Triumph throws down the gauntlet in the middleweight sport bike category with the all-new Daytona 660, boasting more power, agile handling, and rider-friendly features…
AAfter many years stuck in the mid, the middleweight sport bike category has awoken, and Triumph will be there to ride the wave with its new Daytona 660. With just a quick look at the spec sheet – its rivals should be concerned.
Sticking with the Trident 81 horsepower triple engine would be sufficient for most, but Triumph has chosen violence instead – creating a 94 horsepower version of that powertrain. There’s also a new triple throttle body, cylinder head and crankshaft which help push up the redline and gather more torque – 2,000 rpm higher than before at 8,250 rpm.
Triumph Australia has confirmed a LAMS version on the way, boasting 41.9 kW performance without dropping much torque – impressive figures for a lesser version.
Helping unleash the iconic triple roar is a new three-into-one underslung exhaust which keeps weight low on the bike – which also turns it into a cornering king.
Triumph replaced the two-piston front calipers with a pair of four-pistons, gripping 310 mm discs. Although largely out of sight, they proudly wear the company’s logo.
The ABS and switchable traction control are integrated into the Sport, Road, and Rain riding modes, and are accessed via a colour TFT, compatible with the My Triumph app. Upgrades include a quickshifter, heated grips, luggage, and cosmetic additions for the vain.
Style-wise, there is heavy inspiration from ‘90s all-rounder sport bikes like the Honda CBR600F, creating a sporty stance that’s not so back-breaking like the Yamaha YZF-R6.
Yamaha’s R7 is lighter at 187 kg, but less powerful, and Suzuki’s new GSX-8R can’t equal the 660’s power. Honda’s CBR650R is closer in terms of go, but it’s packed on more pounds (200 kg).
Although competitors are sniffing its tail, Triumph is the only sport bike in this price bracket to have a three cylinder engine full of character and kahunas. Safe to say the boys are back.
2024 Triumph Daytona 660
Engine: 660cc liquid-cooled, inline 3-cylinder
Transmission: Six speed wet, multi-plate, slip & assist
Power: 70 kW
Torque: 69 Nm at 8250 rpm
WET weight: 201 kg
Seat height: 810 mm
Fuel capacity: 14 litres
Price: $14,790
By Bill Varetimidis
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