Last week, Triumph announced the updated Tiger Sport 660 for 2025. It’s exciting news, but before we dive into what’s new, let’s take a moment to look at the outgoing model. I’ll share what I loved, what I didn’t, who the bike is for, and how it now stacks up against its bigger sibling, the Tiger Sport 800.
First of all, the Triumph Tiger Sport 660 is probably one of the best bikes in its class. I’ve done comparisons before, and I’ll leave the link in the description. This motorcycle, with its smaller 660cc engine, feels like a grown-up bike. Triumph did a fantastic job placing it alongside competitors like the Yamaha Tracer 7, Suzuki V-Strom 650, Kawasaki Versys 650, and Honda NC750.
The Tiger Sport 660 is unique because it’s the only bike in this group with a triple-cylinder engine. That gives it a distinctive character and makes it especially fun to ride. I’ve spent plenty of time on this bike in Montenegro and the surrounding region, and a few things really stood out.
It’s at home on coastal roads and in the mountains, thanks to its exceptional handling. The engine is a gem, especially when you rev it up on winding roads. The suspension has a plush feel and 150mm of travel, striking a great balance between a road-focused setup and light adventure capability. It absorbs potholes with ease and feels planted on smooth surfaces.
Out of the box, the bike comes with a great set of tires, so you can enjoy spirited rides on twisty roads. The dash is visually well-organized, but it has some limitations. For instance, you can’t customize the layouts or choose which information to display on a single screen.
The windscreen is good and better than what most competitors offer. The riding position is comfortable and relaxed, making it suitable for both commuting and longer trips. The rear shock preload is easily adjustable, so it’s great when riding with a passenger or luggage. Speaking of luggage, the integrated system is excellent—it offers 110 liters of usable space. Plus, it’s all single-key operation, and both panniers can hold full-face helmets.
And the looks? It’s a friendly design that appeals to a wide range of riders, from beginners to seasoned riders looking for something lighter.
Now, let’s talk about what could have been improved. The standard seat wasn’t great—I personally found it uncomfortable. The optional dual comfort seat is better, but taller riders might still find it lacking.
Another issue is the creaking plastics. Even when the bike was brand new, it was noicy, and while it didn’t get worse over time, it’s something you notice. The throttle response also feels less precise compared to Japanese bikes, which do that job better, in my opinion.
For two-up riding, the bike isn’t ideal for medium or tall riders, but shorter riders might find it manageable and confidence-inspiring. The front fork is too soft, and the brakes are just average. For solo riding, it’s fine, but for heavier loads or hard braking, it’s not as confidence-inspiring.
I also missed having a center stand, which is super convenient for long trips. Connectivity was an optional extra, and cruise control wasn’t available at all.
Triumph has addressed many of these issues in the 2025 Tiger Sport 660, offering more features for practically the same price. Connectivity, a quick shifter, and cruise control are now standard. They’ve also added lean-sensitive IMU for better safety tech.
Unfortunately, there are no changes to the brakes, suspension, or seat. The front fork is still non-adjustable, and there’s still no center stand. But overall, Triumph has added most of what people wanted, making this a much more competitive package.
How It Compares to the Tiger Sport 800. For those looking for an even more serious package, the Tiger Sport 800 is the next step up. It comes with fully adjustable suspension front and rear, more ground clearance, more power, better brakes, a more comfortable seat, and improved wind protection. Essentially, it’s a more refined and premium version of the 660.
It’s slightly larger but still manageable, making it better suited for longer trips. And yes—it has a center stand!
I saw the Tiger Sport 800 in person at EICMA, and while it’s not dramatically different from the 660, the upgraded components might make a noticeable difference. However, these extras come at a cost—about €2,300 more.
For me, the 800 feels like what the 660 should have been from the start. If I were in the market for a new bike, I’d probably choose the 800, especially if I planned to keep it for a while. That said, I still think both bikes are better suited for solo riding than two-up, particularly for taller riders.
The Tiger Sport 660 has become a better bike with these updates, offering great value for the price. It keeps its place as an excellent option in its niche. Would I recommend it? Absolutely.
For newer riders, the tech, handling, and overall experience are hard to beat. For experienced riders, it’s a perfect bike for commuting or weekend getaways. And for those looking to downsize from a bigger bike, it still delivers the mature, big-bike feel with plenty of tech, a great luggage system, and Triumph’s signature riding experience.
