2021 Triumph Trident 660 first impressions // HOW is this only $8K?

[@VanBlamm]

Pardon my Americanness at 11:29. The seat height is 805mm. My height is 175cm (on a good day), and my inseam is 76cm. The Trident weighs 189kg wet.

[@alexp6409]

Great job on the video. Perfect mix of POV and b-roll footage, all the audio is nice and clear - more enjoyable to watch than a lot of the other reviews of this bike!

[@alexnunes5186]

You are the first person to mention in a comparable way low rev between other models. Great job.

[@theoal5718]

I have tried both trident and mt 07 and honestly, trident was far more appealing to me on the road. I am 170cm tall and i felt whole lot more comfortable on trident than mt 07, and throttle was way more smooth on and off. Great vid!

[@VanBlamm]

Thank you, and thanks for the input!

[@TriumphLover]

I just bought a buddy of mine a 2023 Trident. 21yo almost beginner kid. Getting it 2/25/23. He's wicked happy 😊

[@VanBlamm]

Lucky guy! This is still my favorite middleweight naked bike.

[@h2obordrbush]

Elliot, your videos are great. So glad you got a chance to ride this. I love my Trident. One thing you said surprised me and that was that it takes premium gas. Having just filled up mine this morning I doubted myself. So I just looked at the owners manual, it says that it is designed to run on gas with an octane rating of (R+M) /2 of 87 or higher. So premium gas doesn't hurt, but it runs fine on regular too. Anyway, great video! Thanks for putting such quality work into them!

[@VanBlamm]

Thank you! Can't remember what made me so sure it took premium...

[@marksmith-pz5yx]

Absolutely agree, no one should start on a 660. I went 125, 400, 550, 750 and each step was a lesson Great Video

[@VanBlamm]

Thanks!

[@raphgurzo3638]

Bought one here in Belgium as my first ever motorcycle (A2 version) and absolutely love it

[@VanBlamm]

Nice! Yeah with the restrictor it's probably a pretty good choice. Enjoy!

[@MastaKeahi]

Trident in rain mode would be an amazing first bike. I started on an RE 350 and grew out of it a little too fast. It was a good bike but for what I needed out of it it was tough because it couldn’t handle highway riding.

[@jadonx]

Swapping my Meteor 350 for this. I felt I needed the extra power when stuck behind traffic. I test drove a gsx 8s and used a z650 but much loved the Trident drive experience and fab looks.

[@MastaKeahi]

@@jadonx just be warned it’s really hard to attach bags or anything to the bike to carry anything but other than that its a fun bike. I just wish it came with a bit more tech for the price.

[@Jay_Speed]

Did a test drive with the Trident 660 this week and I really liked it. 😀

[@Jay_Speed]

My list is MT700, Trident 660, Z 650, MV Brutale 800, MT 900 all the same weight. Ride ready around 180 kg to 190 kg. There is one other and that's the Interceptor 650 but then with the 865 kit. Price wise it sits then in the same bracket as the others except the MV.

[@VanBlamm]

Some great bikes on that list! I think the Trident is my favorite on there, although I'm still very keen to try an Interceptor 650.

[@CCitis]

Triples are a great balance and sound so good when you get on the power. I have a 95 Sprint, which has the first Hinckley (modern) 885cc triple in it. It's a blast.

[@Mofo9911]

I have this bike on order. It comes in April but I'm really leaning towards the Street Triple R. The question I have is, this will be my first ever bike. Is the Street Triple too much for a beginner? I'm in my 40's and have been driving for a long time, I am well experienced in the nuances of traffic and how ppl behave. Not sure if that makes a difference in deciding what bike to get for my first or not. Any thoughts?

[@VanBlamm]

The Trident will be a much better choice for you. Would you be safe on the Street Triple? Most likely yes. But a smaller bike is always more educational than a bigger one (all other things being equal, which in this case they are), and you'll be a much better rider for having started on the Trident. You'd have to be a seriously fast rider to get bored on the Trident. Spend a year or two on it, and if you want to upgrade to the Street Triple at that point then you'll be able to fully appreciate it and get so much more out of it than you ever would have if it had been your first bike.

[@Mofo9911]

@@VanBlamm appreciate the response. I enjoy the channel. Thanks again

[@fukyu3739]

To try and help you out, here is my opinion based on my experience. I've owned this bike for 2 weeks now. 39 years old 6'2 and 210-215 offseason Physique competitor. This is my first bike. No road MC experience. Do yourself a favor and forget everything you know about driving with 4 wheels with the exception of all other drivers are idiots. It is a completely different experience espescially on a naked bike. With that said, this bike rides like a dream. Lightweight and easily maneuverable yet still feels planted and confident. My experience racing around on everything else but a road bike may play into that though. I wouldn't really consider myself a typical beginner. The bike is forgiving, but will still easily remind you to respect the power under the seat. As a new rider and feeling how rowdy this bike can be if you want it, personally I'd leave the ST R as an option later when deciding to upgrade. For the substantially lower cost the 660 still has plenty of hooligan if thats what you are looking for. If I remember correctly the ST R is a 765 and produces about 40 more HP than the trident, in considering all the things going through your head as a new rider, I don't think you really want or need that extra HP and snappier throttle mapping when you inevitably whisky throttle it. Just my two cents as someone who was in your position not long ago considering which model to go with. I am 110% convinced that I made the right choice going with the Trident. I actually prefer the rounded lines and single headlight with a simple dash. Good luck to you, no matter what you chose, I'm sure you will be happy just to be out riding.

[@303MoTo]

Nice review. I recognize every road you were on! Fun riding! I personally think that would make a great 1st bike, like a T100 and a Street Triple 675 had baby bike.

[@raphgurzo3638]

I bought one as my very first bike, and it is a great first bike !

[@stanleyblazeraznik6047]

I luv her. Only 250 miles so far so still in ride in mode. Can't wait to unleash her. I like the confidence inspiring seat height and riding position. Nibble and quick. Will be a hoot on twisties. Luv the purr of the triple. Freeway riding is rough. Way too much wind. I have the flyscreen and it does nothing. Anyone who is going to commute on this bike over 60 miles an hour will need a real windscreen for sure. Display is great.

[@VanBlamm]

Thanks for weighing in! I envy anybody who picks one of these up

[@internalmartialpath]

Just got mine at the dealer. Very bad weather though. Will have to wait this weekend to put some miles on it

[@VanBlamm]

I know that feeling. Congrats on snagging such a great new bike!

[@internalmartialpath]

@@VanBlamm this bike draws so much attention. I'm one of the first in town having one and probably the only white one. It is gorgeous. So glad I picked white. I was aiming for the grey and red, but once I saw the white one, I changed my mind.

[@surferdude642]

Hey Elliot, how do you think this would compare to your Speed Twin for long rides and multi day rides?

[@VanBlamm]

Speed Twin would be better. It takes much less effort to cruise, and has a bit more room for luggage.

[@maudwhitbybarry]

@@VanBlamm Are you still using the sw mottech bags on the Speed twin? Or have you found anything new?

[@VanBlamm]

Yes, I am. Haven't done a real tour on them yet this year though. I did do a little test ride with the bags and a passenger, and found that it was cramped but doable.

[@VanBlamm]

@@maudwhitbybarry A little update for you: I just got back from a 1,600 mile trip with the SW-Motech Blaze bags on my Speed Twin and they are still working perfectly. I sprayed them with a waterproofing spray hoping that I could forego the inner liners (which are a pain to use), and they made it through one heavy rainstorm and only got a tiny bit damp inside. I don't even notice them while riding, even when they're heavily loaded.

[@maudwhitbybarry]

@@VanBlamm That's good to know. Appreciate the update.

[@MatthewMcMaster82]

Nice bike and good review/video! Thanks for sharing

[@SimonJessey]

Excellent video about a cracking bike. I seriously considered getting one but I was concerned about the lack of spaces to put luggage. It served as a gateway drug though, because after looking at it in the dealership my eye was drawn to the Speed Twin in the corner, an example of which was delivered to my home earlier this week. 😁 I really like the way your videos look. Would you consider putting together a brief video that explains your camera settings?

[@VanBlamm]

Thanks, and congrats on the new bike! I'd be happy to do a rundown of my settings on video at some point, but they're really quite simple so I'll summarize here: My GoPro settings are: 1080p, 24fps, SuperView, Hypersmooth ON, Protune ON (setting: Flat), and everything else is on default settings or Auto. On my DJI Mavic Air and Sony a6300, I just leave everything on Auto 😬 When editing, in the Color tab in Premiere Pro, I go Contrast: +30, Blacks: +10, and Saturation: 104. I use those values for pretty much all GoPro and a6300 footage, and leave the DJI footage as is. I know it can be done way better with research & practice, but I am happy enough with the results I've gotten.

[@elithegreat6463]

Picking up a 2023 Trident in a Cpl of Weeks, “Baja Orange” color 👍, This Bike will need to get along with my Berlin Made 2021 BMW R9T-719 🇺🇸🇬🇧🇩🇪

[@VanBlamm]

Congrats on the new bike! I love the new orange

[@kimw200blaze4]

I agree with you that beginners should start on something like a 250cc. I think it is insane for a beginner to start on something like an R1. In Australia and NZ they have what is called Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme ( LAMS). So you cannot start on your Learner or Provisional license, on anything more powerful than 660cc. So there are usually two versions of 600cc class bikes in these countries. Interestingly, Triumph is only releasing the LAMS version of the Trident for Australia and NZ. It's exactly the same bike, the difference is the LAMS version is slightly detuned, compared to the full powered version. For example, the Trident full powered version, makes 60kW and 64Nm. Whereas the LAMS Trident version is 39.5kW and 59Nm. The LAMS Trident therefore is still no slouch. However, I'm sure some riders in Australia and NZ, who have there full license, would prefer the option of having the full powered version to buy. So Triumph are viewing this bike in Australia and NZ as targeting entry level riders who want something more powerful as their first bike.

[@VanBlamm]

That's very interesting! My recommendation of a 250 as a starter bike has more to do with skill development than safety, although I think a detuned Trident would be a great choice too because it has many safety aids that most 250s don't.

[@shaqtkw]

In my country, due to tax and everything, the Trident cost as much as the CB650R. Which 1 would you recommend if it’s in this scenario. I sat on both, like both! and having dilemma of choice.

[@VanBlamm]

Interesting! I think at that point it depends on if you want a 4-cylinder or a triple. I prefer the triple cylinder engine of the Trident, but I also think the CB650R is slightly better looking...

[@MeuZbago]

Which did you choose?

[@cedriccanonici277]

Got a 900 RS for the moment and probably move to this one...or a1200 speed twin ! Différents bikes, one cylindre less and the double motor capacity for the speed twin... I don t try the speed twin but tried the Trident few month ago , I was impress by the facility, the nimbleness and the fun factor of this one ! More often I ride in twisty roads and Mountain and I m thinking perhaps the Trident would handle easier than a Speed Twin...🤔🙄 Even if the speed twin is a step above 😉

[@elwynjones9123]

Why is the front suspension so hard ??

[@916strada]

How much does the new engine’s tightness and Denver’s altitude hurt the power do you think?

[@VanBlamm]

I hadn't thought about that, but probably not much. I don't notice a difference in power with my Speed Twin until I get up to twice the altitude of Denver.

[@xaraphyn]

I like the part where you go "oh, nice C2" as it reminds of "squirrel!" from the movie UP. :D

[@tomandriello3575]

Would you give up riding your Speed Twin if you owned this bike?

[@VanBlamm]

Tough call. If I lived in a big city, then yes. Otherwise no, because my bike can handle 90% of what I'd realistically be doing on a Trident. People sportier than me may disagree.

[@tomandriello3575]

Yes in my case I might give up my 2015 Tiger 800 XRX. and a BMW G310R with Akropovic pipe in and stick pipe saved. Then make the Speed Twin a little more travel ready and buy a new Trident. I'm likely not touring much anymore so the Tiger, a great bike may be more than. I need.

[@tlong9812]

Ok. Torn between trident and street twin. Which do you feel is better. Very different bikes I know. But u owned a street twin.

[@VanBlamm]

Man, very tough call. Neither of them are bad at anything in particular. It all comes down to personality vs performance. If you do most of your riding in search of twisty roads, with only occasional around-town jaunts or freeway slogs, then you'll be glad to have a Trident. But if you see yourself spending equal amounts of time commuting, canyon carving, and road tripping, then the Street Twin will handle all of that just fine and do it in style. You'll attract way more attention on the Twin.

[@tlong9812]

@@VanBlamm thanks for response. Yeah pretty tough. I will test them both. Just got license. I will be mostly riding back rural roads of New England with some motorways that have 50 mph speed limit. No city riding. But thank u. Yeah I just love the look of the twin. But. I have a feeling I’ll like the punchy torque and revimg of the trident. And the cost of course.

[@tlong9812]

Also for reference. I currently ride an extreme scooter that u stand on that goes 52 mph. And crazy torque. I ride in nyc. And I love the speed and rush of it. But moving to New England. Hence the motorcycle

[@johnmartin7158]

Both awesome fantastic bikes. But perhaps the street twin.

[@r56mini]

It is best equipped bike for the price. What other bike offers ride modes and this much torque/power at this price level?

[@VanBlamm]

Exactly!

[@cmartin2932]

I have been saving for a speed twin, which is pretty much my dream bike. I am now giving serious consideration to the Trident, mostly because of the price difference. Do you think it would be worth waiting an extra 6 to 8 months to get the speed twin or would you pull the trigger on the trident? I know that is an impossible question for you to answer but curious about your opinion. The biggest drawback to the trident would be carrying a passenger. By the way, I live in Idaho and would be doing a lot of riding in the foothills and mountains. Thanks!

[@VanBlamm]

Hmm, that may depend on whether you want a pre- or post-update Speed Twin. You might be able to find a discounted 2019 or 2020 sooner than 6 to 8 months. The new 2021 Speed Twins will likely stay at or above MSRP until winter. Hard to say which bike would be better for your area, which I passed through on my Speedy recently; I might have enjoyed a little more agility on rt 21 south of Lowman, but I definitely wouldn't have wanted to give up any highway power on my way to Jackson by way of Idaho Falls. Regardless of what you do, you're going to end up with a kickass motorcycle!

[@cmartin2932]

Thanks for your comments. Quick update: My local dealer had an unclaimed Trident coming in so I put down a down payment. Hope to see it within the next month. I saw a video yesterday by Yammie noob comparing the trident in the MT-07. He was pretty down on the trident, which made me a little nervous. I had to come back and watch your video to see how positive you were about the Trident! 😄

[@pookiewookie7679]

@@cmartin2932 you made the right choice in my opinion. The Trident is much nicer looking than the mt07. Still happy with it?

[@cmartin2932]

@@pookiewookie7679 Actually, I was never really debating between the trident in the MTO seven. It was always between the trident and speed twin. I am loving my trident. It is an awesome bike. I’m sure the speed twin would’ve been great, but I would’ve paid a lot more for it.

[@pookiewookie7679]

@@cmartin2932 I still think it was the right decision. A 1200 is a bit too much in my opinion. And yes why pay so much more. The Trident looks really good. Reminds of a smaller displacement r9t

[@VVoltz]

Nice overview, that bike looks like a winner in every sense. Is this why Harley pulled the Bronx? Maybe

[@alansmith5255]

Cool bike thanks for the review

[@HolgerLink]

I bought one and will get it in about 2 weeks or so. But my dream bike is the Speed Twin. Perhaps in 5 years 😋

[@VanBlamm]

Congrats! You're going to love it

[@salpairadice]

I am really hoping Van Blamm gets a better microphone. Also, disagree on the 250.

[@VanBlamm]

Believe me, I've been looking for one. The one I'm currently using sounded better on my old Drift camera. The official mic adapter for my current GoPro (Hero7 Black) seems to make everything worse.

[@THEREALZENFORCE]

For 8k you can get the better Bmw F900R : more powerful engine, better TFT screen, better electronics, better optional electronic suspension, better brakes, better throttle response, better luggage cases. The Trident is 8k base and around 10k with correct options (same as the F900R, MT-09, Z900, CBR650R, CB650R, RS660, Tuono 660, Rebel 1100 so tough competition in this 8-10k price range).

[@VanBlamm]

I need to ride an F900R. I've heard its personality is more "standard bike" than "naked sportbike" (splitting hairs, I know), but I'd be interested to see for myself.

[@calvinbarriga195]

Colorado baby! I’ve a trident 🔱 too

[@VanBlamm]

It's a great bike for those canyons!

[@indosurfer]

Well done. If you are ever in New England, I’d love you to put my Ducati Scrambler 1100 Sport Pro up against your Triumph Speed Twin

[@VanBlamm]

Thank you, I will remember that the next time I'm headed north! I really dig the Scrambler 1100 but haven't gotten my hands on one before.

I don't agree on the 250cc as an initial bike. it is not that linear. A 250RR will push for a more dangerous driving behaviour than a W800. I think that with a 250 you end up riding as a hooligan pushing it to the safety limits much faster than this, that is slightly better prepared. Also this has a A2 limiter if you are new to motorcycling. The real limitation for this is exactly the cargo capacity for, say a weekend ride. It is none. But overall... an excellent commuter as you say, and occasional joyrider. You described it properly.

[@VanBlamm]

Thank you for this comment, because I think I was only considering my own experience when I said that. My first 250 was a TU250X, which caused no trouble even when hooned at the limit; you're right that not every style of 250 is as forgiving. I also forgot that the Trident can be had with a limiter in countries with tiered licensing (in the US it's a one-and-done full license). I think with a limiter in place it would actually be a good choice for a first motorcycle. Cheers!

[@luisribeiro4267]

Well said, well answered. You are both gentlemen, on my book. 👍🏼 ✌🏼

@@luisribeiro4267 my dear sir, thank you very much! This already made my day, and it is only 7: 18

[@luisribeiro4267]

@ 😅😜 quando passares pelo PORTO, apita e pago eu as SUPER BOCK com todo o gosto! 🤜🏼🤛🏼✌🏼✊🏼🇵🇹

[@alexnunes5186]

There's a difference between learning how to ride and maximizing a bike. With a 250cc is much easier to save a bad cornering than with a bigger cc engine when you are learning how to ride.

[@sportbikemike]

Awesome review.. great road's

[@scottwittla]

You scared me with this video, I have a trident and have been putting 87 in it. I just double checked the user manual and it says R+M/2 octane 87 or higher. I do not think it needs premium fuel unless there is an altitude consideration that I’m not aware of.

[@VanBlamm]

Pretty sure you're right, I'm not sure where I got that idea. That said, viewers often chaff me for putting 87 in my Speed Twin even though that bike's manual doesn't call for premium either, so 🤷‍♂️

[@akirameru675]

I WANT THIS BIKE SO BAD!!!

[@VanBlamm]

I don't blame you!

[@ratclone]

2:52: nice C2! 😂

[@masteroutlier]

6th gear at 40 mph?

[@VanBlamm]

Sometimes

[@82Bjarni]

Hate this modes trend. Dont need them and learn to control yourself.

[@willhorsley2105]

Not jealous .... much

[@Trendguideofficial]

Second

[@zacpdx]

Lol

[@christopherduran9926]

Haha totally…wait what?