The Triumph Daytona 660 has landed—94hp of triple-cylinder glory, wrapped in sharp styling and just enough attitude to make life interesting. A sportbike that won’t wreck your spine or your bank account, but will it leave the R7 and GSX-8R in its dust? Let’s argue!
The Triumph Daytona 660: A Middleweight Missile with a Few Loose Bolts
The British have always had a flair for making things that are either brilliant or baffling—double-decker buses, the stiff upper lip, and the concept of good food. But when it comes to motorcycles, Triumph has a habit of delivering the goods. Their latest, the Daytona 660, is here to slap some sense into the sportbike world with a triple-cylinder war cry that says, “I’m not here to mess around—unless you count the suspension.”
Strengths: The Engine That Sings (and Screams)
Let’s start with what Triumph got absolutely right: the engine. The 660cc inline-three is the kind of powerplant that makes enthusiasts weep tears of joy and accountants weep over tire budgets. It pumps out 94 horsepower at 11,250 rpm, which means it’s got enough grunt to keep things interesting but not enough to immediately launch you into the afterlife. The torque delivery is smoother than a conman on a first date—69 Nm at 8,250 rpm, giving you usable power across the rev range instead of a sudden, bowel-loosening surge.
The styling? Classic Triumph—restrained, handsome, and just edgy enough to make a Yamaha R7 owner question his life choices. The full fairing is sculpted in a way that suggests it was designed by people who actually ride, rather than a group of wind-tunnel nerds who’ve never seen a public road. Ergonomics strike that fine balance between “spirited riding position” and “crippling back pain,” meaning you can blast through corners without needing a chiropractor on speed dial.
Tech-wise, you get ride-by-wire throttle with three modes: Sport (for when you’re feeling immortal), Road (for when you have responsibilities), and Rain (for when the laws of physics take personal offense). There’s traction control and ABS because, let’s face it, we’re not all Marc Márquez, and sometimes we need a little help keeping things upright.
Shortcomings: The Suspension is on a Smoke Break
No bike is perfect, and the Daytona 660 has a few questionable decisions under its fairing. The Showa suspension, for instance, seems to have been tuned by someone who had a firm grasp of comfort but a tenuous relationship with cornering precision. The front forks are non-adjustable, and the rear monoshock has only preload adjustment—great if you like a plush ride, but not so great if you’re planning to impersonate a MotoGP rider on a mountain pass.
The LCD/TFT hybrid instrument cluster is functional but about as exciting as watching paint dry. It does the job, but in an age where bikes come with 3D displays and infotainment screens that could double as televisions, Triumph’s setup feels a bit old-school—like it should be paired with a cup of tea and a biscuit.
Where It Shines: The Great Australian Escape
Now, where does this thing belong in the wild? Australia, with its sprawling highways and twisty coastal roads, is the Daytona 660’s natural habitat. In urban settings like Melbourne and Sydney, it’s agile enough to split lanes with the confidence of a courier running late for his shift.
Out in the countryside, it thrives. The Great Ocean Road? Perfect. The winding climbs of the Royal National Park? Yes, please. The Stuart Highway? Well, unless you enjoy the company of law enforcement, maybe keep it civil. Just keep in mind that on rougher backroads, the softer suspension might make you wish Triumph had spent a little more time with a wrench.
The Competition: A Three-Way Cage Match
So how does the Daytona 660 stack up against its main adversaries? Enter the Yamaha YZF-R7 and Suzuki GSX-8R—both worthy foes in the middleweight melee.
- Yamaha YZF-R7 – Priced at around $15,649, the R7 is slightly more expensive and packs a 689cc parallel-twin that’s down on power (54 kW) but strong on torque (67 Nm). It’s got a more aggressive riding position, which is fantastic if you enjoy wrist pain and chiropractic visits.
- Suzuki GSX-8R – This one’s got a bigger 776cc twin, making 61 kW and 78 Nm of torque. It’s priced from $14,990 and comes with a standard quickshifter, which the Daytona sadly lacks. It’s a bit heavier, though, and that extra bulk might not be to everyone’s taste.
If you’re looking for sheer riding pleasure and a soundtrack that doesn’t sound like a glorified lawnmower, the Triumph’s triple-cylinder still holds the crown. But if you want something with more adjustability and tech goodies, the competition isn’t far behind.
Price and Availability: The Damage to Your Wallet
Triumph has been rather reasonable here. The Daytona 660 starts at $14,790 rideaway in Australia, with fancier color options available at a slight premium. LAMS and full-power versions cost the same, which is good news for those looking to upgrade later. Bikes are already rolling into dealerships as of March 2024, so if you want one, now’s the time to start sweet-talking your bank manager.
Final Verdict: Worth It?
The Triumph Daytona 660 is a proper middleweight sportbike for riders who want performance without sacrificing all-day rideability. Sure, the suspension is a little too soft for hardcore track junkies, and the dash isn’t winning any design awards, but the overall package is solid. It’s got character, a glorious triple-cylinder growl, and a price tag that doesn’t make you feel like you’re mortgaging your soul to the finance gods.
Verdict: If you love the sound of a triple, appreciate a balanced ride, and don’t mind sacrificing some adjustability, this is the bike for you. If you want a hardcore track weapon, well, there’s always the used market for an old Daytona 675.
Now, go ride it like you stole it—but maybe keep an eye on the speed limits, yeah?
What to learn more? More sources are your sources (except for the confidential ones): Triumphmotorcycles, Infomoto, Australian Motorcycle News, mcnews.com.au, cycleworld, bennetts.com.au, bikesales.com, House of Motorcycles, bikewale, bikedekho.com.