Always amazes me that they make a bike that only someone with a 31-32" inside leg (Inseam) can ride, so lets say 6' tall, and then fit a screen suitable for someone 5'-4" It's too tall for me, and oddly the dealer network in the UK is not great, and has a poor reputation near me, so not for me. A good honest review as always! Thank you.
Hi, I've just test ridden this bike and have a 29" inside leg, the bike i rode was fine and I could put both feet on the ground no worries, I really like this model, try one...
@@36moto Thank you for the info and your experience with the test ride. The seat height is listed as 835mm (nearly 33") So, I can only think the rear shock compresses quite a bit. There's a new dealership opened not far from me, I may well go and have a look. You thinking of buying one after your test ride?
Excellent, real world review RM & I love the way you take manufacturers to task for needless fiddling and debate their cost cutting / revenue generation tricks. You're bang on about the clock lines - it was the first thing I noticed when I saw the bike at the NEC. Between this & the Speed Twin's illegible new instrument graphics, I think you have a point!
Thanks for the great review, you affirmed some cons on my personal criteria list. Please, review & test ride the following 2022: CF Moto CL-X 700 Heritage; Yamaha XSR900; MOTO GUZZI V100 Mondello. Thanks --- I appreciate & take great stock in your reviews.
Thanks for the nicely balanced review. I've been waiting for the Tiger 660 as I've been looking at this range (the bike equivalent of an SUV) for a while. While I create more space in the garage for another bike, I've been trying to decide if I should wait for this or go for the Tracer 7 or get an older Tiger 800. Currently using my partner's NC750X which I find is a perfectly nice bike to ride (we're both new riders) but, at 6'1", it's a bit cramped for my legs (although I suffer on the windscreen just as much as you described on the new Tiger).
In India, tiger 660 is priced almost similar to Honda cbr 650r & Suzuki vstorm 650. I know honda is kinda sport but still what would you choose if you have these 3 options ?
It looks as if Triumph have done a great job with the bike...I have to agree it does look great in blue. Good to see Michelin Road5s fitted as standard. The lack of a centre stand is a bit disappointing mind you especially for a bike that's being touted as a potential tourer. Great review and thanks for posting.
Really good review. Enjoyed the scenery as much as the bike. Up until 2 years ago spent 4 months of every year in the Algarvian sun with ger ladyship before she joined me in the UK. I've actually bought smaller every year for the last 15 or so. Currently cb500x which we both love, especially after our Greece trip. New subscriber. Thank you for sharing
Thanks for another unbiased and informative review. So many on RU-vid these days seem to say they love every bike they test and rarely find anything negative to say. Maybe they don't want to harm their chances of getting more test rides and therefore views in the future. I've always felt you're honest in what you say and the Rocket score lets us know where the bike excels or falls short. Keep up the good work!
Fantastic review as always!! Despite all the hype from the media, was looking forward for your review on this bike. I tried the Trident last year, loved it, but what kept me away was the lack of pillion comfort, or even a decent space - for that matter, for the Mrs. Does the Tiger 660 offer a better comfort for the passenger, so Mrs and I can tour with.. err.. 'confidence'?. ☺️😄
Thanks, Prajwal :) There's definitely more room on the Tiger. The only problem for the passenger would be clambering up onto the high rear seat. You need to try it :)
love the bike less room for a pillon all the better if it means the misses aint getting on it and ruin my fun plus i take all reviews with a pintch of salt as you have to test it for yourself to get a feel for it and if its the right bike for you
Hi there! Very good video as always. You thank about the CB500X a lot but the real competitor from Honda is the NC750x. I got one. 😁 Try to test ride one NC and then compere to the tuger 660. Many thanks
@@kelljah it does it job perfect. If you ride normaly and in sport mode is more than enought. Only if you try to be Marc Marquez in public road you will fill the diferent.
Am considering moving from a 2019 765 RS to this - Fundamentally trading in better components and some engine numbers for comfort and practicality, while retaining the peppy triple. My riding is 100% commuting anyway. As a past owner of the 2017-19 765 RS, any thoughts?
Interesting move, but one I totally understand. If you’re only using the bike to commute, the Tiger makes a lot more sense. I basically sold my 765 because I was sick of going everywhere « at 100mph ». What you’ll lose in sex appeal, you’ll gain in comfort and practicality👍
RocketMan - thank you for this video. As I am searching for this type of bike now, would you think this bike will do for occasional long weeknd trips with Mrs and some luggage? Are there any panniers for a small Tiger?
The looks of the Tiger just don’t do it for me. Looks too much like an adventure bike. Looks like it should be on dirt not the street. I will stick to my Trident.
Looking at the Triumph lineup with cool nakeds, retro styled and adventure bikes it was obvious it has a gap for a all-rounder. Well it was obvious but I am still a bit surprised that Triump decided to design this bike. Good job 👍
Great review - the bike looks fantastic in that colour, plus the weather there really brings out the blue. I've never been to Portugal, but looking at your mid summer UK weather that you're enjoying in January, I need to go to extend my riding season as my bike is tucked away for the winter now and has been for a few months while the gritters are out and about. Keep up the good reviews, very interesting.
All that salt on the UK roads is putting me off even driving the car. Never mind the bike. That film of salt is evil. I just drove 1 mile and its just coated everywhere!
Thanks, Edward. Yes, we're very lucky down here: winter only lasts from the end of November to the end of January, so we can enjoy our bikes almost all year round.
I totally get that. I spent the first 20 years of my life in East Yorkshire, followed by 30 years in the north of France, where the weather is actually worse than in the UK. It does occasionally snow in parts of Portugal, though not down here in the Algarve. My wife, who is Brazilian, has never seen snow or ice in her life!
I think it should sell pretty well. Adding a deflector on a screen that is too low should not interfere with your eye line anymore than a higher windscreen, plus the deflector also offers a greater range of adjustment.
The tiger can add the luggage at a later date for a much more reasonable price than the tracer 7, so you can sneak that expenditure past the wife easier. It looks better too.
Yes, I think a beginner could handle the Tiger 660. It’s not too big/tall or too powerful. Enough fun to amuse you for a couple of years while you hone your skills👍
Having owned the F900XR, I would definitely take the Tiger over it now. I was lured into the F900 by the brand image and all the gadgets, but it was a pretty dull bike to ride. That Loncin motor is just too linear. The Tiger is more fun.
@@RocketMan_Moto thank you for your reply. I am thinking of buying a brand new tiger, or a slightly used bmw. 🤔 Anyway, safe rides 🚀man. Just subscribed. 😉
Great review. I certainly agree with your perspective on the windscreen. I’d rather not have one, if the wind (and elements) are directed to my helmet. It certainly is a beautiful bike. Thanks for sharing. Be safe and take care my friend.
I would like to see what you think of the new Ducati monster 950. But i have no idé what kind of bikes you can get your hands on. Thx for the very informative first thoughts.
Nice video and thanks for all of you honest reviews. It'd be great if you could do a couple vids riding the test bikes in the twisties (cornering/braking/couple downshifts) instead of just "cruising" around. Portugal has lots of nice roads!
This bike erodes my love for triumph motorcycles as this is clearly a bait & switch ploy to sell more bikes clearly with disregard for their loyal customers. Non adjustable front suspension, no on/off abs, no cruise control though this is clearly a road bike not suitable for the most mild dirt roads and with a tiger branding which is insulting to the real tiger adventure line up.
I'm tempted but I'm finding it hard to steer away from the 2022 Versys 650. For reliable touring I just don't have the confidence to trust a Triumph to make a ~4k tour of Europe without an issue. Throughout the whole of the marketing release for the 660 Triumph don't claim it to be reliable as a selling point, that's a worry for me.
@Space Cowboy I'd 'stick' with the Versys if it was me to be honest. Not saying the Triumph is unreliable, but the Versys has a proven track record of being 'bulletproof'. I think you should also consider the dealer support near where you live and their reputation for both bikes. Oh, and I'd never buy a bike that I thought "I just don't have the confidence to trust a Triumph to make a ~4k tour of Europe" I did over 3.5k miles touring Spain in 2018/2019 I never once thought my 35 year old Honda 500 would have any reliability problems...and it never did! If I was taller I'd buy a Versys 650 tomorrow. :-)
@@paullee6663 Agreed. I like touring Scandinavia and I'd rather break down on a Kawasaki than a Triumph somewhere in the middle of Sweden. Plus the stories of the aftercare regarding Bonneville owners is putting me right off owning a Triumph for anything but UK riding.
@@S.p.a.c.e.C.o.w.b.o.y If you are touring Scandinavia and other parts of Europe the Kawasaki is the better choice (IMHO) The dealer support (outside of the South East) is not great even in the UK. To be honest I very much doubt you will be troubling the 'breakdown service' for many years with a brand new Kawasaki 650 Versys. :-)
Can you tell me someone if bike good enough for long trips in Europe??I have currently Honda 125R and want next bike Triumph 660 my tall 176cm.Not sure if may be take Triumph 850 or Tracer 7....Thanks for any advice
Hi, Andy. I would be perfectly happy touring on the Tiger 660. It's powerful enough, especially if you're coming from a 125, and offers good levels of comfort and luggage carrying ability. I personally would choose it over the Tracer 7, because the quality is higher.
I didn‘t catch whether the weight of 206kg was wet or dry, but my Tiger 850 Sport allegedly weighs 190kg. Is it possible the 660 is heavier, or am I just comparing apples with motorbikes?
Hey Rocket! I'm going to the Algarve now in April 2022. I'll rent a bike from Soulful-bikes. I wish you had a video with some tips about the best motorcycle routes and places to go in the Algarve🙂
Two areas I would recommend: around the town of Monchique to the west, and the N2 road north of Sao Bras. But Soulful will be happy to show you some good routes. Please tell them you have seen my videos. Have a great holiday :)
Beautiful bike and a GREAT review!!! For my needs: I wish it weighed less, had a seat about 1.5 to 2 inches lower, had another 1 to 1.5 gallons to the gas tank, and had better wind protection (bigger windshield and handguards).
@@RocketMan_Moto Yes. I don't understand why manufacturers can't give riders what they've been wanting for ten years! They come so close, but just keep perfection tantalizingly OUT OF OUR GRASP!
I'm on the fence between the 660 or 850.Can you do a review on the Triumph 850.I can't figure out which one to get.I like the water clearance on the 850 for the exhaust for flooded streets.
I reviewed the very similar 900 here: Triumph TIGER 900 GT Pro - this or the Tracer 9GT? ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-gBnKsNLJMfw.html
Hi RM. Have you come across the MAN Journals. He has a garage to die for and I suspect shares some similar tastes to you. Would recommend a look. Only 1k or so subscribers which is staggering considering how good the content is. It is like he is having a conversation with himwhich is good. Regards Den
Disagree that the cruise control omission is due to cost. As its a ride by wire set up then cruise control should be a simple electronic/digitally controlled feature and one that could be implemented relatively cheaply...one suspects the real reason is not wanting to cannibalise sales from its family of bigger Tiger bikes. Plus also non of its direct competition has it so I reckon Triumph are not concerned about losing sales. Shame though...
As is fairly common amongst moto journalism your understanding of preload, compression and rebound could do with a bit of a tune up. Preload changes ‘sag’ and ‘ride height’ so ‘soft’ and ‘hard’ are really misnomers - similarly ‘comp’ and ‘rebound’ are more exactly referred to as ‘slow’ and ‘fast’ - take a look at a good book like ‘sport bike suspension tuning’ by Trevitt for a more accurate understanding. I do like your vids and enjoy your thoughts - best
Love ur reviews but not your Triumph are best bikes view. My experience of them is gorgeous machinery spolit by electrical gremlins. Will never buy another.
I agree with your scores except styling I would give the trident 8 and the Tiger sport a 7 which ultimately puts the trident on top. That being said I don’t really think either one is better it depends what you want the bike for. For a weekend toy, fun sporty B road blaster = trident. For a practical but entertaining commuting, longer journey bike = tiger sport. The problem is sometimes we need/want both so unless you get both you pick your compromise.
Hey mate just found your channel. I like your reviews, not the most entertaining but you tell me what I want to know. I am very fussy and I appreciate the honesty.
Personally I think the high prices on these and other bikes put them outside of the pocket of the huge masses of bikers, we need to have good quality, good value bikes to bring people into riding, or risk the demise of biking, for without new blood we will have a problem
Thanks for another entertaining and informative review. I would be very keen to park one in my garage, however as Triumph Australia has decided to supply us with a learner edition only, meaning engine stiffled to 44hp, I will give it a miss, quite disappointing really.
Good over all review of this good all round bike 🏍👍🏻,,, & envious of the weather there 🙁,,, ps Nice jacket 🧥 with the Petina look any heads up to what it is ⁉️cheers mark 👍🏻 All the best from Blighty 🇬🇧🍺👍🏻
Always the same problem with the air protection; why manufacturers don't offer different types of windshield for different riders heights? I remove the oem from the cb500x and installed a small one just to protect my chest and allowing my head to stay in clean air flow.
You forgot to mention other two competitors, the versys 650 and the v strom 650. The cb500x is inferior in everything compared to tiger since it is 500cc but better for light offroading.
Cheers mate! Another bang on review with respect to what I’d like to know, delivered with aplomb. I did get the red though 😁; can’t be too similar to my buddy’s GSXR-S CC (color wise at least). Ta…
Agree about wind noise factor on nakeds vs screens. I discovered that on Bonnevilles: better off for me with no screen. I compromised with my current (dare I say it - f900xr) by getting a MRA Vario which is quick to change and does a fair job of wind shielding. My guess on your next new bike? - the new 2022 Honda CB500X…
Thanx for that review. Feeling lack of engine sound, mate) Still will be looking out to purchase one in a year. I own a MT-07 and it does not have a nice tank for a longer trip.
Hello, I don't know much about the Algarve roads, mostly just the ones I use when I go there, not too far from you, starting point closer to Lagos, you have N120, good fun twistie road, at some point it divide in 2 N120 and 120-1 the older part is a lot more fun IMO, not so good asphalt but also no traffic and fun curve after fun curve, enjoy and thank you for the review
@@RocketMan_Moto Hope to do the full N2 this year, add it programmed for last year but opted for "Picos da Europa" instead, wich if you don't know I highly advise, a bit of a travel from Algarve but specially for bike riders xtremelly worth it, closest thing we have to Alps nearby. On my early recomendation I was going more in a "twistie" aspect of the road then a scenic one, although its not ugly has well.
Another excellent review! you hit on the things that matter to real buyers/riders. I kept thinking that it sounds like Suzuki VStrom 650 with a Triumph triple and modern electronics. Hmmm…
really great review!! I tested it today and your review is spot on.. Is the rear seat too high for the passenger to be comfortable? One of the very few negatives was that It did not seem like its a good bike for going two up.. could you please comment on that? I could not test that as I was alone.
Nice review ..... the 660 Tiger does nowt for me though, the 850 Tiger is just under £1000 more expensive but offers much better engine performance (ample for 2 up touring), lower seat height (in both of it's settings), far far better brakes, better wind protection, not a lot more weight and more of a nod to light off roading with the 19 inch front wheel.
I have had the same thought as you about the cruise control. With an electronic injection engine it is very simple to add a cruise control. Any brand could do it to any platform and set its brand apart from others for increased sales. The problem in this case is that the tiger 660 would be i direct competitor to the tiger 900. This is why it doesn’t have it. You can easily see examples of this. If you look in triumphs parts cataloque the cruise control button for the t120 fits the entire 900/1200-platform. The street twin and t100 doesn’t have it because they would compete with the t120. The street scrambler would compete with the scrambler 1200. The speed twin would compete with the thruxton. According to my Triumph dealer the function of cruise control can even be activated in the ECU on those models, making it even more obvious that it a consious and tactical move since it fits in the parts catalogue but is not available in the accessories cataloque. If im not mistaken i think both the trident and the tiger 660 already have throttles prepared for cruise control disengagement, much like the one that is fitted to the tiger 900. As ive also seen that you like Honda i might also mention that Honda fitted cruise control to their rebel 1100 because it doesn’t compete with anything else that Honda is selling. The nc750 does though, especially with the nt1100 but also with the cheaper version of the africa twin. This is also why neither xadv nor forza 750 got cruise control but this was a major oversight in my opinion since the direct competitor of those models is the tmax which has cruise control and much more. You might otherwise think that cruise control would be a cheap way to make the forza more attractive than the tmax especially combined with the better mpg that the forza offers.
@@RocketMan_Moto so do i and it feels like the most logical choice would be to fit it on any bike that is designed to do high amount of miles like the tiger 660 for example that is already reinforced in the subframe to carry heavier loads and has panniers and a top box in the catalogue. Unfortunatly the decisions on this matters is made by the marketing team rather than the product developers.
Nice review I've been thinking of replacing my 2 bikes with one do it all bike and this is top of my list. However I have owned a Versys in the past and the screen on that was just awful and so noisy at speed I'm guessing this is the same? I think they do a bigger screen but these are normally pretty ugly. This must be an issue with this style of bike? Shame no cruise control and it seems a bit heavy and quite tall as I'm only 5 foot 9. Too tall?
I was surprised how tall the Tiger felt, but this may be because I'm used to the very low Speed Twin. You would really need to try the Tiger for yourself.
I'm 187, but I thought repeating that this equates to 6 foot 1.622 inches would be labouring the point. Clearly it is a subject of fascination to some, lol :)
Reminds me a LOT of my old Yamaha XJ6 Diversion (no, not the blobby 1990's one). There are items of styling very reminiscent of that bike. Just goes to show (in my mind) it was a bit of a mistake to delete it. Probably only doing so because the engine wouldn't pass new EU regulations??? So I'd love to get one of these but, as with all "adventure" bikes - THE SEAT IS TOO HIGH for me at 5'1". NO, I'm not interested buying the bike without test riding it, because I can't get at least one foot on the floor, or in having to fork out extra to get a lowering kit. Why can't Triumph offer an OPTION with a lower seat height, so us short arses can ride it??? After all, this is not a 1000cc "elephant", this is a modest middleweight that shorter riders SHOULD be able to ride safely and comfortably, without modification. But no. Seat height too tall - access denied! Come on Triumph. It's 2022, all this should have been sorted out donkeys years ago! Be MARKET LEADERS in this and offer an option which significantly lowers the seat height, so shorter riders - including MANY WOMEN can ride them - safely and comfortably. And not be excluded from riding them because they are "adventure" bikes, which have the convention of having high seat heights.
@@RocketMan_Moto Yes, I'm trying to bring to your attention a BIG PROBLEM for shorter riders. You find a bike you like, then you find out you can't ride it. So people fob you off with either A) get a lowering kit, or B) get something else (when all you want is THAT bike). It's so stupid and unnecessary! A little bit of design input to give different seat height options would allow many MORE RIDERS (including many women) to ride bikes. But they keep on assuming that all riders are 6' plus. Very very dumb. Thanks for replying though.🙂
I completely understand the problem, but am not really in a position to do much about it. If it's any consolation, 90% of today's motorbikes (incl. my Speed Twin) are too small for me
What pads did you say you picked up for the Trident? Any other mods you can think of that you didn't mention in your videos for that bike? Love your videos btw, so much great info in a wonderful package :-)
Thank you, Cameryn. I replace the standard pads on most of my bikes with the appropriate sintered pads from EBC. They improve the initial bite considerably.
Really enjoying your videos, honestly. Still, can‚t help but noticing that on your `board`, there are 9 Trumpets out of 25 bikes, 5 of which are at the top, and two more at 9th and 10th place. Other manufacturers deserve more reviews! :)))
I quite agree. Unfortunately, there are very few dealers down here in the Algarve, so I have to ride what I can get. Things are about to change, however, as you will discover in my next video... :)
![Triumph TIGER 660 - Better than my TRIDENT? [QuickTest#18]](/img/logo.svg){kind=logo}
