The Triumph Trident 660 is an affordable entry-level bike and is designed to hold its own against competing models from Kawasaki and Yamaha. Driving report, pictures, data, price.
- top price-performance ratio
- A2 driver’s license version
- fair-weather bike
According to Triumph officials, the Trident 660 deserves the title of “Best in Class”. The number of 964 new registrations in Germany in 2022 is worthy of all honor. Because the established competitors – Kawasaki Z 650 and Yamaha MT-07 – are much better placed, but as we all know, good things take time. And the fact that Triumph has put together a highly attractive package – top performance, full equipment, good workmanship, minimal maintenance, low price – will get around after a while. In any case, the test rides showed that the Trident is a good choice for both beginners (there is also an A2 version) and experienced motorcyclists.
Very easy to handle
The most important thing in the entry-level and returning rider category is easy accessibility: smooth throttle response, moderate seat height, smooth clutch, precise gear shifting, a seating position that is comfortable even on longer tours and confidence-inspiring handling as well as easy maneuverability are all part of this. The Trident 660 cuts an extremely good figure in all of these criteria. For a practical test, we asked a woman who stopped riding motorcycles more than 25 years ago after a 20-year career to simply get on the Triumph and take a ride. She did us the favor – and beamed when she got off again after 30 kilometers. Such a testament to problem-free handling can be considered an award.
In the test: 81-hp engine
The three-cylinder engine is impressive in terms of its liveliness and pulling power. It responds gently to the accelerator and can also be driven at low revs. When you reach the maximum torque range, the engine becomes more aggressive and revs happily into the five-digit range. This is not necessary for fast driving, but it can be fun.
When driving at a steady pace on country roads, you can feel a tingling sensation in the handlebars; this can be remedied by either changing gear or speed. On the motorway, the Trident can certainly make a name for itself: 195 km/h in rain gear is not bad for the little triple. Although consumption then leaves the six-litre region. The bottom line is that we got by with well under five liters.
Equipment and technology are top
There is no criticism of the chassis either: the suspension, damping, stability and handling are impressive. This is not least due to the moderate weight of 189 kilograms, including 14 liters of fuel. The braking performance of the three discs is also impressive, and the ABS regulates carefully. We have little to criticize about the equipment: angle valves on the tires make it easier to check the air pressure, the on-board computer is very well equipped, the two-color TFT display is clearly structured and easy to read. There is also LED lighting all around. Connectivity functions are available at an additional cost and are only available when the Triumph app is loaded onto the smartphone and paired with the bike.
Full-fledged fair-weather motorcycle
As is to be expected from an English bike, the Triumph Trident 660 has a few peculiarities . It clearly shows its rider that he should avoid riding in the rain. The completely exposed rear end means that the rider’s back is just as dirty when it’s wet. You really have to like each other to ride with a pillion passenger, given the very short seat. And what about taking luggage with you? Triumph hasn’t provided anything other than a tank bag and tail bag. On the other hand, you will hardly be able to ride a full-fledged motorcycle for much less than this Triumph . The maintenance effort is unusually low at 8.3 workshop hours during the first three years of operation, but the service intervals are much longer at 16,000 kilometers, assuming you are a frequent rider. And the two-year guarantee with a two-year extended guarantee is also a plus point.
Conclusion: Convincing offer
For 8145 euros, the Triumph Trident 660 is a well-rounded offer: technically up-to-date, visually attractive with a range of high-quality details and, above all, easy to ride. Preferably in nice, warm weather. Because the roadster design means considerable wind pressure on the upper body and helmet. You have to like that. But this concept also has effects on keeping your license: The Trident is certainly powerful enough for illegal driving. So this almost natural braking to legal speeds is perhaps not such a bad thing.
Trident 660: Technical data, price
We rely on Triumph’s official site for technical data so you get the right info every time.
| Manufacturer’s Components | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Motor | Liquid-cooled three-cylinder in-line engine, displacement 660 cc, power 60 kW/81 hp at 10,250 rpm, torque 64 Nm at 6250 rpm, four valves per cylinder, DOHC, six-speed gearbox, chain |
| performance and consumption | Top speed 195 km/h; consumption according to WMTC standard 4.6 l/100 km; test consumption on average 4.7 l/100 km (4.2 to 5.3 l/100 km) |
| chassis | Steel tube perimeter frame; front telescopic fork ø 41 mm, suspension travel 120 mm; rear aluminum double-sided swing arm, central spring strut, adjustable spring base, 133 mm suspension travel; cast aluminum wheels, tires front 120/70-17, rear 180/55-17; front double disc brake ø 310 mm, rear single disc brake ø 255 mm |
| dimensions and weights | Wheelbase 1401 mm, seat height 805 mm; weight 189 kg; tank capacity 14 l |
| assistance systems | ABS, traction control, two driving modes |
| Price | from 8145 euros |