WHICH ONE?
With larger, more expensive Tigers and Tridents in the lineup, Triumph positions these two as entry- level options, with the Trident 660 priced at $ 8,745 and the Tiger Sport 660 at $ 10,445. Both look and perform like more expensive machines, and they’ re well- equipped with things like MyTriumph connectivity( navigation, music, and call control), self- canceling turn signals, a slip / assist clutch, and adjustable levers. Plus, the cost of ownership is kept low with 10,000- mile service intervals.
If I had to choose between the two, I’ d go with the Tiger Sport. Yes, the Trident is sportier, more visceral, and looks mean enough to beat you up for your lunch money, but the more aggressive ergonomics and lack of wind protection make it less comfortable for longer rides. What can I say? I’ m in my mid- 50s and practicality weighs heavier on the scale than it once did. With the same engine and mostly the same chassis, the Tiger Sport can play double duty as a Sunday canyon carver and a longweekend sport- tourer.
After riding the Tiger Sport and the Trident, I found myself thinking about flow state, that pleasurable zone of intense focus where you lose yourself in what you are doing and time passes unnoticed. I’ m no expert, but I know that if I’ m distracted by how my equipment is performing, it ain’ t happening. The Trident and the Tiger Sport both perform superbly, and the attention to detail that Triumph put into
2026 TRIUMPH TIGER SPORT 660 / TRIDENT 660
Base Price: $ 10,445 / $ 8,745 Website: TriumphMotorcycles. com Warranty: 2 yrs., unltd. miles Engine Type: Liquid-cooled, transverse inline-Triple, DOHC w / 4 valves per cyl. Displacement: 660cc Bore x Stroke: 74 x 51.1mm Horsepower: 94 hp @ 11,250 rpm( factory claim) Torque: 50.2 lb-ft @ 8,250 rpm( factory claim) Transmission: 6-speed, cable-actuated slip / assist wet clutch Final Drive: Chain Wheelbase: 55.3 in. / 54.7 in. Rake / Trail: 23.1 degrees / 3.8 in. / 24.5 degrees / 4.25 in. Seat Height: 32.9 in. / 31.9 in. Wet Weight: 465 lb / 430 lb( factory claim) Fuel Capacity: 4.9 gal. / 3.7 gal. Fuel Consumption: 44.1 mpg / 44.8 mpg( EPA estimate) Estimated Range: 216 miles / 166 miles
both bikes allowed me to enjoy the ride and not think about anything but the next curve ahead.
Paul Drevenstedt’ s first motorcycle was a rattrap BMW R90S that he pushed as much as he rode. He lives in Ventura, California, with his wife, two young children, two fish, a poodle mix, and a hamster.
RIDERMAGAZINE. COM / NOVEMBER 2026 / 21