Triumph Trident 660: Most Affordable Triumph Bike Launched In India

It slots bang in between the affordable Kawasaki Z650 and the premium Honda CB650R

• The Triumph Trident 660 makes 81PS and 64Nm.
• Loaded with electronic aids including multiple riding modes and switchable traction control.
• Also packs premium underpinnings and grippy Michelin Road 5 tyres.

Triumph has launched its most affordable bike in the country, the Triumph Trident 660, at Rs 6,95,000 (introductory, ex-showroom India). It slots right between the affordable but not-so-feature-packed Kawasaki Z650 (Rs 6,18,000) and the ridiculously expensive Honda CB650R (Rs 8,67,296). Bookings are already open and the bike is available in four colour schemes: Crystal White, Sapphire Black, Matt Jet Black with Silver Ice, and Silver Ice with Diablo Red. Triumph also offers a two-year unlimited mileage warranty. This coupled with the generous 16,000km service interval should ensure a hassle-free ownership experience. The bike will reach dealerships on the 10th, and deliveries will commence by the end of this month. The brand offers a Rs 9,999-per-month special EMI scheme for the bike as well.

Unlike the 765cc triple in the Triumph Street Triple R and RS, the Triumph Street Triple S sold abroad gets a smaller 660cc triple engine. This is the same heart used in the Trident 660, but it’s tuned differently to produce 81PS at 10,250rpm and 64Nm at 6,250rpm. It is linked to a 6-speed transmission with an assist-and-slipper clutch. For an extra Rs 29,000, you can also opt for Triumph’s bi-directional quickshifter to ensure seamless shifts. 

Besides, you also have standard electronic aids at your disposal, such as Road and Rain riding modes, switchable traction control, and a standard dual-channel ABS. This feature-packed engine, coupled to the distinct triple-cylinder exhaust note, should ensure a lovely riding experience. 

The engine nestles inside a tubular steel perimeter frame holding the premium 41mm Showa inverted front fork and a rear Showa monoshock that’s adjustable for preload. Braking is via twin 310mm front discs with Nissin axial calipers and a 255mm rear disc with a Nissin single-piston sliding caliper. The bike rides on Michelin Road 5 tyres, which, in our experience, is grippy and perfect for our roads.

At 805mm, the seat may be a little too tall for some but its 189kg (wet) weight should make it a tad manageable in tight spaces. For optimum touring range, the bike gets a fairly large 14-litre fuel tank. Other notable features include an all-LED lighting system, colour TFT screen with optional smartphone connectivity to enable features including turn-by-turn navigation and GoPro control. 

• 2021 Triumph Bonneville Street Twin, T100, T120, Speedmaster Launched In India
• Triumph Reveals Electric Prototype Based On The Street Triple Range
• Kawasaki Z650 BS6: Road Test Review

All in all, even though the Trident 660 is Triumph’s maiden attempt at the premium 650+cc segment, it could very well become the next bestseller for the British brand as it has the right balance of features and sporty looks -- offered at a reasonable price. It also sounds like a much better deal compared to its upcoming Italian arch-nemesis, the Aprilia Tuono 660, which commands an insane amount of money for what it offers. What do you think?