The scrappy mid-size speedster gains a bit of extra appeal thanks solely to a simple, strategic drop in price.Rear section of a black motorcycle with illuminated red tail light and integrated rear grab handles.If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn moreFrom the moment Triumph rolled out the new Trident 660 early this year, it was a tough bike not to covet.After all, the good looks were complemented by an engine with a notable bump in power and torque and a host of rider-friendly features, while the price stayed well below 10 grand.Best known for the retro aesthetics of its Modern Classics, Triumph is no slouch with contemporary style, either. - Credit: Triumph MotorcyclesNaturally, the mid-size moto gets even more appealing when the brand knocks a few hundred bucks off the MSRP, which just happened. AdvertisementAdvertisementThe move makes perfect sense for Triumph while providing us with an excuse to give the bike another long, lingering look.Perfect cutLaunched with an MSRP of $9,145, the 2026 Trident 660 now starts at a more tempting $8,745, a not-insignificant $400 less.Why the drop? RideApart's Robbie Bacon deduces a very likely reason: the original price put it uncomfortably close to the more powerful and capable $9,995 Trident 800. The streamlined exhaust system likely improves performance, even if I don't personally love the aesthetics. - Credit: Triumph MotorcyclesThat math may have helped sell a few more units of the bigger bike, but it only hurts the appeal of the smaller one, even for less experienced riders who'd likely get all they need from it. AdvertisementAdvertisementSo while it's a clear business decision for Triumph to widen the gap between the two options, it's a rare case where the move only benefits potential buyers.After all, the bike hasn't changed: it still boasts an amped-up 660 triple engine, which makes 94 horsepower, 14 ponies more than its predecessor, plus 50.2 ft-lb of peak torque at 8,250 rpm.Approaching 100 horsepower, the punchy new 660cc liquid-cooled, inline 3-cylinder engine is where you really get your money's worth. - Credit: Triumph MotorcyclesWhile it puts the skills of noobs to the test with a six-speed gearbox, the effort is eased by Triumph Shift Assist and a slip-and-assist clutch lever, helping you ride for hours without your hand cramping up. Compared to the last generation, the bike gets more aggro via a wider fuel tank, sculpted knee cutouts and a split rider and passenger seat (with the option to add a rear cowl for solo riders).Knee cutouts around the tank encourage an athletic riding posture and a "grip it and rip it" approach to the throttle. - Credit: Triumph MotorcyclesStill, the narrow standover height and relatively low seat (31.89 inches) combine with wider bars and a tidy wet weight (430 pounds) to make for a naturally nimble and approachable ride. AdvertisementAdvertisementMeanwhile, a connected color TFT display lets you toggle through three distinct ride modes that adjust throttle response, ABS and traction control to conditions.There's also the six-axis IMU, which enables optimized cornering ABS and switchable optimized cornering traction control, helping to bail less experienced riders out of potentially disastrous mistakes. Helping smooth out the ride, the bike's new rear suspension unit offers 5.12 inches of travel and greater adjustability. - Credit: Triumph MotorcyclesIf I have one beef with the new edition's largely stunning street style, it's the revised exhaust system, modestly tucked out of sight.But as fellow GP moto enthusiast Gray Van Dyke points out, the money saved thanks to the new price is "just enough for you to cut off the stock pipe and throw on a slip-on."Availability and pricingThe 2026 Triumph Trident 660 is available now in Cosmic Yellow and Stone Grey, starting at $8,745.Yellow and black Triumph Trident 660 motorcycle with exposed engine and black wheels on a white background.2026 Triumph Trident 660 Starts at $8,745 AdvertisementAdvertisementAbout the Author:Now managing editor, Steve has served in a variety of roles with GP since 2019. Having previously written and edited for such publications as Men's Health, Men's Journal, Esquire and ESPN, he enjoys covering a range of topics — but mostly those pertaining to cycling, snow sports, pocket knives and motos — and dreams of a utopian world in which everyone's bike seat is at the proper height.Want to stay up to date on the latest product news and releases? Add Gear Patrol as a preferred source to ensure our independent journalism makes it to the top of your Google search results.add as a preferred source on google