I have been riding 1000+cc bikes for the last 20+ years with my last being a Tiger Sport 1050. However arthritis is taking its toll on my joints so I have taken the decision to move the big Tiger on and have replaced it with its baby brother the 660. I’ve had the new bike for a couple of weeks now and my early thoughts about losing the 50cc’s between the two bikes has not been realised. Although I’m still running in the 660 I have not been disappointed with the performance. The engine is very punchy and the bike rides brilliantly. Here is the new bike.
Looks really nice, and of course I can empathise. New bikes these days are all good, so not much of a surprise that you’re enjoying your new baby. Hoping you get many years of pleasure from it.
Thank you. I am a liter kind of guy(this 900 is the first under a liter for more than 2 marriages), and one thing I like is the power down low. Sometimes acceleration is the best option and when it is being able to accelerate hard without needing to downshift is a big plus. With your 660 do you need to be at high revs to get that or is the powerband wide enough?
Hi Tony, I’m still running in so restricted on the revs available. However my initial feel is that yes the low down grunt is there to be able to wind on the throttle without having change down. I will do a ride review once I have completed the running in period
I'll be interested to follow this. I had put a deposit down on an 850 before the 660 was announced. Interested to know how smooth the regular firing order of the 660 is at motorway speeds. The 850 is great and ticks pretty much all of the boxes for me but I have a little nag about a slight twin like vibe character at motorway speeds from the T plane firing order compared with the old 800, I just wish it had a sweet spot around 70mph.
I’m still running in so not been cruising at 70mph yet. However the bike at circa 57mph the bike is very smooth with no noticeable vibration. As previously said once I have completed the required 1000 miles I will do a ride review.
I'm another one who's tempted by one of these. I like compact bikes and much as I like the look of the 900GT it is physically bigger than I need, so time to book a test ride...
@Wessa Congratulations on your new bike, Steve! I hope it wasn't too difficult for you to let the Tiger Sport go and that you like the 660 more and more with each ride. I'll be eager to read your ride report when the running in is done. I also hope that your arthritis is less painful and problematic with this smaller, lighter bike. I'd love to see a few more photos, please!
It's one of my favourite triumph's. I test rode one and was smitten. It's kind of a great all rounder. Enough real world power and light to maneuver about. What's not to like!
I’m just short of the six hundred miles for the first service, should be bob on by the time I have ridden to the dealers at the end of the month. I will be riding the Thruxton for next couple of weeks, weather permitting. As far as the 660 goes, I’m really enjoying it. As you say enough real world power to keep you amused.
Great looking bike! I can certainly manage the 590 pounds of my Sprint GT for now, but that may not always be the case. My long-suffering bride loves to ride on the Sprint; I wonder if your Tiger would be ok 2-up? How much does it weigh?
I had a test ride today on one of these. Thought it odd that I could barely get tiptoes down on it and ride was terrible, but on checking, some muppet test rider before me had wound the preload all the way in... Once sorted the rest of the ride was fantastic. What a great bike! Lighter and more agile than my T100, revs more but rolling on from low revs in higher gears was no fuss at all, and so smooth. Brakes were fab as was the ride quality. I still found it a little tall for my 30in legseam but the sales guy did say dropping the forks 10mm was no problem, and I could get taller boots, so it's a definite maybe for next year.
I would not go for a low seat - I found the stock one pretty solid so removing some padding to reduce the seat height does not sound like a good idea to me. After finding the TS660 forum I'd be more inclined to get the -20mm lowering kit (it's even listed on the Lind Triumph website) and if needed get the sidestand altered. That's what several people on that site have done to great effect.
I have just completed a trip in France circa 1600 miles and did not find the bike uncomfortable at all even with the low seat.
