Highs and Sighs: 2026 Triumph Trident 660
When the Triumph Trident 660 first landed on the scene, it quickly became a favorite in the middleweight naked category. For 2026, Triumph gave its entry-level roadster a massive shot in the arm. As mentioned in my First Ride review, the update delivers some incredible improvements, though it still carries a few frustrating quirks.
What are they, you ask? Read on, because here is a breakdown of the three things I like about the 2026 Triumph Trident 660 — and the three things I don’t.
High: A Masterpiece of an Engine Got Even Better
The headline news for 2026 is the power bump. Triumph swapped out the old single 38mm throttle body for three individual 44mm throttle bodies, fundamentally transforming how this 660cc inline-Triple breathes. The result? A massive jump to 94 horsepower (up nearly 14 hp from before) and 50.2 lb-ft of torque. It is responsive, pulls cleanly even if you are a gear too high, and retains that magnificent, screaming triple soundtrack all the way to its new 12,650 rpm redline.
High: A Serious Pack of Standard Features
Triumph did not skimp on technology. For a middleweight bike, it comes remarkably well-equipped right out of the box. You get a six-axis IMU enabling cornering ABS and lean-sensitive traction control, an up/down quickshifter (Triumph Shift Assist), cruise control, and turn-by-turn navigation on the sleek TFT/LCD display.
High: An Aggressive, Accessible Price Tag
Despite getting more power and a premium electronics suite, the 2026 Trident 660 enters the market at an incredibly reasonable $8,995. Combined with generous 10,000-mile service intervals and a two-year unlimited mileage warranty, it represents immense value for everyday commuters and new riders alike.
Sigh: Overly Sensitive, Nanny-Like ABS
While having cornering ABS backed by an IMU is great on paper, the system's calibration is incredibly conservative in practice. Even in its least intrusive road modes, the front ABS triggers early and often — especially if you are braking hard over slightly uneven pavement. If you like to ride aggressively, this eager intervention can easily disrupt your flow. But even if you aren’t being aggressive, the early triggering can be an annoyance.
Sigh: A Spongy, "Mushy" Brake Feel
Even though Triumph outfitted the front end with braided steel lines, the axial-mounted master cylinder leaves the twin-piston Nissin calipers feeling a bit vague at the lever. The raw stopping power is technically there, but you have to squeeze much harder than expected, which creates a bit of a compounding problem with the sensitive ABS mentioned above.
Sigh: The Massive Shadow of the Trident 800
Perhaps the biggest issue for the Trident 660 isn’t even about the bike itself — it’s about its sibling. Triumph also offers the Trident 800, which costs only about $1,000 more. In markets like the US where tiered licensing laws don't restrict riders by engine displacement, it makes it incredibly difficult to justify buying the 660 when a more powerful, more refined, higher-tier machine sits just a grand away on the showroom floor.
The Verdict
The 2026 Triumph Trident 660 is a brilliant machine if you want a charismatic engine, neutral and light ergonomics, and premium tech without breaking the bank. However, if you are looking to push hard in the canyons, the soft suspension and overly anxious brakes might hold you back — and the allure of the Trident 800 will be hard to ignore.
