The Tiger 660 Sport is now the benchmark to beat in the middleweight ADV/tourer segment
Triumph has begun its 2022 onslaught in India by launching the much-awaited Trident-based ADV, the Tiger Sport 660.
The motorcycle falls in the middleweight ADV/tourer segment, which is largely dominated by the Kawasaki Versys 650. So instead of a conventional launch story, here are five reasons the Tiger Sport 660 makes more sense than the Kawasaki Versys 650.
Triumph Tiger Sport 660 vs Kawasaki Versys 650 – Design
The Tiger Sport 660 is a direct rival to the Kawasaki Versys 650
The Kawasaki Versys 650 has been in the Indian market for quite some time now and it hasn’t really undergone any major updates. As a result, the Versys 650 looks quite dated now and its charm has decreased over time.
This is where the Tiger Sport 660 comes in. Boasting an all-new design, the Tiger Sport 660 looks much more premium and up-to-date when compared to the Kawasaki Versys 650. Its muscular shrouds, sleek fascia, and likable color options all make it a better-looking motorcycle between the two.
Triumph Tiger Sport 660 vs Kawasaki Versys 650 – Features
It comes laden with features like TFT instrumentation, all-LED lights, traction control, and riding modes
Like its design, the Kawasaki Versys 650 hasn’t received any feature updates since its inception here. It boasts a semi-digital instrument cluster, halogen headlight, adjustable windscreen, and that’s about it.
Meanwhile, the Tiger Sport 660 is WAYYY ahead here. Not only does it get all-LED lighting, but it also packs a TFT instrument cluster, switchable traction control, ride modes, and ride-by-wire. Plus, you can also opt for optional extras like a quick-shifter and Triumph’s connectivity module for an added cost, both of which are missing for the Kawasaki.
Triumph Tiger Sport 660 vs Kawasaki Versys 650 – Engine
Next, let’s compare the engines. The Kawasaki Versys 650 draws power from a 649cc, parallel-twin engine making 66PS and 61Nm.
While this is sufficient power in this category, the Tiger Sport 660 pushes the envelope courtesy of its Trident-derived 660cc, three-cylinder mill that makes 81PS and 64Nm, thus making it the most powerful sub-700cc ADV in the country.
If that’s not enough to seal the deal, don’t forget the triple-cylinder setup produces a more symphonic exhaust note too. Not to mention, extra power means easier cruising at higher speeds.
Triumph Tiger Sport 660 vs Kawasaki Versys 650 – Dimensions
The engine makes 81PS and 64Nm, same as the Trident
The Kawasaki Versys 650 is a hefty motorcycle, tipping the scales at 218kg (curb). Also making life worse for the rider is it’s 840mm seat height which is quite high by Indian standards.
In comparison, the Tiger Sport 660 does a much better job here as it undercuts the Versys 650 by a crucial 12kg and weighs 206kg (curb). Additionally, the former also has an 834mm seat height which, though still high, is 6mm less than the Versys.
Meanwhile, the only place where the Versys 650 edges over the Tiger Sport 660 is in terms of fuel tank capacity. The Versys gets a 21-liter fuel tank, which is 4-liter bigger than the Tiger Sport’s tank capacity.
Triumph Tiger Sport 660 vs Kawasaki Versys 650 – Suspension & Brakes
Additionally, you get adjustable Showa suspension at both ends
On the suspension front, both motorcycles are equally matched, offers adjustable 41mm USD forks (150mm travel) and a remote-adjustable mono-shock (150mm travel for Tiger Sport 660, 145mm travel for Versys 650).
Where the Tiger Sport 660 edges ahead, though, is in terms of brakes. You see, Triumph has equipped the Tiger Sport with twin 310mm front disc brakes and a 255mm rear disc brake, both of which are bigger than the Versys’ 300mm front discs and 250mm rear disc.
This, coupled with the Tiger Sport’s lighter weight, should make the Triumph stop much sooner in theory.
Verdict
The bike tips the scale at 206kg and has a slightly tall seat height of 834mm
Judging from all this, it’s quite clear that the Triumph Tiger Sport 660 prevails over the Versys 650 on paper. However, all this comes at a price.
At Rs 8.95 lakh (ex-showroom India), the Tiger Sport 660 costs Rs 1.8 lakh more than the Versys 650. This is justified to an extent, though, but we still believe the pricing could’ve been more competitive.
Nevertheless, if you’re considering the Tiger Sport 660, you can book the motorcycle from your nearest Triumph dealership from today, with deliveries expected by end of April 2022.
Keyword: The Much Awaited Triumph Tiger Sport 660 Launched; Five Reasons It Is Better Than The Kawasaki Versys 650