@Big Rock Moto this is a super late comment and I'm becoming a fan of your channel but you should do your all around review not wearing a helmet... It makes you sound super winded like you can't breathe
I've been riding for almost 35 years - on/off road, sport bikes, sport touring, ADV's, enduros, nakeds, retros, etc., & just want to let you know you're doing a great job with your channel! Excellent content, thank you - Don
Really looking forward to your review of the new 1200 tiger. Though it's not the same engine as my 2020 one, they corrected the thing that held the older generation back IMHO. Weight.
It sucks when people talk about msrp cost like that is all you pay. With taxes and fees this an $11k motorcycle bare bones, add some luggage and crash protection and you're pushing 13k+++.
Just went and did a test ride yesterday on a '22 model. I liked it enough to buy it plus, since they were trying to clear out last years bikes the dealer threw in all on the luggage (panniers and top box) for free. It's definitely an upgrade from my KTM 300 Adv.
I own a 2022 TS660 w/ heated grips, hand guards, frame sliders, quickshifter, and top box. I love this motorcycle! Easy to ride, frugal to fuel and maintain, and as fun as they come!
I heard there is a delay in the throttle, any truth to it? Also how does it cruise at around 120km? I'll arrange a test ride next month but trying to extract any info I can from owners because I think that's the bike I'm looking for
Yes fueling can be slightly snatchy at slow speed but I wouldn't call it problematic. You get used to it like anything else. The bike will happily cruise at 120kph all day long but my hands do get a little tired after an hour or so above 5 or 6,000 RPM. Cruise control is sorely missing on this model! I also short-shift the bike quite a bit as the gears feel short to me. That said, it does have good, usable power all over the rev range. This motorcycle is extremely versatile and for the price it must be in the conversation as one the of best middleweight sport tourers on the market.
They're a different class of bike, 21/18" wheels, more suspension travel and ground clearance on the Aprilia, it's closer to a T7 except it has the electronics the T7 should've had for its price tag. This is much, much more similar to a versys 650 with its sport touring bias.
Hello! I live in Alpine CA which is in eastern San Diego county. I’ve ridden bikes for many years and my current bike is a Gold Wing DCT. I really enjoy your videos and recognize a lot of the roads. I just watched this video and would love to ride the road you’re on. Would it be possible for you to provide the name of the road? Thanks!!
Similar to another comment below the 660 wasn't locally available so i went with the 21' cb500x. This seems like a close competitor although a more premium version. If it had been an option I most likely would have still chosen the CB for the $2500 less price tag and a tad bit more off road bias. Great review as always thanks.
Here we have Honda dealers asking for a 500X almost the same as this Tiger 660...so I had to push the button for the Tiger. The 500X is more than what I need, but at similar prices...
CB500X is an amazing good looking bike that does everything (daily, adventure, touring, a good courier bike too) and is very good on fuel too but it is really missing that horsepower. At 47BHP it is one category below an 80BHP bike like the Tiger 660 so they are not directly comparable. Price wise though, a Tracer 7 / Tiger 660 are not far off so for a little more money you get more bike.
This review played a big part in my decision to get one of these. Picked it up two days ago, and I think it’s a nearly perfect bike. I moved to this from the 2021 CB500X, which I still have. It’s also a fantastic bike. Unfortunately don’t have space for 2, and gotta sell the Honda. I’ve been everywhere on it, and enjoyed every minute I’ve spent with it. Thanks for the informative review of the Triumph!
@@hoang6hkd It’s one of the only things on this bike where I think Triumph missed the target. The pillion seat is quite small, and very elevated. The rider seat is perhaps a little too large, leaving a gap behind you where a passenger could slip downward. For comparison, while the rider seat height is identical to my CB500X, the pillion is about 6” higher. That’s a drastic difference. Obviously varies with size of rider. For context, I’m 5’8”, and 150 lbs. Overall, the bike seems like it was custom made for me, and I absolutely love it.
@@kerryhale8646 Thank you very much for detailed info and sharing first-hand experience! I will try both bikes and then decide. Wish you many kilometres and amazing rides! :)
@@hoang6hkd I wish the same for you! I've loved both bikes, but for different reasons. I feel more confident on gravel and dirt with the Honda, but the Triumph is better on the street in almost every respect.
@@kerryhale8646 Is the Honda feeling more confident on gravel and dirt down to the 19" wheel? The Triumph looks like a better choice if you're doing mostly street and tarmac rides, with occasional forays into dirt.
Unfortunately, even the more upscale version doesnt have cruise control (tiger 850) triumph knows what its customers want, they just wont give it to them. To get a triumph adventure bike with cruise control you have to spend nearly 18k out the door for a tiger 900GT in my country.
Cruise control would be nice and I think should be standard after say 8 grand. Heated grips are nice but at least I can add those. It's not like you can order a bike with the options you want. Quick shifters are useless to me as are automatics.
@@dimitriskatsoulis4986 on the launch of the 660 sport by triumph, they depicted three bikes in there promotional poster. One was an, unmistakably, Enduro type, apart from the naked, and the sport.
Suggestion to include a freeway test in your reviews. I enjoy your reviews, but this is one area that is lacking and I find myself wishing it was included on every review of yours I watch. Cheers and thanks for the content!
I agree, he only needs to bomb it down to the 10fwy in Banning which is not far from his home base. Can't blame him he's afraid to go on the freeways with the idiots around here though... It's not something smart people do it's something I do!
Great review Ian and what a SWEET bike this is. I agree and would love to see at least one ADV variant with the same engine, decent suspension, a bashplate and rally bars or whatever they are called like the Tiger 900 and its variants. The market is screaming for some ADV/Dualsport bikes at this displacement and Honda has largely vacated it (no, i cannot seriously consider a CB500X or the NC750) as they are road bike with a sprinkling of dust. Triumph and others should be falling over themselves to produce a 600-750cc ADV/dualsport under 180kg.
It is obvious you gave this review from an objective perspective. I purchased one in March for the very same reasons you liked about the Tiger Sport 660. Agile, great power, form factor, handling and the list goes on. I wanted a good local use, fun mountain highway riding and light touring. I was fortunate to have ridden the Versys 650 - same complaint on the engine by the way, Vstrom 650 same opinion engine great, but bike is dated. I also have ridden a new NC750X which is a pretty nice bike, but lacks power. In regards to the Tracer 7, I have ridden a MT07 so familiar with the engine but the TS660 does have more usable linear power in my opinion. One thing to note is the huge assortment of factory accessories which enables you to dial in the features you want and gradually add them as you go. Triumph does a great job of having every electronic accessory have nice pre-wired port and they are all pretty easy to install too. Factory heated grips are the best I have used. I would like Cruise control too, so I went with and Atlas Throttle lock and the nice thing is the engines linear torque enables a decent steady speed when using the Throttle lock. So for me I was fortunate to have ridden each of the similar bikes and literally after about 2 or 3 miles on the TS660 I was a clear choice for me.
Thank you for your review! I ordered the Honda NC750X, it arrived & Now i need to decide between the Triumph Tiger Sport 660 or the NC750X. Even though the NC750X has 750 cc, (more CC's than the Tiger 660) Many reviews state the NC750X Lacks power! I am a new rider looking to get my 1st bike. i am in my mid 40's, 5'11" & 230 pounds & have a 30-32 inch inseam. Would you recommend the Tiger Sport 660 over the NC750X? & if so, Why? Thank you
First of all, another great review, as always, congratulations. But I think you forgot to mention, in the competition section, a big brand, Honda that has the CB500X and NC750X and that would be interesting to compare the specs. I also take the opportunity to ask for a review of the Honda NC750X.
One thing I really like about my old vstrom 650 is how BIG it is. It can carry a lot of crap. I’ve hauled dining room tables, bicycle, carpets, etc. it’s big boned enough to easily do all the things you’d want an SUV to do. It’s like a ford Navigator with a small engine. Great bike, but my bike needs to still be a donkey
Looked ridiculous, but it was a breeze. I removed my top case, and strapped down an antique quarter-sawn oak clawfoot expandable table across town to an antique repair shop as one of the clawfoots had broken off - The vstrom is a pack mule of a beast@@weishengzhang8603
Another great review Ian! I just picked mine up my new Tiger Sport 660 this past weekend, and have put about 175 miles on it so far. Great bike if you are looking for something middle weight and fun! No accessories yet, dealer hasn't received their first accessory requests yet, they've only had the bikes for a couple of weeks. My only complaint so far is the clutch lever is not adjustable for reach, and the lever feels WAY out there. Did you notice that? The brake lever is adjustable, so not sure why they didn't spend the extra $5 and put an adjustable clutch lever on the bike also. That will be my first accessory to find. As for all the youtube videos claiming the suspension is too soft and the gas mileage isn't great, I would beg to differ. I find the suspension is pretty good, kudos to Triumph! I haven't been riding it extremely hard, still breaking it in, but I have not noticed any type of bottoming out or overly soft or bouncyness in the suspension (and Colorado roads are not the greatest). I am 6ft tall and weigh 185 pounds, so maybe the reviewers were heavier than I am? Also, my first tank of gas, I have averaged (by math, not the bike's computer readout) a bit over 62 mpg, and I am very happy with that, much better than I was expecting. The general fit and finish are very good, though some parts look cheap, like the levers and kickstand. But for the price, I can either change those or ignore them. I have owned 3 Kawasaki Versys 650 bikes, and if those bikes were as good as this bike, I would have bought another one. I have a BMW 1250 GSA for my travel bike, this bike will be my run around town and play in the mountains bike. I picked this over getting another Versys, or an MT07/Z650/SV650. I also like this better than the Triumph Trident, just looks better and is more comfortable. Keep up the great reviews!
@@davea9946 Hey Dave, I find with the windshield down, the wind flow is smoother, but I am getting wind on my upper chest and helmet. Not too bad up to 65mph. At that point, I put the windshield in the upper position, mainly because it starts to feel like a naked bike with a lot of wind pushing on me. In the Upper position, my chest and most of my helmet are covered. My arms are getting a bit of air, but not a big deal. I wouldn't say there is much buffeting on my helmet, but the noise is definitly louder than with the windshield in the low position. Still breaking it in, so I have only run up to about 75mph for short times, but I'm not looking for any type of bigger windshield, don't think it needs that. But then I won't be using this bike for any type of long distance travel either. Hope this helps!
@@davea9946 Congrats Dave! Curious what you think about the reach for the clutch lever? I have found that a company named TEC makes adjustable levers for the Trident, so I assume they would fit the Tiger. Ride fast and safe 🙂
Excellent review Ian! It feels like Triumph copied Kawasaki’s homework here. This bike looks very similar to a Gen 2 Versys 650. However, I feel Triumph should have offered adjustable front suspension to trump the Versys. As a daily rider, I value a suspension that eases out the bumps on the road over the engine sound.
Another thorough review. You're right Ian in that this bike is a great all-rounder. A very good compromise of features vs price. The other three bikes you mentioned are very good too. For me it would come down to which engine I preferred and which bike fit me best. Regardless, this Tiger is a great addition to the class. They will sell all they can build.
You are the one best bike reviewers on RU-vid man. You and Fortnine are my favorite channels to watch and I don’t even ride ADVs haha. There is a depth here that you just don’t get with other content creators.
Looks like your versus 650 hp numbers are at the rear wheel and the others are from claimed at the crank, which makes whatever real difference mostly from higher compression and rpms. Not much difference in torque, so the tiger will require high octane and that extra hp is up at the buzzy top end. Still hard to beat the versys given the adjustable front suspension, price, reliability, dealer support, etc., unless the sound of a triple is important to you. I'd prefer it if they were like an electric motor and made virtually no sound.
Hi, a submission from India if you can respond. I was super excited before the launch of this bike. However, post launch most Indian media journalists (most credible ones) have dismissed it being even comparable to V-Strom 650 XT (priced similar to the last decimal). The biggest disappointment levels have been the suspension and quality levels on this bike. In person I didnt find the quality issues to be honest, however in isolation. Overall when compared with other Triumph bikes, this seems like a budget orientated approach. The main issue is the suspension set up but no foreign media has reported that. Is the novelty the only factor with Tiger 660 or is V strom a better buy?
The suspension is pretty basic, bouncy ride and not refined. The quality issue, I think it's OK at this price, I didn't find anything horrible. This bike is more fun to ride than the V-Strom 650, but the V-Strom is maybe better quality and more versatile for off roading.
Hi Tarun, a fellow Indian here. Please bear in mind that the West is looking for cheaper alternatives to the gas guzzling age-old litre class bikes. They are fine with ignoring minor imperfections and lesser electronics for the lower price. One reason why Royal Enfield is gaining popularity there. But for us Indians who have predominantly been inclined towards Japanese manufacturers, though smaller capacities, even a minor welding mark will stand out. We stand on the opposite side of the consumer spectrum. The West is downgrading their requirements for pocket friendly alternatives, culprit being the rising costs while Developing nations are upgrading, thanks to their youth aspirations. Good thing though is that the next 5 years are going to be the era of middle weight bikes worldwide.
@@virajvrooms nice breakdown! I think it's not just price though. I think the supersports and big bikes just have no use in the real world. The middleweight class is coming back. Torquier and more real world use. BUT, I still love my r6 track bike. Nothing is as fun as a high revving 4 supersport. Check my vid out if you don't believe me haha. Cheers from Australia.
Great review! I've had my Tiger 660 for almost 2 years now, and I think it's a Great all-around motorcycle, for the same reasons you stated. You really can't go wrong, if you aren't riding for specialized purposes.
Agreed, even in Canada we can't get the Yamaha Tracer 7. It’s frustrating as the Tracer 9 is an expensive $20k bigger bike. Been leaning towards the Kawa 2022 Versys 650LT. Test drove, boring mechanically as said, but at least for 2022 they upgraded the gauges to a proper TFT screen with good connectivity. Plus it's comfortable, affordable, good for commuting and some Summer highway miles. Hopefully a good purchase (so I tell myself lol). Probably could have included the Honda CB500 or NC750 comparisons. Noted while shopping about the same ergonomics, power and price. Good video, thorough review as always.
Thanks Ian for the excellent review! .. The passenger seat seems a bit high and was wondering if you were able to test that out or comment on it? Basically how would it be when riding two up? Thanks
As soon as i saw "perfect all rounder", i simply thought, what bike had beaten the V-Strom? If you consider an all-rounder in terms you need to go off-road, simply this Triumph can't do it. So is not perfect... At least to me, because in any of my trips i go at some point off-road. Off-course if in terms of all-rounder, considered by a person that only goes on-road, than this will enter in account
I do like this bike, wish I could test ride one. for the dirt segment, I can speak to how bad big cruisers are in the dirt. I end up doing it often thanks to all the dirt roads in the places i ride especially if i visit family out in the desert, it always makes me wish I was on my Vstrom when I have to cross those roads.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen you review a bike you didn’t gush over. You will inevitably find some detail that you don’t like, and I suppose that provides a pretense of objectivity. But, maybe you could position these bikes against others in their particular class and give your honest review as to which one or ones stand out from the rest.
Yes.... Pitty that they stinged up the CC. Some "smart" marked dictators try to rush customers towards the bigger bikes. Heated grips - well, it depends on where u buy the bike, but the CC SHOULD be there.
I feel like it's missing cruise control despite the fact it has throttle by wire. Could do with a centre stand too! I'd also be intrigued by something along the lines of a Sprint 765.
Can someone explain why there are so many "adventure" styled bikes such as this which reviewers say aren't really designed for off-road? Why not just make a sport touring bike if that's the type of riding it's intended for?
Been looking at these real close so thanks for the review. In this price range is a CF Moto 800MT with a KTM 790 engine, if you can get your hands on one can you do a review for me?
Hi Ian. Besides my MT07 I have a 2018 (17" front wheel) CB500x. My question is about the suspension on this bike because the Trident is reportedly quite hard. My CB500x suspension for me at 70 years old is in the goldilocks zone as I don't need it to be too sporty. This bike appeared to be quite firm especially when on that dirt track. Is it significantly firmer than the Honda? I love the fact that the power is as good as my MT07 so I am wondering if one bike would be a possibility? Thanks for the very frank and in depth reviews. Mike.
Eh... I like my 2022 Versys 650. They had both at the dealership. 5.5 gallon tank. I ride to work everyday, 50 miles a day, 70 mph, and I get 300 mile range. Lower compression. Runs on 87 octane. Bulletproof motor. Fully adjustable suspension. Who needs rider modes, really. Love your reviews.
Thanks a lot for the great content, informative and entertaining. Big fan. I am glad you just reviewed both tiger sport 660 and F750 GS. I am thinking to buy either one of them or the Triumph street twin. I want it mainly to cruise between towns in Germany at 100KMH average speed with luggage and my partner. I LOVE the looks for the street twin and I know that the other two options are more suitable but dont look as nice. What are your thoughts? Thanks a lot :)
I had a 2018 Street Twin for a few years and I adored it. The exhaust on the Street Twin was my favorite part. Torque on tap and just a great overall experience in the city as my daily rider. At 100 Kph it’s absolutely fine, I would recommend the large wind screen if you plan on highway riding. Also, your passenger might not have a great experience compared to the BMW or Triumph due to the flat bench style seat. Hope this helps!
I recommend Doing the CSC RX4. It's gaining popularity greatly and no one that's reviewed it does as good as you! Not only that CSC works with reviews and what not they love support and working with customers.
Hey Ian, excellent review as always, never fail to deliver! :) Would you mind try the Benelli TRK 502? I think it might be a nice discovery for us all, here in Italy (we like motorcycles A LOT) there is a ton of TRK sold in the past years! Thanks ♥️😇
There is definitely an opportunity here for Triumph to offer an ADV version with 19/17 or even 21/18 to compete at a lighter weight than the GS850 KTM890 et. al. For street only, this bike definitely looks appealing to my 60 year old self.
The sport 850 looked promising till we found out it has cast wheels anakee adventure tyres and only 85hp from a 900cc triple. I fear the 660cc triple will be too high reving for an off road bike.
You mentioned the V Strom 650. I've had mine since 2006 and have used it for commuting, touring (ride the Lake Superior circumnavigation) and ridden the Mid Atlantic BDR. The bike will do it all and has been bulletproof all getting about 60 MPG on regular 87 octane fuel. On the BDR I did install Shinko 804/805s which are wearing well.
Nice review Ian. I agree, the Versys is... competent but so so BORING. Your take that the 660 offers a wider range of enjoyment, to me, means you won't be inclined to sell it shortly after buying it. The money I had earmarked for a new purchase got knocked by a few thousand. I do want to build that up again but in the short term, I'm without a ride and pining to go. To me, this and the T7 are the leaders (at least in the US) as I could also make happy use of the latter's actual off road abilities. The ergonomics appeal to me also. I'm just a bit taller than you but A) it looks very comfortable and B) I doubt I'll look awkward or oversized on it as I have with many other mid-range bikes.
Yes, I must have a look to see what the luggage options are with an eye for touring. The Yamaha Tracer 7 Gt comes with some nice extra touring features.
I can tell you that I have the luggage, both panniers and top box. They're integrated and look very nice, all keyed to the bike key. Between the 3 pieces, you have over 100 liters of storage. Either pannier will hold a full face helmut and the top box holds 2. The bike is a lot of fun and engaging, you have to ride it to get the most out of it. If I'm looking to be lazy, I ride my Bonneville T120.
@Bigrockmoto which would you pick between the Tiger 660 vs Ninja 1000 sx? I know they have different engine power, but on shear fun to ride. Which one?
thank you so much for such a great and thorough review! just traded my kawazaki vulcan S for this bike last night, what a difference! Here in Quebec the roads can be pretty rough - felt like I lost a couple of vertebrae a few times on the country roads around where I live 🥴- and man what a difference when I took this bike home with me last night. The performance of the engine is great and the sound is much better than the kawazaki 650 parallel twin that you have on the Versys and the vulcan which sounds like a sewing machine. Just wanted to let you know the heating grips are available as an option, the paniers are great, and I think I could fit 2 helmets in the top case; I'm already in love with my new Tiger 660.
They were really emulating a versys when they designed that bike, similiar silhouette, specs, although I feel the engine is better on the triumph. Suspension is better on the kawi, triumph seats are a little rough though.
Thanks for a super review, I just bought one and it’s really a good bike for that money, I have had a lot of different Harley’s they are fun to ride when there’s no corners 😂 , and the sound is just amazing but if you really want to ride the byways in a up tempo your lost . here in Denmark they are a bit more expensive nearly twice as much Thanks again and I will go for a ride on my 660 .
Hello, I know this review has been posted for a while but i've just seen it and I have a question. I found the rear suspesion, even when set on confort, a bit stiff. I rode it in 9 degrees celsius. Is it really pretty stiff or is it just me, not riding for a while and the cold? does it get more soft when it's warmer ? Thank you! Also, thanks for the absolutely excellent review !
I enjoy your videos. Very informative. Just a point to note, that the Modern Triumph company is a totally different company to the Triumph of old. The new company bought the Triumph name and started making bikes, I think, in the 1980s.
Just bought one of these brand new, but it seems like everything is geared pretty low??? Like get to 45mph in 5th gear and it's flashing at me to change gears to go to 6. I do, then 6 starts flashing at 65mph like ... What gives I'm no expert but I've seen people do 120mph on this bike and mines acting like 65 is the top or something.
There’s a lot that needs to change on this bike to make off road capable. The rear frame is welded not replaceable which is a huge issue. This bike is great close up in reality, but I don’t think it was ever really designed to be an off road ADV bike.
24:25 KUDOS! It’s rare for reviewers to even care or even elaborate on such a simple knowledge about economics nowadays… Other reviewers end up with unreasonable whining
Nice bike but you are right, the display is kind of a disappointment. The price is nearly the same as the Moto Morini X-cape. How would you compare both?
Are these engines as smooth as people say? It the vibration noticably less than comparable 2 cylinders? I have a supermoto, and I really don't like the vibration of the single cylinder, so I want the smoothest engine I can get in a relatively lightweight bike.
I have got into your channel over the last few weeks.You go through the bikes step by step ,take them out for a ride checking brakes handling suspension ergonomics etc etc Give the viewer a warts and all honest view of your thoughts.Its your laugh when riding that gets me...true enthusiasm ...keep up the great work your a star 🤩 Sam...Liverpool GB
Really liked the comparison with the Versys. I had it and I have the same opinion and I got bored of it and with less than a year of ownership I was looking at something else to trade it.
Comes across from your review and others that it's a great bike for the money. How do you think the suspension would be on really bad tarmac (bumpy , potholes etc.) ? And how is the weight for really low speed balance and manouevering. I'm having to give up my T7 due to back and neck issues making the top heavy weight balance becoming more and more difficult? You enjoyed yourself there , eh :)
