First Ride: Triumph Trident 660 4K

First Ride: Triumph Trident 660 4K
This wasn't really a planned video (can you tell!). I'd gone out to ride something else, that I had been quite excited about, and which didn't quite live up to my expectations, so after a quick call to Triumphworld in Chesterfield, they mentioned that they had a Trident 660 demo bike, and it wasn't booked out.
I remember seeing the launch of the Trident, and though interesting, from my prior experience on 600's, I'd always found them a bit small for me, and either underpowered, or you really had to work them to release them, so I hadn't previously rushed out to find one. Since their launch, I've only heard praise for them, which had piqued my interest, so I thought it was worth a try.
It was a cold day, with rain, in the north of England, with single figure temperatures (in C!) so don't expect blue skies and sunshine. #spoileralert even with these conditions I had a lot of fun. One of the best bikes I've ridden for a while. Not the fastest, not the best tourer, no use off road, and a whole host of other specific categories where it wouldn't fare well, but for all round fun and grin inducing riding, I couldn't fault it. This is what riding a motorcycle for fun is all about.
As you might guess, before doing this ride, I hadn't done a lot of research about middleweight roadsters. Since riding it, I have, so please ignore my comments in the conclusion about the amount of choice at that price point. The MT-07 and Z650 in particular are about the same price, though neither has an USD fork and they make 73 and 68bhp respectively to the Trident's 80, so there are definitely other options, but on paper, (and having ridden the MT07), I'd still pick the Trident.
I'll do a news piece on what I've read about the Trident, CB650R, Tuono 660, MT-07 (and it's cousin, the XSR700), Z650, and CFMoto 700CL-X, and try to ride some more of them in the future.
Anyway, if that's not put you off (or told you everything you need to know), take a look at the video. I forgot to do a pre-departure walkround, so added it halfway though, for which I can only apologise. I'll remember next time!
Ride safe!
#triumph #trident660 #firstride #peakmotorcycles #triumphmotorcycles #firstride
00:00 Introduction and first thoughts
01:57 Comparisons
03:26 10 minute thoughts
04:28 Suspension
05:28 Country lanes (and overtake)
08:29 Twisties and further thoughts
09:12 Close up and walkaround in the rain
12:22 Problems with the bike (for me)
14:59 70mph Freeway/Dual Carriageway riding
17:34 Conclusion
www.triumphmotorcycles.co.uk/...

[@johnwatson3400]

Big fan of the no-frills approach to some of these new bikes, less complicated, less to go wrong, but no less fun. Great review, thanks for posting.

[@PeakMotorcycles]

Hi John, Absolutely! (Though a few small luxuries never go amiss!) It's definitely a different sort of ride when you don't have that massive power, and therefore need the fancy electronics to control it (or at least I do!) There's something nice about just turning it on and going, and like you said, no less fun. It's not the bike for every circumstance, but for what it is and what it's for, I thought it was very good indeed. Cheers,

[@chrisiden]

Had my Trident for 5 weeks and done 1600 miles. It's a great all-rounder. Best Bits : Triple engine Rear end (low mounted hugger) TFT Display LED headlights (great once you have adjusted the angle) Traction Control Could be better : Under seat storage (There is zero space, so nowhere to put disk lock/tool roll) No cruise control available For light riders (I'm 68kg) the rear suspension is a tad too firm (I frequently get bounced up off the seat) There are some good luggage options (for example from Hepco & Becker). I'm using a Kriega US20 DryPack mounted on pinion seat. Also lots of screen options to make it a bit more rider friendly on fast A roads/motorway (I'm using a Puig clear screen)

[@PeakMotorcycles]

Hi Chris, I guess there’s compromises on the budget. A guy at the dealer mentioned the suspension thing, though for my level of ‘health’ 🤣 it was just firm enough. Screen definitely a benefit. Are aftermarket options better than the little Triumph deflector? I have some H&B XTravel panniers that fit on their C-Bow racks that I’ve used on my CB. They look ok, just ok, not great, but that might be an option. Shame there’s not a lot else for when you only need to carry a couple of things.

[@Jay_Speed]

That floating rear end is horrible, so I ordered the tail tidy from Evotech and their adjustable leavers. I have the standard windscreen but will see how good it is. Otherwise I order an other one, Dart or Puig. For luggage I am going to make myself something, I don't use panniers but a tank bag and rear seat bag, so I need something to fasten that one.

[@0HARE]

Great ride on a very sweet bike. You’ve certainly got me interested in it. Happy Trails

[@TheLordMuzzy]

Got mine a few days ago with all the sweet extras.. Speed shifter, heated grips, Bluetooth module, USB port, grab rails… Love it!! Love the instrument dial with tft and the bike itself handles like a dream, the power is always there when you need it and it’s a comfy ride for me. I was slightly worried about that being 6’2” but it’s great! Don’t think about it, you can not get more bike for 7k 👍🏻👍🏻

[@PeakMotorcycles]

Sounds like the perfect ride! I’m 6’1” and thought it would be too small too but it’s great. And yes, for the money there’s not much (anything) that comes close. Enjoy your new ride. New Bike Days are the best!

[@92belisarius]

Fantastic review! I’ve subscribed. Love the Peak District scenery too! Got my test later this month after a year on a 125cc - put down a deposit for a Trident.

[@PeakMotorcycles]

Thanks and all the best for your test. (I guess it might be any time around now). I think the Trident is a brilliant first bike. Do you have a delivery date for it?

[@92belisarius]

@@PeakMotorcycles ah thanks mate!! Yes - two days of training this weekend then Mod 1 on Wednesday! Had my cb125f for a year so feel I’m prepared. Thanks again mate. Keep up the great work!

[@peterrichards7387]

Interesting review and I'm pleased you like the bike. I get mine in a couple of weeks time after my choice of extra's have been added. These of course include the Triumph gear select (posh for quick shifter) Bluetooth upgrade, tank protector and various folk and engine protectors. I cant wait. Cheers.

[@PeakMotorcycles]

Awesome. It’s still one of the best bikes I’ve ridden in the last few years, and caught me by surprise. With those extras it will be brilliant I’m sure. Ride safe!

[@sergeantsodom6969]

Nice man! Lovely sounding engine

[@PeakMotorcycles]

Yes sir, a little muted with the stock exhaust, but it does enough. Your neighbours would appreciate it 🤣

[@JohnTheBodge]

I'm looking to 'lighten up' from my Speed Twin 1200 now that I'm getting older and getting health issues etc and I have ridden the Trident 660 (had a Street Scrambler at the time and that Trident ride motivated me to p/x for the Tiger 660) and I felt the same way as you say in the video on my first ride of the Trident. I had it for a day and loved it. However, on my second ride, whilst my Tiger was in for servicing, maybe it was just that particular bike, but it felt awful. I don't know if it had been thrashed or whatever, but it just felt so budget and basic compared to my Tiger 660. This has really put me off considering it for my retirement bike. I will have another go, of course, but it faces stiff competition from the XSR700. If SWMBO would let me have two bikes, I'd have one, though!

[@PeakMotorcycles]

Maybe I should try one again. As for the retirement bike, I prefer the XSR700 to the MT07, and I quite like the Kawasaki Z650’s too (though they never seem quite as pretty next to the retro paint jobs on the Z900). Good luck with your choice!

[@JohnTheBodge]

@@PeakMotorcycles Thanks - I just spotted the limited edition Triumph Triple Tribute paint job for this year and think it looks awesome! Dealer is only getting allocated 4 so I will probably go for that, despite also being keen on the XSR700. I'll try both.

[@swecruza]

I’ve just passed 2000km on mine, It’s a great bike and surprisingly one of the most comfortable for my back, this is my fifth bike this year so hopefully I keep this one for a couple of seasons😂👍 I’ve got the quikshifter on mine and it’s well needed upgrade, so smooth

[@PeakMotorcycles]

Good to know. Quickshifters are a funny thing, until you’ve had one, it’s no big thing, but once you have, it’s a little essential luxury to have in the future. I have one on both my GS and CB. On the GS it’s rough 1st to 2nd, and a little rough 2nd to 3rd. The Honda is smooth from the off. I just love the feeling on an overtake, especially 3-4 and then 4-5 with the throttle wide open. It’s what biking is all about.

[@particletrap_inventor]

That engine and a Rally kit, it's my favorite. Rally kit: big tank, 21" front wheel, windscreen, craschbar etc.

[@PeakMotorcycles]

Definitely 🤣. Let’s hope they make a bike just for us!

[@philipTOMPSETT]

Really helpful, thanks

[@PeakMotorcycles]

I had a bit of fun too 😉

[@The1977andi]

It's nice to hear what other people think to the bike, I've added a dart fly screen and a tail tidy as I couldn't stand the one it came with, hopefully will put an exhaust next year to give it a bit better sound. Great review.

[@PeakMotorcycles]

Thanks Andi, I think those are the essential upgrades, but then, some folks like the clean back end (at the expense of the stock hugger) each to their own, like so many things!

[@luckyintervale]

Andre! That’s my bike! And I love it… agree with all your assessment. Probably trading for the tiger variant for the bags and windscreen , but it’s a brilliant ride. I’ve had no problems riding at night. I’m 6’2” and have done 100+ miles days with no issues. Well done, you! Keep up the good work! Edit: I replaced my Royal Enfield with this, and it’s a better bike in EVERY way. Cheers!

[@PeakMotorcycles]

You are lucky indeed sir! Glad it’s not just me that thinks it’s great. I was wincing a bit when I was going through the edit, trying to decide if saying it was great lots of times had any value to anyone. I nearly cut a load, but after a few days to think about it, it is really good. The Tiger 660 should be brilliant. (Tiger Sport?). Am hoping they do a Tiger 660 Rally Pro with a 21” front wheel… that would be very tempting! Anyway, enjoy it, and whatever comes next. There’s a lot of bikes out there, and it’s rare to find a bad bike these days, but few are as good for the sheer joy of riding as your choices. 👍

[@luckyintervale]

I’ve got the Rally 300 and the Trident… and a WR250r for woods riding. VERY happy with my quiver and looking forward to the Tiger 660… hoping they’ll leave the 17” wheels for sport touring! And I know I’m biased but I did a LOT of research, and the Rally and the Trident together are less money than some bikes that aren’t nearly as fun to ride… really appreciate all your Rally content! Cheers mate… 🍻

[@PeakMotorcycles]

@@luckyintervale sounds like an excellent garage! I keep the GS mainly for the longer road tours, and it’s great for 4000+ miles in 3 weeks. Not a lot of that around lately with Romania and Morocco cancelled last year and this, but maybe I’ll catch up next year. The bike I’m riding the least at the moment is the CB1000R, so that’s what’s up for replacement. The question is with what…

[@0HARE]

@@PeakMotorcyclesI’m leaning toward the Yamaha T7, but that Tiger 660 sounds great! I might have to swing by my local Triumph dealer. Thanks for taking us along, it was a blast!

[@PeakMotorcycles]

@@0HARE they are both great bikes (aren’t they all these days?!) I haven’t ridden the Tiger 660, but I think Yamaha’s version of that is the Tracer 7 (not sure if you get those in TX). I hope that Triumph do a Rally Pro version of the tiger 660 as a T7 alternative. Lots of new bikes being announced at EICMA next week, including two new adventure bikes from MV Agusta and who knows what else. Honda middleweight maybe? Or even a glimpse of the Triumph Enduro bikes? I fly out to Milan tomorrow for the week. I expect I’ll be at the show for 2 days.

[@enduromotorradtouren]

Looks like a very, very decent middleclass bike. That used to be the home turf for Japanese bikes ;-) Lots of smiles for the buck. Thanks for your test ride and your impressions, Andre. Cheers from Nürnberg, Günter

[@PeakMotorcycles]

Thanks Günter, thats very much it. Less than half the price of my GS, a third less than my CB, but still a lot of fun. I also didn’t ride it and start making a list of what needed fixing, other than heated grips and a quickshifter. Not sure I’m quite ready to take the leap just yet, but will see what else gets announced at EICMA and the UK show. Cheers, Andre

[@enduromotorradtouren]

@@PeakMotorcycles I don't like the rounded tank. But would I see it in the twisties? It really liked the Street Triple 765. But for the steeper price I could ride a lot of miles on the little Trident. A tempting bike, fascinating and a really good one, too. Seems Hinckley is on a roll. Anyway, if I want to ride a triple there is the old Trident 900 in my shed with 100,000 miles on it and still going strong. Meanwhile she belongs to a friend who lives in the US and only rarely comes to Germany. A youngtimer needs to be ridden once a month so that carbs don't clog. That's why the Trident stays with me for the time being.

[@PeakMotorcycles]

@@enduromotorradtouren the Trident 900 sounds fun. Bikes like being ridden, so it’s nice of you to help your friend out. Are they coming back for it?! (I did think at doing a longer trip, perhaps for a few months) in the US in a couple of years time and was weighing up shipping a bike over vs. Buying one and then selling it at the end. If Honda have sorted their supply chain out by then, maybe a 300Rally (but I’m not sure I’d like to spend a couple of months on the stock suspension?!) so maybe the tiger sport 660 would be a good bike for that. It won’t be quite the same as riding my own bike, with UK plates around the US, but might make economical sense.

[@enduromotorradtouren]

@@PeakMotorcycles He's been working in the US for years, but he's German. Hope we can ride `together in the Alps this summer (his favourite region). I've never fancied a motorcycle trip in the US. Europe is much more fun (or Africa or South America) in the twisties. I'd like to ride in Portugal or Romania/Transsylvania next year. Covid permitting ;-) And you, Andre?

[@PeakMotorcycles]

@@enduromotorradtouren I’ve a tour for 3 weeks to Romania (from the UK) in July and August. Anything else, we shall see.

[@user-sw2lv3zp6o]

Excellent review of a bike I am interested in.

[@PeakMotorcycles]

It’s really good and I had a great time

[@user-sw2lv3zp6o]

@@PeakMotorcycles I may well get one next year.

[@damo2300]

this bike is amazing. got off a ybr 125 and on to this. instantly at home on it and i feel it is the best choice for me. however, i live in a rural area and would suggest those who do or like to blip through the b roads get better mudguards and radiator guard as i get covered in mud and water. right over the back and helmet all up back of legs too. but past that no problems just a big flipping grin......roll on summer.

[@PeakMotorcycles]

It is definitely a great bike. The day I rode it I also rode the New Harley Sportster S, and even coming from that the Trident was a breath of fresh air.

[@davidroberts7490]

Be very interested to see the adventure 660 they are planning .

[@PeakMotorcycles]

I do hope they do. That might be a bit of a unicorn but I’m sure it’d sell based on how good this is.

[@DaveDayve]

What camera do you use may I ask? Great vid ☺ my better half owns a red/silver trident, she loves it. Bit of buzzing in the bars but otherwise fine

[@PeakMotorcycles]

Hi Dave, it's a moving target, but right now I have two GoPro Hero 7 Blacks, one on the helmet and if appropriate, one on the bike. I recently acquired a new GoPro Hero 10, so the walkround and talking at the camera are with that. In previous videos, I'd used either the GoPro 7's or a Sony ZV-1 for the pieces to camera. For the videos in the garage, I used to use a Canon M5, but it doesn't do 4K, so I then switched to using the GoPro Hero 7's. They are ok, but having to switch them from bike/helmet to tripods in the garage was annoying and took time, so I started using the ZV-1 for the garage videos. It runs hot when taking 4K video so shuts off (quietly) after 5 minutes, which was a massive PITA, so now I've gone for an overkill solution and for the garage I use a Canon EOS 5D MkIV, with a EF 24-105 F4 L lens, Rode Go 2 wireless mic (with a Rode Lav mic), a 7" HD monitor and a Smallrig frame to hold it all plus a battery adapter for Sony NPF batteries, so I can run everything from a single battery that is easy to change out when it goes flat. I also have two LED video lights, which also run from NPF batteries. That's the long answer! For this video, just GoPro Hero 7's and a 10, set to 4K, 25fps, and with a GoPro mic adapter for the Sena mic in my helmet.

[@82Bjarni]

Driving so slow isnt testing the bike. Great info about the bike.

[@PeakMotorcycles]

Most of the roads where I live have a 50mph limit. I guess people ride for different reasons. For me, the thrill is acceleration out of corners, not how fast you can go, but everyone is different I suppose. I’m sure there’s a high speed test out there somewhere that will show you what you are looking for.

[@user-sw2lv3zp6o]

I've just watched this again, Andre, as I've come around to thinking that I could sell my SCR950 and 390 Duke and get one of these. It would be perfect for Thailand. The SCR weighs 248 kg wet versus 188 kg for the 660. 60 kg is a lot. What do you weigh, Andre, seeing you mentioned it? I am 90 kg and just over 6'. I love the triple engine on my Can-Am F3-S that I ride when I am in Portugal. Going back there in early April, and I will be doing a tour of Spain on it. 1330cc, 0-60 in 4.8 seconds, it is no slouch. Regards, Nick

[@PeakMotorcycles]

Hi Nick, I’m 105kg and 6’1” and thought I’d be too big for it but it just felt right. I was surprised. If you have a local dealer, see if you can have a test ride, or at least a sit on one to see how you fit. Good luck. Spain in April sounds fab. I have a couple of days there in March to ride the R1300GS at Enduropark Andalusia and I can’t wait! Cheers

[@The_Arby]

Nice one mate :-) Get a ride on the Tuareg 660...Love to see what you think of it :-)

[@PeakMotorcycles]

I can't wait! Though I think the middleweight adventure bike market is being split with the Tuareg joining the Tenere 700, in a 'lower middleweight' category, with the likes of the Tiger 900, AT1100 and KTM 890 in an 'upper middleweight' category and the KTM Super Adventure, R1250GS, Tiger 1200 in the upper. I only wish the lower middleweight bikes could save a bit more weight. The Tuareg is 204kg and the Tenere 700 is 205Kg. I know that's less than the bigger bikes, but not a lot less. It would be great to see a 175-180kg bike come out that is an adventure bike with proper off-road capabilities. (This is where someone mentions the AJP PR7), but you know with modern technology, proper dealer support and parts availability. There's still a few other interesting options, some nearer than others, with the Ducati Desert X due for announcement in December, maybe a Honda Transalp middleweight, and at some point Royal Enfields 650 twin Himalayan. It's definitely interesting times, and it's fun riding whatever I can get a go on! Ride safe.

[@PeakMotorcycles]

Just spoke to my local dealer. December apparently, so just a few weeks away. Hopefully there won't be too much snow...

[@rep2710]

Im 6'3 and willing to take one

[@PeakMotorcycles]

😁 They are a great bike and feel much bigger than they are.

[@haohuynh4405]

Would yoy be able to compare to triumph street twin as it is not much more in cost.

[@PeakMotorcycles]

Hi, I haven’t ridden the latest street twin so I can’t give a fair comparison. I’ll see if I can and will let you know what I think. I expect the Trident is more fun based on the spec sheet. The street twin is 198kg and makes 64bhp and 59ft lbs of torque. The Trident is 189kg and makes 80bhp but only 47ft lbs. Trident’s tank is 2l bigger. I think the Trident would be a more engaging ride if you want to get the most out of it and I expect the street twin is the better cruiser. Both will have their markets and I’m sure owners of both will love them. I guess it depends what you want to do with it and how you’ll ride it. If you want one of the best middleweight roadsters around, get the trident. If you want a good modern classic, get the street twin. Is that helpful at all? For me, I’d have the trident… I think… can I have both? 🤣

[@haohuynh4405]

@@PeakMotorcycles thanks makes good sense, unfortunately in Australia the trident is restricted to 52hp.

[@PeakMotorcycles]

@@haohuynh4405 😳. Is that a learner thing or emissions? They’d can be restricted here too for new riders, but are also available unrestricted for those who are licensed to ride them. Is the Street twin limited too?

[@haohuynh4405]

The trident in Australia is a learners bike. Triump Aus doesnt sell the trident in full power and you can derestrict at your own risk which mean no warranty and insurance issues. The Street twin is full power only. Hence i was hoping eventually the triumph Aus might bring the trident full power so was keen to know thoughts on twin vs trident.

[@PeakMotorcycles]

@@haohuynh4405 makes sense. I’ll ask the dealer if they have a restricted Trident. It’d be good to know how much that takes off the bike. With the choices you have the street twin almost sounds like the better bet…

[@canuck81]

Seems crazy to me whenever I hear people refer to the trident as a "budget bike"

[@PeakMotorcycles]

Why’s that? It’s the cheapest bike in triumph’s range and with so many bikes costing £15k+ these days, spending half that is quite economical. I also think ‘budget’ is a positive thing. For me, it sort of does the same as the street triple but for a lot less. It’s quite different to being ‘cheap’ which it certainly isn’t.

[@canuck81]

@@PeakMotorcycles to me a "budget bike" would be something like a royal Enfield interceptor, cheap everything on it at a very low price, or something like a Honda Grom. Being triumphs most affordable bike doesn't mean it's budget. I can afford any bike I want but for a lot of people a trident isn't exactly affordable.

[@PeakMotorcycles]

@@canuck81 fair enough. In the UK a RE Interceptor with a chrome tank is £6,500 and the Trident is £7,500. I expect for some folks they are competing bikes in that price bracket but it’s not a massive difference. The Triumph is more of course, but you also get more with it, and they are close enough in price to be similar.

[@alib.9516]

am I the only one who doesn't like the sound it makes?

[@PeakMotorcycles]

I’m sure there’s others. It’s not a sound I’d choose, and the exhaust is one piece so a slip on silencer isn’t an option. You can get a full system, but that’s a lot to spend for the sound.