Triumph Motorcycles returns to the basics with its beautifully styled 2021 Trident 660 ($8,095 as tested). A fresh entry into Triumph’s roadster line-up, the Trident naked bike fills the void left by the original Street Triple 675— a fun and affordable motorcycle that punched beyond its weight. However with tighter packaging, the Trident focuses on new motorcyclists and folks looking for a fashionable yet functional urban street bike.
Editor’s note: Read the 2021 Triumph Trident 660 First Look Preview article to get the inside scoop on its features. Also check out the 2021 Triumph Trident 660 First Ride Review for a riding impression from the European press introduction.
Seated at the controls, the Trident offers a slim and well proportioned riding position. The one-piece saddle is nice and low and it proves a very easy bike to straddle, even for shorter folks. There’s also room for a passenger if a friend wants to tag along. The handlebar bend is neutral and well-suited for general riding. However, it is a tad narrow for our tastes.
Thumb the starter button and the 660cc Triple whirls to live with its customary but still sweet melody. Triumph’s been building this engine configuration for over 15 years and we remain big fans of its soul and character. One gripe: The engine has moderate vibration at highway cruising speed in top gear.
A tasteful round-face color dash display keeps tabs on the bike’s vitals and does a great job of balancing classic style and modern technology. Five button switch gear lets you navigate through vehicle settings. It would have been nice if Triumph included an ambient air temperature readout though. Crisp LED lighting helps the Triumph rider stand out and we appreciate how the license plate bracket is mounted neatly to the swingarm, tidying up the rear end.
Through the city, the Trident performs well with 93% of its peak torque (43 pound-feet) available from 3,500 rpm. This along with a low first gear, and responsive, yet easy squeezing clutch lever make zipping between stop lights fun. Horsepower-wise the 660 delivers 72 ponies at 10,200 rpm. But we’d be lying if we didn’t say the engine peters out a bit early up top. Fuel mileage-wise we record a 39.2 mpg average. This nets a range of around 148-miles based on the smallish capacity of the 3.8-gallon tank.
Maintenance-wise, after the initial 600-mile service, the Trident goes 10,000 miles or a year between engine oil and filter changes. Valve adjustment and air filter service is recommended at 20,000 mile intervals.
Riders can choose between Road and Rain riding modes. New riders will likely appreciate the “Rain” setting, as it makes the motorcycle easier to ride and get acclimated to. The Road setting offers accurate throttle responsive, however it is a tad muted. Manually defeatable traction control is also standard, however the engine’s powerband is so friendly that TC is unnecessary. Still, it’s nice to know that it comes with this feature at its price point.
Despite weighing 417-pounds when topped off with fuel, in motion the Trident feels much lighter. Steering is ultra-responsive which makes it easy to put the bike exactly where you want. Suspension action is balanced and offers above average ride quality. Heavier folks will occasionally feel some jolts when hitting big bumps at speed, but we were generally impressed with the well-rounded performance of the suspension, especially in the twisties. The OE-fitted Michelin Road 5 tires are another nice touch and perform well.
Despite the use of less expensive slide-type brake caliper hardware, the Trident’s anchors are surprisingly adept at shedding speed. Braking feel is a clear highlight and always-on ABS takes the worry out of using the brakes aggressively regardless if you’re a new or more experienced rider.
Whether you’re a new rider, or someone seeking a second bike for urban rides, the Trident 660 ticks a lot of boxes. Not only is it priced right, but it rides as well as it looks. Consider its lofty service intervals and pleasing fit and finish, and there are plenty of reasons why you need a Triumph in the garage.
Gear Box
- Helmet: Shoei RF-SR
- Jacket: REV’IT! Crossroads
- Gloves: REV’IT! Volcano
- Pant: REV’IT! Jackson
- Boots: REV’IT! G-Force
2021 Triumph Trident 660 Technical Specifications and Price
| PRICE | $8,095 as tested |
|---|---|
| ENGINE | 660cc, DOHC, liquid-cooled, inline three-cylinder; 12-valve |
| BORE x STROKE | 74.0 x 51.1mm |
| COMPRESSION RATIO | 11.95:1 |
| FUEL DELIVERY | Fuel injection w/ 38mm throttle bodies |
| CLUTCH | Wet, multiplate slipper clutch; hydraulically actuated |
| TRANSMISSION/FINAL DRIVE | 6-speed/chain |
| FRAME | Steel tubular perimeter |
| FRONT SUSPENSION | Showa inverted 41mm fork; 4.7 in. travel |
| REAR SUSPENSION | Single shock, spring preload adjustable; 5.3 in. travel |
| FRONT BRAKES | 2-piston caliper, 310mm discs w/ ABS |
| REAR BRAKE | 1-piston caliper, 255mm disc w/ ABS |
| WHEELS, FRONT/REAR | Cast alloy; 17 x 3.5 in. / 17 x 5.5 in. |
| TIRES, FRONT/REAR | Michelin Road 5; 120/70-17 / 180/55-17 |
| RAKE/TRAIL | 24.6°/4.2 in. |
| WHEELBASE | 55.2 in. |
| SEAT HEIGHT | 31.7 in. |
| FUEL CAPACITY | 3.7 gal. |
| CLAIMED CURB WEIGHT | 417 lb. |
| WARRANTY | 2 years |
| AVAILABLE | January 2021 |
| CONTACT | triumphmotorcycles.com |
Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com