Triumph’s new lightweight category Roadster, the Trident 660, is an absolute blast. It is as quick as you would ever want, with exceptional handling, comfort and riding position.
Triumph has invested a lot of time and money into the latest technologies and design to create the Trident 660. In doing this, they have built a bike that returns them to their glorious past.
This is a Roadster that has the company’s heritage running through it but in every way is entirely modern.
For many years in the 1950s and 60s, Triumph was the motorcycle every biker wanted. The machines were raced on tracks and roads alike, the origins of the Cafe Racer scene.
The Trident 660 harks back to this era, being a stripped back Naked bike that is entirely at home on the track or on everyday streets.
It is light, meaning it can be moved around easily and quickly, allowing you to change direction at will. It holds its path supremely well, giving confidence through the tightest of bends when taken at speed.
Performance is fantastic, with the 660 engine providing plenty of power through all gears. I was impressed with the bike’s ability to sit at 35 mph in 6th gear then accelerate rapidly to 70 mph without the need to downshift.
The spacing between each gear seems short as I found I was changing quickly at low speeds to stop the bike from revving hard. That said, I quickly adjusted to get the best from the bike. The 660 cc engine produces 81 PS / 80 bhp (60 kW) @ 10,250 rpm , Max Torque EC64 Nm @ 6,250 rpm.
The riding position is good, and despite being a Naked bike, I was not buffeted by wind at higher speeds. My body was upright with no pressure on my wrists or knees. The seat looks thin yet proves comfortable even on long rides.
I found the suspension a bit harsh and could feel every bump. The Trident has been set up to provide the best handling rather than a soft, comfortable ride. I loved the nod to the old Triumphs with the indents in the tank where you can get your knees in tight.
The Trident 660 is a relatively low price for a new bike; combine this with low running costs and long service intervals. It will prove popular with riders moving up from lower CC machines, people returning to biking and enthusiasts looking for a smaller, lighter motorbike.
It has all the performance they will need for those moving up in capacity and returning to riding. The power delivery is not abrupt; the Trident 660 won’t get them into any tricky situations. Bikers looking to get a lighter, agile machine will be hard-pressed to find a better motorcycle on the market.
Triumph has a real thoroughbred machine with the Trident 660. The development put into this lightweight sector model has paid off, and Triumph will sell many of these. I would consider trading in my BMW Tourer for one; I was that impressed with it.
Triumph Trident 660 – Where and How?
The 660 has a liquid-cooled, 12 valve, DOHC, inline 3-cylinder producing 80 bhp with a 6-speed gearbox. It has two riding modes, road and rain and requires a service every 10,000 miles. The RRP of the Triumph Trident 660 is £7,195.00 on the road. For a full list of dealers and optional extras, visit www.triumphmotorcycles.co.uk.
To read Jeremy Webb’s recent road test of the Triumph Triple 1200 RS click here. To read his review of the 900cc Street Scrambler, please click here.
Read more motorcycle reviews, guides and bike-related product reviews in our motoring section here.
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