Test ride done

[TC3]

OK so I arrived at the dealer to try the bike. I sat on it and was not happy how high it was. I asked for the low seat and they switched the seats. Much better for me and allows me to move the bike easily while sitting on it. If you have ever sat on the Trident the low seat is exactly like sitting on the Trident. With the low seat I could easily swing leg over rear seat but with the normal seat I touched the rear seat a little with my boots when getting on. I am not a young man so you may not have this problem if you are tall and younger than me!

First impression the bike looks smaller than expected. It carries the weight low so easy to move the bike around. The bike has a quality finish and looks better than in the photos. I love the design and styling. It looks very sporty and the tall rear seat does not look out of place when you are looking at the actual bike.

The dash looks better than expected. The white lines around the clock are light grey so not as bright as they look in the photo. Very easy to read all the information and even in the sun. The clutch cable does not get in the way of the view of the dash at all so that is not a problem. In photos it looks like it does.

The engine is so smooth, torque is everywhere and the bike will pull from any gear. The first and second gears are a bit short but it is just something I need to get used to. There is some engine vibrations which you can feel in the foot pegs and the handle bars but to be honest it is barely noticeable. If it bothers me I will just add the Grip Puppies to the bars and change the foot pegs to something with a rubber surface. I cannot really comment on the engine power as it is a brand new bike so I did not go too crazy on the road. It certainly felt great for a solo rider and I am sure will handle my luggage too. I do question if it has enough power for luggage and also a passenger. I suppose it all depends on what you are expecting from this little engine.

Comfort is great, even the comfort low seat was ok for my hour test ride. The bike fits me very well and the bars are easy to reach. The foot controls well placed so all feels very natural. Wind speed today was 15 mph (24kph) with 27mph gusts (44kph) and I was able to test the screen well. At the lowest setting too much wind hit my helmet, at highest there was too much noise. I put the screen in the middle and it worked better for me. My knees did get hit by wind but when I hugged the fuel tank with my legs there was good wind protection.

Brakes are very effective including the rear. Suspension is very good for standard and I tried it on a rough road and it felt better than on the Trident. No surprise with the extra suspension travel. I really like the easy way to change the rear shock setting. The bike handles very well and it is a pleasure to ride this on a twisty road. Trust me this bike is a lot of fun on the bends as all that torque means you can leave it in 1 gear and just concentrate on the road. Great grip from the standard tyres even in the wet.

On the fast roads there is enough power to easily overtake at high speeds. The exhaust sounds pretty good and gives a nice little roar when you open the throttle.

So will I keep my order? Yes I will, it is a great bike that will do what I need. I find the bike so easy to ride and willing to get going when the mood arises in you. It will be my first triple and I doubt I will be getting rid of this bike for a good many years. However if there was no low seat option I would have cancelled as I do not like it if I cannot reach the floor well.

I even got some bird giving me attention. Yes I got the bike dirty trying it out on a few dirty lanes :)

[ghulst]

Thanks for sharing! That looks like a nice bike. It is going to be interesting to see it in real life. Good to hear you are sticking with it and I am looking forward to more pictures of your bike on the road. When are you expecting to take delivery?

[TC3]

Thanks for sharing! That looks like a nice bike. It is going to be interesting to see it in real life. Good to hear you are sticking with it and I am looking forward to more pictures of your bike on the road. When are you expecting to take delivery?

My blue one is now expected next month sometime. Probably end of March I should have it.

[London_Phil]

Bike Magazine March 22 has an article which is really positive.
9/10 they say.
It isn't my style of bike, but it seems to have hit the spot in the Sports/tourer bracket.  As they describe it, a half faired ST675 but more accessible.

[Nick Calne]

I was wondering how you were getting on.  Seems like a successful test ride.

[Sin_Tiger]

  Very encouraging, glad the wait was worth it. Looking forward to seeing an actual owners bike in blue 

[Lee337]

Looks like you were in Wellingborough, one of my old stopping places for a tea & ciggie (when I used to smoke) when commuting between Milton Keynes & Peterborough.

Still haven't seen the 660 in the flesh. Must try to get out to my local dealer sometime & see if I can get a test ride, especially now I've read your review.

My only concern is the luggage. I've been & looked on the Triumph web site & used their bike configurator & really don't like the look when the top box is added, it looks too far back & upsets the line of the bike to my mind.

[TC3]

Bike Magazine March 22 has an article which is really positive.
9/10 they say.
It isn't my style of bike, but it seems to have hit the spot in the Sports/tourer bracket.  As they describe it, a half faired ST675 but more accessible.

It is hard to find a bad review I got to say...

[TC3]

I was wondering how you were getting on.  Seems like a successful test ride.

I kept quite before getting to excited and blabbering on and on about the bike. That happenned with the Honda Rebel 1100 and soon as I sat on one I cancelled the order....

[TC3]

Very encouraging, glad the wait was worth it. Looking forward to seeing an actual owners bike in blue 

yeah it wont be just yet but in meantime mine looks like this except with the fog lights added

[TC3]

Looks like you were in Wellingborough, one of my old stopping places for a tea & ciggie (when I used to smoke) when commuting between Milton Keynes & Peterborough.

Still haven't seen the 660 in the flesh. Must try to get out to my local dealer sometime & see if I can get a test ride, especially now I've read your review.

My only concern is the luggage. I've been & looked on the Triumph web site & used their bike configurator & really don't like the look when the top box is added, it looks too far back & upsets the line of the bike to my mind.

Yep it is just over an hour from me but the only dealer with my reach that would give me some sort of discount on accessories and the free fitting so it was worth going with them

[TC3]

Nice surprise to learn the bike got to dealer today earlier than expected

[Sin_Tiger]

 

[ghulst]

Ohhhh, the suspense!

[TC3]

Just a quick update. Bike will get delivered in 3 weeks, just awaiting last of the accessories. Not a big deal as work is very busy this month so time will fly by.....