1000km on my TRIUMPH TRIDENT 660 - owner’s review 

The best thing about Rocketman’s series of Trident videos - this one included - is that it’s all substance. Hype merchants are a dime a dozen on RU-vid, but someone who will tell you in detail the dark side of owning a bike he genuinely likes is performing a valuable service to anyone who is considering buying the bike. The three thumbs down I see on this video are telling only of the swine before whom these pearls of Trident insight have been cast.

Another really good review. Thanks for giving your height and other figures in lbs. And kilos. Not many reviewers do this. We end up using a calculator. Audio and video were good. And your opinions were well reasoned.

Your Metric, US, and Blighty measurements are very much appreciated. Thanks for the review, here in California we are still waiting for the Trident to arrive.

Great update, like the changes and upgrades you’re making. Can’t wait to hear your thoughts once you have a chance to open it up after you first service.

Great review - really enjoy all your reviews. Detailed, honest and useful for real world riders.

Honest and thorough review... that’s what I love about your videos RM.. 👍🏻

Excellent review sir! First time here and looking forward to seeing what comes next!👍

Well Mr Rocketman I just booked mine after watching your earlier video. Thanks for a really involved review, I must say, bringing out all the goods n the not so goods. Clincher though was ur last sentence, the best all round bike!!

Great review that correlates very much with my own experiences as an owner of a Triumph Trident 660. The video delivers exactly what this motorbike is all about. Technical stuff reduced to only what is necessary to have fun on the roads.

Again, excellent content, and the final remarks really nail it. It is all about price, in a utilitarian triple bike, with Triumph fit and finish.

Firstly what a great all round review. Honest, clear and covers all you need to know. I for one love the new Trident it will sell like hot cakes.

Thanks again for a great review. Mine is on order and I can't wait!.

Thanks RM for another thoughtful and thorough review. Extra thanks from me for the gratuitous shots of the Portuguese countryside. Much appreciated.

This is one of the most intelligent biking channels in the world. I love your honesty and your frank discussion of your own mistakes, annoyances and assessments of a wide variety of bikes - and I also appreciate that you leave room for a humble scooter which, as you observe, is as valid as all the other machines. As a multi lingual commentator and perceptive person, I really hope you foster an improvement in English-language biking channels which I generally find utterly dismal and of very poor quality. Well done for being separate from most others and going your own way. With much appreciation.

I own the Trident. I love it. It makes me glad to hear you say that its the best over around bike you have ever owned. You have confirmed my bias.

Just picked up mine on Saturday, what a lovely bike!

This review is super good. You got yourself a new subscriber! Going to the dealership for testride tomorrow :) can't wait

Great video... everything you need to know, and some lovely tweeks

Can’t wait, my bike’s on order. Thx!

Great bike and you have it looking good. The few negatives are far outweighed by the positive! Excellent review. Thanks and ride safe!

Very well said and presented, beautiful bike, hopefully will test drive one, next week ✌🏼👍🏼

I have a Honda monkey and I’m 6’3. I really want this for my first bike, great review!!

Excellent review, thank you.

Thanks for a balanced review and excellent information.

Great info and sensible conclusions. Others have mentioned the seat material and brake pedal. Must be a thing. I think I would buy it just for that clock. Looks perfect for a bit of country twisty sightseeing and sitting with it at a sidewalk cafe. I've read Portugal is open to we Yanks, with brains. I could stare at the view of your bike overlooking the lake forever. Retirement bucket list. Nice job! Thanks!

Can't agree more about the firm suspension epidemic that has gripped all manufacturers. And, as you point out, the blame falls squarely on those ruddy motorcycle journalists. Thank you for this splendid review. Most insightful bike review I've ever seen.

Informative vid with nice shots. Well done, as always. Thinking about the last bit you mentioned (bike for the money), you may try out any Suzuki. Not the latest and gratest, but reliable and hard to beat in the bike for money department. Anyway, I hope you have a lot of fun with your trident, and I`m thinking of test riding that Speed Twin....

Really nice review and good to include the mpg and in comparison to the street triple.

Thank you, Sir. I will get my trident this summer🙂

Great review: well organized, nicely detailed accounting of important positive and negative attributes, and articulate in its presentation. Certainly adds to a growing list of positive reviews for the Trident; certainly looks like a winner for Triumph. I hope the Trident has assuaged any lingering disappointment you may have about the Rocket 3. I recently set a scooter aside to acquire a bike I've wanted for 34 years: 1987 Honda vf700c (Super) Magna. I'll need some tools.

Excellent as always! 👌

Very nice review. My local dealer still doesn't have one yet, but expected soon. I already bought a '18 Speedmaster from them and love it. This trident has me drooling from a price perspective, as a second bike. It might well replace my Guzzi V7II, once I get a chance to throw a leg over for a spin. Thanks again.

I'm a pre-test 40yr old and I can't wait for normality to resume. I'll be buying a Trident as my first bike. Nice review, ride safe :)

Another great review. I decided to go for a Trident and watching your reviews helped me over the buying line…the goods and the bads. I’m to collect it this week coming and so far have the soundbomb and a dash-screen protector ready to go on. Then will probably buy the tekbike levers (currently out of stock), bobbins and blanking peg kit for rear pegs. I’m unsure if I’ll replace the mirrors…I’ll try out the factory ones for a while. I’m with you on aesthetics though….I’ve bought the black sapphire, so would prefer everything black, screws, levers, and foot brackets…and radiator cowls….so I might have to research more on obtaining these….maybe a vinyl wrap is the go like you did on the fender and paint the screws….Small OCD issues but otherwise a great price for a great bike. I’m also considering buying a radiator and headlight grill…only because my 4wd windscreen has multiple stone damage in this past year! But I’ll keep watching your vids…nice to see sunny Portugal rather than the bleak uk roads too, 😂 keep up the good work.

Thanks again RocketMan! After having had my Trident (in White) for two weeks, I largely concur with your insights and opinions. Excepting the levers comment. I take a large sized glove and find the levers are perfectly positioned. The round Triumph bar end mirrors that I accessorized are brilliant by the way. I look forward to considering the following mods: a full rear hugger; front guard extender, a seat cowl and a radiator guard. Oh, and a better rear brake lever!! :-)

You live in a beautiful part of the world. Enjoy your bike.👍

Cracking review / update. I just don't like the rear end and look forward to you hopefully modifying it. Best, keep safe. Old Bloke.

Great video as always! Also great views from Algarve interior. Was that Barragem do Arade? There are some nice twisties for great riding around there. Anyways...keep it up! 💪💪

Really good review. I was concerned about it being too small as I too am just over 6 foot but with after market footpegs it should be OK. Thanks.

Best content for Trident so far. I am looking for mods part 2 specially adjustable foot pegs. I have the same problem with leg room (six footer :). Thank you RocketMan :)

This channel is gonna be huge

as always a great review ! having received my Trident two weeks after yours (and enjoying? an Australian summer/autumn) I have managed to put 1500kms on it since swinging my leg over it! I am unsure if yours has behaved like mine? but it was docile (with hints of liveliness) for the first 700km , then the ECU allowed me to hit 5000 rpm and a subsequent speed increase ! I have, since hitting the 1000km mark (I have to wait two weeks to get the bike in for 1k service), noticed the DEFINITE lift in performance and as you pointed out, better fuel consumption. I am also ALLOWED by the ECU to rev freely up to redline (hooking neutral embarrassingly will do that)! My two BIG negatives about the bike so far ....well one big , one not so big ! First is the key turn off ! It has park lights (lord knows why) and i have inadvertently turned them on several times parking the bike (its only a 1/8th turn past lock to turn them on !) that's the small issue! Second , the chain slack is enormous (presumably new chain stretch) I'm not a seasoned rider ! BUT the free play is such i can push the chain up to hit the bottom of the swing arm ....with one finger! Conservatively 60-70mm off free play ! Obviously the first service will rectify this, but it is something for other owners to watch out for ! Yes i have ridden spiritedly but I am a learner so i am by no means knee or elbows down through corners and roundabouts :) I've garaged the bike for the remaining week until the service (for safety sakes). All that said the bike is a delight and far more nimble and lively than i expected for a learner approved bike. I can also report (if i had been above 130kmh...which i cannot as a learner) there was no vibration from any part of the bike ....it handled it with ease and aplomb .

Thanks for the update. Agree totally on the ridiculous obsession manufacturers have with firm suspension, as James May used to say "any car developed on the nurburgring (a place I love though) is usually ruined with regards to comfort. Note about the big catalyst, Yamaha squeeze in a centre stand on their 900 tracer, which has a similar size bulge underneath.

I am with your wife's opinion on the passenger seating. I can't imagine anyone enjoying that seat and peg set up as a passenger. I noticed you have removed the passenger footpegs. I agree with your view on the taillight/plate assembly. Kind of looks like an afterthought, " oh, we forgot the tail light and license plate holder. Oh shoot, then we'll just add this ugly attachment hanging off the swingarm." I believe a nicely designed tail tidy will improve the looks greatly! Thank you for taking the time to make and post these videos, and putting up with our comments.

Good review. I went with the street triple 765. But still thinking of this as maybe the one that got away.

Great review stumbled upon this bike recently and liking it more and more with each video. I love in the Algarve, which dam/lake did you film at?

Thanks 🙏🏻 Can’t wait for your Bluetooth review: )

Excellent review. Your last lines really make the most sense about a more expensive bike, such as the Speed Twin, allow for more possible disappointment. This was never more true for me with my Harley Street Bob. For $17K USD, I did expect a lot and was let down. That’s why it’s no longer in my garage. I’m looking closely at the Trident 660. A little concerned about Triumph reliability especially with a new model. If anyone can share their experience I’d appreciate it. Thank you.

Great job as usual, well done Mr. Rocketman! I'm gonna (thanks your binar hints) order one Trident for me too. Would you share your choice regarding the lower pegs? My long legs need such of upgrade as well. Thanks a lot for your answer and ride carefully. Martin

Fantastic review. This video isn’t an attempt to sell this model...just to give the facts, both great and less than great(the bike is amazing). I walked into the dealer absolutely SET on the mt-07. The salesman shook his head and said “the trident is the bike you want”. After sitting on the bike, checking out it’s looks and features and listening to the sale-hungry salesman, I did what anyone would do...blindly signed on the dotted line without giving it a single thought. Man, was that one of the best decisions I ever made.

Great video. The negative points are neglectable in my opinion as it is a Naked Bike and as you pointed out for that price the package is really awesome. Same here, really looking forward for the mods video and it would be greatly appreciated if you could share the links to the mod parts :)

Interesting and revealing video as usual, RM. A couple of questions for you - do you plan to fit a quickshifter and how do you feel about Triumph cheaping out by not fitting a headlamp flasher - is this a safety miss?

At first I had my eyes set on the Honda CB650R, and then the Trident came along... love at first (video) sight. If I ever needed more convincing about the Trident, this is it. Your videos are great! I love the sound of the horn you put on your bike, do you perhaps have a link to where you got it from?

First time Ive seen one of your reviews. Detailed and honest. Agree with all you said. I think TMF is too much in the hands of his Tri dealer🤣 In the process of PX my STR for a Trident. Hope Ive done the right thing. 😕

My pre-order arrived today and I'm gonna have trouble sleeping or focusing on anything until I can pick it up. I've got TEC (US) footpegs and adjustable levers arriving tomorrow and scrolling LED turn signals coming later this week from across the pond.

Thanks for the review. Sounds like a GREAT bike for the money. I think I will buy a generation 2 after they make a few updates, especially that ugly brake pedal.

Great bike! Thank you for the review…

Very good update video.

Great (actual owners) review. Big, powerful bikes give you that exhilaration in a, ‘ I might die’ kind of way, which is kind of exciting, but fun? Probably not, on reflection. As you say, 80 bhp is more than enough to tickle and even firmly press the fun button.

Funny how different peoples tastes are , saw one of these last wk , and to my eyes the back of that seat , looks so wrong and not finished, thanks for the video and sunshine ☀️ Shane uk 🇬🇧

@RocketMan thank you for not begging for subscribers, likes, comments and the bell. RU-vid has been around for some time. We all know how to use it. Your making a point of not lecturing us to subscribe makes me watch all your videos from A-Z. Other tubers I need to skip several begging parts of their videos.

Nice report. Thank you. I’m still waiting to pull the trigger - managed to be back on the Street Triple RS and it’s amazing. But. It’s tempting me into poor behaviour which will lose me my licence or kill me. Which would be tiresome. Hopefully I’ll be able to get a test ride in the not too distant future. Thanks again.

This bike was on my list but I was offered a fantastic deal on the Aprilia Shiver 900 from my local dealer in Málaga after I spotted the same deal in Madrid. So I've just bought a new 95 hp Shiver 900 in silver/black/red for €6999 including registration and taxes and I'm having the centre stand installed before I collect it. The Trident base price is €8245 here in Spain. I think I might have preferred a triple engine but I've never owned a V Twin and this was such a good deal I couldn't turn it down.

Coolest voice on the moto-review scene :D

Awesome video. Getting mine some time this week. Could you link the tankbag you chose?

Can't wait. Still 3 weeks from my. The adjustable food pegs are good idea. First I need to drive it a bit and find out what where and how. I'm 197cm and I will most likely look on it like wasp on candy. But I'm already used to adjust my body to it and anyway normal motocycles, cars, clothes, shoes even door frames are too small for me. Looking forward for your moding video.

Some really good points made, especially about price vs expectation. I have a Ducati scrambler icon Dark, a 2019 triumph street twin, and a royal Enfield 650 interceptor. They are all basic in terms of technology and modes, they are all fast enough and offer a far more engaging experience for my level of riding. I too recently rode the Ducati v4 street fighter and it is amazing but pointless for the road unless you want to do track days too I wouldn’t want to risk a 20k motorcycle.

I must say, taken alone I agree about the red accent, BUT taken as a whole, against the matte gray color and the red tail...I’ve come to feel the red trim on the radiator is critical and ties it all together wonderfully

Thank you RocketMan for the reviews. One month ago they have been only paid reviews how great this bike is. And you are the first one who get this bike and said talked about some flaws. I went to Triumph did a test ride and next month my Trident will arrive, thank you so much for your honest opinion and great videos :)

Hi, could you comment on the headlight performance (particularly cut off when cornering) compared to your old Street Triple on a future video, best wishes from Devon UK.

Thanks for another great video. The Trident impressed me, so off to the Triumph dealer, only to be disappointed, here in Australia the Trident is a learner bike only restricting the power to 44 horsepower, I feel after time i would find the performance lacklustre, so my search will continue, feeling somewhat deflated as the bike looks like a gem.

Would you advise this as a good beginner bike for a 40 year old just getting into riding? Or go smaller (engine wise) initially then work up? Great video as always.

Great review! Given everything do you like this more than the street triple?

I’ve just bought mine in the same colour and now you’ve pointed out the red on the front mudguard all I can see out the corner if my eye is a L plate! Thanks! I better order up some black vinyl. 🙄

Very clear, informative and thoughtful. Thank you. ( Does YT automatically add some thumbs downs to 'keep it real' ?)

The Trident might do well with a *lithium battery* (especially given the mild climate in the Algarve) for a little more under-seat space.

2 weeks ago, Triumph Canada had 80 Tridents sold, none as ever seen touch or sat on one here. Delivery will begin mid April and I hope we wont have a late snow storm.

Good update. Thanks. What’s the rear brake like?

Grear review as always. Try Aprilia Touno 660...

nice one thinking about getting one just got to part with the cash

Hey chap. How is the reliability of Triumph nowadays? I'm considering of buying one compared to the CB650R. If I knew that is reliable and the service cost is low I would certainty buy one. I want one for commuting and get it down to the road on the weekends.

Very good review, where is this location? For almost same price, Suzuki GSX S750 has 112 HP, where I live 2020 Suzuki is much cheaper than 2021 Trident. The only problem with GSX S is the transformer look.

I like the clock nice and simple I'm still not sure on the big TFT displays on bikes with all the information on.You need to be looking what's in front of you not your current g force.

I'll be interested in how much it costs you to get the Tech Parts stuff into Portugal from the UK. Hopefully just IVA. I think the red parts look fine. Great horn. I love the clock. 80 bhp is plenty. This bike is excellent value, although if I wanted a triple, I think I'd go for the more expensive 2021 Yamaha MT-09. Excellent review, as ever.

Really helpful vid as usual. Thanks! Just wondering if you were able to check if the levers and pedals of the Street Triples will fit on the Trident?

Hello Ur putting up great content on ur chanel cheers👍🏻 Can I know the reason for selling ur street triple and buying trident...

Back in the 1960's my 500cc Speed Twin would just reach 100mph with my wife on the back, according to the speedo. A long strait road with no other traffic and it was the 60's.

The BHP level. From my limited riding experience, for road riding, it's really about low end and mid range pull. Yes you can have a 660cc engine putting out 115 BHP, but then it's all the rev-ing and lack of bottom end, and lots of gear changing. I had a test ride on a Street Triple RS, yeah it was quick, but you had to really wind it up. The Trident with 80 BHP from it's 660 looks like a good choice for a road bike to me. I guess I'll have a test ride on one soon.

Fun weekend bike for the twisties made to a budget so 80 horses more than plenty. My 47bhp RE interceptor is plenty in the real world.

Great review......tell me, do you find yourself sliding forward on the seat at all.......it's quite a thing on some bikes.

Probably a silly question, Is the Speed twin better in terms of comfort for the occasional pillion and more compliant suspension? I'm trying to decide between these two. Being short (169 cm), I am limited to motorcycles with a seat height max of 810 mm).

Do you think that a 3rd party can make a top case mount for this? I saw that there's an option to attach a pillion holder at the rear and I'm wondering if this mounting point plus the pillion footpeg screw point would be strong enough to attach the mount.

super !!! gran bel video

Evotech now have a tail tidy. Have you managed to buy one? I'd be really interested to see it.

The FIAMM freeway blaster horn is basically the exact same horn at half the price.

Riding in Portugal, nice :)

This is my favorite paint scheme (ENOUGH of the matte black please!), however I don’t understand the red bits.

Do you know which SW Motech tank ring fits the Trident? Hard to find info on it, and I can see you have fitted one. Thanks

How's it for someone who rode previously in different country and now practicing on cb300 for a few months!

I really enjoy your videos. You need to start test riding different bikes. I have to admit that i am not very interested in this bike, i already own a better triple, MT09 ;). Regardless, i watched the video cause you always make them interesting.