Triumph Tiger Sport 660 review - redefining affordable road bikes
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- Опубликовано: 5 сен 2024
- I've lived with the Triumph Tiger Sport 660 for the past three weeks and the most annoying thing about it is something you can fix with £100 and some nuts. Find out what I love about it and why I think it might just be the biggest biking bargain of the past 10 years - and also see why I prefer it to a bike with twice the power costing twice as much.
I bought a new Triumph Tiger 800 in 2013. My first "big"bike as a 42 years old newbie. I put 72000 miles on it commuting, touring all over Europe. Loved it. Since them I have had a BMW K1300 GT, Honda Deauville, BMW R1200 GS and a couple of Scooters and 125s. I have kept test riding Triumphs. I fell in love with the Street Triple. But I couldn't tour on it. I loved the Tiger Sport 1050 but it was just a bit ? It didn't feel like geniuses had been at work on it, even though it was brilliant. I knew something was coming. I sensed the cogs were turning.Triumph have merged the Street Triple with the Tiger Sport 1050. I test rode it put my deposit down. Collecting it in May. Perfect. It feels like an economical 125cc bike when it needs to but then turns into a Sports bike. Just awesome
Enjoy! Totally know what you mean about the old Tiger Sport 1050. Felt like a bit of a parts-bin bike and lost the zing that you normally have with that engine. Hopefully they'll do a Tiger Sport 1200 with the 180hp Speed Triple engine!
I've got a job commuting 60 miles each way and was looking for getting a bike to commute on. MPG is very important to me but most high mpg bikes lack the comfort and speed to ride motorways. This, with its extended warranty and cheap services is suddenly top of my list
With your bike history etc I'm definitely interested to hear what you think about this bike after a year?
I have had the Tiger Sport for almost 2 years and 18000 miles now. It is still like new. I would have done a lot more miles but I bought a 10 year old Honda to soak up some commuting miles. It struck me that Tiger Sport 660 is a bit too premium to commute on. My commute was sometimes 90 miles in a day
I am looking at a long tour this summer. Ireland -France- Italy- ferry to Greece- Turkey and home through eastern Europe - Germany - Holland ferry to England back to Ireland
I have thought about a long distance touring bike. I will probably stick with the TS660. I wouldn't go two up on it, but as a Solo Rider it is perfect. It also feels reliable. I am confident that it won't give me any issues. It is a good bike for floating around cities and urban areas. It will also do motorways and is brilliant on smaller roads.
One issue that people complain off in the forums is buffering. You sit very high up on the Tiger. I got a set of personally moulded earplugs. These are made by 2pluxx. They are used by people shooting and working in quarries. They are brilliant. Wipes out the wind noise and can be used with helmet comms. The other thing I have noticed is that with the full luggage and back box it is awkward to get onto the bike. People think of it as a small bike. It is actually quite tall. With my 6ft 2 legs it is hard to get past the back box.
But no big issue. Once you are on and away it is just a perfect day
@@brianmills4814 cheers that sounds like you've used it well, I'm coming from riding an older NC I bought used for commuting 90 miles round trip, but want something a bit more lively that I could also do small trips on. But coming from an NC and going to look at a Tiger Sport it felt a bit small, but I think the NC is unusually large up front for it's size, and I'm not sure but it might have an aftermarket screen which also has a deflector on top so it's very tall, and probably now means anything short of a GS is going to feel small until I got used to it, but definitely not looking for something that big, starting to think the Tracer 9 or previous 900 could be what I'm looking for to do it all.
Sounds like a great trip, looking to go in summer you might even be better off with a smaller screen. I see people saying on some Tracer 9 videos that as the screen is bad for turbulent wind around the head, they found it calmer at motorway speed with an aftermarket short screen which doesn't direct the airflow into your head, and allows for more air on you when it's warm which could be nice down in Greece and Turkey.
How long would a trip like that take and how many miles would you be riding?
I bought mine 2 weeks ago. I bought it in part to loan it out to friends who have their license to ride motorcycles but don’t currently have bikes. And, I bought it as a daily ride to keep the miles off my bigger, more expensive bike. Ha! I’m riding the Tiger more than the other because it is loads of fun! I might not ride the other for awhile because it isn’t as much fun.
I wonder how well interested we might be in a 765 version with nicer bits and pieces. Priced slightly above the Street RS…
I'd be on the 765/ohlins version as soon as I could, this bike is lovely but uprated would be brilliant
I’d buy it, no question. There’s your FJ09 competitor right there, but with Triumph build quality, handling, brakes, and better styling. Sign me UP.
I think they would have done it already if they didn't feel it would eat tiger 900 sales
Tested one of these on yesterday and was expecting great things but found the bike to be entirely underwhelming. It’s very toy like when you’re sitting on it, and by that I mean not substantial which will suit some people. The engine is so busy due to the short gearing that it would quickly become tiresome and it really lacked overtaking punch. Just about quick enough when absolutely ragging it. It did handle and turn well though but very soft. I was hoping to downsize my own bike (an mt10) but it would be a step too far unfortunately. I then took out a tiger 900 straight after and that was superb, plush handling, just about enough performance and really rapid across country. I was impressed but then it’s half the cost again on top so should be considerably better. The search will continue! Loving all the recent uploads, and your video style. Much appreciated 👍🏻
You can also consider Tiger 850 Sport. It's reasonably cheaper than the 900 GT and GT Pro but you wont feel any difference in performance. It has the poke, less tiring than the 660 and equally flexible at low rpm.
What were you expecting after an MT10
Yep, agree far more bike than the price and sum of its parts. After 200 miles on one I am of the opinion that less can be more. Nice review pal.
Thanks mate!
I have a bike with all the gadgets and I agree, less is more.
A really smart play by triumph. I expect to see these everywhere. I'd commute on one.
Excellent commentary sir! I too am 6'3"...Did I miss any comments on comfort/leg room for long legged riders? It's my main problem with so many bikes...
I wish there was more focus on this. I think ergonomics are missing in a lot of video reviews.
Great review, 6 months ago i bought a Super Tenere 1200, always fancied one, whilst i love riding it when it comes to slow stuff, parking etc, its bloody hard work because of the weight and the size, so i really think now less might be more, seriously going to get a ride on on of these.
Thanks Max - I think my Dad's looking at one to replace his Tiger 1200, which he just finds too heavy at low speeds like your Tenere. There's something to be said for getting a bike that suits you and that you enjoy - and ignoring the on-paper numbers!
Great review. I've got a Street Triple and would like this as a touring bike
Well I’m from Australia most take their ADV bikes off road , the soft cooks don’t ( so they should buy Sports tourers ) in saying that I can understand some buy for the upright riding position and luggage capacity as well . “ but don’t dress 👗 up in all the ADV gear if your not going to ride it “😂😂😂, as they say all the gear and no idea. I had a Red Triumph Tiger 1050 Sport looked very similar. BUT I do love the look and relatively simplicity of the electronics.
@11.24 you said about people downsizing because of the size/weight just like your Dad. I am doing exactly the same thing at 57 (probably older than your dad) as I find my 2012 Triumph Explorer just too much to move around in the sloped area where I store it. My TS660 arrives in early May with added quickshifter and a few more bits. Like you I find the screen is in need of replacement and I am 5'10" so not particularly tall. I do think this bike ticks all the boxes on my list (I would have liked cruise control mind you). Thanks for two very informative videos.
Ah thanks for the kind comment Morris! Enjoy it when it arrives - I'm on a mission to get my Dad to replace his Tiger 1200 with a Speed Twin (he's got a BMW R1250RT for touring duties now)... enjoy the bike when it arrives!
I’ve got. A GS and I want one of these! Great review.
Thanks Ben! See if you can get a go on one, I was impressed.
Sold my GS 2 months ago, bought a sport 660 now covered 2,600km. Love it! Don't miss my GS at all - except for the screen. Waiting till the aftermarket catches up and makes options to fill this void. Go for it!
Good review.
I found the wind protection very disappointing, did nothing except cause turbulence too especially helmet wobbling in the high position. I’m 6ft but even a shorty would have problems.
Apart from that it’s a nice bike which does everything fairly well but frankly it failed to excite me at all.
Looking for my first big bike having passed the full license test recently after two years post CBT.
Also rode the CBR650R which really did excite me, what a thrill that bike is. Also felt like part of that bike rather than being sat on top of the triumph.
So CBR650R gets my money (next weekend)!
A cowl for the pillion area would be sweet.
Thought you said a cow at first
Thanks for the initial and follow-up videos. It's so helpful to see reviews made on real world roads in real world conditions. I have one question on the dual carriage way / highway riding experience, since here in the states we often have long stretches of highway. Putting aside the noise from the wind screen, do you think you would be comfortable riding several hours at 70 - 75 mph on the highway? Both in terms of the ergonomics of the riding position and in terms of vibrations in the seat, pegs, and/or bars?
Also, how stable was the bike at highway speeds in terms of being blown around by wind gusts and in handling turbulent wind behind large trucks?
Thanks
My impression is you will need to upgrade the seat to the Comfort one (I don't know why but perhaps apart from a Goldwing, upgrading the seat is the first thing required on most bikes!). Also upgrade the suspension and get it fitted with cruise control are essential for long distance stuff imo.
I've got one on order and these are my mods:
Upgraded exhaust (more HP)
Upgrade Suspension
Upgrade Seat (You could use an air cushion but I really don't like them)
Cruise Control
Dresser Bars
Belly Pan
Hand Guards
Heated Grips
Rear Rack fitment for my Ventura top Box (by far the best imo - they don't make the bike look like a car on 2-wheels!)
The screen I think is fine for shorter folks, like me. This is a lot of mods. I know, but I'm getting long in the tooth and the Tiger
800 I have now is heavy and hard work in the city. Especially when it's hot. I'm hoping the 660 will make life a lot more manageable.
Hi I have ridden this bike for seven hundred miles staright without any stops only fuel brakes it sits comfortably at 70 to 75 mph it is only around six thousand rpm at that range and the bike reves upto ten thousand rpm
@@ballaservices9275 How do you like it after 10 months?
Ducati made an adventure bike with road biased tyres and road sized wheels 19 years ago. The MultiStrada.
Good point, I’d forgotten about that! I almost think they’re good looking now… would love a go on one
@@timrodierides I have had one for 17 years. Slated for its looks when launched but it was ahead of its time. It rides pretty well and is fast enough. A bit rough compared to today's bikes and a pig in town with the snatchy dry clutch!
And they copied the idea from the Yamaha tdm 10 years before that
Great review. I had a tiger 800 and the standard screen is horrendous. I ended up taking it off as the buffering was really bad .
the 2018 onward tiger 800 screens were way better
What about an Vario screen, those small add on screen at the top?
Great review, looking forward to getting the keys to my tiger 660 sport very soon. Loved riding the demonstrator.
Enjoy it Gary - hope you have a good summer together!
They should give the fully digital T F T display as all competitors are you doing
It's an awesome bike but I am extremely disappointed with the quick shifter and the service at least in N.America
Great bike. As for the disciple Hovis, Is his testimony in the C of E Bible trumpet?
I think it's in the Book of Nonsense
@@timrodierides ah that explains it I must look for it there then. Great looking bike though.
Good review on a good bike, thank you sir!
My pleasure!
Great review, Tim. Did you find the gears too short? I took a small ride and looks like longer gears would benefit from a torquey engine like this 660 triple. Thoughts? Thanks.
excellent review .
is there any bike with a screen that actually works ? Yamaha Tracer 9, screen is apparently crap. I could list more ...
They should make their instrument console fully digital
Think an gonna wait see what the KTM 490 is like. Nice bike but at this price range I'd buy a Tenere.
Still nice review!
Great voice great review Tim…
Think it's a really good bike, but was wondering how it would fair with a full luggage system, two up on tour ? Triumph suggest its capable, what do you think ?
Such a beautiful bike!!!! Do you think it is beginner friendly? I am 52 old beginner passing from maxi scooters to motorcycles (1.82cm high with 100kg weight). Thanx :)
Hey, yeah it’s very beginner friendly - you’ll have no trouble on it with your height either. Get one!
Jesus and sliced bread in the same sentence! Blasphemy! And this bike is, really, the best thing since the Kawasaki Versys 650. I am waiting for the, promised, dual sport on the same platform. Wouldn't mind one of these though.
Want to test drive one of these but afraid I'm a bit too short at 5'6". I hear there is a lower seat option tho
You ride a bike !
You must have got yours at about the same time as I did I got a deflector for top of my screen p.s don't get the side panyers as it feels better without them and they're not cheap
Sadly this was just a press loan from Triumph!
What was the problem with the panniers?
What deflector did you get? How tall are you, I’m 6 foot
Is it big enough for someone over 6 foot
Instrument cluster is one of the worst I've seen in a new bike, not in practicality. Just looks. Really uninspiring.
Really ???
Why can’t they offer mudguards for rain soaked Western Europe that actually work?…make it an optional accessory if nothing else!….it’s why I like the Suzy V-Strom…they actually have mudguards that work and protect the undercarriage!! 🤦♂️🙄😉
Kawasaki Versys 650 GT it is then.
Opinion: Tiger Sport 1050 did it first 😅
I had an orange one of those as courtesy bike back in 2011 when my Speed Triple was in for a service! The engine didn't feel half as exciting as in the Speed Triple for some reason. You're right though!
@@timrodierides I'ld faint if the A-holes here gave a courtesy bike, or even were courteous at all .
Hey trumpet
Hey Volod!
there is no such thing as god otherwise great review thanks
Thank you!
Der Jesus-Witz!
10,000 miles valve clearance check. Really? 👎Rubbish.
It's every 20,000 miles.
Not bad but overrated,over hyped - lacks power, gearing odd ,seat height too high ,handling ok ,no cruise control option - try triumph bigger adventure bikes(850-900) - more money for a reason - more fun
Hahahha jesus and bread 😂
Siflis was for sure invented