The middleweight roadster category is one of the most fiercely contested motorcycle markets in the world, as it is often regarded as the first ‘grown-up’ bike for anyone who has just passed their test and the all-important feeder machine into those larger capacity models in a brand's line-up.
Triumph has recently removed the silk sheet from its upcoming Trident model, which it says will provide the perfect entry point into the marque’s triple cylinder powered roadster range. The Trident design prototype, which features a bright white paint job in order to give little away, comes as a result of a 4 year development programme led by a dedicated team in Triumph’s design facility in the UK.
The overall brief handed to the design team was to create something clean and uncluttered that could be built around a compact powerful Triumph triple engine. This resulted in an all-new chassis to underpin the project, married to great rider accessibility, comfort and confidence inspiring feel, including a natural upright riding position.
The Trident nomenclature hasn’t been seen since 1975, when it was sold by both Triumph and BSA as a 740cc three-cylinder roadster designed to fend off competition from Honda’s CB750 and other Japanese bikes of the time. It’s a similar story now, as Triumph admits its new Trident is aimed squarely at the likes of Yamaha’s MT-07, Honda’s CB650R and Kawasaki’s Z650.
‘”The Trident design prototype marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Triumph, where the brief was all about fun, from the look to the ride,” explains Steve Sargent, Triumph Chief Product Officer.
“With its pure minimalist form, clean lines, Triumph design DNA and more than a hint of our Speed Triple’s muscular poise, this gives the first exciting glimpse at the full Trident story to come. Ultimately our aim was to bring a new take on character and style, alongside the accessible easy handling and quality Triumph is
known for – at a price that’s really competitive’’.
The prototype was unveiled at a special event held at London’s Design Museum, with specific details on specification and the technology involved in the final bike kept very much a secret. Expect more on those subjects and pricing in the weeks to come.
Keyword: The Triumph Trident name is resurrected to do battle with the modern Japanese middleweights