The middleweight naked bike segment is fiercely competitive, and two standout contenders are making waves: the Honda CB650R and the Triumph Trident 660. Both offer thrilling performance, stylish aesthetics, and a comfortable riding experience, but they cater to slightly different riders.
If you’re torn between these two excellent machines, you’re not alone. The CB650R brings Honda’s renowned engineering and a sporty, Neo-Sports Café design to the table. Meanwhile, the Trident 660 aims to redefine accessible fun with its accessible power and premium British flair.
Deciding which bike is right for you involves looking beyond the spec sheet. We’ll dive deep into what makes each of these motorcycles tick, helping you make an informed choice for your next two-wheeled adventure.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | cb650r | trident 660 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Type | Inline 4-cylinder | Inline 3-cylinder |
| Displacement | 649cc | 660cc |
| Bore x Stroke | 67 mm x 46 mm | 74 mm x 79 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 11.6:1 | 11.9:1 |
| Max Power | 94 hp @ 12,000 rpm | 81 hp @ 10,250 rpm |
| Max Torque | 63 Nm @ 9,500 rpm | 64 Nm @ 7,000 rpm |
| Fuel System | PGM-FI | Multi-point sequential fuel injection with SAI |
| Transmission | 6-speed | 6-speed |
| Clutch | Assist & Slipper Clutch | Wet, multi-plate, slip assisted |
| Front Suspension | 41mm Showa SFF-BP USD | Showa 41mm upside-down separate function forks |
| Rear Suspension | Monoshock with pre-load adjustment | Showabig piston monoshock, adjustable preload |
| Front Brake | Dual 310mm discs, 4-piston calipers | 2 x 310mm discs, Nissin 2-piston sliding calipers |
| Rear Brake | 240mm disc, 1-piston caliper | 220mm disc, Nissin 1-piston sliding caliper |
| Front Tire | 120/70ZR17 | 120/70R17 |
| Rear Tire | 180/55ZR17 | 180/55R17 |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 2090mm x 755mm x 1045mm | 2065mm x 755mm x 1089mm |
| Wheelbase | 1445mm | 1395mm |
| Seat Height | 830mm | 805mm |
| Curb Weight | 200kg | 189kg |
| Fuel Capacity | 15.4L | 14.1L |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Engine & Performance
- Cb650r: Features a 649cc inline-four engine producing 94 hp and 63 Nm of torque. This engine offers a smooth, rev-happy character and a satisfying inline-four sound. It’s well-balanced for everyday riding and spirited bursts.
- Trident 660: Equipped with a 660cc inline-three engine, delivering 81 hp and 64 Nm of torque. The triple offers a punchy mid-range and a distinctive, engaging exhaust note. It’s more focused on accessible torque for quick acceleration.
- Winner: cb650r
Handling & Agility
- Cb650r: Boasts a lightweight chassis and sporty suspension setup, contributing to nimble and precise handling. Its ergonomics are slightly more aggressive, favoring a sportier riding posture. It feels sharp and responsive in corners.
- Trident 660: Offers a balanced and approachable chassis with a more upright riding position. Its suspension is tuned for comfort and versatility, making it very easy to manage in urban environments and on twisty roads. It inspires confidence for newer riders.
- Winner: cb650r
Braking System
- Cb650r: Comes with dual 310mm front discs with radial-mount calipers and a 240mm rear disc. The braking performance is strong and progressive, offering excellent stopping power with good feel. ABS is standard.
- Trident 660: Features dual 310mm front discs with Nissin calipers and a 255mm rear disc. Braking is competent and reliable, providing ample stopping force for its performance class. ABS is standard.
- Winner: cb650r
Suspension & Comfort
- Cb650r: Equipped with a Showa SFF-BP USD front fork and a rear monoshock. The suspension is on the firmer side, prioritizing sporty feel over plush comfort. It can be a bit jarring over rough surfaces.
- Trident 660: Utilizes Showa separate function big piston front forks and a preload-adjustable rear shock. The suspension is tuned for a more compliant ride, soaking up bumps effectively and offering good comfort for longer journeys.
- Winner: trident 660
Technology & Electronics
- Cb650r: Features a digital LCD display, LED lighting, and Honda’s Selectable Torque Control (HSTC). While functional, its tech suite is relatively basic compared to some rivals.
- Trident 660: Offers a TFT color display, LED lighting, ride-by-wire throttle, and multiple riding modes (Road & Rain) with adjustable traction control. It provides a more modern and comprehensive electronic package.
- Winner: trident 660
Design & Aesthetics
- Cb650r: Embodies Honda’s “Neo Sports Café” design language, featuring sharp lines, a sculpted tank, and a minimalist tail section. It presents a modern, aggressive, and premium look.
- Trident 660: Adopts a more classic roadster silhouette with a round headlight and a muscular yet lean profile. Its design is clean, elegant, and timeless, appealing to a broader aesthetic preference.
- Winner: cb650r
Fuel Efficiency
- Cb650r: Typically achieves around 4.9 L/100km (approx. 48 mpg) in mixed riding conditions. Its fuel economy is respectable for its class and performance level.
- Trident 660: Generally offers slightly better fuel efficiency, often around 4.7 L/100km (approx. 50 mpg) depending on riding style. The triple engine can be a bit more economical.
- Winner: trident 660
Price & Value
- Cb650r: Often positioned at a slightly higher price point, reflecting its premium build and performance-oriented components. It offers strong Honda reliability and a sporty package for the cost.
- Trident 660: Generally more competitively priced, making it an attractive option for riders seeking a feature-rich middleweight motorcycle without breaking the bank. It offers excellent value for money.
- Winner: trident 660
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Engine Character | cb650r (for its refined inline-four) |
| Torque Delivery | trident 660 (for its accessible mid-range) |
| Agility & Handling | trident 660 (due to lower weight) |
| Suspension Quality | cb650r (Showa SFF-BP offers slight edge) |
| Braking Performance | cb650r (slightly larger front discs) |
| Overall Value | trident 660 (often more accessible pricing) |
| Styling | Subjective, but both are strong contenders. |
What They Have in Common
- Engine Configuration: Both motorcycles feature an inline engine configuration, known for its smooth power delivery and refined character. This design is a staple for many modern sport nakeds.
- Performance Focus: While differing in their peak power and torque figures, both bikes are designed to offer engaging performance for spirited riding. They aim to provide a balance between everyday usability and sporty thrills.
- Modern Electronics: Expect both the CB650R and Trident 660 to come equipped with essential rider aids such as ABS and potentially switchable traction control, enhancing safety and confidence in various riding conditions.
- Premium Suspension Components: Both models utilize quality suspension components, with upside-down front forks and adjustable rear shocks, contributing to a sophisticated and capable ride.
- Sporty Aesthetics: Each motorcycle embodies a modern naked sportbike aesthetic, with sharp lines, aggressive stances, and thoughtful detailing that appeals to riders looking for a stylish machine.
- Disc Brakes: Both are equipped with dual front disc brakes and a single rear disc brake, offering reliable stopping power suitable for their performance capabilities.
Cb650R Vs Trident 660 Buying Guide
Performance & Engine Characteristics
The Honda CB650R boasts a refined 649cc inline-four engine, renowned for its smooth power delivery and a thrilling top-end rush. It offers a slightly more sporty character with its rev-happy nature, making it a joy for spirited riding. The Trident 660, on the other hand, features a punchy 660cc triple-cylinder engine. This powerplant delivers strong torque from lower revs, offering a more immediate and accessible acceleration that feels effortless in everyday riding scenarios. (See Also: Nest Cam Vs Ring )
Riding Experience & Handling
The CB650R’s chassis provides a nimble and engaging ride, with a comfortable yet slightly forward-leaning riding position that suits sporty commutes and weekend blasts. Its suspension is well-balanced, offering a good blend of comfort and control. The Trident 660 prioritizes accessibility and comfort. Its upright riding posture and well-tuned suspension make it incredibly approachable for new riders and comfortable for longer journeys. It handles with confidence and stability, feeling planted and predictable.
Technology & Features
Both bikes offer a respectable suite of modern rider aids. The CB650R typically includes ABS and optional traction control, displayed through a clear LCD instrument panel. The Trident 660 steps up with a TFT color display, Bluetooth connectivity for turn-by-turn navigation and music control, and switchable traction control alongside ABS. These features enhance the overall riding experience and safety, with the Trident offering a slight edge in connectivity.
Value & Target Audience
The Honda CB650R often appeals to riders seeking a more premium feel and the distinctive character of an inline-four engine. It’s a great option for those who appreciate a bike that can be both a capable commuter and a weekend fun machine. The Triumph Trident 660 is positioned as a highly competitive middleweight naked bike, offering excellent value for money. Its user-friendly nature, strong feature set, and engaging triple engine make it an ideal choice for riders looking for a versatile and exciting motorcycle. (See Also: Lose It Vs Weight Watchers )
Who Should Buy What?
Buy cb650r If…
- You appreciate the refined character and sound of a four-cylinder engine.
- You prioritize a slightly higher revving engine with a more aggressive power delivery.
- You prefer a more substantial feel and presence on the road.
- You are looking for a bike with a more premium suspension setup from the factory.
Buy trident 660 If…
- You want a more accessible and tractable engine with strong low-to-mid-range torque.
- You value a lighter and more agile motorcycle for easier maneuverability.
- You are drawn to the distinctive triple-cylinder engine note and character.
- You are looking for a well-rounded package with a good balance of performance and comfort for everyday riding and occasional spirited blasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which bike is better for a beginner?
The Triumph Trident 660 is generally considered more beginner-friendly. Its accessible torque delivery, upright riding position, and user-friendly technology like switchable traction control make it less intimidating. The Honda CB650R, while still manageable, has a slightly sportier feel and a more forward-leaning posture that might require a bit more adjustment for a complete novice.
What is the fuel efficiency like on each bike?
Both bikes offer comparable fuel efficiency, typically falling in the range of 50-60 MPG depending on riding style and conditions. The inline-four of the CB650R and the triple-cylinder of the Trident 660 are both designed for good economy within their performance class. For most riders, the difference in fuel consumption will be negligible in daily use.
Which bike has better suspension?
Both bikes feature competent suspension systems, but the Triumph Trident 660 often receives praise for its slightly more sophisticated setup, including adjustable preload on the rear shock. This can offer a bit more fine-tuning for rider preference and load. The Honda CB650R’s suspension is also well-balanced and provides a comfortable and capable ride for its class. (See Also: Bose Quiet Comfort Vs Airpods Pro )
Which bike is more comfortable for longer rides?
The Triumph Trident 660 generally has the edge in long-distance comfort due to its more relaxed, upright riding position and a seat that is often considered more accommodating. The Honda CB650R’s slightly sportier ergonomics, while excellent for spirited riding, can lead to a bit more fatigue on extended journeys for some riders.
What is the maintenance cost difference?
Maintenance costs for both bikes are generally comparable and fall within the typical range for middleweight Japanese and British motorcycles. Routine services like oil changes and chain adjustments will be similar. However, Triumph parts can sometimes be slightly more expensive than Honda parts, though this is usually a minor difference over the lifespan of the motorcycle.
Final Verdict
The Honda CB650R offers a refined inline-four experience with sporty handling and a premium feel. The Triumph Trident 660 counters with a torquey triple, advanced technology, and superior comfort for everyday versatility. For a blend of accessibility, modern features, and engaging performance, the Trident 660 emerges as the more well-rounded package for a wider range of riders.
Winner: Triumph Trident 660