Triumph Motorcycles launch their second ‘Slippery Sam’ Trident 660 tribute in two years

Triumph Motorcycles are once again paying tribute to their five-time Isle of Man TT winning Trident ‘Slippery Sam’ race bike of the 1970s by launching their second special edition Trident 660 in two years.

Called the Trident Triple Tribute, the £8045 roadster will be available for one year only and is based on the latest version of the 660 triple naked, introduced ahead of the 2025 riding season in late 2024.

The Tribute is said to have been inspired by a ‘Slippery Sam’ race bike that took five successive production TT wins between 1971 and 1975 – a machine that also formed the basis for a £7895 special Trident 660 model launched in March 2024.

“Its triple engine and premium detailing at a great price, has been successful in bringing younger and new riders to Triumph,” Chief Commercial Officer, Paul Stroud said. “Just as ‘Slippery Sam’ once inspired a generation, we believe this special edition has the iconic style, extra technology and dynamic performance to appeal to today’s Triumph fans.”

Now Euro5+ compliant, the latest 79.9bhp Trident now comes fitted with cornering ABS and traction control as standard, plus a quickshifter and new ‘Sport’ riding mode. You also get cruise control and mobile connectivity. An A2 licence restrictor kit is available for those that need it.

The special edition then takes things further with a new blue, black, and red colour scheme – complete with a matching flyscreen, and silver belly pan.

Then there’s the body-coloured radiator cowls, aluminium yokes and heel guards, plus body colour-matched fork protectors. It retains the same manageable 805mm seat height as standard, and weighs 189kg ready to ride.

The 2024 special differed thanks to heavy licks of white in its design, however both versions incorporate the number 67 – as worn by the original Slippery Sam racer.

For 2025, the standard five-spoke 17in rims are also carried over to the limited edition but come in a deep red to match the number boards.

Although a good-looking livery, it feels quite removed from the original racing machine – which featured a large front fairing for maximum aerodynamic impact.

Taking this bike in the same direction would arguably have been more fitting. It also commands a small price hike over the standard Trident, which is currently available from £7895 in four colour options.