Triumph Tiger Sport 660: A Versatile Adventure Sports Motorcycle

Earlier this year, Triumph wowed us with the Trident roadster, showcasing its capabilities and balance. However, the company's ambition extended beyond the Trident. Triumph hinted at building more bikes around the 660cc engine, and now, the much-anticipated follow-up is here, named the Tiger Sport 660. It aims to make a significant impression on the Adventure Sports category, much like its roadster sibling did in the entry-level middleweight market.

Building on the Trident: The Tiger Sport 660 is an evolution of the Trident platform, which sets out to offer greater versatility while retaining the qualities that made the Trident a favorite among riders. The engine, the same 660cc liquid-cooled inline-triple, delivers a solid 80 hp and 47 pound-feet of torque. This engine's powerband is broad and spirited, providing a fun and stress-free riding experience.

Differences That Define: Although it shares DNA with the Trident, the Tiger Sport 660 seeks to distinguish itself by leaning toward versatility. It's designed for multipurpose middleweight adventures, competing with bikes like Kawasaki's Versys and Yamaha's MT-07. Key differences include 17-inch wheels for a more road-focused ride and a lack of the ADV-style beak.

Chassis Enhancements: While the tube-steel frame from the Trident remains, the Tiger Sport 660 adds a longer, reinforced subframe to accommodate passengers and extra payload. Upfront, a steeper rake and shorter trail, along with a slightly longer wheelbase, contribute to stability and adaptability in various riding scenarios.

Comfort and Ergonomics: Riders find comfort in the Tiger Sport 660's upright position and accommodating ergonomics. The taller seat allows for better footing at stops, and the flatter, longer saddle provides extra space for passengers. The built-in grab handles on the pillion portion ensure added security and offer convenient attachment points for luggage.

Tech and Features: The cockpit features a clean and functional setup with a user-friendly TFT gauge that displays essential riding information. Riding modes, Road and Rain, offer flexibility by altering traction control and throttle response. Triumph distinguishes itself by providing this versatility in its modes. An optional Bluetooth module grants access to the My Triumph mobile app, enhancing navigation and phone connectivity.

Impressive Engine Performance: The 660cc inline-triple engine excels in the midrange, delivering power smoothly from 3,600 to 9,000 RPM. Throttle response is linear and user-friendly, and the bike offers two selectable riding modes. The Tiger Sport 660 aims to make every ride enjoyable and stress-free.

Agile Handling: The Tiger Sport 660 is agile and confident in the corners, thanks to its steeper rake and sport-touring characteristics. It transitions smoothly and maintains stability, even during aggressive maneuvers. The suspension setup, including a longer travel and the Showa Separate Function Fork (SFF), contributes to the bike's adaptability to various road conditions.

Strong Brakes: Equipped with Nissin dual-disc twin-caliper brakes, the Tiger Sport 660 delivers ample stopping power. The ABS system enhances safety, though it lacks lean-sensitive features due to the absence of an inertial measurement unit.

Lack of Cruise Control: One noticeable omission on the Tiger Sport 660 is the absence of cruise control, even as an option. This may leave some riders wanting this feature for long highway journeys.

Excellent Grip: The bike comes with Michelin Road 5 tires, which offer unwavering grip on different road surfaces. The manually adjustable windscreen provides wind protection but can be slightly rattly when set to its highest position.

The Future of Versatility: Triumph has successfully avoided the sophomore slump with the Tiger Sport 660, offering an all-around versatile motorcycle with an appealing feature set. Comfort, performance, and affordability are all present, and with the ability to accommodate two riders, it caters to a diverse group of motorcyclists. The Tiger Sport 660 is designed to handle a range of scenarios, whether it's daily commuting, leisurely rides, or extended touring. Triumph plans to make it available in the United States by early 2022. The Tiger Sport 660 is Triumph's endeavor to create a motorcycle that can cater to a wide range of riders, from beginners to seasoned motorcycling enthusiasts. With an attractive price point from RM50,000 ++ and solid all-around performance, it's a motorcycle designed to make an impression in the Adventure Sports category, much like its Trident sibling did in the entry-level middleweight segment.

Triumph Tiger Sport 660: Challenging the Japanese Mid-Range Touring Bikes Triumph's Tiger 660 Sport is making its presence known in the competitive mid-range touring bike market, a segment that has traditionally been dominated by Japanese manufacturers. Building on the success of the 660 Trident platform, Triumph has elevated the Tiger 660 Sport by introducing modern features like a top fairing, adjustable windscreen, wider handlebars, and enhanced everyday comfort with plush suspension.

Setting It Apart from the Japanese Competition: Triumph is on a mission with the A2-licence friendly Tiger 660 Sport, aiming to compete head-on with Japanese rivals that have held sway in this class for years. The result is an agile yet comfortable middleweight sports tourer, designed to appeal to both novice and seasoned riders, all at a very reasonable price point. This motorcycle boasts electronic features that make it stand out from the competition. The build quality and finish are impressive, a testament to Triumph's commitment to excellence in the mid-range touring category.

Touring and Sporty Riding Delight: Like the rest of the Tiger range, the Tiger 660 offers a compelling blend of comfortable touring capabilities and a penchant for sporty riding. Equipped with Michelin Road 5 tires, it delivers outstanding grip in various conditions. The front end's sharpness defies expectations for a bike in this segment, and it complements the robust three-cylinder engine. Some might even see it as the Street Triple 'ST' that Triumph never officially produced, sparking interest from more experienced riders who might seek a 765cc version in the future. For those considering accessories, options like heated grips, panniers, and a quick shifter can enhance the Tiger 660's versatility.

Variants and Availability: The Tiger 660 Sport is available in striking color options such as Korosi Red and Graphite, Lucerne Blue and Graphite, and Black. These variants will be on display at local dealerships starting in February 2022.