Triumph Tiger Sport 660: 2022 bikesales Learner Bike of the Year Winner

The new Triumph Tiger Sport 660 is the 2022 bikesales Learner Bike of the Year, proudly presented by Shannons Insurance.

Beating nine other Learner Bike of the Year contenders, the Tiger Sport 660 stood out for its beautiful LAMS-approved three-cylinder 660cc engine, its sharp adventure-sport styling, and its relaxed, user-friendly ergonomics.

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With motorcycle sales booming through the pandemic years of 2020 and 2021, it has become obvious that there are more new riders on the road than ever before. And with our second annual Learner Bike of the Year award, the bikesales team aims to provide a valuable resource for first-time bike buyers.

The 10 Learner BOTY finalists were selected from a wide pool of LAMS (Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme) models. The only eligibility requirements are that a contender qualifies under the LAMS regulatory framework and is on sale prior to September 1, 2022.

So what exactly is a LAMS bike? The Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme limits new riders to motorcycles that meet specific technical requirements in the name of safety.

While each state has slightly different rulings and wordings, the general criteria is that LAMS bikes must have an engine capacity of less than 660cc, and a power-to-weight ratio of less than 150 kilowatts per tonne.

The LAMS rules apply to learner riders across the country and, in some states, also probationary riders. Check with your state or territory's roads and transport authority for the specific rules that apply where you live.

Contenders for 2022 included the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650, Royal Enfield Scram 411, Aprilia SR GT 125, Honda CBR500R, KTM 390 Adventure, KTM RC 390, Yamaha YZF-R7LA, Yamaha MT-07LA, Benelli TNT 600i, and the eventual winner, the Triumph Tiger Sport 660.

Each finalist was judged on a range of different criteria including performance, brakes and handling, build quality, value for money, safety, innovation, and the extent to which the bike is fit for purpose. And the ultimate question judges must answer is, what would make a perfect first bike?

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In 2022, judges agreed the perfect first bike was the Triumph Tiger Sport 660. It picks up where its Trident 660 sibling left off, bringing triple-cylinder performance and high equipment levels to the LAMS category for a realistic price.

The Triumph Trident 660 was the 2021 bikesales Learner Bike of the Year, and Editor Dylan Ruddy said at the time that “it might just be the ultimate learner bike”.

Our judges agreed that the Tiger Sport 660 trumps the Trident in more ways than one, making it very hard to look past as the 2022 bikesales Learner Bike of the Year winner.

In addition to a more accessible and comfortable riding position, the Tiger Sport 660 has an improved rear shock and better wind protection, with our judges surmising that it offers more practicality for a wider range of riders compared to the Trident.

The bikesales judges also loved the Tiger Sport 660's comprehensive level of equipment, which includes two riding modes, switchable traction control, a TFT display, ride-by-wire throttle, a slip-and-assist clutch and full LED lighting. Bluetooth connectivity and a quickshifter are optional.

All of this helps push the Triumph Tiger Sport 660 to a price tag of $14,990 ride away. But while it certainly isn’t the cheapest LAMS bike on the market, it could possibly lay claim to being the best-equipped learner bike under $15k. And that is a big part of why it is the winner of the 2022 bikesales Learner Bike of the Year award, proudly presented by Shannons Insurance.