2023 Triumph Tiger Sport 660 | Test Ride and Review

[@ericdufort5648]

New rider here. I'm 53. My very first year or riding to be precise. I was in love with that bike, it ticked all my boxes. Plus, it's sooooo comfortable. I was going to get one - brand new - and I stumbled on a 2018 Yamaha Tracer 900 fully loaded - top case, side cases, crash bars, etc. Could not pass that deal, so I went with the Tracer. While I still think the Tiger 660 is one hell of a good bike, I'm truly loving my Tracer and I plan on riding many years with it. This is an awesome review by the way, thx for taking the time.

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

The Tracer is cool. I rode a previous version and plan on doing a full review in the future. Enjoy!

[@lovingmylifeasIage6741]

I'm 69 now at 5'6" 150 lbs. I traded in my 2017 Street Glide Sp. for a 2022 Heritage Classic. It's over 100 lbs lighter and so much easier to maneuver. I just love this bike. I'll be 70 at the end of this year.

[@osimnod]

Nice review, Craig. Most of us don't need 100+hp anyway and saving 50 - 100 pounds on the rig inspires confidence. Check our ego at the door and just ride!

[@langhamp8912]

Some of us do. And badly. The big problem with a sportbike is that it looks like a sportbike. A sportbike that looks like an adventure bike and has panniers is going to get a lot fewer hard looks from cops.

[@osimnod]

@@langhamp8912 And ain't it great that that choice is available for those who want/need it? Imagine a Hayabusa with Giant Loop soft luggage... very confusing for highway officers.

[@neebob2]

At 65 I moved to a Tiger 800 after owning a 1K Vstrom for years and love the upgrade in machine if a down grade in displacement . I tested the new 900 and could see me on it in the future with it's higher tech and more power .

[@cornholio1962]

I've a Blue one for two years, i changed the screen to a Powerbronze. I am 62 came off a Triumph America as it was getting a bit heavy, this bike is 3 stone lighter. I find it so easier to ride and manoeuvre, i rode from UK to Bavaria no issues and kept up with the big boys. Common moan is no cruise control, I've never had one and never riden a bike with it so I don't miss it . Main tip is keep your eye on the chain maintenance, they've been known to jump and puncture engine case £€$

[@rogersmith3149]

Just spent three weeks on one of these on tour in New Zealand. Totally agree with your assessment. The engine is the star of the bike, the lighter weight is appreciated, and the suspension is rubbish for a large person. Seriously thinking about getting one and fixing the suspension because at 65 my 550 lb BMW is becoming less fun.

[@tedsalmon2533]

I would love to see you review a 850 Sport. I'm 71 and 5'7" and am very comfortable on it. I love the torque down low and it easily cruises at 100+ mph. Handles like a dream and the sound is epic.

[@LTVoyager]

The other option is a little more exercise. I found it more difficult to hold up my LT last summer. I then decided I would try some exercise as I had gotten out of the habit. I found I could not do a single pull-up, push-up or sit-up. No, not one at age 63. So, I started some light weight lifting with dumbbells and finally got the calisthenics going. I can now do 15+ push-ups, 25+ sit-ups, but still only 2 pull-ups. The pull-ups just aren’t coming back very well. I also am doing squats and leg work and found this year that handling my LT feels almost as good as 10 years ago. Can’t stop the clock, but it is amazing what we can do with a little focus resistance exercise.

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

For sure, keeping self strong goes a long way. I am in t the gym 4 to 5 days a week...when I am not traveling.

[@kevinott3698]

I totally agree . I also have a Tiger 660 sport. It's really comfortable than my old Yamaha Fazer

[@bryanshaw8518]

Intro was spot on! I bought a used 2022 with 2500 miles and everything except bluetooth on it (even has yoshi AT2 exhaust ). Many positives with this bike but the negatives are quickly overtaking them. Dont misunderstand, I like it but I am a nit picker too. Triumph failed with the front brakes imo. Too soft then they bite. Ripping on this is sooo enjoyable! Nothing like the sound of a triple being hammered. I have found with buffeting if you LOWER the windshield, your helmet will get clean air. I know it sounds backwards but try it. Great review!

[@luiz576]

62 and still crazy riding a naked bike!! Maybe a sport touring Someday...

[@robshef718]

I'm 6'2 inches and I don't feel cramped. Yes, throttle control over 'expecting' a mode to fix it! I keep track of engine hours, as opposed to just miles, because high traffic area's or other conditions that lead to less miles but more engine time; I think is a factor for oil change intervals. (im working on a schedule) Just finding or adjusting to your riding 'feel' for the gear changes? I find all the gears easy and the same with N. Finesse is the key. The brakes are perfect. Just get used to the feel. DONT need the quick shifter. The suspension is very very good for its weight and class of bike. And the agile handling is a tribute to very good suspension. Some peeps want a bump-less ride on a bike. Not happening. its a middle weight and designed as such. the tiger is a class leader.

[@akm03051]

I just subscribed to your channel. Love this review style, very reminiscent of the old Motoweek reviews.

[@maxw576]

I test rode a 660 sport a while back. At 6'1" it did seem a bit small, but I'm use to bigger bikes. It's definitely rideable. It was a nice bike but didn't inspire any passion. I put it in the friend zone! 😂

[@ericwilliams626]

The reason for the friend zone feeling is because the marketing departments in both Honda, especially, and this in Triumph, is a lot of older riders and even new riders have more subdued personalities and these bikes to them appear to make them feel comfortable and aggressive enough. A lot of people are fine with a Ford Fiesta as a car. Most of us can't imagine why, but its a choice based on personality and this bike is no different. Honda's CB500X is the exact same bike; for quiet well mannered men who just want a nice ride, nothing which provides too much fun. HA!

[@maxw576]

@@ericwilliams626 Good insight. 👍

[@gercollins3530]

Great review....,,im one year younger than you but got my 2023 explorer in May and just at 7000 miles now so as you said triumph said service at 10,000 miles so while it's under 3 year warranty it's 10,000 serviced for me....but ill agree it is a beast but its also a beast when you want that extra power and I'd have got the 900gt but chain driven once you get used to shaft me personally think I'd be slow to go chain again but when the time comes to change in to years I'll see what's available ride safe....that 3 cylinder engine sounds great😊

[@markmattson4752]

Smaller is better in my book!! If it makes you smile when riding it buy it !! Life is short ✌️

[@bradhepfer81]

Gorgeous bike and u give great info thanks

[@majordelays4909]

Subscribed for your awesome voice and production quality of the first four mins! Nice review too

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

Thanks!

[@LTVoyager]

If you are running synthetic oil, 10,000 miles in one year isn’t outrageous. However, I still stay closer to 5 or 6,000 which gets me through most years on my two bikes. Trips to Alaska and such being the exceptions. Since most riders don’t ride more than 5,000 miles a year, the Triumph schedule is going to time out before it miles out as you said so very few are going to get intervals that long. This also means that Triumph’s actual cost of ownership may not be as low as many think as the intervals each year may be closer to the 6,000 mile interval that BMW, Kawasaki and others use.😊

[@tigercoward]

This was a great review! Thanks

[@Brad-RB]

Nice review. I like the looks of this bike and the overall idea.

[@painsrides]

I had to replace the Victory this season. Yesterday I picked up a full size tourer, mostly because its going to be doing 2-up touring duty. In our mid 50's, there's just no way is my wife going to be okay with a "sport-tourer" of any size. Luckily at 56 I have zero issues handling a full size bike, but if I ever get that ADV it going to be no bigger than mid-sized...

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

Saw the unveiling...Congratulations!

[@GARamblinMan]

You’ll be surprised at how much you change from 56 to 66. Believe me. I know. I never thought I’d be looking to downsize but yet here I am. I will probably still keep my Heritage though.

[@andrewcullen600]

Best review I've seen! Thanks

[@nickbenfell4327]

I have a Tiger 1050 and for a replacement bike the 660 is one I would look at along with the Tiger 900 - which given my frame might be the better option. Unfortunately here in New Zealand the 850 sport is (so far) not available.

[@maakatipa4613]

It amazes me how many people who ride motorcycles, question the expertise of those who actually make motorcycles.

[@robshef718]

How so? what questions are we not allowed to ask?

[@mikemacfarlane5650]

following your channel as an older rider your topics and interests are similar to mine i enjoy most of your content. the music is a distraction from the content at times but kudos overall

[@samlsecond8200]

The Music is too much for me too. 😅

[@sp1550]

Good review. Is this top heavy like Tiger 800/850?

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

I don't find any of those bikes to be "top heavy." They are taller.

[@pistolpete6321]

Great review!

[@thehexter1]

Hey Craig, good review. Interestingly enough, I am looking at the f'ing BMW 750 and 850 GS models these days. The GA still fine for me but can see that I might need to downsize sometime soon. Hope all is well.

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

Hey Hector! All is good, enjoying retirement. Hope all is well for you! At some point I will move down as well. The Tiger is very easy right now, but in a few years that may not be the case.

[@beeyotch4232]

It's not a gimic to force engine repairs, it's a gimic to reduce the 'cost of ownership'. Change your oil every 3500- 4000 miles - Full synthetic.

[@Motoristika]

Such a beautiful bike!!!! Do you think it is beginner friendly? I am 52 old beginner passing from maxi scooters to motorcycles (1.82cm high with 100kg weight). Thanx :)

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

Yes, I think this could be a good beginner bike.

[@GARamblinMan]

I just turned 67 and I totally agree with you about aging and handling heavier motorcycles. I have a 2020 Harley-Davidson Heritage Classic that I love and is great for the light touring I do but it’s just getting to be a little heavy for me and I’ve been looking at motorcycles like the Triumph Tiger 660. The only thing for me is the comfort since I’m 6 ft tall and about 215 lbs. Have you ridden any smaller bikes that may be better and more comfortable for someone of my stature? I test rode the Kawasaki Versys 650 and liked it but did feel a little cramped. Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated! Great video as always and keep up the good work.

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

First, thanks! Since you a taller guy, take a look at the Triumph 850 sport or the 900 GT. There are about the same weight but a little taller. I know you looked at the Versys 650, but check out the 1000. Might fit you better. Yamaha has the Tracer 9 GT, that has a great engine and is a bit taller as well.

[@LTVoyager]

Might look at the Versys 1000.

[@GARamblinMan]

@@LivingOffTheSlab I was hoping to stay with the lower price point of the Versys 650 and Triumph 660, but no sense in spending a lesser amount of money and not being comfortable. I’ll ride them all before I make a decision. Regardless, it will be less expensive than my 2020 Heritage. Thx for your input and comments.

[@GARamblinMan]

@@LTVoyager I will check it out. I like flat footing a motorcycle so it will be interesting to see if I can on the 1000. Thanks for your input and suggestion.

[@svaralen]

Great looking bike!!! Do you think it is beginner friendly? Thanx ✌️

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

Yes, it could be a good beginner bike. It might be a bit tall for some.

[@svaralen]

@@LivingOffTheSlab I am 1,82 cm high with 100kg, could be fine size for the bike 😎

[@DeeoMaika]

You forgot this bike's main competitor and the reason of it's existence. The Yamaha Tracer 7!

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

We don't get the Tracer 7 here in the States

[@robertchausse3050]

Thanks for the video, I'm a bit surprised. I'm 60 years old and 6'1'', I sell my 1250GS (problem with it and bad dealer...). For next year I'm looking for a triumph 1200 explorer or a Goldwing. Am I wrong because to old? This is not because I want a big engine this is because I don't want to deal with a chain maintenance and I also want comfort in small road or highway. I know the gw is heavy but with the flat engine and 21 liter of fuel, I think it is less top heavy Than the tiger with 30 liter of fuel. In both case if I drop it I will probably need help. Also the gw has a wonderful engine and a dct(I know for some people no clutch mean not a bike). The advantage of the tiger is the fuel range and availability. Let me know if you try a gw and you feed back. thanks

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

I am 64 and handle the Tiger 1200 just fine. 600 pounds is a lot easier than 900. I have ridden the Goldwing and it is not a problem, but it is a big bike. At the end of a 10 hour day I can feel the difference. For me the lighter more agile bike is less fatiguing and more fun. If I am riding two up, then something like the Goldwing is great, but if I am solo, give me the lighter bike.

[@andrewthompson1313]

You might consider the Moto Guzzi V100 Mandelo. Shaft drive, 514 pounds wet weight, and 32 inch seat height. Early reviews have been favorable.

[@RodeoRides]

62 and I have a 23 Kawasaki Z 650 perfect for me.....

[@4940markhutchins]

Sticking with the bigger bikes for now because at 6’5” 235 lbs, there are otherwise great bikes that don’t fit me. that said, the day I can’t lift my K1600 GTL from a tip over will be the day I downsize to a bike like this regardless. Better than not riding at all.

[@robshef718]

Cruising HP is around 52 Hp at around 5,550 rpm. Who is ever going to be riding in 6th gear at over 10,000 rpm?

[@stimpsonjcat26]

Trading in a africa twin for a 660 as I really don't do much offroad and if I did the africa twin wouldn't be my choice. The 660 is lighter and handles way better on the street.

[@LTVoyager]

That top case sure looks goofy!

[@raymorris952]

Its great, it does everything you need, except one, it doesn't exactly excite you, So unfortunately that makes it boring, common problem with most midrange modern bikes, Just like modern cars, so good that it isn't! Just transportation if thats what you want then great, Nice review though , very well presented.

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

Ultimately we purchase because of how things make us feel, but I have always found that it is me that makes the bike exciting not the other way around.

[@philiplaurell1163]

No cruise control??? Thst’s a dealbreaker for me. This is s friggin touring bike, what where they thinking?

[@TR5T]

Great bike but just a dumbed down 765. Still nothing in the 660 class comes close

[@samlsecond8200]

@craig, I love the content you bring ... BUT yowch the heavy metal music kills me and makes it hard to keep watching. I'm a fan of these lighter bikes and it won't be too long before age forces me to retire from the heavier bikes!

[@royal-enfield1]

i take the more capable triumph tiger 850sport

[@robshef718]

More capable? what about a 1000? or a 1200? or a 1500? is bigger more capable?

[@royal-enfield1]

@@robshef718 yes true 💯 , but totally different class bikes

[@robshef718]

@@royal-enfield1 Yes. different weight and class. Apples are apples. cheers

[@jonathandelmont]

I really wanted to watch this video, but I couldn’t make it because of the shit music going on all the way through it and under the guys voice

[@ed2339]

Very good video. Very informative.