Triumph TRIDENT vs Honda CB650R [QuickTest#5] 

Well done, another very good review, told in a way anyone should be able to understand what each bike has to offer 👍

I dunno, I have to disagree with the feel of the cb650r. To me the looks are a perfect blend of modern and classic “which is what it’s going for”. And I’ve never felt like it was just tame or sensible. The curves of the tank, the classic looking round led headlight, the beautiful forks and wheels. The cb feels and looks sexy to me! And the top end rush of the in-line 4? I wouldn’t trade it for anything other than its 1000cc bigger brother

Great review, gonna drop a deposit for Triumph in April ! First bike

Nice take on bikes,love the vid , it gave me what to think about since i was going to get new honda i think i will go for test ride first. Thank you for the vid!

Great video, I pre ordered my triumph trident on January. After watching some reviews of the Cb I wanted to go with it since I thought the trident looked small. If I'm not mistaken trident is 4in smaller than the cb

Despite the smooth shade casting on the Honda, it is coming up a winner for me.

Nice comparison, I couldn’t help but think your delivery and presentation reminded me a little of James May . That’s a compliment by the way just incase your not a fan lol.

5:10 Honda have 4 piston front brake, Trident got 2 piston

No way the CB looks old. It’s a masterpiece design wise. That, the cheap service/reliability and the fact it is a bigger bike pushes me towards the CB650r over the trident.

Good video but it would be more fair if you compared the 2021 model cb650r which have different bars, fork and update screen with bigger font..

I ordered a Trident without a test ride and I even never saw one. Changed my mind from a Vitpillen to a Triumph. Quite sure I won't be disapointed. Nice review.

I am looking for comparison with XSR 700. I am deciding between these two. Your comparison will help me a lot because of lockdown I have no chance to test if for myself. I am interested the most in seating position and leg room. Thank you for your channel. Great work.

Bloody good comparison! I thoroughly appreciate your consistently measured, calm demeanour in your videos. With all the various brand fanboys and -girls making far more clamour than sense, your insights stand out to me because you’re not in the business of telling me “what I should think” about this or that bike 😁

Think I'd still go for the reliability of the Honda.

Well done. And in a nice nononsens way. I have a -19 CB650R with 30 000km on the clock. I lowered the footrests with brackets. Really easy to do. And a higher handlebar. Not much, just a couple of cm. But much better for me, 180cm and 80kgs. Absolutely top quality bike in every way except the surface on the rims. Be careful when changing tyres. My rear brakecalipre scratched the surface when removing the wheel. When braked in the fuelconsumption (my bike) is 24km/litre. Really fast pickup and most, even bigger and stronger, bikes are left behind.

Great review , I like it , what am I wondering about is , is the trident reliable enough , I am between xsr 700 , honda cb650r and the trident ,I have two.months to decide and I find your videos for one of the most usefull on youtube ,well done RM

Excellent comparison and valid points to consider when choosing any bike in this size/price range. Honda’s are usually highly reliable and have good resell. But, the Triumph certainly wins in looks! Tough choice. Can’t wait to hear your thoughts on the Yamaha. Ride safe.

Thanks for the review like them both. Have to drive them myself to feel the difference between a 3 and 4 cylinder. Like the Neo Sport style but the front of the trident is also pretty, the tail & seat look too short and the taillight verry simple. But..... saw the Trident only on a screen so who knows. Like to see the comparison with the MT07 the master of torque.

I think the CB650r looks better than the Triumph. The Trident is a nice looking bike and I prefer the back end but also can't help thinking that the Honda will be more reliable as I've heard some negatives about Triumph over the last couple of years. Whatever, I still think that the Trident may well outsell the Honda.

The timeless look, and those header pipes on the Honda has it winning for me. I'm 6'4" though so I don't think I'd buy either.

I rode the cb650r 2 years ago and it was nice. But did not convince me. At lower revs it felt less powerful as my NC while on higher revs the engine sounded annoying for me. Did not try the trident so far, of course it looks more modern, it is 2 years newer. Especially the gauges on the triumph are so much more appealing then on the Honda. But recently I rode a 19 years old Honda Hornet 900. And the engine, the gearbox, the handling, I was surprised how good that felt. Especially the engine. Very firm on throttle, elastic and surprisingly swift on lower revs, impressivly powerful when pushing to the limits. The classic gauges are nice, the sound was not loud but provided emotions, really nice, if it would have at least abs... Only the street triple rs felt that emotional to me. As much I like the triumphs look, I feel many of them won't last without repairs like these Hondas do. But on the other hand these old hornets are still sold at over 3000euros in Germany, compared to that a new trident is an excellent offer.

That sunken boat/ship/vessel in the harbour is an awesome backdrop!! Nice vid 👍🏼👍🏼

Hi Rocketman, I have owned the Honda since June 2019 and I did find your review interesting. When I bought my bike the Trident wasn't even on the horizon so I wasn't able to compare them but I' m hoping to put that right when the UK comes out of lockdown. There were a few things that you mentioned in your review that I'd like to address. First of all your aching wrist and fueling. I came from a twin and initally I found that getting away was a bit unpredictable, requiring a fair amount of clutch and throttle juggling. However after a while I got used to it with a combination of muscle memory and the anti stall function that raises the revs if a stall is detected. At first I was unknowingly fighting it and over adjusting as a consequence! Secondly, re the brakes and suspension, the CB has Nisin radially mounted 4 pot piston fronts and Showa Big Piston Separate Function Forks, both of which are mechanically slightly superior to the ones fitted to the Trident. Where the Trident is superior however is the tech, the TFT and riding modes etc. Thirdly, the styling. I find that the Triumph is more tradionally styled and a little safe - except for the rear end which I' m not sure about at all! The CB, at least in my eyes, looks more dynamic and possibly aimed at younger riders? Lastly, the size. Yes the CB is a compact bike, especialy with the tail tidy that I've fitted but it does make it feel sporty which I personally like in this sort of bike. I' m 5ft 9 and it fits like a glove but you have to bear in mind is the target market for each bike, The Honda will be sold mainly in the Far East where a lot of people are of a smaller build and they will be big bikes to them. Triumph will sell shedloads in the US and Europe as a lower price entry into Triumph ownership. Anyway, continue to enjoy your bike and hopefully I' ll get to ride the Trident when dealerships here fully open up. As a footnote, the Trident is the polar opposite to the Rocket you were considering before the BMW. That's a heck of a change in direction!

Being radially mounted theHonda brakes have to be four piston as opposed to the two piston sliding calipers on the trident.

@RocketMan, can you feel the difference in weight. I know the CB is like 12 kg heavier, but how does that translate when you are in heavy traffic. I'm a light guy at 160 lbs and plans to use it more on heavy traffic (half the time) and highway.

You have a soothing voice. As if riding the CB650R relaxed you. I like the looks of the Trident for sure. I also like the idea of that power band being linear on the Trident.

The flawlessness of Honda notwithstanding I have several Hondas in the garage constantly. No Triumphs but having ridden the Trident I would pick it over the Honda without pause. It offers larger ergonomics for me and the sound of a triple isn’t available through too many manufacturers. It’s just a personal choice for me with more than enough Kawasaki’s, an odd Suzuki and two Hondas I’d pic the Trident

Awesome! These are two of the bikes at the top of my list!

Thankyou for your thoughtful approach to reviewing these bikes. Your insights are invaluable. I support of your comments and after a week on my new trident, I have to say that the suspension is quite firm and I look forward to it bedding in. I have the 40kw Aussie version (learner version) of the Trident and its really nimble and powerful enough. I love it. I'm 54yrs old and 173cm tall with normal hands. No problem with reach to the levers as some other reviewers have mentioned (Deadpool hands? ) and my legs are in a comfortable position. I'm shorter than 'Rocketman' and it fits me like a glove. Both my two boys and now my wife, are keen to get their licenses after their experiences on this bike. My previous bikes: FJR1200, BMW1200ST, CBR1000r, XJ650 Turbo and a Suzuki TS100. I'm still running it in and there is no buyers remorse. The opposite in fact! If you are thinking about seriously, just get one! Best motorcycling decision I've ever made. :-)

I find that the non-preference for a more sporty driving is mainly an opinion and NOT A NEGATIVE POINT. The reason why I chose the CB650R was precisely because of the sportier stance. IMO, a lot of the negative points you make are mostly personal preference and not necessarily a problem. Other than that, it's good to see both sides of the coin, as I too had the opportunity to buy the Trident 660 but went with the CB650R.

Great comparison, as told from the seat, not the spec sheet 👍. Why do manufacturers insist on firm rides (gung ho journos no doubt) it dosnt help handling at all on the road.. It might on track but its a Rd bike. Unlike your reviews (thankfully) whenever I hear "can't wait to get it on track" I click off.

@rocketman amazing review. Would like your opinion on one aspect. I am living in a country which is quite hot. So heat emission from engine in traffic is major factor. Which bike according to you will emit less heat in the traffic. Considering triumph has one cylinder less but at the same time Honda engine refinement is second to none. Kindly share your view on this as both bikes are not yet available for TD in my country yet. I need to decide between the two.

nice video, my left wrist aches a lot but not from riding my bike.

After watching dozens of these 650 comparison videos, I've come to the conclusion that no modern 650 is really a 'bad' bike. Some are more dated, like the SV650, and some are a little vanilla, like the Z/ZX650, but, and I could be wrong, it seems like you can't really go wrong with any of them, as long as you know what it is you are buying, and, that you understand the purpose (and small niggles) each bike was designed around.

Honda has 4 pot radial mounted calipers. That's a massive plus point for the Honda. I hate 2 pot sliding calipers. It's not even about the braking performance. I dislike them due to them binding on the disc. Over time the sliding pins get caked up with road grim causing them to bind on. 2 pot sliding calipers have no place in the price range. Even the cheaper suzuki sv650 switch over to 4 pots in 2019. Cb, sv, Mt all run 4 pot calipers. The Honda being the only one implementing radial mounted calipers.. Its a shame, I own a street triple and love the looks of the trident and am sure it will have loads of character. I just can't love with the maintenance hassle of cleaning the sliding pins every 500 miles. For sure the next revision of the trident with switch over to 4 pots.

Just watched this again. I am beginning to think that I bought the wrong bike for Thailand with my SCR950. A lovely bike but heavy at 248 kg, and it runs on tubed tyres which worries me. I could sell it and get more or less what I paid as I got it secondhand cheap with only 4,300 km. I could also sell my KTM 390 Duke. Replace the pair of them with a Trident 660. I only need one bike along with my scooter, a Yamaha Aerox 155. I'll be back on the Algarve on April 10. Regards, Nick

I've been riding Hondas for the past 15yrs I have my heart set on the 2024 cb650r but I hear it may not come to canada 😢. If not I may consider the trident. Still waiting on answers from the dealership. Before this video I've never heard of the trident shows my loyalty to the honda 😅. I've got some thinking to do.. Great video.. cheers!

Cb650r for me 👍. I’m 6’5” btw and I surprisingly didn’t feel cramped on it

This is a toughy for me. I'm sure the Trident is a little more lively but the CB just looks SO much better. It really is a standout gorgeous bike, especially in that dark ruby red and more than anything I love the sound of a screaming I4. The brass colored engine covers make me drool every time. I don't know, motorcycle's aren't really all about practicality are they? Of course my opinion doesn't mean shit because I already made my choice, I have a 2015 gixxus750 I'm not getting rid of any time soon :)

You're doing a tremendous good job with your well spoken and elaborated reviews. Keep it up the good content!

Nice review! A piece of friendly advice: please try to include more of the bike sounds through the video, together with your VO. I feel like we are missing some of the fun and exhaust sounds which is always interesting for a bike enthusiasts. All the best!

Honda’s are on every corner. Nice to own something unique

I test rode the 675 triumph street triple rs and the cb650r and i will say the cb650r suits my needs as a commuter and i totally agree that these machines are built for different purposes. I honestly liked both bikes however the cb650r is more controlling with the power and i can see that it is forgiving but the street triple just eggs me on and it's full of excitement and very powerful to a point it can get myself into trouble (i want to be a sensible rider). I wish i test rode the trident but i already have my heart and mind set on the cb650r ❤️

I´m a former onwer of a CB 650R and had only 3 complaints, the seat is too hard (think is a Honda thing), the engine is way too smooth in low revs, and when you know it your way too fast, and finally for me also the handle bars should be more touring and less sporty. But love that bike and the engine sound stock...in high revs...sublime. By the way, cost between the two? keep up the good work!

The one subject I would have loved to hear about in this comparisons is how stable the chassis of each bike held itself in a sporty curve .. My guess is the Trident though stiffer on the bumps holds itself better cutting a line ... This as you say is less important to the rider not pushing the bike and hitting a lot of bad road surface every day on the way to work.. What job is one buying the bike to do is always the question .. Thanks for the clip .. Yours from New England , Guy

Great comparison video, looking forward to hearing your views on the MT07.

I may accept everything else, but when it comes to the appearance where cb650r is timeless and sexy, and when it comes to the pleasure of the four-cylinder engine, I cannot accept that Triumph surpasses it.Your opinion may be subjective, but it is accepted. 😊

nice video, reliability, maintenance costs, finish level of Honda already proven but Triumph trident not yet, problem issues not yet known so maybe after 2nd generation goes more involve buyer Anyway nice video Be safe

Well the review is good, although it didn't help me to decide :D. There are ever so slight differences between Honda and Triumph and I would need to somehow mash these two bikes together and build the ultimate one. I love the looks of Honda (except for few things I love Triumph looks as well - shame to exhaust and just very few more details), I love how Triumph approached speedometer (display), Honda's display is rubbish for the price. Honda has more technically modern front fork (SFF), brakes are also technically better on Honda. More horsepower on Honda - but that may not really mean anything, but it wouldn't hurt if Trident had at least 95HP too - and it could have it. Then there is Triumph's lagy digital ride by wire throttle, which is good (quickshifter up and also down with auto blipper thanks to ride by wire throttle), and bad because it feels like modern cars now, with not exactly snappy response and there is unfortunately no settings that could change it. One big no no are Metzeler shitty tires on Honda, that would probably need replacement right away, much better for Triumph as it comes cheaper than Honda but with Michelin Road 5 tires, that are better on wet road. All in all, ultimate combo would be: Triumph by the looks More power 95-100HP (Maybe 2022 model would get more juice :), I'm not buying this year anyway) Better looking and sounding exhaust SFF front fork Radial 4piston brakes (I know that there is 320mm Brembo set with 4piston calipers (but still axial), it does indeed look sweet but the price is not :D, it almost makes more sense to get Street Triple then when all sum up) That is probably about it... Even thought I'm leaning a bit towards Honda now, I would most likely stick with Trident which is too new, but it is hit already and there are going to be lot of after market perks how one could improve things that are not really good. Although it would cost quite a bit. Exhaust would have to be full system which means lot of $$$$, maybe getting that brembo brake set.... and couple more things.

I’m 5’8. On the trident 🔱 I’m told I can’t fit a rack and top box ? Indispensable for me.

I like the Honda better. MT09 Rider

I've got the 2020 Street Triple R but wanted to see how the Trident compared and I have to say very favourably, 0 to 60 they're pretty much on a par it's only when you push on that the Trident feels slightly breathless and at 9/10ths the suspension isn't as refined as its bigger brother but the finish is remarkable for any bike never mind a budget bike.

Hi RM. Just started my DAS in the UK. The riding school is using the CB650R. I was initially pleased to see that, but the first few seconds, I thought, Oh dear, I am not going to get on with this. One minute in and I am thinking, actually, I just might. Few minutes in and enjoying it. Probably not the bike for me, but pleased to be using for my DAS. Regards Denis

I actually reconsider buying CB650R after your review and I bought a trident :), so I guess you sold at least one bike for triumph:D.

Very good review , i think one option the Honda has over the Trident that isn't mentioned much is luggage , for that weekend away or tour even Best Regards

Always GOOD REAL WORLD videos/comments!!! a 3 versus a 4 cylinder ..Triumph v Honda ? ...nowadays FEW bad bikes... it's all a matter of choice ...brand loyalty for many ... ohh...for those blue skies ..and freedom to ride

The option to have a 1st class quickshifter on the Trident makes this bike a no-brainer choice imo!

Thank you for this Video. In Germany it is not so easy to do a Testdrive with the Trident 660. My Dealer has not one. So I have to drive over 100 km to try one.

Nice one. I'll be getting rid of my Street Triple and going for the Trident - I really need to chill out a bit. I need something to make me ride a bit more sensibly and encourage me to behave. And it looks mint - I'm sure there will be lots of options to individualise it too. Thanks for helping to convince me. Stay safe.

The Trident is my favorite bike just after the r9t. But I would buy the Trident. Looks beautiful!!

I bumped on this channel yesterday and I really like it. I think the guy has a sort of unique storytelling, at least among motorcycle reviewers. Congrats.

I want the triumph to sound like the honda so bad - then it would be the perfect bike i think...

Thank you for the review, what is the pricing? Trident is fresh new retro look, no plastic, very smart.

This is an interesting comparison. I'd rather have three cylinders than four. I'm interested to hear the Trident feels bigger physically. I thought I recognised the approach road to Portimao. As I've said before, I have a place in Lagos.

Looking forward to the Yamaha MT07 comparison! Thought about the seating position on the CB650R was too aggressive for my taste! The MT09 felt better .MT07 was good but the motor on the MT09 wow ! If you could demo ride one and compare it to the Trident (I know motor wise apples vs oranges) really curious about the seating vs the 2 !! Thanks good video!!👍👍

Thanks for the awesome video. I have a deposit on a Trident. Just waiting for the bike to get to the dealer. There’s also a used CB650R in my area which I was also seriously considering. This is exactly what I wanted to see. I think based on what you said about riding position, I’m still leaning Trident. But that may change when I see and ride it in person.

Looking at these 2 bikes and the xsr700. Cant decide. I test ride the xs700 and really liked it but felt a very large bike

Thank you. I test drove one CB650R ( had to try the 4 cilinder engine ) and found it too much bike for my skills. Also, at high revs the inline 4 is not that vibe free. But overall, a very good bike. It still is, with his 95 HP , the most powerfull bike I have ever ridden. And I do like my power ;)

If your after reliable transport and a bit of fun the hondas the kiddie like 👍

In line 4...you can't miss the choice..

I've ridden the Trident 🔱 several times now and I will NEVER go back to a 4 cylinder bike. So much low and mid RPM torque, so much fun! And ohhhh, that sound; the triple is just without parallel in that category. I could listen to that all day and I have NO interest in getting on a CB650! If I want more power I'd just get a Triumph Street Triple 765--with this bike, I can have way way more than the best of both worlds.

Anybody know the fuel mileage of cb650r?. Someone did mention about 25km per litre, which i doubted because my mt25 does a +/- 23km per litre and that only 250cc 39hp and a 2 cylinders bike. And i ride conservatively...

What your saying is the Honda is more sporty than the triumph.

Thank you, Sir. And may I say - you have a very pleasant voice😎

i dont mean to irrate anybody but do people really like the Tridents styling? Imho the CB650 is one of the best looking bikes and the Trident is rather boring and underwelming. Its styling says nothing and the big Triumph sticker just looks bad to me. Also i dont like the plastic pads on the side of the tank. Styling whise it lacks charracter. Sure it might be a good bike and i like to finally see a 3 cyl bike in the 650 class even though i think Z650 should have had a 3 cyl but who am i to judge?

I just know Honda is super reliable

I own a cb650r 2019. I spank it around the track every weekend and commute on workdays. Pretty much perfect for that. Although I feel abit too big for it sometimes (187 cm 100 kg). Also, good review, I subscribed and am excited to see more content.

There is definitely a winner between chicken and steak 🤣

You really don't like the CBR do you haha. Lovely vid though, got me thinking... I was already 85% towards CBR now need to research bit more to be triple sure

good comparison ,, the clock on the honda looks all wrong , the back end looks untidier than the already bad triumph, but yes the trident is getting good reviews and is more exciting and not over priced. can i move to portugal please = is there a bike culture there ? cheers, thanks for review.

I test rode a CBR650R ( I really wanted to test ride the CB650R) . At the time I had a Street Triple 660 derestricted. The Honda engine was good, but I did prefer the Triple 660. Mainly for low end torque and the sound track. Yeah the Trident's 660 is a bit different . I can't really comment on handling comparisons. I found the CBR650R flipping uncomfortable, but then I'm not keen on riding sports bikes, a CB650R would probably be more my choice. I did have a CB125R as my learner bike, and the inverted LCD was often almost impossible to see. Apparently the new CB650R has an improved one, but I'd have to reserve judgement on that. I did get a ride on a CB1000R , that was comfortable, but I found the handling more vague than a Street Triple 660, and the CB1000R was a bit "spongy". Overall I think I'd choose a Triumph ! ( well I have :) )

How different is the cramping from it's fairer brother the CBR 650r?I'm about 6ft 2 was considering the CB , I like the trident , but would prefer the street triple S

Min. 8:08 - So I would choose a chicken steak, which means the Honda (I like the overall looks slightly more, and I prefer the less size) with the Trident engine.

Hi rocket man , you said you were having wrist ack have a look at andy man cam he had the same problem with his wrist he has a Honda 1000 cb , changed his Handel bars and made a lot of differents and better .have a look at his channel

Is it taller than Triumph Trident ? I am 5’4” with 28.5” inseam without wearing shoes. Is it possible to ride this or Trident ?

So, to summarize, both bikes are pretty much the same in term of performance and features. One thing different is ... Trident has a personality, while Honda does not, just like any other bike.

I almost never like videos but I’ve like all of yours I’ve watched. It’s like ASMR for motorcycles. Informative and relaxing.

I would include a Suzuki GSX S750 in your comparison, I think it is in the same price range or less than Honda CB650 and Trident.

Are you riding in Portugal? Beautiful. 👍

Seemed biased towards Trident

Is the CB650R 2021 or the 2020 model? Because the 2021 model has reposition the handlebars higher.

A British guy living in Algarve and choosing a Triumph over a Honda, what a surprise

So you think that Trident is better for tall riders than cb650r? Thank you for reply :)

Can you pleassseee do a comparison of Trident vs Ducati scrambler dark 800. Keep up the good work 🙏

Is it better for beginners to handle at low speeds because of the Trident 660 torque than the honda?

what do you think about the triple engine from yamaha? for example the MT-09 or Tracer 900 ?

Fuel consumption?

Hey that's my town! I was thinking to try the cb650r around here... but oh well there is already a review of that. Cool video!

Well mate, here's one for you. Still got my 2019 cb500x with 49k kms on it. Won't ever sell, just does everything as you know, except ... Needed to get that real rush that a naked motorcycle gives when you're in the curves & on the pavement. Enter my new 2021 Suzuki gsxs750 😲. Two weeks old now with 3k kms clocked. Similarly, my anatomy is like yours ( not the voice, pity) & the ergos are fine. Stage 3 run in now completed & this thing handles & outperform's like a boss. Comparing the two? The Honda is a Chocolate Labrador & the Gixus is a Cane Corso. The new Yoshi Alpha exhaust I've fitted adds to the growl of that inline 4. Love the Ride & Ride to Live. Take Care, I'm off to release the hounds!

Portimao.......I've ridden through it on a scooter when we were on holiday just outside Albufeira and used exactly the same route as you did - there were storks nesting in top of some of the very tall street lights near the bridge, and also on the tall chimney stacks which are all that remains of the factories between the road bridge and the railway bridge on your right side as you come into the town. when we were there in 2017, and again when we returned in 2019. Interesting comparison between the two bikes - the Triumph is certainly getting some really good reviews and I think you have chosen wisely. Ride safe. Steve