Triumph Tiger Sport 660 2022 — Specifications

At a time when the entry-level sport touring market primarily runs on twin-cylinder engines, Triumph arrives with an undeniable argument: a three-cylinder. Not a large one, no, but the famous 660 cc block, already proven under the tank of the Trident. The idea is clever. Take the most appealing engine in the mid-size category, slip it into an urban adventurer’s attire, and aim straight at the Yamaha Tracer 7 and other Suzuki V-Strom 650. The bet is bold, and the result, this Tiger Sport 660, speaks volumes about the ambition of the British manufacturer.

Under the angular lines and the small fairing, you’ll find this triple with a well-tempered character. With its 81 horsepower at 10,250 rpm, it immediately positions itself as the most powerful in its class, even rivaling its big brother, the Tiger 850. It is mainly its torque, 47.2 Nm available relatively early, that makes the difference. It offers this suppleness inherited from the triple, this full rumble and this ability to swallow the gears without rushing. Compared to the twin, sometimes a little flat, of a competitor, it’s a breath of fresh air. For those asking "how many horsepower does the Triumph Tiger Sport 660 have?", the answer is clear: enough to give a lesson in dynamism to most of its rivals.

The transformation from the roadster is profound, however. The steel tubular frame accommodates a 41 mm Showa inverted fork and a monoshock, both gaining in travel for increased comfort. The riding position is radically revised: higher and closer handlebars, footpegs set back, a wide seat at a height of 835 mm. You are far from the compact posture of the Trident. The intention is obvious: to create a machine for daily travel, capable of handling long distances. The 17.2-liter tank and reasonable fuel consumption promise good autonomy, even if with this weight announced at 206 kg fully fueled, it remains average for the sector.

But where the tiger really shows its fangs is on the dashboard. Triumph equips its sportbike with electronics that set the bar high. Two riding modes (Road and Rain) modulate engine response and traction control intervention, all controllable from a well-crafted color TFT screen. This is a definite advantage over competitors who are often more spartan. On the other hand, being stingy with a USB socket, offered only as an option on a motorcycle designed for travel, is a bad point. Similarly, the choice of a rear tire in 180, inherited from the roadster, unnecessarily weighs down the steering where a 150 would have increased agility.

So, who is this Tiger Sport 660? It is the intelligent proposition for the modern touring rider who refuses to compromise on engine character. It is not made for the real trail, its 17-inch rims and fairing shout that, but for winding asphalt and long journeys. Its price, starting from €9,095, is justified by this exclusive triple, the careful finish and the electronic equipment. It is not the cheapest, but it brings a personality and a liveliness that are sorely lacking elsewhere. For those seeking the soul of a roadster in the practical body of a trail bike, a test ride of the Triumph Tiger Sport 660 is a must. It is a serious challenger, which shakes up the codes with panache.