The middleweight naked motorcycle segment has long been a fiercely contested battlefield, populated by established veterans and ambitious newcomers. In recent years, Triumph Motorcycles has thrown its hat into the ring with the much-anticipated Trident 660. This stylish and accessible machine aims to blend performance, practicality, and Triumph’s signature British charm. But how does it stack up against its formidable rivals? This article delves into a comprehensive comparison of the Triumph Trident 660 with its key competitors, highlighting what sets this British newcomer apart.
The Middleweight Naked Landscape: A Competitive Arena
Before dissecting the Trident 660, it’s crucial to understand the landscape it’s entering. This segment is defined by its versatility. These bikes are designed to be competent commuters, enjoyable weekend tourers, and thrilling companions on twisty roads. Key players in this arena typically offer a balance of power, handling, comfort, and a price point that makes them attractive to a broad spectrum of riders, from experienced motorcyclists looking for a nimble secondary bike to newer riders seeking an upgrade.
Key Competitors to the Trident 660:
- Yamaha MT-07: A long-standing benchmark in the segment, known for its torquey CP2 engine and playful handling.
- Kawasaki Z650: Another popular choice, offering a refined package with accessible performance and sharp styling.
- Honda CB650R: Distinguished by its inline-four engine, offering a smoother power delivery and a more premium feel.
- KTM 790 Duke (and its successors): While the 790 Duke has evolved, its lineage represents a more performance-oriented, aggressive option.
Each of these motorcycles has its strengths, and the Trident 660’s challenge is to carve out its own identity and appeal to a specific rider. Triumph’s strategy with the Trident 660 appears to be a focus on refinement, user-friendliness, and a premium aesthetic without an exorbitant price tag.
Triumph Trident 660: The British Challenger
The Triumph Trident 660 arrives with a clear mission: to offer a compelling package that blends performance with accessibility. Its design is a modern interpretation of classic roadster aesthetics, featuring a distinctive round LED headlight, minimalist bodywork, and a purposeful stance.
Engine and Performance: A Smooth and Engaging Powerhouse
At the heart of the Trident 660 lies Triumph’s 660cc inline-three-cylinder engine. This motor is derived from the Daytona 675 and Street Triple 675, promising a characterful and engaging power delivery. It produces a claimed 81 PS (79 bhp) and 64 Nm (47 lb-ft) of torque, figures that position it competitively within the segment.
What sets the Trident’s engine apart is its inherent character. Inline-triple engines are renowned for their unique blend of low-end torque, mid-range punch, and a willingness to rev. This translates to a responsive throttle and an enjoyable riding experience across a variety of situations.
Comparison with Competitors’ Engines:
- Yamaha MT-07: The MT-07’s 689cc CP2 parallel-twin engine is legendary for its abundant low-end torque, making it incredibly punchy from a standstill and easy to ride in urban environments. While it offers immense fun, it can feel less refined at higher revs compared to Triumph’s triple.
- Kawasaki Z650: The Z650’s 649cc parallel-twin is a smooth and approachable unit, offering linear power delivery. It’s a competent all-rounder but might lack the character and outright engagement of the Trident’s triple.
- Honda CB650R: The CB650R’s 649cc inline-four engine is a gem. It provides a more linear and refined powerband, a beautiful exhaust note, and a premium feel. However, it typically produces slightly less torque than the Trident at lower revs, making it feel a touch less lively in city traffic.
Triumph’s focus on the triple-cylinder configuration for the Trident 660 pays dividends in terms of character and a broad, usable powerband. The engine feels lively without being intimidating, making it an excellent choice for both experienced riders and those graduating from smaller capacity machines.
Chassis and Handling: Agile and Confidence-Inspiring
The Trident 660 features a tubular steel trellis frame, a design often associated with agility and feedback. Paired with Showa upside-down forks and a preload-adjustable monoshock rear suspension, it aims to deliver a balanced and compliant ride.
In terms of handling, the Trident 660 strikes a superb balance between sporty agility and everyday comfort. It feels light on its feet, easy to manoeuvre in tight spaces, and inspires confidence when leaning into corners. The suspension is well-sorted, absorbing road imperfections effectively without feeling overly soft or wallowy.
Handling Dynamics:
- Agility: The Trident 660’s relatively low weight and well-balanced chassis contribute to its nimble handling. It’s easy to flick from side to side, making it a joy to navigate through traffic or weave through winding roads.
- Stability: Despite its agility, the Trident 660 maintains good stability at higher speeds and on straights, thanks to its well-engineered frame and suspension setup.
- Feedback: Riders often report good feel from the front end, allowing them to place the bike accurately and feel connected to the road.
While the MT-07 is known for its playful and sometimes ‘slidey’ feel, and the CB650R offers a more planted and stable sensation, the Trident 660 finds a sweet spot. It offers a more sophisticated and refined handling experience than the MT-07, while being more engaging and less ‘sanitized’ than some of its Japanese rivals. The slightly softer setup compared to a pure sportbike makes it more forgiving and enjoyable for longer rides or less-than-perfect road surfaces.
Technology and Features: Modern Conveniences
In today’s motorcycle market, technology plays an increasingly important role. The Trident 660 is equipped with a good suite of modern rider aids and conveniences, enhancing both safety and usability.
Key features include:
- Riding Modes: Two switchable riding modes – Road and Rain – alter throttle response and traction control settings, tailoring the bike’s behaviour to different conditions.
- Switchable Traction Control: Enhances safety by preventing rear-wheel spin, especially in slippery conditions.
- ABS: Standard anti-lock braking system provides crucial stopping power and security.
- Full-colour TFT display: A clear and informative display that provides all necessary riding information, and importantly, can be paired with an optional Bluetooth connectivity module for turn-by-turn navigation, music control, and call management.
- LED lighting: Modern and efficient LED lighting all around, including the signature round headlight.
Technology Comparison:
- Yamaha MT-07: Typically offers ABS and switchable traction control, but its display might be less sophisticated than the Trident’s TFT. Bluetooth connectivity is usually an aftermarket addition.
- Kawasaki Z650: Features ABS and traction control, with a TFT display on newer models, but often lacks integrated Bluetooth.
- Honda CB650R: Comes with ABS, traction control, and a modern LCD display. Bluetooth connectivity is not a standard offering.
Triumph has done a commendable job integrating useful technology into the Trident 660 without making it overly complex or expensive. The optional Bluetooth connectivity, in particular, is a strong selling point for riders who value modern conveniences.
Design and Ergonomics: British Charm and Rider Comfort
Triumph has a knack for creating motorcycles that are not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing. The Trident 660 is no exception. Its design language is a contemporary take on classic roadster proportions, with a muscular yet lean silhouette.
The ergonomics are designed for comfort and control. The rider triangle – the relationship between the handlebars, seat, and footpegs – is well-balanced, allowing for an upright and relaxed riding position. This makes the Trident 660 comfortable for commuting, day trips, and even longer journeys.
Ergonomic Strengths:
- Upright Riding Position: Reduces strain on the rider’s back and wrists.
- Comfortable Seat: Well-padded and supportive for extended periods in the saddle.
- Accessible Reach to Handlebars: Contributes to easy steering and control.
- Proportionate Footpeg Placement: Avoids leg fatigue on longer rides.
Compared to some of its rivals, the Trident 660 often feels a touch more ‘premium’ in its finish and detailing. The paint quality, the switchgear, and the overall fit and finish exude a sense of quality that can be a significant deciding factor for many buyers.
What Sets the Triumph Trident 660 Apart?
While the Trident 660 competes admirably in its segment, several key factors help it stand out from the crowd:
1. The Characterful Inline-Triple Engine:
As mentioned, the 660cc inline-triple is a significant differentiator. It offers a unique blend of low-end grunt, mid-range excitement, and a sweet top-end rush that is distinct from the parallel-twins or inline-fours found in many competitors. This engine provides a more engaging and sonorous experience.
2. Refined Handling and Balanced Ride:
The Trident 660 strikes an exceptional balance between sporty agility and everyday comfort. It’s not as raw or playful as a MT-07, nor as planted and perhaps slightly less communicative as a CB650R. Instead, it offers a mature and confidence-inspiring handling package that is both forgiving and fun.
3. Premium Feel and Styling at an Accessible Price:
Triumph has managed to imbue the Trident 660 with a level of finish and design sophistication that often commands a higher price tag. From its distinctive headlight to the clean lines and quality components, the Trident 660 feels like a more expensive motorcycle than it is, offering excellent value for money.
4. User-Friendly Technology Integration:
The inclusion of a colour TFT display with optional Bluetooth connectivity is a strong feature, particularly for riders who appreciate modern amenities. The intuitive interface and useful features make the Trident 660 a practical choice for everyday use.
5. Brand Heritage and British Charm:
Triumph carries a significant legacy in the motorcycle world. For many riders, the allure of a British-designed and engineered motorcycle with a rich history is a powerful draw. The Trident 660 embodies this heritage in a modern and accessible package.
Case Study Example:
Consider a rider who is upgrading from a 300cc or 400cc bike. They want more power and a more engaging riding experience, but they are also looking for a bike that is comfortable for their daily commute and weekend rides. They might find the MT-07 a bit too raw, the Z650 competent but a little uninspiring, and the CB650R a bit too refined. The Trident 660, with its characterful engine, comfortable ergonomics, and stylish appearance, could be the perfect sweet spot, offering a significant step up in performance and enjoyment without sacrificing everyday usability.
The Trident 660’s Compelling Proposition
The Triumph Trident 660 enters the highly competitive middleweight naked motorcycle segment with a potent and well-rounded package. It successfully blends a characterful and engaging inline-triple engine with agile and confidence-inspiring handling, all wrapped in a stylish and premium-feeling design. Its user-friendly technology, comfortable ergonomics, and accessible price point make it a highly attractive proposition for a wide range of riders. While established rivals like the Yamaha MT-07 and Kawasaki Z650 continue to offer strong performance, the Trident 660 distinguishes itself through its unique engine character, refined ride, and the inherent appeal of the Triumph brand. It’s not just another contender; it’s a machine that offers a genuinely compelling alternative, proving that you don’t have to sacrifice character or refinement for accessibility and value in the middleweight naked class.
