There’s a new adventure bike in town and it’s quite a looker
Triumph Motorcycles has pulled the wraps off its new middleweight adventure bike, the Tiger Sport 660. The first triple to make its way into the segment, the Tiger will rival the likes of the Kawasaki Versys 650 and the newly-launched Suzuki V-Strom 650XT.
Powering the Tiger Sport 660 is a liquid-cooled, inline-three 660 cc engine carried over from the Trident 660, which produces 81 PS at 10,250 rpm and 64 Nm of torque at 6,250 rpm. This makes the Tiger substantially more powerful than its Suzuki counterpart. The engine is fully Euro 5 compliant and delivers useable power from low down in the rev range, all the way to the red line.
Power delivery is managed by a sophisticated engine management system with a ride-by-wire throttle, while the slick 6-speed gearbox has gear ratios optimised for fun and all-round everyday rideability.
Triumph claims the Tiger Sport 660 is perfectly balanced and easy to control, with precise steering aided by lightweight aluminium tapered handlebars and a comfortable twin seat set at 835 mm from the ground. The bike also benefits from a slim stand over width, for easy manoeuvrability at lower speeds and a planted feel at a standstill.
As for the suspension, the front end features 41mm Showa upside-down cartridge forks, delivering 150mm of wheel travel, while at the rear, there’s a Showa monoshock with a dual rate spring for solo or pillion riding, and remote hydraulic preload adjustability for tailoring the ride for a pillion and/or luggage.
The bike rides on 5-spoke, 17-inch lightweight cast aluminium wheels wrapped in Michelin Road 5 tyres, while its braking system comprises twin 310 mm discs with two-piston sliding callipers up front, a single 255 mm disc at the rear as well as a dual-channel ABS.
Its touring capability is enhanced with a 17-litre fuel tank and integrated mounts that allow for the fitment of accessory panniers. Also available is a top box that holds 47 litres of storage, spacious enough to accommodate two full-face helmets.
Electronics-wise, the Tiger Sport 660 comes standard with Rain and Road riding modes, switchable traction control, as well as a slip and assist clutch that can reduce rider fatigue. There’s also a TFT display that provides all necessary information in a clear, compact and uncluttered design. It can be integrated with the My Triumph connectivity system, which enables turn-by-turn navigation, GoPro control, and phone and music interaction.
The Tiger Sport 660 is set to enter the market early next year, with a starting price of £8,450 (RM48,060 converted) in the UK.
