More Tech, More Spec, More Fun
Triumph Motorcycles has long been known as not only the builders of iconic, old school looking, retro twins, but also their vaunted, high performance triples. A few years ago the British brand debuted on all-new smaller sized triple in the Trident 660. We had the chance to sample that bike and rode it around for about a month. Back then, this was the brand’s entry-level motorcycle, yet we found it to be quite capable for any rider, whether new to the sport or a seasoned veteran. It was a great powerplant and package.
That, was one fun bike.
Since that time, Triumph has utilized that triple in a bike we loved even more when we sampled it, the Tiger Sport 660. I enjoyed everything about that “sport adventure” bike, with that peppy triple mill tuned perfectly for touring. Earlier this year, the brand debuted that same triple in a Daytona 660, which we got a first look at back in February. Haven’t had a chance to ride that one, yet.
The Tiger Sport 660 I loved so much.
Now Triumph Motorcycles is revisiting their original 660, by giving the Trident some much needed upgrades and fresh styling cues. The new 2025 Triumph Trident 660 will come standard with Optimized Cornering ABS and Traction Control, a “Shift Assist” (quickshifter?) with the 6-speed gearbox, and even a cruise control. The bike gets upgraded suspension tweaks with new Showa 41mm upside-down forks and SFF-BF Big Piston” damping. They’ve installed a preload adjustable RSU from Showa, and the Trident pinches on a set of Nissin brakes with twin 310mm discs.
Looks like fun. Photo by Triumph.
The Trident sits with a 31.69″ of seat height, a curb weight of 419 lbs, with tank capacity a modest 3.7 gallons. So you don’t get exceptional range with this Trident variant of the 660. Yet I guess that’s true for nearly all of the competition in this class, like the Honda CB650R, Kawasaki’s Z650, and the Aprilia Tuono 660, to name a few.
Modern, yet with a hint of retro. I like it. Photos by Triumph.
What is unique about any triple cylinder motorcycle engine, and it’s certainly true of Triumph’s 660, is the happy medium it takes between a twin and a four. The Trident triple delivers 90% peak torque from 3,600-9,750 rpm, giving the rider kind of a “best of both worlds” between a twin and four-cylinder engine. You get that lowdown pull and strong mid range of a twin, with the high revving top end power of a four. Plus, who doesn’t love the sound of a throaty triple?
Nicely suited and sorted. The bike as well. Photo by Triumph.
The 2025 Triumph Trident 660 gets three new, really cool looking color schemes in the new year. In addition to their “Trident Triple Tribute” they debuted for this year, for 2025 you’ll be able to pick from Cosmic Yellow, Cobalt Blue, and Diablo Red, and a basic Jet Black. These are handsome colors on the Trident.
The 2025 color offerings. Photos by Triumph.
In the recent press briefing on the bike, Triumph’s Chief Commercial Officer Paul Stroud stated, “We first launched the Trident in 2020 with a unique combination of exhilarating triple performance and character, confidence-inspiring handling and bold British styling. With its unrivaled overall cost of ownership on top, it has proved popular with riders of all ages and experience levels, in markets across the world, and since its launch the Trident has won several major industry awards.”
Hope to get our hands on one in the coming year. Photo by Triumph.
Being smaller in stature than most of the other Road Dirt crew (5’8”, 150 lbs.), I really appreciate and enjoy these mid-size motorcycles. I’ve been riding for decades, and as I age, I find myself gravitating to these smaller displacement naked sport bikes. Their ease of use, comfortable ergos, peppy performance and accessible price point make them perfect for newer, younger, and shorter riders, and even us old dudes love these as we roll into our respective sunsets. Triumph just nails it for me in their lineup, whether it be their Modern Classics (I love my 2017 Street Cup), or their triple cylinder offerings (I loved my old 1999 Sprint 955 ST). There’s just something special about Triumph Motorcycles.
Rob
For more on the 2025 Triumph Trident 660, click here:
this bike Is top on my list. have a 996 duke and a 954 in the paddock but wanted something better for commuting. I think they will sell lot of these. only thing that has me still comparing is where the unit is made. going to be hard pressed to find a better option.
We enjoyed our time with one a couple of years ago. Great value bike in that class.