TRIUMPH’s Trident 660 has arrived, redefining the LAMS category and making a huge splash. Taking on their learner legal rivals head on, the UK bike maker has delivered a bike that is distinctly its own.
When news first broke of the prototype last year there was plenty of excitement about the return of the Trident name, and what the bike could offer learner riders. And now we’ve had the chance to experience the finished product.
We must say we’re more than a little impressed. Aesthetically the naked styling of the Trident is striking, with a huge Triumph logo emblazoned across its 14-litre fuel tank. The aggressive sculpted knee cut outs add to the bike’s personality.
Fit and finish is good as well. There are literally little reminders that you are riding a Triumph all over the bike, from the badge on the filler cap to an insignia on the headlight and taillight as well as a branded handlebar clamp on the tapered handlebars.
Five spoke black lightweight aluminium wheels look smart without looking cheap and the minimalist rear end is very stylish. The body coloured fork protectors are a nice touch and complement the paintwork on the front fender and tank too.
Once you glance past the more obvious styling cues, you begin to take in the actual size of the motorcycle. The Trident is rather compact, and while it’s not a small bike, it does feel short and nimble, once you hop in the saddle.
Its 1401mm wheelbase and 795mm wide handlebars not only make it a lot of fun on the open twisty backroads, but perhaps it’s the perfect urban commuter as well, with its physical attributes lending the Trident to lane splitting.
That short wheel base, along with minimal rake on the front of the bike, ensures steering is ultra sharp. It takes some getting used to, but once you realise you need to take a wider corner entry, the Trident’s cornering dynamics are very good.
Suspension is firm, which this reviewer didn’t mind, although some riders may like a softer setup. Front suspension is Showa 41mm upside down separate function forks (SFF), while on the rear is a Showa monoshock RSU with preload adjustment.
Braking is handled up front with 310mm twin discs and Nissin two-piston sliding callipers. At the rear is a single 255mm disc with Nissin single-piston sliding calliper. Both front and rear feature ABS, and work very well in pulling up the Trident’s 189kg.
Now to the true star of the entire package, the 660cc Triumph triple-cylinder engine that provides the soul for the Trident. With smooth and crisp acceleration from down low, right through the rev range, until you hit the restrictor at about 7,000rpm.
Straight out of the box, the engine provides a beautiful symphony to the rider and we could only imagine that by adding an aftermarket pipe, that sound track would be further heightened.
Remembering that this is a learner legal bike, the motor produces a still very reasonable and class leading 40kW of power and 59Nm of torque. The Trident also features Road and Rain riding modes which adjust the bike’s throttle and traction control maps.
They provide for maximum rider control – which is an important feature, especially with rain mode offering a softer map for improved safety. Triumph’s colour TFT display provides all the required information you will need when riding too.
It’s easy to read, and delivered in a very stylish look. There’s an optional accessory-fit connectivity system that enables turn by turn navigation, GoPro controls and music interaction via the switchgear as well.
Triumph have pitched their Trident 660 against Yamaha’s big gun MT-07, Kawasaki’s 650L and Honda’s CB 650. It’s a space where rider’s are spoilt for choice, with a multitude of LAMS-approved bike options, from a number of brands.
Despite this fact, the Triumph Trident 660 will win more than its fare share of admirers, and while similarly naked like the MT-07, it has a character all of its own. It’s available in four colour choices.
These include Crystal White, Sapphire Black, Matt Jet Black/Matt Silver Ice, or the colour of our test bike, Silver Ice/Diablo Red. Pricing starts at $12,690 ride away. The Triumph Trident 660 comes with a 2-year unlimited kilometre warranty.
Our test bike was provide by Triumph Motorcycles Australia. To find out more about the 2021 Triumph Trident 660, contact your local Triumph dealer.
