Triumph's new Trident 800 is the triple-powered roadster we've been waiting for

Triumph Motorcycles has today revealed its all-new Trident 800 - a stylish roadster set to bring the brand's beloved triple powered performance to a more accessible level.

In a somewhat unsurprising move following the release of the Tiger Sport 800 earlier this year, Triumph Motorcycles has announced that the popular Trident platform is also getting a hot new sibling with more power, refined styling and that oh-so-addictive inline-3 scream.

Set to arrive in New Zealand dealers from January and priced at just $17,490 (+orc), the new Trident 800 streaks out of the box with cruise control, lean sensitive cornering ABS and Traction Control, a quickshifter and rider modes all as factory equipment.

Powering the Trident 800 is an all-new 798cc triple engine with triple throttle bodies, which Triumph claims delivers "instant throttle response, relentless torque and spine-tingling top end." More tangibly, the new Trident 800 engine puts down 115PS at 10,750rpm with peak torque of 84Nm at 8,500rpm while the redline is set at 11,500rpm.

Internally, the engine features a twist-forged crankshaft, unique camshaft and balancer, forged conrods, and high-compression pistons, which have all been designed to maximise performance and durability. As usual, Triumph has engineered the Trident to feature 16,000km service intervals after its first service for a low cost of ownership.

Steve Sargent, Triumph Motorcycles' Chief Product Officer explained that the new Trident fills a gap the brand perceived in its lineup.

“The incredible popularity of the Trident 660 and the Street Triple 765 RS has shown us just how much riders in this segment value a thrilling, confidence-inspiring ride that’s packed with character and technology, he said. With the launch of the Trident 800, we’ve taken that winning formula and dialled it up, delivering even more road-focused capability and excitement.

“With the Trident 800, we’ve focused on delivering the kind of performance and character that riders want in the real world. The all-new engine with triple throttle bodies provides maximum engagement on everyday roads, and we’ve paired that with a lightweight, high-spec chassis and adjustable Showa suspension.

“We know this customer is looking for rider-focused technology like lean-sensitive Optimised Cornering ABS and Traction Control, Triumph Shift Assist, and cruise control to enhance the riding experience without distracting from it. This bike is for riders who want maximum excitement, anytime, anywhere. This opens the door to a whole new audience of riders looking for a fun, adrenaline-fuelled, purposeful ride.”

Weighing in at only 198kg with a full 14-litre tank of fuel, and sporting Showa upside-down Showa forks feature big-piston, separate-function damping, with adjustable compression and rebound.

At the rear, a Showa monoshock offers preload and rebound adjustment, while braking is handled by twin 4-piston radial calipers gripping 310mm discs, fed by braided steel lines.

Perhaps our favourite aspect of the new Trident 800 is how Triumph has levelled up the styling from the Trident 660 .Every detail of the Trident 800 has been designed to deliver a premium finish. The embossed seat logo adds a subtle touch of refinement, while the lightweight cast aluminium wheels which come in a eye-catching gold finish, amplify the bike’s bold styling.

The Trident 800 launches with three colour choices; Ash Grey with Diablo Red detailing, Carnival Red with Graphite accents (our personal favourite), and the ever classic option of Jet Black.

A colour-coded belly pan and flyscreen add aerodynamic edge and visual cohesion, reinforcing the bike’s dynamic roadster stance and nicely finishing off the bike's overall base design.

As always, Triumph is offering a range of accessories at launch including an Akrapovič silencer, with a titanium wrap and carbon fibre end cap, bar end mirrors, seat cowls and more.

The Trident 800 looks to be a really appealing upgrade from the 660 model, without the somewhat love-it or hate-it styling associated with the brand's Street and Speed Triple lineups.

With a low price point and great looks, the Trident 800 will hopefully be a good seller for the British brand when it arrives on New Zealand dealer floors.