Triumph Daytona 660 Review: Exciting Engine, Softer Sportbike

Triumph Daytona 660: A Sportbike for the Masses

The Triumph Daytona 660 is a compelling entry in the middleweight sportbike segment, targeting riders seeking a blend of performance and comfort. Its focus on accessibility, however, comes with trade-offs that affect its handling prowess.

Powertrain and Performance

The Daytona 660 is powered by a 660cc, three-cylinder engine producing 94 hp and 64 Nm of torque. This powerplant delivers a punchy and engaging throttle response, accompanied by a delightful, throaty exhaust note.

• Key Takeaway: The Daytona 660's engine offers ample power for spirited riding and a satisfying soundtrack.

Handling and Suspension

While the chassis has been refined, the Daytona 660's handling can feel somewhat soft, particularly under hard cornering. This is primarily attributed to the underdamped suspension. The bike's neutral weight distribution also contributes to a less agile feel compared to some competitors.

• Practical implication: This softer suspension setup is ideal for everyday riding and commuting. However, it might not be the best choice for track days or aggressive riding.

Comparison with Rivals

Compared to more focused sportbikes like the Yamaha R6 or Aprilia RS660, the Daytona 660 offers a more forgiving and comfortable ride. Its engine character is less aggressive, prioritizing smooth power delivery over outright peak performance. The trade-off is a slightly less agile handling experience.

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The Triumph Daytona 660 provides a balanced experience, prioritizing rider comfort and accessibility without sacrificing performance. It's a great machine for long rides and everyday commuting, but its handling can feel less sharp compared to its more track-focused rivals.

Handling and Suspension

The Daytona 660 inherits its chassis from the Trident 660, but with modifications aimed at enhancing its sportbike character. However, the front suspension tuning leans towards a softer feel. This results in a somewhat vague and underdamped response when pushed hard, particularly during aggressive cornering.

• Front Suspension:

  • Type: Telescopic forks
  • Travel: 137mm

• Rear Suspension:

  • Type: Monoshock with adjustable preload and rebound damping.
  • Travel: 133mm

The rear suspension also exhibits a softer character, particularly in preload and compression damping settings. This leads to a sense of the rear end being relatively low and unsettled under acceleration, potentially impacting stability.

Riding Position and Comfort

The Daytona 660 strikes a balance between sportiness and comfort. The riding position is more upright than the typical aggressive sportbike, which contributes to a comfortable experience for longer rides. However, legroom might be a concern for taller riders due to the relatively compact nature of the motorcycle.

• Seat Height: 825mm
• Footpeg Position: Mid-mounted
• Handlebar Position: Slightly raised, offering a relaxed posture.

Braking and Tires

The Daytona 660's braking performance is decent, offering good bite and feel. The standard tires, Pirelli Power 6s, provide adequate grip for road riding.

• Front Brake: Twin 320mm discs with radial calipers
• Rear Brake: Single 255mm disc with a single caliper

Key Takeaways

• Handling: Softer suspension tuning might compromise handling precision, particularly during aggressive riding.
• Comfort: The upright riding position promotes comfort but might be cramped for taller riders.
• Braking: Sufficient braking performance for road use.
• Tires: Pirelli Power 6 tires offer good grip for everyday riding.

The Thrilling 660cc Triple: A Deep Dive

The heart of this sportsbike is its 660cc triple-cylinder engine, a force to be reckoned with in the sub-100bhp class.

Performance and Character:

• High-Revving Power: The engine thrives at high RPMs, offering a thrilling, responsive throttle experience.
• Peaky Power Delivery: The power delivery is characterized by a pronounced peak, leading to a surge of acceleration when the engine is revved.
• Wide Torque Band: Despite its peaky nature, this engine boasts a wide torque band, allowing for comfortable cruising at lower speeds.

Technical Specifications:

• Displacement: 660cc
• Configuration: 3-cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC
• Power Output: [Insert specific power output here]
• Torque Output: [Insert specific torque output here]

Key Takeaways:

• The 660cc triple offers a unique combination of high-revving excitement and usable low-end torque.
• This engine suits both spirited riding and everyday commutes.

Gearbox and Quickshifter:

• The gearbox, while functional, lacks the slickness of some competitors.
• A quickshifter would enhance the riding experience, especially for track days and spirited riding.

Fuel Economy and Range:

• This bike delivers respectable fuel economy, enabling a range of over 100 miles on a single tank.
• This makes it practical for longer journeys.

Real-world Applications:

• This motorcycle is ideal for riders seeking a fun and engaging sportbike experience without the high running costs of larger-capacity models.
• The wide torque band makes it suitable for both track days and everyday commuting.

Build Quality and Materials

The Daytona 660 offers a good overall build quality considering its price point. While the motorcycle is well-constructed, some components, like the plastic chassis covers, may feel less premium compared to certain rivals.

• Chassis Covers: Constructed from durable ABS plastic, providing a good balance of weight and cost-effectiveness. However, some riders may perceive the material as less premium compared to models using aluminum or carbon fiber.

Reliability and Service Intervals

• Shared Platform: The Daytona 660 shares its platform with the Triumph Trident 660 and Tiger Sport 660 motorcycles. Both these models have generally received positive owner reviews for their reliability.
• Engine Reliability: The Daytona's 660cc inline-triple engine, while tuned for performance, is expected to be as reliable as its siblings.
• Service Intervals: The Daytona requires service every 10,000 miles, ensuring consistent maintenance and maximizing engine life.

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Key Takeaways

• The Daytona 660 offers a solid build quality at a competitive price.
• The motorcycle's shared platform with the Trident 660 and Tiger Sport 660 suggests good reliability.
• The 660 engine, despite its performance orientation, is expected to be as reliable as its siblings.
• The 10,000-mile service interval makes maintenance convenient and cost-effective.

Price and Value Proposition

The Daytona 660 stands out in the competitive softer sportsbike segment with its aggressive pricing strategy. It undercuts rivals like the Honda CBR650R, Yamaha R7, and Aprilia RS660 while offering a compelling blend of performance and affordability.

Performance Comparison

Feature	Daytona 660	Honda CBR650R	Yamaha R7	Aprilia RS660	Suzuki GSX-8S
Engine	660cc, parallel-twin	649cc, parallel-twin	689cc, parallel-twin	659cc, parallel-twin	776cc, parallel-twin
Power (hp)	95	94	73	100	83
Torque (Nm)	69	64	67	69	84
Weight (kg)	168	203	188	186	202

Key Takeaways:

• The Daytona 660 offers a competitive power-to-weight ratio, beating the CBR650R, R7, and RS660 in this regard.
• While the GSX-8S boasts more torque, it's significantly heavier and lacks the Daytona's agility.

Features and Technology

"The Daytona 660 offers a potent combination of performance and practicality, making it a compelling choice for both spirited riders and everyday commuters."

• Standard features: LED lighting, TFT dashboard, adjustable suspension, slipper clutch, and ABS.

• Optional extras: Quick shifter, adjustable windscreen, and accessory packages.

Important Note: The standard Daytona 660 does not include a quick shifter, a feature offered as standard on the Suzuki GSX-8S.

Real-World Applications

The Daytona 660 caters to a diverse audience:

• Experienced riders: The lightweight and agile chassis provide a fun and engaging ride on twisty roads.
• New riders: Its manageable power delivery and forgiving nature make it an ideal stepping stone into the world of sportsbikes.
• Commuters: The comfortable ergonomics and fuel efficiency make it a practical choice for daily riding.

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The Daytona 660: Feature Breakdown

The Daytona 660, while competitively priced, offers a basic feature set compared to some rivals.

Standard Features:

• Three Rider Modes: These modes (Road, Sport, Rain) adjust throttle response and traction control settings for different riding conditions.
• Switchable Traction Control: Helps prevent wheelspin, especially in slippery conditions. The Daytona 660 offers multiple levels of intervention, allowing riders to tailor the system to their preference.
• Basic ABS System: Ensures braking stability, especially in emergency situations.

Dashboard & Connectivity:

• The dashboard, while simple, provides essential information like speed, RPM, gear position, and fuel gauge. It lacks a full-color TFT display found on some competitors and lacks features like turn-by-turn navigation or smartphone app integration.
• Bluetooth connectivity is an optional extra, allowing riders to connect their smartphone for calls, music, and navigation.

Optional Features:

• Quickshifter: This accessory allows for clutchless upshifts, offering a smoother and quicker riding experience.

Pros & Cons:

• Pros: The Daytona 660's basic feature set keeps the price competitive, and the included rider modes and traction control offer a decent level of safety and performance.
• Cons: The lack of a more advanced dashboard and features like smartphone app integration, turn-by-turn navigation, and a standard quickshifter may be perceived as a disadvantage by some riders.

Key Takeaways:

• The Daytona 660 prioritizes affordability and core functionality.
• Riders seeking a minimalist approach with a focus on performance will likely appreciate the base package.
• Riders who value high-tech features and connectivity will likely find other options more appealing.