Production gap
23 years
Triumph killed the Trident name in 1998 and did not revive it until 2021. Twenty-three years of nothing. The name was effectively dormant — Triumph kept selling triples in other model lines (Speed, Street, Daytona) but the Trident badge was parked.
Why it came back
A2 market
Triumph revived the Trident name in 2021 specifically for the A2-restrictable middleweight market — competing directly with the MT-07, Z650, CB650R. The original Trident was a much bigger bike (885cc, full-fat); the new one is deliberately smaller and cheaper.
Power change
−18bhp
98bhp Trident 900 → 80bhp Trident 660. The modern Trident makes LESS power than the 1996 Trident. Different bike, different role — the 660 is designed for new riders and A2 licenses, not experienced tourers.
Engine architecture
Triple throughout
Both Tridents (1996 and 2026) are inline triples. The Trident name has always meant three cylinders in Triumph world. The new 660 shares its base engine with the Tiger Sport 660 and Daytona 660.
Real cost change
−$6.6k
Trident 900 was about $8,775 in 1996 ($17,550 today). The 2026 Trident 660 is $10,928 with the 95bhp engine upgrade — about 38% cheaper in real terms. The bike pivoted from premium to entry-level; price reflects that.
Rider aids count
1 → 5
1996: fuel injection only. 2026: ABS, traction control, ride modes, ride-by-wire, smartphone connectivity. Modern A2-friendly electronics suite, kept simple to keep cost down.
Cheapest way in
$2.7k
A clean original Trident 900 from the late 90s. The first Hinckley Triumph triple, character-rich, simple, robust. Becoming collectible because of its place in Triumph history.
