17.2 litres , the seat height is a reasonable 835mm and the wheels are 17-inch cast items . This is all tied together with quality , but lower spec , Showa inverted 41mm cartridge forks and shock . The only adjustment is a remote hydraulic shock preload adjuster , with both ends having 150mm of travel . Great Metzeler 120 / 70-17 and 180 / 55-17 front / rear rubber completes the package . And that package is bloody effective . The three main things which describe the ride are – easy effortless handling , accurate , agile steering and a controlled and planted feel . The suspension punches above its weight considering there ’ s no adjustment . It ’ s nicely progressive , offering a firm , yet compliant , ride and was not prone to bottoming out over bumps . I noticed the rear shock spring was progressively wound and feel sure this contributed to the comfortable resistance to bottoming on our quite poorly maintained local roads , while remaining very comfy on small bumps . The forks ride very nicely over all surfaces and both ends happily support quite spirited riding . I ’ d go as far as to say that for general use the handling and suspension is every bit as good as its higher spec bigger brothers and at times felt better balanced . And , when you ’ ve got your hustle on and the time comes to stop , no worries there either as braking performance is very good . As mentioned above , there are no flash Italian Brembo ’ s fitted , but the Nissin twin piston calipers and twin 310mm discs are plenty up to the task of hauling this 207kg dry weight machine to a stop . Out back there ’ s a single-piston caliper and 255mm disc . Which happily do the business . Anti-lock braking is standard and is not switchable . Feel and stopping strength is great . Overall , stopping performance is well in keeping with the Triumph 660 ’ s capabilities – no complaints .
KIWI RIDER 51