Triumph Trident

Triumph Trident is a model name used by Triumph Motorcycles across multiple generations of three-cylinder motorcycles.

Original Triumph Trident (1968–1975)

The original Triumph Trident (models T150 and T160) was an air-cooled, 740 cc (45 cu in) overhead-valve inline-three-cylinder motorcycle produced by the Birmingham Small Arms Company (BSA) group and sold under both the Triumph and BSA marques (the BSA variant was called the Rocket 3). It was developed by engineers Bert Hopwood and Doug Hele, with the first prototype (P1) running by 1965. The Trident debuted in summer 1968, narrowly preceding the Honda CB750. It produced 58 bhp (43 kW) at approximately 7,250 rpm and had a four-speed gearbox (later upgraded to five-speed on the T150V and T160). The T160 (1975 model year) introduced electric starting, front and rear disc brakes, a left-foot gear shift, and forward-slanted cylinders. Production ended in late 1975/early 1976 amid the financial collapse of Norton Villiers Triumph (NVT). Approximately 27,480 Rocket 3/Tridents were produced across all variants, including approximately 7,000 T160s.

The original Trident achieved notable racing success. In the 1971 Daytona 200, Triumph and BSA triples finished first, second, and third. A production-class Trident nicknamed "Slippery Sam" won consecutive 750 cc production races at the Isle of Man TT from 1971 to 1975.

Hinckley-era Tridents (1990s)

After Triumph was revived by John Bloor in the early 1990s, the Trident name was applied to the company's new modular three-cylinder roadsters, including the Trident 750 and Trident 900. These liquid-cooled, DOHC, inline-triple motorcycles were built at the new Hinckley factory in Leicestershire, England.

Modern Trident 660 (2021–present)

Introduced in early 2021, the Trident 660 is a liquid-cooled, 12-valve, DOHC, 660 cc inline-triple middleweight roadster. The engine was derived from the Triumph Daytona 675 powerplant and incorporates 67 new components. It produces a claimed maximum power of 81 PS (60 kW) at 10,250 rpm and 64 Nm (47 lb·ft) of torque at 6,250 rpm. The motorcycle features a tubular steel perimeter frame, Showa 41 mm upside-down separate function forks, a preload-adjustable Showa monoshock, Nissin braking components, and Michelin Road 5 tires as standard equipment. It has a curb weight of approximately 189 kg (417 lb) and a seat height of 805 mm (31.7 in). Standard technology includes two riding modes (Road and Rain; later models added a Sport mode), switchable traction control, ride-by-wire throttle, ABS, all-LED lighting, and a multi-function instrument display with a color TFT screen. A Triumph Shift Assist quickshifter was added as standard equipment from the 2025 model year onward, along with Optimized Cornering ABS and Traction Control using an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU). Production takes place in Thailand.

A special edition, the Trident 660 Triple Tribute Edition, was released featuring a Sapphire Black paint scheme with Cobalt Blue and Diablo Red graphics, a "67" race number on the tank (referencing the "Slippery Sam" racer), Diablo Red wheels, a color-matched flyscreen, and an aluminum belly pan.

Trident 800

Triumph has announced a new Trident 800 model priced from $9,995.00, expanding the model lineup with a larger-displacement triple-cylinder engine.

Variations across generations