We were hoping to learn more about Triumph‘s new Speed Triple 1200 RR after the British brand dropped a teaser for the faired roadster last week. Instead, we’ve received teaser images for a different new Triumph model we’ve been anticipating: the Triumph Tiger Sport 660.
Triumph sent us photos of a prototype Tiger Sport 660, the second model to make use of the platform introduced with the Trident. The Tiger Sport 660 will step into what Triumph calls the “middleweight adventure sports category”, a class that includes the likes of the Kawasaki Versys 650, Suzuki V-Strom 650, or the not-available-in-America Yamaha Tracer 7. Like these competitors, the Tiger Sport 660 is what we’d traditionally call a sport-tourer, but with some ADV influences. The Trident won our recent middleweight nakeds shootout, which means the Tiger Sport 660 may present a big threat to its competition.
Apart from the images and the model’s name, Triumph didn’t provide much information about the Tiger Sport 660, leaving us to closely examine the photographs for details.
The engine is a 660cc liquid-cooled DOHC Inline-Triple, similar to the motor in the Trident, which traces its lineage back to the 675cc engine of the 2007 Street Triple. On the Trident, the engine claims 80 hp at 10,250 rpm and 47.0 lb-ft. at 6,250 rpm, with 90% of the torque available at 3,600 rpm (we had it measured at 72.3 hp and 42.8 lb-ft. on the MotoGPWerks dyno). We don’t expect the Tiger Sport to veer too far from the roadster on this front. The Trident’s switchable ride modes and traction control system will likely return, while John Burns is hoping the Tiger Sport 660 will add cruise control.
With more of an adventure bent and a new tail with a raised pillion seat and passenger grab handles, we expected a different subframe on the Tiger Sport. On close inspection, however, it appears the frame and subframe may be the same as on the Trident, but with different side plates covering the lower portion. The swingarm, five-spoke cast wheels and Michelin 5 tires appear to be unchanged from the Trident.
The fork appears to be the same 41mm inverted Showa unit from the Trident. We expect it will have longer travel than on the roadster, and judging from how high the outer fork tube sits relative to the tire, that seems to be the case. The rear suspension likewise looks similar to the preload-adjustable Showa monoshock of the Trident. The Nissin brakes also appear to be the same as on the Trident.
The bodywork is new, with a front fairing, windscreen and twin headlights. The camouflage obscures some of the shapes, but you can see some similarities to Triumph’s old Tiger 1050 Sport. It’s difficult to make out the shape of the fuel tank with the additional bodywork, but we expect it will be larger than the Trident’s 3.7 gallon tank. Unlike the larger Tiger models in Triumph’s lineup, the radiator shrouds are separate from the rest of the bodywork, with a visible gap behind the LED turn signals.
As a sport touring model, the Tiger Sport 660 should offer more relaxed ergonomics. The handlebar appears similar to the Trident’s, but it sits on a riser for a more upright riding position. The footpegs are also slightly ahead of where they are positioned on the Trident. One of the supplied photos shows the Tiger Sport equipped with panniers. They don’t match any luggage in Triumph’s existing catalog, and we’ll have to see if they’ll be sold as an optional accessory, or if Triumph will offer a GT version.
Triumph says it has been testing the final prototype of the Tiger Sport 660, meaning we can expect the final production version to be revealed in the fall as a 2022 model. Those of you hoping for a more off-road capable model will have to be patient, as Triumph is expected to add a full-on adventure model later.
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