The Triumph Trident 800 is Terrific.

The Triumph Trident 800 Turns Heads And Is a Terrific Ride.

Triumph's Trident 800 enters the middleweight sports bike market as the bigger sibling to the Trident 660. I reviewed the Trident 660 a few years ago at its launch and was very impressed. However, I was looking for more power, and Triumph has responded to this need with the new 800cc engine.

The Trident 800 features a robust tubular steel perimeter frame, as does the Trident 660. However, this model stands out for its elegantly scooped inner rails, which create room for the larger throttle bodies and airbox, enhancing its performance. The front suspension is equipped with advanced upside-down forks, which are adjustable for both rebound and compression damping, allowing riders to fine-tune their ride for optimal comfort and handling. At the rear, the shock is similarly configurable, offering preload and rebound damping adjustments to better suit individual riding styles.

Braking performance on the Trident 800 is delivered by high-quality Triumph-branded J.Juan four-piston callipers gripping twin 310mm discs, ensuring reliable stopping power under a range of conditions. The motorcycle rides on premium Michelin Road 6 sports touring tyres, with a 120/70 x 17 size at the front and a 180/55 x 17 size at the rear, providing excellent grip and stability on the road.

The Triumph Trident 800 offers a more relaxed riding experience than the Street Triple, thanks to its well-thought-out ergonomics. The handlebars are positioned 33 mm higher and extend 34 mm closer to the rider, enhancing comfort during longer rides. Additionally, the handlebars are raked back by 1.6 degrees and are 8.5 mm wider on each side, allowing for a more natural grip.

In terms of seat height, the Trident sits 16 mm lower, while the footpegs are 36.5 mm closer to the ground, resulting in a generous 20.5 mm increase in legroom. The footpeg placement has also been adjusted, moving them an additional 18.5 mm further forward. This configuration promotes a more relaxed seating posture, making it ideal for cruising.

In contrast, the Street Triple 765 RS is designed for a sportier riding position, appealing to those who prefer a more aggressive stance and dynamic experience.

The Triumph Trident 800 is built for comfort, reducing strain on the wrists and knees and helping you feel refreshed after a long day of riding. Even at motorway speeds, the bike minimises windblast—a notable advantage for a naked bike—avoiding the intense buffeting often experienced with taller adventure bikes. This makes it an excellent choice for riders seeking both comfort and performance.

Although the Trident 800's geometry leans more towards comfort than pure sportiness, it is still an exhilarating ride. Equipped with sports-touring tyres instead of track-focused rubber, this bike is not just meant for racetracks (although it would certainly excel during track days). It delivers a handling experience that goes beyond the ordinary.

From the moment you hop on, you'll notice that while the steering isn't as sharp as a racing machine, the Trident remains incredibly agile. It glides effortlessly through tight turns and sweeping corners, navigating cities and roundabouts with ease. Despite its relaxed peg position, there’s no concern about ground clearance.

What truly stands out is the confidence and connection the Triumph offers the rider. Imagine tearing through exhilarating mountain bends in second to fourth gear, feeling the rush as you conquer various types of roads—from smooth stretches to bumpy, pothole-ridden paths. The ride is nothing short of thrilling!

The combination of Michelin's top-notch Road 6 tyres, which are ready for action right away, and Triumph’s expertise in handling is formidable. You always know exactly what’s happening beneath you, whether through your hands, feet, or body, as you navigate corners and accelerate out. Riding at a brisk pace feels effortless, even in wet conditions.

While the Trident 800 might not have the latest Öhlins suspension components, its ride quality strikes a commendable balance between control and comfort for a bike in this price range. Overall, it feels plush, though the rear can be harsh over big bumps and may be slightly underdamped during spirited riding. However, the setup works well for the mixed conditions encountered during testing, and there’s no need to adjust the suspension. For more aggressive riding on dry roads, the rear shock's rebound damping may require slight slowing.

The front and rear brakes provide excellent feel and power, avoiding aggression. Even on slippery surfaces, there’s so much mechanical grip from the tyres that the cornering ABS is rarely activated, even during hard riding.

The Trident 800’s three-cylinder engine has its roots in the original Daytona 675 and the Street Triple that followed. Over the years, it has been adapted to produce various models, including the 660cc Daytona, Trident, the restricted-license version of the Street Triple in Australia, and the 765cc variant used in Moto2 racing.

Recently, the engine was updated to power the Tiger Sport 800, and the same engine, with minor tweaks to throttle and traction control, is utilised in the Trident 800. The 800cc motor shares the 78 mm bore with the 765cc variant, but has a longer 55.7 mm stroke. It generates a claimed 113 bhp and 62 ft-lb of torque, sitting comfortably between the 2026 Trident 660’s 94 bhp/47 lb-ft and the high-performance Street Triple 765 RS’s 128 bhp/59 lb-ft.

Like the new Trident 660, the 800 features triple throttle bodies, ride-by-wire technology, and an Inertial Measurement Unit for lean-sensitive traction control and ABS, along with an up/down quickshifter and standard cruise control. There are three riding modes available: Rain, Road, and Sport.

Most notably, the ride-by-wire throttle operates seamlessly, delivering power perfectly linearly. Riders can leisurely cruise in the bike's rich midrange or rev it high for an exhilarating experience, especially when disabling the combined traction and wheelie control.

In essence, the Trident 800's engine can be as gentle or as spirited as you desire.

£9195