Introduction
The Triumph Daytona 660 is the latest addition to the iconic Daytona family, which has a rich history of racing success and street appeal. The new Daytona 660 is based on the popular Trident 660 platform, but with significant changes to the engine, chassis, and styling to make it a more focused and agile sportbike. In this blog post, we will review the specs, features, and performance of the Triumph Daytona 660, and see how it compares to its rivals in the middleweight sportbike segment.
Engine and Performance
The heart of the Triumph Daytona 660 is a liquid-cooled, inline 3-cylinder, 12-valve, DOHC engine with a 240-degree firing order. The engine has been tuned to deliver 94 hp at 11,250 rpm and 51 lb-ft of torque at 8,250 rpm, 17% more power, and 9% more torque than the Trident 660. The engine also features larger exhaust valves, a new cylinder head, a new crankshaft, and new cam profiles to enhance the performance and character of the triple.
The engine is paired with a 6-speed gearbox, a slip/assist clutch, and a 3-into-1 exhaust system with a low stainless-steel silencer. The optional Triumph Shift Assist allows for clutchless up- and downshifts for smoother and faster gear changes.
The Daytona 660 also comes with three ride modes – Sport, Road, and Rain – each with a different throttle response and level of traction control intervention. The Sport mode is designed for more aggressive road riding or track sessions, while the Road mode is suitable for everyday riding. The Rain mode reduces the power output and increases the traction control sensitivity for wet or slippery conditions. For riders who would rather have no electronic interference at all, they can disable the traction control system. The bike also features a new Emergency Deceleration Warning system, which activates the hazard lights to alert other drivers during heavy braking.
The Daytona 660 has a claimed fuel consumption rate of 57.6 mpg (4.9 liters / 100 km), which is quite impressive for a sportbike. The fuel tank capacity is 14 liters, which gives a decent range for long rides.
Handling and Suspension
The Daytona 660 shares the same tubular steel perimeter frame and twin-sided, fabricated steel swingarm as the Trident 660, but with a sportier geometry and setup. The rake is steeper, moving from 24.6 degrees to 23.8 degrees, while the trail is reduced from 107.3 mm to 82.3 mm. The wheelbase is slightly longer, at 1,415 mm, and the seat height is lower, at 810 mm. The bike weighs 201 kg wet, which is 6 kg more than the Trident 660, but still relatively light for a sportbike.
The suspension system consists of a Showa 41 mm upside-down Separate Function Forks – Big Piston (SFF-BP) at the front, with 110 mm of wheel travel, and a Showa mono-shock RSU at the rear, with 130 mm of wheel travel and preload adjustment. The front fork is non-adjustable, while the rear shock can be tweaked to suit the rider’s preference and load. The suspension is tuned to provide a balance between comfort and sportiness, with a smooth and compliant ride on the road and stable and precise handling on the track.
The braking system comprises of twin 310 mm floating discs with 4-piston radial calipers at the front and a single 220 mm fixed disc with a single-piston sliding caliper at the rear. The brakes are equipped with ABS, which can be switched off for track use. The brakes offer a strong and progressive stopping power, with a good feel and feedback at the lever.
The wheels are cast aluminum alloy 5-spoke, 17 x 3.5 in at the front and 17 x 5.5 in at the rear, wrapped in 120/70 ZR 17 and 180/55 ZR 17 tyres respectively. The tyres are Pirelli Diablo Rosso III, which are known for their grip and durability on both wet and dry surfaces.
The Daytona 660 delivers intuitive, agile, and confident handling, with neutral and easy steering, nimble and responsive cornering, and a stable and planted straight-line performance. The bike is well-suited for twisty roads, where it can exploit its lightweight, compact dimensions, and torquey engine.
Styling and Features
The Daytona 660 inherits the distinctive and dynamic styling of the Daytona family, with a sleek and aerodynamic full fairing, a sporty and sculpted fuel tank, a single round headlight, a sharp and angular tail section, and a minimalist and modern instrument panel. The bike has three colour options: Satin Granite, Carnival Red, and Snowdonia White, each with contrasting graphics and details.
The bike features a 5-inch TFT display, which shows all the essential information, such as speed, rpm, gear position, fuel level, odometer, trip meter, clock, and ambient temperature. The display also shows the selected ride mode, traction control setting, and ABS status. The display can be customized to suit the rider’s preference. The display can also be paired with the optional My Triumph Connectivity System, which enables smartphone integration, turn-by-turn navigation, GoPro control, phone and music control, and access to the Triumph app.
The Triumph Daytona bike also comes with a range of accessories, such as heated grips, comfort seats, lower seat height, pillion grab handles, tank bag, tail pack, engine cover, tank pad, frame and fork protectors, seat cowl, oil filler cap, swingarm spools, TPMS, under-seat USB socket, Triumph Protect+ Alarm, Triumph Track+ Tracker, disc lock, and A2 license conversion kit.
Conclusion
The Daytona 660 also offers a unique three-cylinder engine, which is rare in this class, and promises more fun and excitement than the parallel twin rivals. The Daytona 660 also has a more comfortable and practical riding position than the previous Daytona models, which makes it more appealing to a wider range of riders.
The Triumph Daytona 660 is a great choice for riders who are looking for a sportbike that can do it all: commute, tour, and track. The bike offers a blend of performance, handling, and style, with a versatile and engaging engine, a balanced and agile chassis, and a distinctive and dynamic design. The bike also comes with a reasonable price tag, a long service interval, and a two-year unlimited mileage warranty, which make it a value-for-money proposition. The Triumph Daytona 660 is a worthy successor to the Daytona legacy and a welcome addition to the middleweight sportbike segment.
Key Highlights
