The Yamaha MT-09 is the closest documented alternative to the 2026 Triumph Trident 800 if you want another three-cylinder roadster and higher published peak output. Honda’s UK-specification CB750 Hornet E-Clutch is the value-oriented contrast, with a smaller parallel twin, an automated clutch system and a substantially lower UK list price. The Suzuki GSX-8S, Kawasaki Z900 and KTM 990 Duke also belong on a buyer’s shortlist, but current official specifications and market prices for those models were not established in the available material, so they cannot be ranked responsibly here.
This is a specification-led comparison, not a riding test. Published power does not prove which bike accelerates harder in real conditions, turns better, feels smoother or suits your body. Your country, model year, trim, dealer stock and final on-road price should decide the final choice.
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What the Triumph Trident 800 is
Triumph announced the Trident 800 on 28 October 2025 for the 2026 model year as a middleweight naked roadster. Its liquid-cooled 798 cc three-cylinder engine is listed at 115 PS at 10,750 rpm and 84 Nm at 8,500 rpm in Triumph’s launch and media material. Those are manufacturer specifications, not independently measured results.
The published equipment list is substantial for the class. Triumph specifies adjustable Showa suspension, lean-sensitive cornering ABS and traction control, Triumph Shift Assist, three riding modes, Bluetooth connectivity and cruise control. The media kit lists a 198 kg wet weight, an 810 mm seat height and a 14-litre fuel tank.
Triumph describes the bike as “a brand new naked middleweight roadster designed to deliver exhilarating performance, dynamic urban attitude, and a high-energy riding experience.” That is Triumph Motorcycles’ positioning language rather than an independent assessment. The company also says the Trident 800 has “intuitive, rider-focused technology designed to enhance every ride”; again, this is manufacturer copy.
Trident 800 prices depend on the market
Triumph’s US model page lists the Trident 800 from $9,995. Triumph’s UK launch announcement lists a starting price of £9,195 and says arrivals begin from March 2026. These figures are tied to their respective countries, pages and timing; they are not a single worldwide price and do not establish what the motorcycle costs in another market after taxes, freight, registration or dealer fees.
At-a-glance comparison
| Motorcycle and market | Engine and published output | Published torque | Key equipment listed | Published price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Triumph Trident 800, 2026 | 798 cc liquid-cooled triple; 115 PS at 10,750 rpm | 84 Nm at 8,500 rpm | Adjustable Showa suspension; cornering ABS and traction control; three modes; Shift Assist; Bluetooth; cruise control | From $9,995 in the US; £9,195 UK launch price |
| Yamaha MT-09, 2026 standard model | 890 cc inline triple; 119 PS at 10,000 rpm | 93 Nm at 7,000 rpm | Yamaha’s brochure identifies the standard MT-09; equipment details vary by trim and market | Not stated in the available material |
| Yamaha MT-09 SP, 2026 | 890 cc inline triple; Yamaha lists the SP separately from the standard model | Not separately stated in the available material | Brembo Stylema front calipers; fully adjustable KYB fork and Öhlins rear shock | Not stated in the available material |
| Honda CB750 Hornet E-Clutch, UK 2026 | 755 cc parallel twin; 67.5 kW at 9,500 rpm | 75 Nm at 7,250 rpm | 5-inch TFT; RoadSync connectivity; riding modes; six-speed manual gearbox with Honda E-Clutch | £7,549 in the UK |
The table combines manufacturer figures from different countries and, for the Yamaha, different trims. It is useful for identifying the shape of each option, not for declaring a universal winner.
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For a rider specifically drawn to the Trident’s three-cylinder layout, the 2026 Yamaha MT-09 is the clearest documented alternative in this comparison. Yamaha’s brochure lists an 890 cc inline-three engine producing 119 PS at 10,000 rpm and 93 Nm at 7,000 rpm. On published peak figures, that is more displacement, power and torque than the Trident 800.
The rpm locations also differ: the Yamaha’s stated torque peak arrives at 7,000 rpm, while the Triumph’s is listed at 8,500 rpm. That difference describes where each manufacturer records its maximum, but it does not tell you how either engine responds at every throttle opening or gear. A dyno chart, gearing, fuelling and riding conditions would be needed for that judgment.
When the standard MT-09 makes sense
- You want a current middleweight naked bike with an inline-three engine and stronger stated peak numbers than the Trident 800.
- You are willing to choose between Yamaha’s standard and premium trims rather than treating every MT-09 as identically equipped.
- You will verify the price, standard electronics, suspension specification and local warranty with a Yamaha dealer in your country.
What the MT-09 SP changes
Yamaha’s 2026 brochure lists the MT-09 SP separately and identifies premium hardware: Brembo Stylema front calipers, a fully adjustable KYB front suspension and an Öhlins rear shock. Those parts distinguish the SP from the standard model in the published material. Do not assume the SP’s equipment or price applies to the base MT-09, and do not infer that premium components alone guarantee better road performance for every rider.
Honda CB750 Hornet E-Clutch: the lower-priced UK contrast
Honda’s UK specification page lists the 2026 CB750 Hornet E-Clutch at £7,549. Its 755 cc parallel-twin engine is rated at 67.5 kW at 9,500 rpm and 75 Nm at 7,250 rpm. This makes it a different mechanical proposition from both triples: fewer cylinders, a different displacement and different stated output units.
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The Hornet’s defining feature in this comparison is Honda E-Clutch. Honda lists a six-speed manual transmission with the system, alongside a 5-inch TFT display, RoadSync connectivity and riding modes. The available specification does not establish the exact operating strategy in every situation, so a prospective buyer should ask for a demonstration and confirm how clutch take-off, low-speed manoeuvres and manual override work on the UK model.
Why the Hornet can be compelling
- Its documented UK price is £1,646 below the Trident’s UK launch price, although the two prices come from separate manufacturer pages and may not include identical delivery, registration or dealer charges.
- The parallel twin offers a clear alternative to the triple-cylinder character of the Triumph and Yamaha.
- E-Clutch can appeal to riders who want manual gear selection without operating the clutch lever for every launch or shift, subject to the system’s behaviour in a test ride.
- The TFT, connectivity and riding modes cover the core information and electronic features listed for this version.
The price comparison is valid only as a UK comparison between the specified 2026 Honda version and Triumph’s UK launch figure. It should not be converted into a claim about value in the United States or another country.
How the engines compare on paper
| Measure | Trident 800 | MT-09 | CB750 Hornet E-Clutch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration | Three-cylinder | Inline three-cylinder | Parallel twin |
| Displacement | 798 cc | 890 cc | 755 cc |
| Maximum power | 115 PS at 10,750 rpm | 119 PS at 10,000 rpm | 67.5 kW at 9,500 rpm |
| Maximum torque | 84 Nm at 8,500 rpm | 93 Nm at 7,000 rpm | 75 Nm at 7,250 rpm |
The Yamaha has the highest stated peak power and torque among the figures shown. The Triumph sits close behind on peak power, while the Honda’s published figures are lower in the listed units. None of this establishes acceleration, top speed, fuel economy, sound, vibration or everyday tractability. Those outcomes depend on gearing, final drive, rider, load, software calibration and conditions that these specifications do not describe.
Chassis, brakes and suspension: separate hardware from trim
Trident 800
Triumph lists adjustable Showa suspension on the Trident 800 and combines it with lean-sensitive cornering ABS and traction control. The available material does not provide a complete front and rear suspension adjustment breakdown or identify the brake-caliper brand, so those details should be confirmed on the exact local configuration.
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Yamaha’s brochure makes the standard MT-09 and MT-09 SP separate entries. The SP is the version explicitly associated with Brembo Stylema front calipers, a fully adjustable KYB front fork and an Öhlins rear shock. A buyer comparing a Trident with a base MT-09 should not quietly import SP hardware into the base-bike comparison.
CB750 Hornet E-Clutch
The Honda specification supplied for this article identifies the engine, electronics, TFT and transmission but does not state a full suspension-adjustment schedule, brake hardware list, wet weight, seat height or tank capacity. Treat those omissions as items to verify, not as evidence that the Honda lacks them.
Rider aids and transmission choices
| Feature | Trident 800 | MT-09 information available | CB750 Hornet E-Clutch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cornering ABS and traction control | Lean-sensitive cornering ABS and traction control listed | Not established in the available Yamaha material | Not established in the available Honda material |
| Riding modes | Three listed | Not established here | Riding modes listed |
| Quickshifter or shift assistance | Triumph Shift Assist listed | Not established here | Honda E-Clutch with six-speed manual transmission |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth listed | Not established here | RoadSync connectivity listed |
| Cruise control | Listed by Triumph | Not established here | Not established here |
“Shift Assist,” a quickshifter-style feature, and Honda E-Clutch are not interchangeable descriptions. Triumph’s wording identifies a shift-assistance system; Honda’s wording identifies an electronically managed clutch paired with a manual gearbox. Ask each dealer what functions are enabled during upshifts, downshifts, starts, stops and low-speed riding on the local model.
Size, weight and daily usability
Triumph provides the most complete physical figures in the supplied material: 198 kg wet, an 810 mm seat and a 14-litre tank. Those numbers help a rider assess reach, parking-lot balance and refuelling intervals, but they do not predict how heavy a motorcycle feels while moving or how its mass is distributed.
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Questions to check at a dealership
- Can you place both feet securely at a stop with the suspension loaded by your normal riding gear?
- Does the handlebar-to-seat reach leave your wrists relaxed and your knees comfortable?
- Can you lift the bike from its side stand and reverse it without straining?
- Are the listed wet or curb weights measured on the same basis, and do they include fuel or optional equipment?
- Does the tank size meet your commuting or touring range needs, given your local fuel availability?
Which alternative fits which priority?
Choose the Trident 800 if the complete package matters
The Trident is the most fully documented package in this comparison: a 798 cc triple, 115 PS, adjustable Showa suspension, cornering ABS and traction control, three riding modes, Shift Assist, Bluetooth, cruise control, a stated 198 kg wet weight and an 810 mm seat. Choose it when those combined features, rather than the lowest price or highest peak number, define your shortlist. Verify the local trim and delivery timing, because Triumph’s UK announcement points to arrivals from March 2026.
Choose the MT-09 if the three-cylinder format and peak figures lead
The 2026 MT-09 is the logical paper alternative for a rider who wants an inline triple and the highest published output in this set: 119 PS and 93 Nm. Consider the SP only if its Brembo Stylema calipers and upgraded, fully adjustable KYB/Öhlins suspension justify the additional price in your market. The brochure figures do not replace a ride or establish a universal handling advantage.
Choose the CB750 Hornet E-Clutch if UK price and clutch convenience lead
The UK Hornet E-Clutch is the strongest documented price contrast at £7,549. Its parallel twin, manual six-speed gearbox with E-Clutch, TFT, RoadSync and riding modes suit a buyer who values the system’s clutch assistance and a lower entry price more than triple-cylinder output. Confirm that the E-Clutch operation feels natural to you before signing a deal.
Wait for verified information on the other candidates
The Suzuki GSX-8S, Kawasaki Z900 and KTM 990 Duke are plausible alternatives in the same broad shopping conversation. A public discussion explicitly groups the GSX-8S, CB750 Hornet, Z900 and Trident 800, but a discussion title is not a representative survey or a technical comparison. Current official specifications and market prices for the GSX-8S and Z900 were not established in the available material, and current KTM 990 Duke details were not verified either. Include them only after checking the official model page for your country and model year.
A practical buying process
- Set the market first. Write down your country, registration date and target model year. Manufacturer prices and equipment can change by region.
- Choose the engine brief. Decide whether you specifically want a triple, are open to a twin, or care mainly about the stated power and torque figures.
- Separate base and premium trims. Compare the standard MT-09 with the Trident, then make a separate decision about the MT-09 SP’s Brembo, KYB and Öhlins hardware.
- Check the controls you will actually use. Test ride mode selection, traction-control intervention settings, Shift Assist or E-Clutch behaviour, display readability and connectivity pairing.
- Fit the motorcycle to your body. Sit on the bike in riding gear, operate the clutch or E-Clutch controls, reach the bars and move it backwards before evaluating specifications.
- Request the full written quote. Include destination or delivery fees, registration, taxes, accessories, finance charges and the warranty and service schedule. None of those ownership costs is established by the figures above.
- Confirm availability. Ask whether the exact trim is in stock, when it can be delivered and whether the quoted price is a current promotion or a recurring list price.
- Recheck before ordering. Manufacturer pages can change during a model year; verify the final specification and price on the day you place the order.
Common comparison mistakes
- Mixing currencies. A US dollar price and a UK pound price cannot be averaged into a global value judgment.
- Mixing trims. MT-09 SP suspension and brakes should not be presented as standard MT-09 equipment.
- Treating PS, kW and horsepower as identical without labeling. Preserve the unit and rpm supplied by the manufacturer.
- Calling marketing language a test result. Triumph’s “high-energy riding experience” description is positioning, not an independent measurement.
- Ranking unverified models. Without current official data for the GSX-8S, Z900 and KTM 990 Duke, a complete category ranking would overstate what is known.
- Assuming electronics work the same way. Shift Assist, a conventional quickshifter and Honda E-Clutch describe different systems; test the exact motorcycle.
- Ignoring the rider’s dimensions. The Trident’s 810 mm seat and 198 kg wet figure are useful starting points, but fit and balance still require an in-person check.
What is and is not established
The verified comparison supports a clear three-way decision: the Trident 800 offers a well-specified 798 cc triple and broad electronic equipment; the MT-09 provides the highest published peak output and a documented premium SP chassis; and the UK CB750 Hornet E-Clutch supplies a lower listed price with a twin-cylinder engine and clutch-assistance system.
It does not support a claim about independent acceleration, cornering speed, comfort over distance, reliability, resale value, fuel economy, service cost, sales volume or overall winner. No third-party comparative test, independently measured performance result, ownership study or representative buyer survey was established for these models in the available material.
Bottom line
Start with the Yamaha MT-09 if your priority is a three-cylinder alternative with the strongest published output. Start with the Honda CB750 Hornet E-Clutch if you are shopping in the UK and want a lower listed price plus clutch assistance. Choose the Triumph Trident 800 when its combination of triple-cylinder performance, adjustable Showa suspension, cornering rider aids, cruise control, connectivity and documented dimensions best matches your use. Treat the GSX-8S, Z900 and KTM 990 Duke as additional names to verify, not as already-proven winners, until their current local specifications and prices are confirmed.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
