THE AUSSIE TRIDENT

Chasing a bunch of other journos riding the new Triumph Trident up the twisty road to Mount Baw Baw, it certainly didn’t feel like the reduced horsepower from the international model was slowing me down. The bike we get here produces 54 horses, the full-power version (not being imported into Australia) produces 80.

Driving up steep hills requires torque, and the Trident produces good midrange torque (peak output is just 60Nm), just when learners and less-experienced riders can make the most of it. Combine the good torque with the bike being reasonably lightweight (for a 660) and it’s easy to ride quickly and safely, despite the reduced maximum output.

Australian LAMS laws are different from much of the rest of the world; we still have a capacity limit (660cc) but the more important factor is the power-to-weight-ratio formula, 150kW/ton. Triumph looked at this closely before deciding not to import the full-power version, but I think it’s a good choice. Everyone will know in Australia the Trident is a LAMS bike, and that will help them retain their value second-hand – midrange LAMS bikes hold their value much better than non-LAMS midrange bikes.

For anyone thinking the Trident might be