2021 Aprilia Tuono 660 vs. 2021 Triumph Trident 660 Comparison

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Let’s give the design teams behind the Aprilia Tuono 660 and Triumph Trident 660 a break. To create worthy entry-level naked middleweights that represent the heritage and know-how of premium brands is no easy feat. Such bikes must find a balance between approachability for beginners and sporty performance for experienced riders, embody the emotional personality of their brands’ flagship models, and be both well polished and cost effective. Get it right and create lifetime brand loyalty; fail to hit every mark and get told-you-so’s from the brand’s most loyal customers. No pressure, team.

In the cases of Aprilia and Triumph, there’s a lot to live up to. Each brand has built a following upon its own design paths, resulting in two very different machines. Aprilia bleeds Italian racing heritage and the superbike technical excellence that comes with it, an aura of no-expense-spared sporting performance. Triumph, on the other hand, exudes purist British design with an emphasis on refined simplicity.

What began as a battle of equal displacement turned into a comparison of entry-point options into premium brands. The Aprilia Tuono 660 and Triumph Trident 660 offer more approachable segues into ownership of their respective brands. (Jeff Allen/)

On paper, these bikes’ equal displacement would seem to call for a head-to-head comparison, but the diverging intentions of the two machines left us wondering if buyers would even cross-shop the Aprilia and the Triumph. So what started as a battle of all-new 660 middleweights quickly turned into a comparison of entry-point choices from two exceptional brands with very different design approaches. That firmly in mind, we headed to California’s central coast to put each through its paces.

The 2021 Triumph Trident 660 is an all-new model, but delves deep into the British manufacturer’s heritage and expertise. (Jeff Allen/)

Triumph Trident 660: $8,095

The Trident 660 is Triumph’s attempt at an affordable and approachable segue into the sporting side of the British brand, using the ultrarefined performance of the inline triple made legendary by the Street Triple and Speed Triple platforms, all for a very reasonable as-tested price of $8,095.

Triumph stuck to its guns, choosing an ultrarefined inline-triple engine to power the Trident 660. (Jeff Allen/)

The heart of the Trident is a liquid-cooled DOHC 659cc inline-triple, essentially a de-stroked version of the original Street Triple 675. Why sacrifice power? The Trident is built as a more modest machine with the versatility and friendliness needed for an entry-level model, stepping away from the naked sportbike scene of its ancestors as the Street Triple has morphed into a premium performance-based naked middleweight. Still, the Trident gets a bunch of modern features: ride-by-wire technology, traction control, ABS, and even a TFT display with Bluetooth connectivity.

The Trident’s relatively relaxed ergonomics complement it’s easy-going ride, while the Aprilia’s aggressive reach suits its sporting intent. (Jeff Allen/)

The Trident’s engine benefits from Triumph’s years of continuous refinement to the inline-triple range, highlighted by the silky smooth linear delivery of its CW-measured 72.1 peak horsepower at 10,200 rpm and 42.9 pound-feet of torque at 6,700 rpm. Direct throttle connection and gentle initial power delivery lend to confidence-inspiring acceleration, aided by the excellent grip of Michelin Road 5 rubber. And, while modest figures may suggest otherwise to spec sheet spies, getting the Trident’s throttle WFO is damn addicting, not least because the triple-trumpet exhaust howls as it rips through its very well-spaced six-speed gearbox; if you aren’t on the Triumph, you want to be behind it to soak in all that triple glory. But the best part, in combination with the price tag, is how approachable and easy to use it is for less experienced riders. The torque curve is incredibly broad and flat, making for flexible right-here-right-now oomph. It’s a quick bike, but the smooth delivery won’t cause trouble, especially as it is aided by a basic and switchable TC system with subtle intervention.

Despite more relaxed steering geometry, the Trident can still tear up the corners. (Jeff Allen/)

Handling is also delightfully neutral, adding to the overall balance and versatility of Trident. Yes, the steering geometry is more relaxed and the measured dry weight is 25 pounds heavier than the Aprilia, but it offers easy steering with confidence-inspiring symmetry in its front-to-rear balance. The well-tuned Showa shock and 41mm fork offer help here with a solid blend of small-bump compliance to soak up the small chatter and big-hit support for backroad wailing, despite the fork not allowing any adjustment. It’d be easy to scoff at the lack of adjustability, but remember Triumph’s aim.

The Trident’s LCD display blends old-school simplicity with a modern aesthetic. (Jeff Allen/)

The Triumph packs the most day-to-day comfort of the pair, with its relaxed reach to the upright handlebar and relatively low and forward footpeg position providing more around-town comfort than the attack-style Aprilia. It’s a narrow feel between the legs, which makes the 32.2-inch seat height (identical to the Tuono’s) feel lower when navigating slow-speed maneuvers. The combination of its charming engine, light clutch pull, and flexible power delivery take it a step further.

The Triumph Trident 660 hit its mark on the head, creating a platform that welcomes less-experienced riders while proving capable to seasoned veterans. (Jeff Allen/)

Fit and finish is praiseworthy, catching the eye of our testers. Subtle, clean lines are reminiscent of Triumph’s modern-day Bonneville, while sharp accents like the contrasting radiator cowl paint nod toward the Trident’s potential sportiness.

Which is a good general summary of the Triumph’s overall stance, a blend of simple modern roadster design with the sporting overtones that have made the triple line so successful. In doing so, the Trident creates an entertaining and educational choice for both first-time riders and skilled veterans.

It may look as mean as the Tuono V4, but the all-new Tuono 660 is a more friendly ride with a more enticing price point. (Jeff Allen/)

Aprilia Tuono 660: $10,699 (as tested)

It’s a bold move to badge any new model as a Tuono, a name made famous by legendary Aprilia V-4 power and a distinctive wicked exhaust note, undeniably one of the most entertaining machines currently on the market. The Tuono 660 has big shoes to fill.

Think of the 660 as a scaled-down, chopped-up version of the V-4. Engineers removed the rearward-facing cylinders of the 1100 V-4, then stroked out the remaining two and tuned the mill to create a ripping DOHC 659cc parallel twin. How ripping? On our in-house dyno, the Tuono belted out roughly 87.0 hp at 10,600 rpm and 45.0 pound-feet of torque at 8,900 rpm. That’s 18 percent more horsepower than the Trident, plus an additional 1,000 rpm to tear through before hitting redline.

Aprilia chopped up its V-4 powerplant into this 659c parallel-twin engine that’s tamed by the precise Aprilia Performance Ride Control electronic rider-aid suite. (Jeff Allen/)

The power disparity is glaring on the asphalt. You can feel the race-bred beast within the Tuono 660, and hear it too. Initial throttle response is crisp as the Tuono pulls away from the corner, and around 7,000 rpm the parallel twin unleashes a hair-raising howl eerily similar to the V-4′s bark as it rips through its six-speed gearbox via the optional quickshifter (a $200 factory option). It pulls harder than the Triumph, and lifting its front wheel skyward in a way that would make the Tuono 1100 proud. Aprilia’s race heritage and edgy design philosophy are clear in the Tuono 660, though it’s less intimidating and more approachable than the almighty 1100. Power delivery is aided by easily adjustable and superprecise race-spec electronic rider aids, which lend a hand to less experienced riders or those navigating unfamiliar, tricky roads. And it’s probably less of a threat to your license than big brother. Still, it demands respect as any Tuono does.

Look Tuono, be Tuono. The 660 bleeds the rowdy personality that has made its name famous. (Jeff Allen/)

And the Tuono’s sharp, sport-oriented design is also obvious in the chassis. Its quick and nimble handling is appreciated when charging the twisties, but with straight-line stability that makes for a well-balanced package. The relatively steep 24.1-degree steering head angle and 4.1-inch trail measurement means a direct feel to the contact patch of the front tire. And that means confidence when pushing the limit. Box-stock KYB suspension settings suggest the Tuono is built for hammering, relatively stiff in the initial stroke for subtle road imperfections, but with better feel and support when pushing it. The added feel and grip of the Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa II rubber extends the Aprilia’s shredding prowess that much further.

Aprilia’s racing DNA includes these integrated aerodynamic winglets hidden under the side cowling. (Jeff Allen/)

You’ll never forget the Tuono’s aggressive aim thanks to its haul-ass ergonomic position. The up-and-back footpeg position means taking an athletic lower-body stance, which helps in hustling the Aprilia through quick transitions and sporty riding. It’s an in-command and sporty reach to the one-piece handlebar, but with more wrist pressure than the Trident. So while we love the Tuono’s position for ripping the canyons, its more hunched position is less comfortable for the daily commute.

The Tuono 660 is certainly a more approachable option into the lineup, but packs raw performance that still demands respect. (Jeff Allen/)

The Tuono seethes with Aprilia’s superbike technical know-how, right down to the aerodynamic winglets integrated into the side cowlings and the laptimer function accessed through the full-color TFT display. Needless to say, Aprilia’s intent is clear, and Aprilia has nailed it. The 660 draws deep from the brand’s heritage and the legendary Tuono rowdiness, but in a more approachable and rider-friendly middleweight package, all for an affordable $10,699 MSRP.

More approachable performance, tip-top fit and finish, and relatively attractive price tags make both the Aprilia Tuono 660 and Triumph Trident 660 enticing options to enter their respective brands. (Jeff Allen/)

Final Thoughts

It’s fair to say that this isn’t a cut-and-dried comparison where the winner takes all. There’s so much to like here for very different reasons.

The Triumph Trident 660 shines bright in many ways, most notably for its superb balance of approachability and fun factor. It’s a motorcycle that can be recommended to less experienced or even first-time riders, welcoming them into the premium British brand with the blend of effortless, rider-friendly performance, and high quality that has made the brand so successful. That combination of price, style, and flexibility are what should make the Triumph enticing to every rider, even the most experienced.

England isn’t that far away from Italy, but these two machines represent very different design intentions. (Jeff Allen/)

As far as the goal of being a scaled-down and more affordable sibling of the legendary 1100 V4 is concerned, Aprilia’s Tuono 660 clears the bar climbing. Throaty performance may not make it an ideal first-time rider’s machine, but it offers admission into the Italian brand as a steppingstone to flagship models while reaching for the absolute limit of middleweight performance. The Tuono’s performance is something that will pump through your veins.

Ultimately, both of these machines find success and hit their respective targets. One reminds us of the simplicity and purity of motorcycling. The other makes the absolute most of middleweight performance. Great job, team.

Specifications

	2021 Aprilia Tuono 660	2021 Triumph Trident 660
MSRP	$10,699 (as tested)	$8,095
Engine	DOHC, liquid-cooled parallel twin; 4 valves/cyl.	DOHC, liquid-cooled inline-triple; 12 valves
Displacement	659cc	659cc
Bore x Stroke	81.0 x 63.9mm	74.0 x 51.1mm
Compression Ratio	13.5:1	11.95:1
Transmission/Final Drive	6-speed/chain	6-speed/chain
Fuel System	Fuel injection w/ 48mm throttle bodies; ride-by-wire	Fuel injection w/ ride-by-wire
Clutch	Wet, multiplate slipper	Wet, multiplate slipper/assist
Frame	Double-beam aluminum	Tubular-steel perimeter frame
Front Suspension	41mm inverted KYB fork, spring preload, rebound damping adjustable; 4.7 in. travel	41mm Showa inverted fork, nonadjustable; 4.7 in. travel
Rear Suspension	KYB monoshock, spring preload, rebound damping adjustable; 5.1 in. travel	Showa monoshock, spring preload adjustable; 5.3 in. travel
Front Brake	Brembo radial-mount 4-piston caliper, 320mm discs w/ ABS	Nissin axial-mounted two-piston caliper, 320mm disc w/ ABS
Rear Brake	2-piston caliper, 220mm disc w/ ABS	Nissin single-piston caliper, 255mm disc w/ ABS
Wheels, Front/Rear	Aluminum alloy; 17 x 3.5 in. / 17 x 5.5 in.	Cast aluminum; 17 x 3.5 in. / 17 x 5.5 in.
Tires, Front/Rear	Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa II; 120/70-17 / 180/55-17	Michelin Road 5; 120/70R-17 / 180/55R-17
Rake/Trail	24.1°/4.1 in.	24.6°/4.2 in.
Wheelbase	53.9 in.	55.2 in.
Seat Height	32.2 in.	32.2 in.
Fuel Capacity	4.0 gal.	3.7 gal.
Cycle World Measured Wet Weight	403 lb.	427 lb.
Availability	Now	Now
Contact	aprilia.com	triumphmotorcycles.com

CW Measured Performance

	2021 Aprilia Tuono 660	2021 Triumph Trident 660
Horsepower	87.0 hp @ 10,600 rpm	72.1 hp @ 10,200 rpm
Torque	45.0 lb.-ft. @ 8,900 rpm	42.9 lb.-ft. @ 6,700 rpm
Quarter-Mile	11.83 sec. @ 116.8 mph	12.57 sec. @ 108.2 mph
0–30	1.61 sec.	1.77 sec.
0–60	3.54 sec.	3.94 sec.
0–100	8.03 sec.	9.92 sec.
Top-Gear Roll-On, 40–60 mph	3.96 sec.	3.14 sec.
Top-Gear Roll-On, 60–80 mph	4.30 sec.	3.59 sec.
Braking, 30–0	33.8 ft.	34.3 ft.
Braking, 60–0	139.1 ft.	142.9 ft.

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