[blacksheep515]

Hi gang...

Sorry for the controversial post topic, but it is a genuine question...

Much like the other post here about the MT-07 vs the Trident, I am in the same boat, but let me explain more:

I really am somewhat stuck between the MT-07, Trident and MT-09.

I have owned several EFI Thruxton's and love Triumph's!
I have also had a FZ-07 (2015 pre MT-07)
I have never had a FZ/MT-09

The FZ-07's flaws were already highlighted well so I don't have to repeat myself - but additionally I will say:

• The seat was made of some dense wood, I swear
• The plastics on the bike creaked every time I sat on it
• The engine braking on downshifts was terrible even after after a 2WDW flash
• It also has some vibes at the pedals at higher rpms

My analogy is as follows:

• The MT-09 seems like she is a dirty, dirty wild girl that will blow your mind but you know deep down is definitely bad for you and trouble. It comes with a lot of tech and quickshifter out the box. The new ones also sound really good.
• The MT-07 is sort of her more mature, but younger sister
• The Trident is that classy gal with a good family pedigree, she has all the right looks - but perhaps will be too boring after the initial honeymoon phase is over?

Now, I do have 2005 SV650 in the garage I purchased last year and wanted to go nuts with a build on it - but realize I don't have the time and rather put that money into a new bike and re-coup some of it worst case rather than not get it all given the bike is so old, I know I won't get it back any which way with the SV650. I have had many SV650's but the newer ones are not worth the money in comparison to the MT07 and Trident.

I also have some other Trident questions...

1) Is there an ability to add front spools to lift the front? Seems like rear stands - just about any stand works with bobbins. I have one of those hybrid front head stands, but hate messing with them, finding the pin and such. Seems like they always come too dang close to the headlight/cowl and need finessing.

2) I assume open interstate riding is a challenge? I see DART makes a decent taller windscreen but don't think it does much really for wind. And yes, the large harley style ones are ugly.

3) Is DNK the only ECU tune place? I am not finding much for aftermarket support. I'd probably not get it till engine break-in is completed.

Sorry for the long post, going to look at a 2023 660 this weekend. I sort of want it already, but just not totally convinced!

Thanks all!

 

[Gwart]

Well, I‘ve had mine for two years now, and I think unless they come out with a 900 version, with the same engine characteristics (decent low end torque, and smooth down low, not all out HP race), that’s the bike I’ll keep for many years to come. Definitely the one I’ll have kept the longest.
So far I’ve have one issue with it, now corrected, the heated grips not producing any heat.
I use mine for work (lane splitting and filtering is legal here, so it makes trips way quicker) and fun, by nice or crappy weather, year round, unless there’s snow on the road.
The only flaw I can find with the bike is that the foot pegs are a bit high, so, kind of a bend in the knee, so that’s the first thing that bothers me on a long ride (I’m talking 3 hours and above). Other than that, I really don’t think I would change anything on the bike.

1- Don’t think so no.
2- To an extent, it’s a naked bike, you know what you’re getting into. Though I have to say, with the fly screen, it keeps pressure off your torso and you only have smooth air on your helmet, at least for me (180cm/5’11 with 88cm/34” inseam)
3- It’s still a recent engine, but the aftermarket is developing for it, in all aspects. You may need to wait a few more years, but the market is developing as it is proving to be quite a popular bike.

What I can tell you is that you need to keep in mind what it is: an affordable 80HP bike with decent chassis and brakes, and an engine that’s tuned to be smooth rather than rowdy. And on a side note, despite the small horsepower difference, the SV left me wanting more, which isn’t the case with the Trident.

 

[gdoublerb7]

The honest truth is that i would not have it as my only bike. I ride it as much as i ride my Super Duke, but i would never do with it what i do with the KTM. To me, the Trident is a great town bike that can be modified to rip up some canyons and behave like a "slightly dirty wild girl." It is a better quality build than the MT-07, and with the right mods it will very willingly pull 2nd gear wheelies with a fat guy like me dancing on the rear brake. If not for the KTM, i'd never have bought a bike without adjustable suspension, with under 80hp, with such a small footprint, etc.

 

[RC660]

Rode mine to work yesterday and for sure not board with it yet. Perfect around town bike and not a bad day-tripper either. And the looks!
Try them both and buy the one you like. I have had over 20 bikes in search of the "perfect" one and have yet to find it. My Trident is close enough for the $.

 

[gdoublerb7]

Rode mine to work yesterday and for sure not board with it yet. Perfect around town bike and not a bad day-tripper either. And the looks!
Try them both and buy the one you like. I have had over 20 bikes in search of the "perfect" one and have yet to find it. My Trident is close enough for the $.

Yep, I've only even found the perfect combination a few times:
1, KTM 560SMR + Triumph Daytona 955i
2. KTM Duke 690 + Ducati Diavel
3. KTM 1290 Super Duke + Triumph Trident 660

it really takes two to make a thing go right.

 

[DavidinClearwat]

Yep, I've only even found the perfect combination a few times:
1, KTM 560SMR + Triumph Daytona 955i
2. KTM Duke 690 + Ducati Diavel
3. KTM 1290 Super Duke + Triumph Trident 660

it really takes two to make a thing go right.

Thanks for the ear worm.....

 

[RC660]

I felt the perfect bike for me would have been a combo of a BMW K12GT with a Kawa Concours engine and tranny.
I moved to comfortable convertible sports cars for my road trips now.

 

[blacksheep515]

I felt the perfect bike for me would have been a combo of a BMW K12GT with a Kawa Concours engine and tranny.
I moved to comfortable convertible sports cars for my road trips now.

ooh, whats your definition of comfortable convertible sports cars - My wife will not ride, so I have a couple of convertibles, but they are smaller and not very comfortable, per se. We keep talking about trying to find more of a grand touring convertible, but seems like BMW and Audi are the only ones making a larger vert

 

[RC660]

I have these. The Camaro 2SS is actually a very nice ride for road trips but the Merc AMG C43 is fabulous. Fiat for shorter trips.

 

[gdoublerb7]

I have these. The Camaro 2SS is actually a very nice ride for road trips but the Merc AMG C43 is fabulous. Fiat for shorter trips.
View attachment 806935
View attachment 806936

I'm no car guy, but that AMG sure is pretty. Used to have a 1991 300SE in unreal condition. I put 200k on it myself. Can't beat a Mercedes.

 

[jkdranchek]

I’m writing from the Speed Twin forum. I purchased a Black Trident November of 2021. Sold it after 1300 miles. Great quality and performance, no doubt. For me the ride was too harsh and the seat shape pushed me up against the back of the tank. I should have ridden on bumpy roads before I bought it. Took out a couple of bikes over last spring and summer and settled on a 2022 Speed Twin, black of course. Absolutely love it. Plan to upgrade the suspension this spring, K-Tec fork kits and Ohlin piggybacks. The torque and exhaust note is intoxicating. It doesn’t matter what you ride as long as you’re having fun. Ride safe everyone.

 

[blacksheep515]

I’m writing from the Speed Twin forum. I purchased a Black Trident November of 2021. Sold it after 1300 miles. Great quality and performance, no doubt. For me the ride was too harsh and the seat shape pushed me up against the back of the tank. I should have ridden on bumpy roads before I bought it. Took out a couple of bikes over last spring and summer and settled on a 2022 Speed Twin, black of course. Absolutely love it. Plan to upgrade the suspension this spring, K-Tec fork kits and Ohlin piggybacks. The torque and exhaust note is intoxicating. It doesn’t matter what you ride as long as you’re having fun. Ride safe everyone.

Could you have upgraded the suspension to the Trident instead and made it more suited to you, since you are doing the same to the speed twin which by the way is a gorgeous machine!

Also I wonder if a different seat cover and tank grips would have helped you from sliding.

 

[blacksheep515]

I have these. The Camaro 2SS is actually a very nice ride for road trips but the Merc AMG C43 is fabulous. Fiat for shorter trips.

@RC660 - you put me to peasant status there - I bet the Merc is fabulous. I think Audi A5, the BMW whatever#i now and the Merc make grant touring verts. I have a s2000 and a mx-5 - both are different breeds with different behavior. s2000 sits most of the time, but dont have the heart to sell it. I have always to drive the Fiata 27 Abarth and see how a turbo engine does. They are very rare around these parts!

 

[dallas70]

@blacksheep515 …thread went a little sideways but highlights a key fact.

Yep, I've only even found the perfect combination a few times…

it really takes two to make a thing go right.

This⤴. Many bikes are good at what they do but ultimately there is a bit of compromise…tough to find just one that gives you everything you want out of it but based on your analogies of the three you listed, sounds like you’d be happiest with the MT-09.

I’ve loved all 5 bikes I’ve had over the years (one at a time), but finally smartened up and have more than one to pick from. Ride what makes you happy.

 

[RC660]

@RC660 - you put me to peasant status there - I bet the Merc is fabulous. I think Audi A5, the BMW whatever#i now and the Merc make grant touring verts. I have a s2000 and a mx-5 - both are different breeds with different behavior. s2000 sits most of the time, but dont have the heart to sell it. I have always to drive the Fiata 27 Abarth and see how a turbo engine does. They are very rare around these parts!

I had an S2000 at one time too. For the $, I think I have a good selection to pick from. It was hard to decide but happy with my choices based on budget. Money no object would be....
911 Turbo S
Jag F-Type
Merc AMG-GT
all convertibles of course!

 

[blacksheep515]

@blacksheep515 …thread went a little sideways but highlights a key fact.

This⤴. Many bikes are good at what they do but ultimately there is a bit of compromise…tough to find just one that gives you everything you want out of it but based on your analogies of the three you listed, sounds like you’d be happiest with the MT-09.

I’ve loved all 5 bikes I’ve had over the years (one at a time), but finally smartened up and have more than one to pick from. Ride what makes you happy.

Well, little late since I went with the trident - I am not a risk taker and prefer vanilla too - plus I do love this community, which is everything sometimes!

 

[blacksheep515]

Guess I should make an official announcement to put this thread to bed - I did pick up a 2023 Trident Matte Black, Silver Ice. I worked in the quickshifter (TAS) into the deal which is the one big thing for me...Love the triumph fam and wanted to be back in the fold Ride safe, everyone!

 

[blacksheep515]

Here are some pics, not the best. But was delivered yesterday.

Shamless plug for Baxter Cycle in Marne, Iowa. Hands down the best dealership I have worked with! Love em, love em, love em!

 

[Terry Colley]

The 660 engine was developed for no other reason than to make it saleable in those markets where 660cc is the capacity limit for learner and provisional licence holders. In truth it offers nothing other than that. The 675cc engine of the original Street Triple had all the mid range of the 660 and a storming top end. In fact I'd go so far as to say the 675 engine of the 675 Daytona also matched the 660's torque with an even more storming top end. I'd buy a newer Tiger Sport in a heartbeat if it was fitted with the 675 engine.