When we see a new motorcycle introduced that has a midweight 660cc engine with a price tag just under $8,000, we get excited because that means there are more options for beginning and intermediate motorcycle riders. For 2021, Triumph introduces the Trident, a new, easy to handle liquid cooled 660cc 3 cylinder motor with 6 speed transmission. The $7,995 bike is Triumph’s entry model in its Triple roadster lineup, which also includes the 765cc Street Triple R ($10,800) and 1050cc Speed Triple S ($14,350).
Roadsters, like the new Trident shown here, are naked streetbikes with no windshield, luggage, or extra fairings and accessories. The bikes are designed to be lightweight and fun with a minimalist design. The Trident’s 660cc engine offers a good amount of power for riders looking to trade up from a small cc starter bike but who don’t want to be overwhelmed with too much power.
Built for day rides with a comfortable sporty riding position, the Trident features a sit-up seating position, one-piece seat, single round headlight, and classic Triumph fuel tank with knee cutouts that remind me of the company’s legendary standard motorcycle that women riders love, the Bonneville.
The Trident features classic British styling cues with a unique contemporary look. Forty-five accessories for the Trident offer owners the opportunity to customize their own and include frame protectors, a body colored fly screen (a very small sport-styled windshield), aluminum belly pan (protects lower portion of the engine), bar-end mirrors, heated grips, shift assist quick shifter, and luggage.The Trident’s standard riding position and bare bones styling is best suited for day rides. The woman is riding an accessorized Trident while the man is on the stock version.
The Trident’s 31.7-inch seat height and narrow midsection offers taller riders a comfortable reach to the ground. Short riders (5 feet 5 and under) will have trouble touching both feet flat on the ground but there are techniques one can learn to be able to ride a higher seat height bike like this. Click this link to learn what they are.
Only 416 pounds when fueled up, the Trident is a compact lightweight motorcycle with the mass centralized and low for easy handling. The rear section is tidy and open for a cool stylish look.The signature Triumph shaped fuel tank has a cutout so the rider’s knees tuck in and against the tank for a very comfortable riding position. The tank holds 3.7 gallons, a decent amount thatll get you to and from the office 25 miles away three days a week before needing to fuel up.The Triumph Trident’s competitors are more aggressively styled and include several Japanese midsized roadsters (from left to right) Honda’s CB650R, Kawasaki’s Z650, and Yamaha’s MT-07.The name “Trident” has been used in Triumph’s long history several times. The current model pays homage to this 1968 triple-powered legendary racebike, a Trident T150 named “Slippery Sam,” which boasts five consecutive Isle of Man Production TT wins from 1971 to 1975. The bike was discontinued but returned in 1990 as 750 and 900cc roadsters and were considered versatile, robust, and comfortable—characteristics shared with the new 2021 Trident.The bike’s “slip and assist” clutch reduces hand fatigue with its light action and the reach to the levers is adjustable so riders with smaller hands can reach easier. The bike’s single round high tech TFT instrument display is brighter than a typical LCD display.The shorty underslung stainless steel exhaust silencer keeps weight down low for better handling characteristics. This is the Silver Ice and Diablo Red version.The Trident has 17-inch cast aluminum wheels fitted with Michelin Road 5 tires, great all-weather sport and sport touring tires. I like how the fender and turn signals are mounted on the swingarm just like the Indian FTR we reviewed here.
Even though it’s value-priced, the Trident doesn’t skimp on technology. Equipped with two ride modes, rain and road, each enhances rider confidence, control, and safety through the electronic adjustment of the throttle map and traction control that work together to keep your tires from losing traction and keep throttle input smooth. In addition, ABS is standard equipment on the Trident.
The Trident’s information system offers riders all the information they need in the tidy well-lit display. Toggle to view gear, time and date, as well as the two ride modes, traction control, and trip meters.Downloading and using the My Triumph Connectivity System allows users to toggle through GoPro, music, cell phone, and navigation settings.The Trident features all bright LED lighting, including the big 7-inch round headlight up front and a taillight that’s integrated with rear bodywork out back. The animated turn signals scroll outward when they’re activated for attention-getting safety.
The 2021 Triumph Trident is offered in four colors and is scheduled to be available in the U.S. at the end of January. Visit TriumphMotorcycles.com for more information.
Specs at a Glance: 2021 Triumph Trident Engine Size: 660cc Seat Height: 31.7 inches Fuel Capacity: 3.7 gallons Wet Weight: 416.67 pounds Colors: Matte Jet Black and Matte Silver Ice, Crystal White, Sapphire Black, Silver Ice and Diablo Red MSRP: $7,995
WRN Recommendation The new midsized triple-cylinder standard streetbike from Triumph is a great “next step” motorcycle for new riders who want to trade up from their small displacement learner bike. Confident beginners who are tall enough to comfortably reach the ground will also enjoy this bike. With the power and technology to be fun for any experience level, the Trident makes sense for women and men looking for an easy sporty ride who appreciate British heritage and styling.
The last paragraph includes this “…fun for any experience level,” and the first paragraph says “…that means there are more options for beginning and intermediate motorcycle riders,” referring to the same bike the last paragraph refers to. Hmmmmmmmmm….
Most beginning and intermediate riders don’t want a ton of torquey power which can be intimidating and troublesome to riders who don’t always control the motorcycle precisely. That said, even advanced riders can find less powerful, easy to ride motorcycles to be lots of fun. I hope this clears it up for you. Thanks for your comment!
The last paragraph includes this “…fun for any experience level,” and the first paragraph says “…that means there are more options for beginning and intermediate motorcycle riders,” referring to the same bike the last paragraph refers to. Hmmmmmmmmm….
Most beginning and intermediate riders don’t want a ton of torquey power which can be intimidating and troublesome to riders who don’t always control the motorcycle precisely. That said, even advanced riders can find less powerful, easy to ride motorcycles to be lots of fun. I hope this clears it up for you. Thanks for your comment!