Honda-SOHC

Thought I would just update you on the Triumph Trident 660 as I have now done a bit of mileage.

It started out fairly poorly, the low revs throttle response is a dangerous joke. Wind the throttle to about 20% and you get about 5% which rules out nipping out of a T junction when a small gap arrives. Very unnerving.

Now the engine dies on approach to junctions usually when changing down and pulling in the clutch. Turns out this is a widespread issue with the Trident and 660 Tiger but as usual because Triumph wont admit to it your passed from pillar to post. The problem is oil getting into the airbox that then finds it's way via a small tube and restrictor to foul the air pressure MAP sensor. The ECU then gets bad data and shuts down the engine. Fortunately I have a 3 month dealer warranty so that is their problem. Unfortunately changing these parts is only dealing with the symptom and not the cause (oil in the airbox) so what's to stop it happening again.

The bike is generally built down to a price (in Thailand, O' Dear God). For instance, there isn't even a helmet lock. I have dealt with that by buying a bracket from USA that bolts on. There is already a bracket there that just required a hook on the top of it, would have cost Triumph nothing to do, very poor. The seat is probably it's worst feature, its very slippery if wearing textile bike pants plus it's very narrow with hardly any padding. It's the worst seat on any bike I have ever owned. Then on top, everything you expect from a modern bike is an extra that has a silly price tag with it.

I have owned this bike now for 10 days and am already starting to think about part exchanging it for a new Honda CB650R. My fault I should have stuck with Honda in the first place. Triumph certainly know how to get rid of their new customers. It's a real shame because if the issues were fixed it would be a really nice bike, the engine is an absolute peach. It handles lovely and is so light it is really easy to move around, and it's faster than I need at 64. Will see what happens after the warranty repair as the throttle issues may be part of the cutting out problem. And the other issue's such as the seat can be dealt with.