The middleweight naked bike category is one of the most competitive and exciting segments in the motorcycling world. These bikes offer the perfect blend of real-world performance, agile handling, and accessible pricing. Two of the strongest contenders fighting for the top spot are the sophisticated British triple, the Triumph Trident 660, and the aggressive Japanese twin, the Kawasaki Z650.
While they compete for the same rider, they offer two very different philosophies on what a middleweight streetfighter should be. Let's break down this head-to-head comparison to help you decide which one deserves a place in your garage.
The Heart of the Matter: Engine and Performance
This is the biggest point of difference between the two bikes.
The Triumph Trident 660 is powered by a 660cc inline-three-cylinder engine. This configuration is the bike's trump card, delivering the best of both worlds: the low-end grunt of a twin and the high-revving rush of an inline-four. The power delivery is incredibly smooth and linear, producing around 80 horsepower. On the road, this translates to effortless acceleration and a versatile character that’s happy cruising around town or screaming down a country lane. The soulful howl from the triple-cylinder engine is an addictive soundtrack that gives the bike a premium, distinct character.
The Kawasaki Z650 uses a tried-and-true 649cc parallel-twin engine. This motor is famous for its punchy and engaging character. While its peak horsepower is lower than the Trident's (around 67 hp), the Z650 delivers its torque aggressively in the low-to-mid rev range. This makes it an absolute blast in city traffic and tight, twisty roads. It feels lively and eager from a standstill, with a characterful thrum that encourages you to ride it hard.
Verdict: The Trident offers more overall power and a smoother, more refined experience. The Z650 provides a more raw, punchy, and instantly engaging ride at city speeds.
Handling, Ride, and Ergonomics
Both bikes are celebrated for their nimble handling, but they achieve it in slightly different ways.
The Trident 660 feels incredibly planted and composed. It comes equipped with quality Showa suspension that provides an excellent balance between comfort and sporty feedback. The chassis is confidence-inspiring, allowing you to carry speed through corners with stability. The riding position is relatively neutral—upright enough for comfort but with a slight forward lean that encourages spirited riding.
The Kawasaki Z650 is all about being lightweight and flickable. It feels noticeably lighter on its feet, making it exceptionally easy to manage at low speeds and in tight urban environments. For newer riders, this accessibility is a huge plus. The ergonomics are slightly more aggressive than the Trident's, but still comfortable for daily commuting. The suspension is more basic than the Triumph's, which can feel less composed on rougher roads, but it’s perfectly adequate for most situations.
Verdict: The Trident feels like the more premium, stable handler. The Z650 is the more agile and beginner-friendly option, feeling lighter and easier to throw around.
Technology and Features
In the modern era, tech matters. The Triumph Trident 660 comes out ahead here, boasting a ride-by-wire throttle that enables two riding modes (Road and Rain). It also features switchable traction control and a slick, round TFT colour display that neatly integrates into its neo-retro design.
The Kawasaki Z650 has kept pace in recent years by adding a beautiful full-colour TFT display of its own, which includes smartphone connectivity via Kawasaki’s Rideology app. This is a huge plus for displaying notifications and tracking ride data. However, it lacks the advanced rider aids like riding modes and traction control that come standard on the Trident.
Verdict: The Trident wins on electronic rider aids, offering a more sophisticated safety and performance package. The Z650’s modern dash with smartphone connectivity is excellent, but the overall tech suite is simpler.
Style and Aesthetics
Your eyes will play a big part in your decision, and these two bikes couldn't look more different.
The Trident 660 sports a "neo-retro" or modern classic design. With its clean lines, round headlight, and sculpted tank, it exudes a sense of British class and understatement. It’s a handsome, well-finished machine that looks more expensive than it is.
The Kawasaki Z650 is a prime example of Kawasaki's aggressive "Sugomi" design philosophy. It's all sharp angles, a predatory stance, and an angular headlight assembly that gives it a menacing streetfighter look. It looks fast even when it’s standing still.
Verdict: This is purely subjective. Do you prefer the elegant, classic curves of the Trident or the sharp, modern aggression of the Z650?
The Final Verdict: Which One is for You?
There is no single winner here, only the right bike for a specific type of rider.
Choose the Triumph Trident 660 if: You value a premium feel and finish, the unique character and smooth power of a triple-cylinder engine, and more advanced rider aids. You’re willing to pay a slight premium for a more sophisticated and versatile machine that feels a class above.
Choose the Kawasaki Z650 if: You prioritize fun, punchy performance for city and backroad riding. You want a bike that is incredibly lightweight, easy to handle, and offers fantastic value for money. Its aggressive styling and proven reliability make it an unbeatable package for new and budget-conscious riders alike.
Ultimately, both the Trident 660 and Z650 are brilliant motorcycles that prove you don’t need 150 horsepower to have an incredible amount of fun.
