Triumph Tiger Sport 660 (2022) | First Ride Review and Specs

Written and ridden by Theirry Sarasyn​ - motornieuws.be

TRIUMPH is serious about entering this popular category. Versatile mid-range models at an affordable price are always in demand. The Triumph Tiger Sport 660 has a strong launch price that's slightly above that of its competitors, but it offers something extra in return. A three-cylinder engine with 81PS - as seen in the Trident - gives the bike a very mature feel.

The Tiger also has the performance to confirm that impression. 64Nm isn't exactly a mountain of torque, but Triumph claims it’s the way in which that torque is delivered, that matters.

The 660's torque curve is almost as flat as the Salt Lake Flats, which means you'll never have to worry about what gear you are in. The half TFT - half LED dashboard does display the gear you are in, but honestly, you don’t need that info. Usually, there are three gears to choose from and in all three the response is smooth. On the winding mountain roads in the Algarve, we mostly rode in third gear and if you make a point of it, you can drive for an hour without shifting gears. From hairpins to fast twists and turns. Partly for this reason, the Tiger Sport 660 is a particularly easy bike to ride.

Triumph Tiger Sport 660 handling

Maybe it's because the TS660 is so easy to ride that you can also go quite fast. Granted, that's not the main purpose of this bike, but if you've got sporting genes, you can show them off too. No doubt that's why Triumph gave us Isle of Man TT rider Joe Akroyd as a guide rider. After 40 or so miles on twisty roads, we suddenly found ourselves on virtually traffic-free mountain roads, and Akroyd just took off like a rocket. With a train of three behind him. The other colleagues kept a normal sporting pace, while we thundered “Joe Bar” style over the Portuguese hills. The result was that we were at our lunch stop half an hour before the restaurant opened, but also that we immediately got to know the bike’s steering qualities and stability at high speeds and under heavy braking. Surprisingly, with a wheelbase of 1418mm and a head angle of just 23 degrees, a bike as sharp as this Tiger Sport 660 still delivers perfect stability at high speed. The sharpness of the steering takes a little getting used to, but because there's no compromise on stability, it's a bonus.

On the suspension, you can only adjust the preload of the monoshock, but that's hydraulically controlled and by turning an easily accessible knob. It’s handy and it works well. The same comment can be made about the adjustability of the windshield. You can adjust the position of the windscreen with one hand and without any problems. And there's more common sense included in the Tiger Sport. The bike is smartly built and well finished.

Although the latter has its limits. There are limits to the suspension settings and the dashboard is only partly TFT, the rest being LED. It goes without saying that Triumph could have fitted fully adjustable suspension and a full TFT screen. But then the new Tiger would have become more expensive and in that case, there would probably have been comments about the extra cash required. Now Triumph has a good working suspension set-up and a clear dashboard with a TFT insert. It works perfectly. Period.

Electronics and riding modes

Operating the electronics via buttons on the left-hand side of the handlebar and the semi-TFT display is also smooth and, above all, intuitive. Triumph has kept the number of buttons to a minimum and this makes it easy to choose the mode you want to ride in. The options are 'rain' and 'road' - again no unnecessary frills or riding modes. Besides, those who do have multiple modes, in most cases select one mode for dry road and the rain mode when needed. Moreover, this choice of driving modes is one of the things with which the British want to distinguish themselves from the competition. With the traction control, they are not alone – the new Kawasaki Versys 650 has TC; although if you are looking for TC, riding modes and a power output of 81ps, the Tiger Sport 660 really is your only option.

This does raise the question of whether Triumph should be looking further up the segment to heavier bikes as their competitors. A BMW F900XR, for example?

Comfort and weather protection

Performance and comfort-wise, the Triumph Tiger Sport 660 is more than up to the challenge. You are comfortably seated and well protected against the elements of nature. With the screen at the lowest position, the wind does get around your helmet, but there isn’t any real turbulence. In the highest position you’re – almost - completely protected.

The comfy seating position is quite relaxed and at the same time slightly sporty. This ensures good control when steering, but also when braking. No Brembo Stylema brakes, just good old Nissins that are more than adequate for this type of bike and this type of work.

In fact, the braking effect is particularly powerful, even at the rear. When you really get going, you can feel the ABS at the back intervening more often than usual. That is proof of braking power, but of course, it is also connected to the road surface and the grip of the tyre. And the front brakes? Well, they’re also quite powerful, although I was happier that I didn’t feel the ABS intervene there...

Versatility 

We rode the Triumph Tiger Sport 660 for almost 300km in total. Sometimes on damp roads, often on beautiful dry winding roads. But also, in heavy traffic and even on the motorway. It really is a versatile little machine that is very easy to control. Triumph have aimed the bike at youngsters, riders that are coming back to motorcycle riding and experienced pilots. For commuting, weekend riding, travelling and fun rides. Read: apart from enduro riders and classic bike fans, just about every biker is part of the target audience.

The small giant is surprisingly capable in all areas. Add the optional panniers, the equally optional quickshifter and the heated grips and you have a very complete motorbike. 

Conclusion

Triumph has hit the mark with the launch of this Tiger Sport 660. It's a mid-range motorcycle that can compete with bikes in its own category and, why not, with those with more cc's. The three-cylinder engine proves its worth once again, with a level of finish typical for Triumph, the result is a bike with many strengths and hardly and faults.

One of the hardest assets to measure is the fun factor, but after the intense test ride in the Algarve, it's clear that the newest bike from Hinckley also loves a bit of fun. Apart from all the measurable trumps, the latter is perhaps the most important. After all, isn’t having fun what we're all looking for in a bike?

Triumph Tiger Sport 660 specs

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