Everything You Need to Know About the Triumph Street Triple 660 S

The Triumph Street Triple 660 S is a standout in the world of middleweight naked motorcycles, offering a perfect balance of performance, style, and accessibility. Whether you're a seasoned rider looking for a versatile street machine or a beginner seeking a user-friendly motorcycle with sporty character, the Street Triple 660 S has something for everyone. This article delves into every aspect of the bike, from its design and performance to its technology and practicality.

Design and Aesthetics

The Triumph Street Triple 660 S is unmistakably a member of the Street Triple family, known for its aggressive yet refined styling. The bike features a sharp, angular design with twin-pod headlights that give it a fierce, predatory look. Its sculpted fuel tank, compact tail section, and exposed frame elements further enhance its sporty and modern appeal.

Available in sleek color options, the Street Triple 660 S is designed to turn heads wherever it goes. The clean lines and attention to detail make it not only a motorcycle for performance enthusiasts but also a statement piece for riders who value aesthetics.

The ergonomics of the bike are carefully crafted to strike a balance between comfort and sportiness. The upright seating position, combined with slightly rear-set foot pegs and wide handlebars, ensures a relaxed yet commanding stance, making it suitable for both spirited rides and daily commuting.

Engine and Performance

At the heart of the Street Triple 660 S is a 660cc, inline-three-cylinder engine. This engine is derived from the legendary Triumph Daytona but has been tuned for a more accessible and user-friendly performance curve. Producing around 47 hp (in its A2-compliant version) or up to 95 hp (in its full-power version), the bike offers a thrilling riding experience for both new and experienced riders.

The triple-cylinder configuration delivers a unique combination of low-end torque, mid-range punch, and high-end power. This versatility makes the bike incredibly engaging to ride, whether you're navigating city streets, carving through twisty mountain roads, or cruising on the highway.

Paired with a slick six-speed gearbox, the Street Triple 660 S offers precise and smooth gear shifts. The addition of a slipper clutch further enhances its performance by reducing rear-wheel chatter during aggressive downshifts, ensuring a more stable and controlled ride.

The bike’s exhaust note deserves a special mention. The signature triple-cylinder growl adds an extra layer of excitement to every ride, reminding you of the bike’s sporty pedigree.

Chassis and Handling

One of the standout features of the Triumph Street Triple 660 S is its lightweight and agile chassis. The bike’s aluminum frame is not only strong but also lightweight, contributing to its excellent handling characteristics. With a wet weight of just over 170 kg (374 lbs), the Street Triple 660 S is incredibly nimble and easy to maneuver.

The suspension setup consists of Showa components, with a non-adjustable 41mm upside-down fork at the front and a preload-adjustable monoshock at the rear. While not as advanced as the fully adjustable systems found on higher-end models, this setup strikes a good balance between comfort and performance, making the bike versatile enough for various riding conditions.

The braking system is equally impressive, featuring twin 310mm discs with Nissin two-piston calipers at the front and a single 220mm disc with a Brembo caliper at the rear. The inclusion of ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) ensures safe and confident braking in all conditions.

The 17-inch wheels are wrapped in high-quality tires, providing excellent grip and feedback. Combined with its sharp steering geometry, the Street Triple 660 S offers a precise and confidence-inspiring riding experience.

Technology and Features

Although positioned as an entry-level model in the Street Triple lineup, the 660 S doesn’t skimp on technology. It comes equipped with a host of features that enhance both safety and convenience.

• Riding Modes: The bike offers multiple riding modes, including Road and Rain, which adjust throttle response and traction control settings to suit different conditions. This ensures that riders can enjoy optimal performance and safety, regardless of weather or road conditions.

• Traction Control: The advanced traction control system adds an extra layer of safety, especially for less experienced riders. It can also be adjusted or turned off for more spirited riding.

• LCD Display: The Street Triple 660 S features a clear and easy-to-read LCD instrument cluster that displays essential information such as speed, gear position, fuel level, and trip details. While it lacks the full-color TFT screen found on higher-end models, it’s functional and user-friendly.

• LED Lighting: The bike is equipped with LED daytime running lights and a taillight, improving visibility and giving it a modern look. However, the main headlamp uses halogen bulbs, which might feel a bit dated compared to full-LED setups.

Practicality and Usability

The Triumph Street Triple 660 S excels in practicality, making it an ideal choice for both daily commuting and weekend adventures. Its upright seating position and manageable seat height of 810mm make it accessible to a wide range of riders. Additionally, the lightweight design ensures that the bike is easy to handle in traffic or while parking.

With a fuel tank capacity of 14 liters (3.7 gallons) and an efficient engine, the bike offers a respectable range, reducing the need for frequent refueling stops. The suspension is comfortable enough to soak up most road imperfections, making it a good companion for long rides.

Maintenance intervals are relatively generous, and Triumph’s reputation for build quality ensures that the bike is durable and reliable over the long term. The availability of a wide range of accessories, including luggage options and protective gear, further enhances its practicality.

Pricing and Competition

The Triumph Street Triple 660 S is competitively priced within the middleweight naked bike segment. While it may not offer all the premium features of its pricier siblings, it delivers exceptional value for money, especially considering its performance and build quality.

Competitors in this category include the Yamaha MT-07, Kawasaki Z650, and Honda CB650R. While each of these bikes has its strengths, the Street Triple 660 S stands out for its unique triple-cylinder engine, premium feel, and overall refinement. For riders who prioritize a blend of sporty character and everyday usability, the Triumph is a compelling choice.

Conclusion

The Triumph Street Triple 660 S is a masterclass in versatility and performance, offering a thrilling yet approachable riding experience. With its stylish design, responsive engine, and well-balanced chassis, it caters to a wide range of riders, from beginners to seasoned enthusiasts.

While it may lack some of the high-end features of its more expensive counterparts, the 660 S doesn’t compromise where it counts. It delivers a satisfying mix of performance, technology, and practicality, all wrapped up in a package that’s unmistakably Triumph.