2021 Triumph Trident 660 First Ride

Triumph’s Trident 660 may be an entry-level machine in its 2021 lineup, but it has plenty to satisfy more skilled and aggressive riders as well. This entry-level roadster packs a ton of fun into a simple package.

Spec sheets can be a curse on the motorcycling world. It’s all too easy to fall into the trap of making an initial decision on a bike based on weight, power figures, or even whether or not it has adjustable suspension. Someone really should come up with a catchy idiom about not passing judgment on a book’s contents based on the appearance of the title page.

Triumph’s new Trident 660 has a nonadjustable Showa fork, a basic rear shock, only 80 hp, and weighs 417 pounds. In a world where 200-plus horsepower figures have become almost normal, and you can get suspension that adjusts itself as you ride along, the Trident isn’t going to grab any headlines with its spec sheet.

Its numbers and $8,095 price tag are, however, exactly on the money for an entry-level naked bike, a class currently dominated by Yamaha’s MT-07. So the Trident’s job is to be welcoming to new or nervous riders, forgiving of the mistakes made when enthusiasm overtakes experience, and capable of being fun and fast as experience and confidence grow. The Triumph makes 7 hp more power than the Yamaha, but less torque, and weighs 10 pounds more.

It’s also easy to compare the Trident 660 to the original 2007 Triumph Street Triple and wonder where the extra 25 hp went and why the Trident is almost 17 pounds heavier. But the Trident is doing a different job. The Street Triple was launched as a naked sportbike, a bit of a hooligan that just happened to be easy to ride and wound up as a great first bike for a lot of riders. The Trident has stepped away from the sportbike and hooligan thing, leaning into the easy-to-ride character even further. A lower seat height, more steering lock, softer power delivery, and modern touches like ABS and traction control mean the Trident is far less likely to bite back. In that sense, it’s a far better first bike than the Street Triple. It might not be as sharp for wheelies and track action, but it’s a more forgiving bike for developing riding skills.

Set before sufficiently stunning scenery, the Trident is a striking bike, a step beyond anything Triumph has previously launched. Parts of the bike are straight from the Street and Speed Triple range, while details like the two-tone tank make it look like a contemporary Bonneville. Details of the three-cylinder engine are instantly recognizable from the original 675s, albeit with a shorter stroke to drop the capacity to 660cc. Triumph is always keen to point out the attention to detail that goes into its bikes, as things like hoses, sensors, and wiring are hidden wherever possible. Compared to its competition, the Trident does stand out as being a very neat package. A few details let it down compared to the high standards set by its bigger brothers, such as the horn wiring, the basic steel rear brake pedal, and the old-school front brake master cylinder. But really, we’re splitting hairs here. Look at how these details are treated by the Trident’s competition and you’ll find more than a couple of bits to pick on.

Styling is personal taste; spec sheets will only say so much, and as always, it’s the ride that really matters. Click it on, wake it up, and the Trident settles into that familiar three-pot whirr, just like the old 675s. A light clutch and gentle throttle response mean the 660 will make it as stress-free as possible to pull away for a test ride while the salesman pretends not to watch. At low speeds the Trident is thoroughly unintimidating, with a light, flickable feel. The only nag with this low-speed stuff is a slight lack of steering lock; it’s better than an early Street Triple, but still could be improved.

Get rolling a little faster and the motor has a decent midrange punch; a good spread of power is available, so you’re not constantly looking for another gear. At a medium road pace the Trident is effortless, flicking eagerly from turn to turn and holding whatever line you stick it on. Enter a turn a little too fast, on the wrong line, or in a gear too high, and the Trident seems to always remain composed. More importantly, it lets you make mid-turn adjustments to keep it on the black stuff. And while it’s an agile bike, the chassis never feels too sharp or twitchy.

Read the full review here: https://www.cycleworld.com/story/motorcycle-reviews/2021-triumph-trident-660-first-ride/

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