Since the release of Triumph's new Trident and its global 660cc triple-cylinder engine platform, we've known that the British firm was turning its attention to the lower capacity end of the motorcycle market. This has now been confirmed with Triumph teasing the forthcoming new Tiger 660.
While official specs are yet to be released, we can see that Triumph is clearly taking aim at the likes of Kawasaki's Versys 650 and Yamaha Tracer 700 with a sports focussed adventure tourer. That means 17-inch wheels and sleek bodywork plus the ability to throw on factory luggage.
At its heart will be, of course, the 660cc inline triple-cylinder engine from the Trident and Street Triple 660, which in the form of the Trident is good for 53hp and 57Nm in its LAMS guise - currently the only version of the platform available in the New Zealand market.
Overseas the Trident engine in its unrestricted guise pumps out a healthy 80hp and 64Nm which would come in handy for a bike aimed at the touring segment here.
Visually the new Tiger takes design cues from the existing Tiger Sport 1050, with a twin headlight arrangement and smooth integrated fairing and decently sized windshield to boot.
Time will tell what the final specs of the new Tiger 660 are and if like the Trident it will be available as only a LAMS motorcycle here in New Zealand. We'll keep you updated with the latest info as it comes to hand.