After tantalizing teasers of a 3D printed prototype and a camouflaged development mule, Triumph has finally lifted the embargo on the new Trident Triple. Combining Triumph’s proven triple configuration with best in class handling, the 660 Trident is billed as “a whole new dimension for a new generation of Triumph riders,” this is not your father’s 1992 Trident 900, or your grandfather’s old BSA Rocket 3.
According to Triumph’s head of brand development Miles Perkins, there were four pillars to the design brief. Style — it had to be youthful and dynamic, with exciting looks and a bit of an attitude. 2) It had to be more than a trackday bike so all-around performance (urban riding, social mobility and commuting)) was the goal. Rideability was key, hence the low seat height and confidence inspiring ride. Maybe most importantly it had to offer accessible quality — competitive price and proven reliability. To that end the value proposition is a competitive price, starting at just $7,995, and an low cost of ownership and service costs. “The Trident has the lowest service workshop time in the category,” claims Perkins. “Backed by a class-leading 10,000 mile service interval and a global 2 year unlimited mileage warranty.”
While it is based on Triumph’s proven triple configuration, the 660 was not just a re-spec of the existing engines found in the Street Triple or Speed Triple. “The new 660 triple engine delivers all the character and performance advantages of a triple to the middle-weight category for the first time, and has been developed specifically for the Trident with 67 new components and a unique torque and power rich tune,” Perkins points out. The end result is 80 hp peak power @ 10,250rpm and 47 lb/ft peak torque @ 6,250rpm, plus 90% of peak torque available across most of the rev range. Wet weight is a svelte 417 lbs.
Bottom line: “The new Trident 660 introduces a unique contemporary Triumph roadster style and character with a pure, minimalist stance and clean lines, bringing together Triumph’s iconic design DNA, with more than a hint of our Speed Triple’s muscular poise,” concludes Perkins.
Triumph dealerships in the U.S, should be seeing initial shipments of Tridents as early as January, 2021