going overboard.
That said, I do wish Triumph had taken it a step further with slightly more aggressive styling to make it stand out even more in a very crowded middleweight segment.
Throwing a leg over the Tiger Sport 800, the first thing I noticed was how natural everything felt.
The 830mm seat height is approachable, and thanks to the slim tank design, I could easily get a good footing even at standstill.
The handlebars are wide and upright, offering commanding control without straining my wrists.
The seat is plush enough that I could easily imagine spending long hours in the saddle, and pillion comfort looks like it’s been clearly prioritised too.
Wind protection is handled by a new, adjustable screen - and it genuinely works.
At highway speeds, I felt very little buffeting without needing any aftermarket mods.
However, adjusting the screen manually while on the move was tricky – a simple one-handed mechanism would have made life easier.
On the highway, the Tiger Sport 800 truly shines.
The 888cc triple engine is an evolution from the 900 line but tuned specifically for this bike which delivers a healthy 95hp and about 80Nm of torque.
I loved how it’s not about crazy top-end power.
Instead, you get an abundance, usable midrange that’s perfect for quick overtakes and relaxed cruising.
Even above the legal speed limit, the engine hummed along smoothly with plenty left in reserve.
I found the ride-by-wire throttle response to be smooth and predictable, and with cruise control now standard, longer rides became even more effortless.
It’s a bike that eats highway miles without tiring me out.
However, I did notice a bit of engine heat creeping up near my thighs in slower city traffic but it was not bothering me at all.
The Tiger Sport 800, in my experience, is how light and nimble and it feels in the corners.
At a wet weight of 210kg, it’s certainly not featherweight but Triumph’s chassis engineering enables me to tip it into bends with minimal effort.
Whether it was a string of fast sweepers or tight hairpins, the bike always felt balanced and planted underneath me.
The triple engine’s linear power delivery made it easy for me to modulate the throttle coming out of corners.
It didn’t try to catch me out with sudden surges, which allowed me to just focus on enjoying the ride.
Triumph equipped the Tiger Sport 800 with Showa 41mm upside-down forks at the front and a Showa mono-shock at the rear, both adjustable for preload and rebound.
I found the stock set-up to strike a beautiful middle ground – compliant enough to smooth out potholes and rough patches but firm enough to stay on the line when I picked up speed.
Over on back roads, the suspension setup impressed me the most.
It absorbed imperfections without throwing me off from the saddle abruptly.
If you’re like me and you plan to do a lot of mixed riding — from open highways to bumpy kampung roads — the Tiger Sport 800 will definitely keep you smiling.
Stopping power comes courtesy of twin 320mm discs up front with two-piston Nissin callipers and a single disc at the rear.
I found the braking to be progressive and confidence-inspiring rather than aggressive – just what I want in a bike built for long distances and occasional spirited rides.
The ABS steps in gently when needed without robbing me of feel at the lever.
For real-world riding, this setup felt absolutely spot-on.
The Tiger Sport 800 isn’t trying to be the fastest or flashiest bike out there.
Instead, it focuses on practical versatility, comfort, and an engaging ride — things I personally value a lot.
If you’re like me and want a bike that can commute during the week, explore back roads on weekends, and handle the occasional long tour, this bike deserves a spot high on your list.
It’s not made for hardcore off-road adventures (that’s what the Tiger 900 Rally is for) but for road-focused riders looking for an incredibly well-rounded machine with Triumph's trademark triple engine character.
At RM63,900, the Tiger Sport 800 is hard to beat for the great value and a huge amount of joy it offers.
SPECIFICATIONS
Triumph Tiger Sport 800
Engine: 798cc, three-cylinder, 12 valves, inline, DOHC, liquid-cooling
Maximum power: 113hp at 10,750rpm
Maximum torque: 83Nm at 8,250rpm
Transmission: Six-speed
Suspension: Front Showa 41mm, upside-down forks, adjustable compression and rebound damping, 150mm travel; rear Showa monoshock with adjustable rebound damping and remote hydraulic preload adjustment, 150mm travel
Brakes: Front twin 310mm floating discs, 4-piston radial callipers, optimised cornering ABS; rear single 255mm fixed disc, single-piston calliper, optimised cornering ABS
Features: Three riding modes (Road, Sport, Rain), quickshifter, optimised cornering ABS, traction control, Bluetooth connectivity
Fuel capacity: 18.6 litres
Wet weight: 214kg
Price: RM63,900 (without insurance and registration)
