Triumph’s New Tiger Sport 660 Is Its Cheapest Touring Bike
For all the attention that Triumph’s retro-style bikes like the Bonneville get, they aren’t the British brand’s only signature products. Triumph is arguably just as synonymous with three-cylinder motorcycles like its iconic Speed and Street Triples. And the company’s ‘triple’ selection grew this year with the addition of the entry-level Trident 660. Now, with the launch of the 2022 Triumph Tiger Sport 660, that selection is growing again.
The 2022 Triumph Tiger Sport 660 takes the Trident on a sporty on-road adventure
| Spec | 2022 Triumph Tiger Sport 660 |
| Engine | 660cc liquid-cooled inline-three |
| Power | 80 bhp |
| Torque | 47 lb-ft |
| Transmission | Six-speed manual with slipper-assist clutch |
| Front suspension and travel | Showa 41mm inverted cartridge forks; 5.9” |
| Rear suspension and travel | Preload-adjustable Showa RSU mono-shock with remote reservoir; 5.9” |
| Seat height | 32.87″ |
| Curb weight | 454 lbs |
| Price | $9,295 (base) $9,420 (in Lucerne Blue or Korosi Red) |
Adventure bike fans are likely familiar with the Triumph Tiger. Whether new or used, the Tiger is a solid choice for those who want a touring-capable motorcycle with genuine off-road credentials. And since introducing it in 2011, Triumph has always offered the Tiger with three-cylinder engines.
This new model, though, is a Tiger of a different stripe. Although Triumph calls the 2022 Tiger Sport 660 an ‘adventure sports’ motorcycle, it’s “not meant for any more ADV than the occasional gravel road,” RevZilla says. Instead, like the Tiger 850 Sport introduced last year, it’s more of a sporty on-road touring bike. And despite wearing the Tiger name, the 2022 Tiger Sport 660 isn’t built on the same chassis. Instead, its frame and powertrain come from the Trident 660.
However, none of these things are bad in and of themselves. For one, the Trident 660 has been earning solid reviews. Many of them praise its engine’s refinement, power output, and linear delivery, Cycle World reports. Plus, a 660cc bike is more beginner-friendly than an 888cc one. It’s also lighter, which is a boon for shorter and smaller riders.
Secondly, if Harley-Davidson’s Pan America data is anything to go by, most adventure bike buyers rarely venture off-pavement. In that regard, a touring-focused adventure bike makes a lot of sense, especially if it’s affordable.
It’s more ‘sport’ than ‘adventure,’ but the 2022 Triumph Tiger Sport 660 has the makings of a solid all-around machine
The 2022 Triumph Tiger Sport 660 is indeed affordable, or at the very least more affordable than its Tiger brethren. For comparison, the Tiger 900 GT starts at $14,700; and the off-road-spec 900 Rally starts at $15,400.
But even with its sub-$10K starting price, the Tiger Sport 660 packs some “neat stuff,” Cycle World muses. It has two riding modes, adjustable traction control, ABS-equipped Nissin brakes, all-LED lighting, and a color TFT display. Plus, while its hardware is Trident-based, Triumph gave the new bike more suspension travel, upgraded the rear shock, and lengthened the swingarm. Also, Triumph reinforced the rear subframe to better accommodate passengers and cargo.
Speaking of cargo, the 2022 Tiger Sport 660 is prepared for it. Although luggage is optional, the motorcycle has built-in pannier mounts. Other touring touches include the standard adjustable windshield and 4.4-gallon fuel tank. And like the rest of Triumph’s bikes, the Tiger Sport 660 offers plenty of optional accessories. You can add things like an electronic quickshifter, under-seat USB charger, heated grips, handguards, tank pads, and tire-pressure monitoring. Plus, the optional My Triumph Connectivity module adds turn-by-turn navigation, GoPro control, as well as phone and music operation through the TFT display.
When can you get this touring-ready Tiger?
The ‘normal’ riding season is almost over, but that shouldn’t stop this new bike. Triumph says the Tiger Sport 660 should arrive in dealers by February 2022. By then, riders will undoubtedly be planning their next long-distance trips.
But should you consider getting Triumph’s new ‘adventure’ bike? That depends on where you want to ride. The Yamaha Ténéré 700, for example, is roughly the same price. And while it’s slightly less powerful, it has more suspension travel and adjustability as well as more off-road features. However, it lacks a slipper clutch, adjustable windshield, traction control, and riding modes. Plus, its LCD dash doesn’t offer any connectivity features, and its rear luggage rack costs extra. So, while it might be the better off-road bike, it’s not necessarily the better-equipped touring bike.
Triumph is arguably doing the Tiger Sport 660 a disservice by calling it an ‘adventure sports’ bike. It’s perhaps more of a sport-touring motorcycle, which, again, isn’t a bad thing. If you need an affordable bike that it’s equally ready to carve up the city and hit the highway, this new Tiger should be worth a test ride.
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