If you’re into riding year-round on a versatile and capable machine, you’ll be forgiven if your ears have shot up here. Triumph has (finally) today revealed the Tiger Sport 660 after much teasing. Maybe it’s something to do with the ‘Don’t tease a tiger’ thing.
Set to bring the hugely successful Trident formula across to the adventure sports market, the Tiger Sport 660 is fitted with the same triple power plant as its naked sibling, making it the first triple in the middleweight segment - plus the most powerful.
It’s a well-specced mile-munching machine, A2 compliant with restrictor kit and looks to be a serious contender on the market; up against the likes of the Yamaha Tracer 7, the Kawasaki Versys 650, perhaps the Suzuki V-Strom 650 and Honda CB500X.
Let’s take a look at what’s behind the Tiger Sport 660 name.
Triumph Tiger Sport 660 price and availability
Set to be available at the beginning of 2022 (we were given a January date for UK dealers, with the possibility of rolling into February) this new 660 is priced up at £8,450 OTR with a two-year unlimited mileage warranty, withe option to extend by 1 or 2 years. You can pick from three colours, Lucerne Blue & Sapphire Black, Korosi Red & Graphite (with sporty graphics), or Graphite & Black.
Whilst we’re with style, I'd say this is a nice look. Twin LED headlights, underslung exhaust, pillion grab rails, sleek design work.
Triumph was also keen to note that this tourer will also have the lowest service workshop cost in the category, with a 10k mile/12 month service interval, and a total of 8.3 hours of servicing required over the first 3 years - against 11 - 15.9 hours for rivals. So theoretically, running costs and cost of ownership will remain low.
Engine - triple delight!
Simply put, it’s the same Euro 5 660cc engine unit as found on the Trident - but that also makes it the first triple-cylinder unit in the category and the most powerful, combining Triumph’s smooth power delivery with the usual triple performance you’d expect.
Peak power is given as 81 PS (79 BHP) at 10,250 rpm, and 64 Nm (47.2 ft-lbs) of torque at 6250, with performance available from low in the revs all the way to the top. 90% of the torque is available from 3600 rpm, in fact.
As standard, it’ll come with two riding modes, Road and Rain, to adjust throttle response and traction control in varying conditions.
Ride-by-wire throttle with a 6-speed gearbox and slip/assist clutch feature too, with tweaked gear ratios for all-round riding. It goes without saying riders stepping up from an A2, or across from other bikes, will be satisfied with the engine here - just wait until you hear the claimed MPG.
Brakes, Suspension, tech features
Let’s do a quick sweep of the highlights of spec, there’s a full specs table at the bottom of the page if you want specific stuff.
17” wheels are set with Michelin Road 5 tyres, paired with twin 310mm discs with 2-piston Nissin sliding calipers, a single 255mm disc at the rear for stopping power with dual-channel ABS — traction control can also be switched, although it seems rear ABS is not switchable for those who may stray off-piste.
41mm Showa USD forks with 150mm wheel travel, matched with a Showa rear mono-shock with dual-rate spring and remote hydraulic preload adjust. Handy if you decide to opt for luggage to mount to the integrated pannier mounts. The accessory top box can hold 47 litres and is shown holding two lids within.
For touring, seat height is an accessible 835mm and the tank holds 17.2 litres with suggested consumption of 4.5 l/100km (62 mpg), giving a theoretical 200+ mile range. Crucial for some, the screen is one-hand adjustable whilst riding. LED lights are fitted all around, with twin headlights & self-cancelling indicators, too.
Lastly, tech & gadgets. Fitted with a multi-functional TFT display, the usual suspects are displayed (Odo, fuel gauge etc) with additional integration for the My Triumph connectivity for turn-by-turn navigation, GoPro control, phone & music interaction.
If you’re one to spec up your bike, adding to the My Triumph system is the option for Triumph Shift Assist up/down quickshifter, heated grips, under-seat USB charger, tyre pressure monitoring system, and luggage options & protectors (engine, frame, fork) for true adventurers.
Final thoughts?
Is this going to be the next leader in a blossoming middleweight segment? The Trident has done phenomenally well, with sales numbers rocketing - and the Tiger Sport 660 is effectively following the same formula, but tweaked for a market that values long-distance touring and versatility.
It certainly has the potential to be a huge seller for the biggest motorcycle manufacturer in England.
Factor in the price against what’s on offer with the power from that enamoured triple unit, and this is a serious statement on the market. Certainly looking forward to trying this one out when it’s released at the start of 2022.
Triumph Tiger Sport 660 specs
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
