Triumph Trident 660 vs Honda CB650R vs Kawasaki Z650 : Spec Comparison

In the past 30 days, middle-weight motorcycles have seen some new entrants across the categories. What peaks our interest is the new Triumph Trident 660 and the debutant Honda CB650R

For the longest period, Kawasaki has had the dominance in the middle-weight motorcycle segment irrespective of the classification. In essence, Kawasaki offered the Ninja 650, Versys 650, Vulcan 650 S and the Z 650 - all catering to different kinds of motorcyclists.

Now, tables have turned and Honda has offered essentially three new motorcycles in the past month - CB500X, CBR650R and the CB650R which directly rivals Kawasaki's 650cc India line-up. In Addition, Triumph’s highly anticipated motorcycle, Trident 660 has been launched at a tempting price and slots right between the Ninja Z650 and the Honda CB650R.

Following is a comparison between the newer Trident 660 and the  CB650R against the long time running Ninja Z650.

Drivetrain

While the looks are subjective, lets jump straight to the source of power and the complementing drivetrain. The Z650 and the CB650R have a very closely matched displacement number, the Trident 660 gets the upper hand by offering a 660cc engine. That said, the comparo here interestingly see’s motorcycles that offer a variety of engine layout. Ranging from the parallel-twin motor in the Z650, up to an in-line three-cylinder engine in the Trident 660. The CB650R here will attract the most attention as it has an in-line four-cylinder engine on offer.

Features

Features package has become equally important in today’s market condition. And I am happy to report the Triumph Trident 660 packs a bunch of it. The instrument cluster is a TFT unit and the motorcycle also packs LED headlamp and tail lamp assembly. The other two motorcycles also sport similar features, however, the CB650F gets an LCD instrument cluster. As an optional extra, Triumph also offers its connectivity module that syncs to the rider’s smartphone and also gives access to control a GoPro, should they wish. Similar connected features (Minus the GoPro connectivity) are on offer with the Kawasaki Z650 for no additional cost. Trident 660 also gets an optional two-way quick-shifter for extra money. 

It is worth a mention that the Triumph Trident 66 has a service interval of 16,000 km which is the highest in the segment - it could also translate to a hassle free owner-ship.

Electronic package

Triumph includes two riding modes with the Trident 660 and a switchable traction control. Honda CB650R also benefits from traction control but misses out on riding modes. The Kawasaki Z650 misses out on both. It goes without saying, all the motorcycles in the comparo come equipped with dual-channel ABS.
 

Cycle parts

All the motorcycles get 41mm telescopic suspension upfront, however, the Kawasaki Z650 uses a conventional telescopic unit while the other two come equipped with USD (upside down forks). The rear-mono shock unit offers preload adjustability in all the three motorcycles. All the motorcycles come equipped with a twin-disc brake arrangement in the front and a single disc brake assembly at the rear. However, the Trident 660, gets the upper hand when compared to the brake sizes of the other two and being the lightest of them all, the Triumph Trident 660 could offer the most confidence inspiring braking. That said, we can only confirm this post the first-ride review of the Triumph Trident 660 which has been scheduled for this month. Stay tuned to AutoX for a comprehensive review of the Triumph Trident 660.

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