Hi, y'all. Triumph of Seattle had an actual 2021 Trident on the floor today. It will be in the showroom today and tomorrow, and then off somewhere else. It was 52F (11C) and sunny today, so I skived off work and rode over to check it out. Thoughts: 1. Quality was typical of Triumph these days, and that's a good thing. Although this bike is built to a price, it's not immediately obvious at first look. Nothing seems flimsy or embarrassingly cheap. 2. Bike seems light and the riding position is typical fit-everyone standard roadster. That's a good thing, too. 3. The price point here in the States is $8,000. On the road, less than $10,000. That seems like tremendous value for this bike. Triumph of Seattle is genuinely excited about being able to sell a bike in this segment. 4. The triple motor just seems sexier to me than a CB650R or MT07. 5. I'm not in the market for this bike--I have a Speed Twin that serves this purpose with elan (but costs $4,000 more). Still, I almost immediately started wondering about an Ohlins upgrade for the rear shock, and where the frame sliders would go... The guys at Triumph of Seattle say that all the accessories that Triumph makes for the big bikes will be available for the Trident. 6. This bike comes with Pilot Road 5's! The least expensive bike in the room comes with tires that would be an upgrade for more expensive bikes in that same room. I don't know how Triumph worked that, but that is cool.
I'd be curious to know how it functions versus just having a hugger. Maybe better, maybe worse but yeah, it does have a look to it.
I wondered about that. Littleade, your explanation does make a certain amount of sense (in a twisted bureaucratic way). So bikes like the Diavel that have short tails HAVE to have this kind of "fender" in order to meet regs. *checks for eyeroll emoji*
Yes, I like it. Not for me at the moment but who knows what the future holds when looking for a lighter bike. those rear hangers would have to come off though
I‘ve been told the same about those mud-guards and the European regs... Surprisingly it seems to be legal to detach them and install side-plate-holders, like I did on my Fat Bob. That‘s speaking for Germany though.. Wondering, in which European country you have to keep those rear guards... !? (Belgium probably... )
I like it. But as I've said before whilst it may be better than a MT07, I'm looking forward to a test ride to see how it compares with my sons MT09
I'm not sure why, but the bike just doesn't hit the spot for me. In fact, I couldn't really work out what gap in the line-up Triumph were looking to fill when I looked at the spec pre-release. Anyway, I'm sure there'll be lots of buyers and I'm interested to see how sales go (and how sales of the Street Twin are impacted by it).
When I first got my Street Twin it was the first bike I had owned from new, I got one of the last 2018's ahead of the new 2019 model. Technically I am the second owner as it was pre-registered and as a result paid only £6.4k. I have spent most of the time riding it with a grin thinking I would keep the twin for a long time, and most likely will. The twin suits me, I am not a speed freak, but I can't help looking at triples and there's something about the street fighters, so I keep toying with the idea of test riding a Street Triple. I'm looking forward to seeing this one in person. Front end a bit like a twin, back end more triple. Just can't help think it would send water up your back, but can see why they have ended up with huggers as a way to try and get a fender eliminated look from stock. The price is great, I like the look, my main problem is that it isn't a Street Triple, with the whole new Triumph story behind it. The price and service interval is going to appeal to professional users like schools, which in turn may help sales to new riders.
I quite like the design, the scalloped tank looks reminiscent of a T160, agree the rear hugger looks daft, but not sure what else they could do? Would be good to see the front end though My only criticism would be where do you put your sandwiches?
I like the bike. Taken for what it is. A mid range bike and built to a price point. Looking at it that way I think it's more attractive than the competition. And it's a triple. I'm not totally sold and won't be until I see ride review's. And if I were a prospective buyer a ride test. Triumph claims 90 percent of the torque is available throughout the rev range. If that's true it becomes a very interesting bike indeed.
Although not my style per se as I like more classic bikes, I really fancy the new Trident. I see benefit in smaller displacement bikes. Seems it would be quite nimble, but have enough zip when needed. I would consider it as a good practical daily-rider commuter bike maybe. I also like the Kawasaki Vulcan S 650 using the same logic - again not really my styling lol, but I like it.
I find myself warming to the new Trident. Why? Because it makes every other Trident, whether it be from Meriden, Small Heath or Hinckley, look so, so beautiful.
I'm new to Triumph ownership this year (and a fan of the classic range) but a mate of mine had a 70's Trident back in the early 80's and raved about it. His was well sorted and was pretty quick. He only sold it for a Yoshimura tuned Z1B. I think Triumph would have done better to make the new one more classically styled or maybe even launch two versions, the one shown plus a classic framed model with twin shocks, bench seat, spoked wheels etc. JMO
