2025 Triumph Trident 660 first look: Free upgrades

Triumph is kind of giving us a free upgrade for 2025 with the Trident 660, which returns with the same MSRP in the United States at $8,595 while adding new features, such as an inertial measurement unit that makes the ABS and traction control lean-angle-sensitive. The Trident also gains a quickshifter (up and down), or Triumph Shift Assist, as the company calls it, and — some of you will hear the angels sing when I write this — cruise control. Now, does a Trident really need cruise control? Arguably not, given its most likely mission. I think the real significance of that lies elsewhere, and we'll discuss below. But for now, let's look at the changes to the Trident.

The Trident was the least expensive entry into the Triumph lineup when it was introduced in late 2020. Since then, Triumph created a new entry-level class with its 400 cc singles. The Trident has gone up $600 in price since that introduction, but the 2025 MSRP is the same as 2024, despite the upgrades.

In addition to the changes mentioned above, the Trident also gains a third riding mode, with Sport being added to Road and Rain. The front Showa suspension gets an upgrade, moving to the "big piston" design. Bluetooth connectivity on the full-color TFT display adds full phone functionality. And, while it's not technically an upgrade, Triumph is giving us some real colors, adding to my hopes that the all-gray trend has finally played out. In addition to Jet Black, the 2025 will be available in Cosmic Yellow, Cobalt Blue, and Diablo Red.

Mechanically, the Trident remains the same, providing a claimed 81 peak horsepower and a broad spread of torque. Triumph says the Trident produces 90% of its peak torque of 47 foot-pounds from 3,600 rpm to 9,750 rpm, meaning the engine is flexible and the power easily accessible. That makes the Trident a good option for riders early in their learning curve. Some would say it's the perfect second motorcycle, and I would tend to agree. And now, with the additional features, it's makes an even stronger argument.

But what's it all mean?

It's pretty much become a running joke at Common Tread that there's a strongly vocal faction among the readership in favor of cruise control. But on a Trident? We've long advocated the point that you can take a long trip on anything, not just a big touring bike, but a traditionally styled naked bike like a Trident is still more likely to be used for shorter missions where cruise control is less needed. Indeed, when we wrote about the Trident in the past, hardly anyone mentioned lack of cruise control as a concern.

Here's the thing, though. The Trident shares the same drivetrain with the Tiger Sport 660, a motorcycle far more suited to sport-touring duty. Look at our story about the Tiger Sport 660 and a search will show literally dozens of comments about cruise control. Triumph hasn't yet unveiled its plans for the 2025 Tiger Sport 660, but if it doesn't come with cruise control, I'll give away free subscriptions to Common Tread for everyone. And that — the cruise control on the Tiger Sport 660, not the free subscriptions — will make a lot of people even happier than a bright red Trident with a quickshifter.

2025 Triumph Trident 660
Price (MSRP)	$8,595
Engine	660 cc, liquid-cooled, 12-valve triple
Transmission, final drive	Six-speed, chain
Claimed horsepower	81 @ 10,250 rpm
Claimed torque	47 foot-pounds @ 6,250 rpm
Frame	Tubular steel perimeter
Front suspension	Showa SFF-BP 41 mm fork; 4.7 inches of travel
Rear suspension	Showa RSU monoshock, adjustable for preload; 5.1 inches of travel
Front brake	Dual Nissin two-piston calipers, 310 mm discs, ABS
Rear brake	Nissin single caliper, 225 mm disc, ABS
Rake, trail	24.6 degrees, 4.22 inches
Wheelbase	55.2 inches
Seat height	31.7 inches
Fuel capacity	3.7 gallons
Tires	Michelin Road 5, 120/70R17 front, 180/55R17 rear
Claimed weight	419 pounds (wet)
Available	December 2024
Warranty	24 months
More info	triumphmotorcycles.com