5 reasons why the Triumph Trident 660 should be your next big bike
This bike is a lot more than just the most affordable bike in Triumph’s stable.
When Triumph unveiled the Trident 660 in the global market earlier this year, naked sportbike enthusiasts as well as neo-retro aficionados were beside themselves with excitement. Propelled to global stardom thanks to its powerful inline-three cylinder engine, the Triumph Street Triple RS was both very expensive and very powerful, making for a rather intimidating option for folks looking to get a tractable big bike from the iconic British manufacturer.
The Triumph Trident 660 changed all that. Not only is it a more beginner-friendly bike, it’s also the most affordable motorcycle in Triumph’s stable. With stunning good looks, a rich heritage, and impressive overall performance, here are 5 things that make this bike so special.
Performance
Powering the Triumph Trident 660 is a slightly detuned and redesigned version of the engine found in the iconic Triumph Daytona 675R. Down a few cubes and horses, the engine on the Trident is a 660cc inline-three cylinder motor which pumps out a healthy, albeit not overbearing 80 horsepower. With a compression ratio of 11.95:1, this engine is both powerful, efficient, and effective in dissipating heat, thanks to the bike’s capable liquid-cooling system.
Another major feature three-cylinder engines are loved for is the distinct sound they produce. That said, the Trident 660 is no exception, and makes all the aggressive, race-inspired sounds you could wish for from its remarkable engine.
Features
On the feature front, the Trident 660 is no slouch. To complement its highly capable engine, Triumph has outfitted the Trident with its sophisticated ride-by-wire throttle system. This electronic throttle controller unlocks a whole suite of sophisticated rider aids for the Trident 660. For starters, it gets two riding modes for Road and Rain conditions, as well as switchable traction control as standard.
The bike’s underpinnings consist of Showa inverted forks with, as well as a rear-mounted monoshock which boasts built-in preload adjustment. Putting the bike to a stop is a pair of Nissin brakes upfront, as well as a single disc out back equipped with dual-channel ABS as standard. Lastly, despite its retro styling, the Trident boasts thoroughly modern amenities. It gets a full-color TFT display with My Triumph Bluetooth connectivity as a premium option. A full suite of LED lights keeps things highly visible at night, as well.
Styling
Triumph always seems to hit the nail in the head when it comes to styling. From classic bikes like the Bonneville T120 to race-spec machines like the Triumph Daytona 675R, this iconic British manufacturer knows a thing or two about making gorgeous machines. The Trident 660 sits right in the middle of classic and modern, occupying the neo-retro space which bikes like the Yamaha XSR900 and Honda CB650R have dominated for quite some time.
Equipped with a muscular fuel tank, slightly upswept tail, and a circular headlight, the Trident 660 looks aggressive and sporty—a fitting disguise for the comfortable, tractable machine hiding beneath. To top it all off, Triumph’s color selection for the Trident, consisting of Crystal White, Matt Jet Black, and Silver Ice, nods to the bike’s rich history and heritage.
Heritage
Speaking of heritage, younger motorcycle enthusiasts will undoubtedly think that the Trident is an all new concept from Triumph. However, the Trident was actually one of the first three-cylinder equipped bikes to be produced by the English manufacturer. Debuting all the way back in 1975, the original Trident T160 was equipped with an air-cooled, 740cc, push-rod, inline-three cylinder engine—a configuration which would be unheard of today. It was in production for only 2 years, until being discontinued. That said, the Trident 660 is, in many ways, a modern day evocation of this classic motorcycle.
Price
Perhaps the strongest selling point of the Triumph Trident 660 would be its price. European motorcycle manufacturers are known to be premium and expensive—that’s just the way it is, and always has been. However, what Triumph has done with the Trident 660, is to throw a spanner into this stereotype, and release a bike which undercuts the price tag of the likes of the Honda CB650R and Yamaha XSR900—bikes which have become staples in the neo-retro segment. Starting at just P499,000, the Trident 660 presents itself as an incredibly strong contender not just in the fashionable neo-retro segment, but in the intermediate big bike segment, as well.
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