The Triumph Trident 660 has quickly become one of the most popular middleweight naked bikes on the market — and for good reason. Combining smooth triple-cylinder power, a comfortable riding position, sharp yet approachable handling, and classic modern styling, the Trident 660 strikes a perfect balance between fun and practicality. Whether you’re commuting in the city, blasting through twisties on the weekend, or planning light touring, this British machine offers a compelling mix of performance and everyday usability.
Triumph Trident 660: The Perfect Middleweight Naked Motorcycle?
When Triumph first revived the “Trident” name in 2021, the mission was clear: provide a triple-cylinder alternative to the sea of parallel-twins dominating the middleweight market. Fast forward to 2026, and the Triumph Trident 660 has evolved from a friendly entry-level roadster into a genuine class leader.
Powered by Triumph’s 660cc triple engine — a relative rarity in the middleweight naked segment — the Trident delivers plenty of torque and smooth power delivery without overwhelming the rider. Its ergonomics are friendly for a wide range of riders, and its electronics package includes rider modes and ABS for added confidence.
In this review, we take a closer look at what makes the Triumph Trident 660 stand out in a crowded field of middleweight bikes, how it compares to rivals, and why it continues to earn praise from riders in the USA, UK, and Europe.
The 2026 Engine Overhaul: Three Throttle Bodies, One Goal
The headline for 2026 is the significant power bump. The liquid-cooled, 660cc inline triple now produces 94 hp (70 kW) at 11,250 rpm—a massive leap from the 80 hp of its predecessor.
Technical Refinement
How did they find nearly 15 extra horses in the same 660cc block?
Despite the move toward top-end performance, Triumph’s engineers managed to keep the bike tractable. About 80% of the 68 Nm peak torque is available from as low as 3,000 rpm, meaning it still pulls cleanly away from traffic lights without needing to dance on the gear lever.
2026 Middleweight Shootout: The Hornet’s Rivals
| Feature | Triumph Trident 660 | Yamaha MT-07 | Honda CB750 Hornet | Suzuki GSX-8S | Kawasaki Z650 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Type | 660cc Inline-Triple | 689cc Parallel-Twin | 755cc Parallel-Twin | 776cc Parallel-Twin | 649cc Parallel-Twin |
| Max Power | 94 HP | 74 HP | 90.5 HP | 82 HP | 67 HP |
| Wet Weight | 195 kg | 184 kg | 190 kg | 202 kg | 193 kg |
| Standard Tech | 6-Axis IMU, Cruise, QS | Basic Traction, TFT | Riding Modes, TC | QS, Modes, TC | Basic ABS/TFT |
| Seat Height | 810 mm | 805 mm | 795 mm | 810 mm | 790 mm |
| Character | Smooth / Screaming | Torquey / Playful | Punchy / Aggressive | Refined / Linear | Stable / Proven |
The Gear Section: Premium Protection for the Modern Roadster
A bike with the fit and finish of a Triumph requires gear that is equally well-considered. For the Trident rider, the goal is “Urban Sophistication meets Track-Lite Safety.”
1. The Helmet: Shoei Glamster 06
The Trident’s design is a blend of modern minimalism and retro-cool. The Shoei Glamster 06 fits this aesthetic perfectly while meeting the stringent ECE 22.06 safety standards. It’s lightweight, quiet, and doesn’t look overly “spaceship-like” on a bike with a round headlight.
2. The Jacket: Revit Restyle Leather
To match the Trident’s premium feel, a high-quality leather jacket is essential. The Revit Restyle offers a tailored fit with SeeSmart CE-level 1 protection at the shoulders and elbows. It looks like a high-end fashion piece but hides a highly abrasion-resistant shell.
3. The Gloves: Knox Handroid MK5
Since the 2026 Trident is now pushing nearly 100 horsepower, your hands need serious protection. The Handroid MK5 gloves feature the famous “exoskeleton” spines for impact protection and a Boa closure system that ensures a perfect fit every time.
Chassis & Handling: The Showa Upgrade
While the engine gets the glory, the 2026 Trident’s chassis refinements make it a much better companion for spirited riding.
Triumph Trident 660: People Also Ask
Q What engine does the Triumph Trident 660 use?
The Trident 660 uses a 660cc liquid-cooled triple-cylinder engine, known for smooth torque delivery and responsive performance.
Q Is the Trident 660 suitable for beginners?
Yes — its friendly power delivery and manageable weight make it a great option for confident beginner riders and experienced riders alike.
Q Is the Trident 660 A2 compliant in Europe?
Yes — the Trident 660 can be restricted to meet A2 licence requirements in many European markets.
Q How does the Trident 660 compare to the Yamaha MT-07?
The Trident 660 delivers a more characterful triple-cylinder feel, a slightly more premium finish, and smoother midrange torque — while the MT-07 remains lighter and slightly more playful in handling.
Q Is the Triumph Trident 660 comfortable for long rides?
Yes — its upright ergonomics, well-cushioned seat, and balanced chassis make it suitable for longer rides and touring with minimal fatigue.
Triumph Trident 660: People Also Ask
The Triumph Trident 660 has officially graduated. It is no longer just a “beginner bike.” With 94 horsepower and a full suite of IMU-controlled electronics, it is now a credible alternative to the Street Triple for those who prefer a more relaxed, neo-retro aesthetic.
If you want a middleweight naked bike that feels fun, refined, and genuinely versatile, the Triumph Trident 660 is hard to beat. It’s equally at home in weekday traffic and twisty backroads on the weekend — making it one of the best all-rounder motorcycles in the 2025–2026 lineup.
