British Manufacturer Triumph Aims to Redefine the Middleweight Sportbike Segment with the Daytona 660
Triumph, the renowned British motorcycle manufacturer, is set to shake up the middleweight sportbike market with its latest offering, the Daytona 660. In a market witnessing a revival of interest in practical yet thrilling bikes, Triumph aims to secure its spot as a leader in the segment.
The middleweight sportbike category faced challenges in the last two decades, with a shift towards extreme 600cc four-cylinder machines. Manufacturers, in pursuit of racing success, lost sight of the usability that had initially made middleweights popular. However, a new wave of sportbikes, emphasizing practicality without compromising performance, is gaining momentum. Models like Yamaha’s YZF-R7, Honda’s CBR650R, Kawasaki’s Ninja 650, and Suzuki’s GSX-8R exemplify this shift.
Triumph’s Daytona 660, with its character-rich three-cylinder engine, performance prowess, and competitive pricing, emerges as a strong contender in this category. Priced at $9,195, it competes favorably with rivals such as the Yamaha R7, offering more power and a lower price tag. Triumph’s Daytona 660 boasts a 94-horsepower engine, outperforming competitors like the Yamaha R7, Suzuki GSX-8R, and Honda CBR650R.
The Daytona 660 shares components with Triumph’s Trident 660 but features substantial modifications, including a revised 660cc engine. The engine enhancements include a new cylinder head, different camshafts, and a triple throttle body arrangement. These modifications contribute to a peak power increase of 17%, reaching 94 horsepower at 12,650 rpm, and a torque boost of 9%, reaching 51 lb.-ft. at 8,250 rpm.
Triumph has also adapted the chassis for the Daytona’s sportier design, with changes to the head angle, trail figure, and wheelbase. The bike features a Showa fork, radial-mount calipers, and 310mm discs for improved braking. The Daytona 660’s ergonomics draw inspiration from ’90s sportbikes, aiming for a sporty yet comfortable riding stance.
In terms of technology, the Daytona 660 incorporates a set of instruments similar to Triumph’s Trident, featuring an LCD display and a color TFT display for additional functions. Standard rider aids include switchable traction control and ABS, ensuring a safe and controlled riding experience.
Triumph’s Daytona 660, poised to arrive in dealerships in March, presents a compelling option for riders seeking a middleweight sportbike that combines performance, practicality, and character.