Triumph unveils all-new Tiger Sport 660

Triumph Motorcycles has unveiled a new middleweight adventure-sport model, with the all-new 2022 Triumph Tiger Sport 660 based on the recently introduced Triumph Trident 660 and slated to arrive Down Under in the first quarter of 2022 priced at $14,690 ride away. 

But while the new model will be available in the UK in both full-power and restricted forms, the latter to suit learner riders, Australia will only be getting a LAMS-compliant model. 

As such, the Trident-derived 660cc in-line three-cylinder engine will produce 48hp (35kW) at 8750rpm and 59Nm at 5250rpm, instead of the 80hp (59.6kW) and 64Nm of its full-power sibling. 

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Triple advantage 

The Triumph Tiger Sport 660’s engine has full Euro 5 emissions compliance while Triumph says the inline triple format gives the model the best of all worlds, with low-down torque, a strong midrange and a class-leading top-end (at least where the full-power version is concerned). 

This comes in a package weighing in at a relatively modest 206kg (wet). 

Triumph says the new model will appeal both to new riders and more experienced hands looking for a lightweight and nimble machine with long-haul comfort and healthy load-carrying ability. 

Here in Australia, the Triumph Tiger Sport 660 will square off against Kawasaki’s Versys 650, Suzuki’s V-Strom 650 and, to a lesser extent given the lower capacity, Benelli’s TRK 502 and Honda’s CB500X. It would also have been a natural rival for Yamaha’s Tracer 700, before Yamaha dropped that model in Australia in mid-2020.

Feature packed 

Triumph says its new Tiger Sport 660 boasts a number of class-leading aspects, including LCD instrumentation with inset TFT display, optional Bluetooth connectivity, and a choice of two ride modes (Road and Rain), along with what it says is the lowest cost of ownership in the category. 

Along with the Trident 660, the Tiger Sport 660 serves as another entry point to the wider Triumph range, although that doesn’t mean it’s left wanting for features and equipment. 

Highlights include full LED lighting with self-cancelling indicators, a ride-by-wire throttle and an immobiliser, along with a slipper clutch, antilock brakes and switchable traction control. 

Quality components 

The new model has a tubular steel perimeter frame and rides on Showa suspension, with an inverted 41mm SFF (Separate Function Fork, with adjustable preload and rebound damping) up front and a Showa monoshock (with remote preload adjustment) at the rear. There is 150mm of suspension travel on offer at each end, and the 17-inch cast-alloy rims are shod with road-focused Michelin Road 5 tyres. 

Compared to the Trident 660, Triumph says the Tiger Sport 660 sports a slightly steeper steering head angle and a slightly longer swingarm, while the rear subframe has been constructed to handle heavier loads. 

Braking comes courtesy of a Nissin setup, with a twin-disc (310mm), twin-piston arrangement at the front complemented by a single 255mm disc with single-piston caliper down the back. 

The ergonomics are pure adventure sport, with an upright riding position and a broad tapered handlebar. The rider’s seat height is pegged at 835mm, while an 810mm low seat is available as a factory accessory. 

Mile-munching ability is enhanced by a touring screen with one-hand manual adjustment, integrated pannier mounts for the model’s factory accessory luggage, and a generous 17-litre tank. 

Triumph says the Tiger Sport 660 is capable of a range of around 380km – a claim we look forward to putting to the test! 

Service intervals are pegged at 16,000km for the Tiger Sport 660, while Triumph says the model can lay claim to the lowest service workshop cost in the category, the model typically requiring 8.3 total hours of work compared to between 11 and 15.9 hours for its rivals. That’s based on a first service at 1000km, plus three annual services and new brake pads, chain, sprockets, oil filter, and sump washer. 

Strong momentum 

The model follows on from a veritable flood of new product in recent months from the British brand, which appears to be powering ahead despite the ravages of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Since the start of the 2021 we’ve seen updates and new models spanning the Triumph Street Twin, Bonneville, Rocket 3 special editions, a Scrambler 1200 Steve McQueen Edition, a Street Scrambler Sandstorm Edition, Speed Twin, Tiger 1200, a next-gen Speed Triple 1200 RS and a track-ready Speed Triple 1200 RR. 

The Triumph Tiger Sport 660 will launch with over 40 genuine accessories, with highlights including colour-matched hard panniers and topbox, a bi-directional quickshifter, Bluetooth module, scrolling LED indicators, auxilliary 12-volt and USB outlets, tyre pressure monitoring, comfort seat, heated grips, and a number of cosmetic enhancements. 

The Triumph Tiger Sport 660 is due to reach Australian dealerships in the first quarter of 2022, priced at $14,690 ride away. The bike will be available in two standard colour schemes (Lucerne Blue/Sapphire Black or Graphite/Sapphire Black) and one prestige hue (Korosi Red/Graphite), the latter adding a $150 premium. 

The model is backed by a two-year, unlimited-kilometre factory warranty.