NEW: Best Beginner Motorcycles of 2026, our top picks for your first ride.
Head to head

Triumph Trident 800 vs Yamaha MT-03

Specs side by side, plus our verdict on which one is the smarter buy for the way you ride.

The Triumph Trident 800 and Yamaha MT-03 are among the most cross-shopped naked bikes of 2026. The Yamaha MT-03 undercuts the Triumph Trident 800 by about $4,996, so value is squarely on the table. On paper the Triumph Trident 800 leads on power with 113 hp. Below we put them head to head on price, performance, weight and seat height, then give our verdict on which one is the smarter buy for the way you ride.

Triumph Trident 800
Our pick
8.4

Triumph

Triumph Trident 800
Yamaha MT-03
7.6

Yamaha

Yamaha MT-03

The verdict

The Triumph Trident 800 edges it overall at 8.4/10, but the Yamaha MT-03 wins on best for new riders, so let how you ride decide.

Best for new riders

Yamaha MT-03

A2-legal, 42 hp, forgiving to learn on.

Most exciting

Triumph Trident 800

113 hp and 0.57 hp/kg, the strongest here.

Best value

Yamaha MT-03

Our 7.6/10 at $4,999, the most bike per dollar.

Easiest to manage

Yamaha MT-03

167 kg with an 780 mm seat, the easiest to throw around.

Highest rated

Triumph Trident 800

Our top score in this matchup at 8.4/10.

Price & rating
Price$9,995$4,999
KickTheStand score8.4 / 107.6 / 10
Performance
Engine798cc triple321cc twin
Power113 hp42 hp
Torque84 Nm29.5 Nm
Power-to-weight0.57 hp/kg0.25 hp/kg
Chassis & brakes
Front suspension41mm Showa BPF USD fork, compression/rebound adjustable37mm USD fork
Rear suspensionShowa monoshock, preload/rebound adjustableMonoshock
Front brakesDual 310mm discs, radial 4-pistonSingle 298mm disc
Rear brakesSingle 255mm discSingle 220mm disc
Dimensions & practicality
Weight198 kg167 kg
Seat height810 mm780 mm
Fuel capacity14 L14 L
Suitability
ClassNakedNaked
A2 licenceNoYes
Good for beginnersNoYes
Best forsport, commutingcommuting, learning

Cyan marks the best figure in each row. Specs are the most-cited for the current model; verify before relying on them.

Still torn between them?

Answer a few questions and we'll rank every bike by how well it fits you.

Open the bike finder

Triumph Trident 800 vs Yamaha MT-03: your questions answered

Which is faster, the Triumph Trident 800 or the Yamaha MT-03?

The Triumph Trident 800 makes the most power at 113 hp and 84 Nm, giving it the edge on outright performance.

Which is cheaper, the Triumph Trident 800 or the Yamaha MT-03?

The Yamaha MT-03 is the most affordable here with an MSRP around $4,999.

Which is lighter, the Triumph Trident 800 or the Yamaha MT-03?

The Yamaha MT-03 is the lightest at 167 kg, which makes it the easiest to manage at low speed and in the bends.

Which is better for a beginner, the Triumph Trident 800 or the Yamaha MT-03?

For a new rider we'd point to the Yamaha MT-03: A2-legal, 42 hp and 167 kg make it the most approachable of the group.

More comparisons