Unlike the earlier models, this new 660cc Daytona appears to be more of a sport-tourer than a committed supersport.
The erstwhile Triumph Daytona 675 was one of the most revered supersports and still enjoys a cult following in the biking community. Now, Triumph looks to be resurrecting the hallowed Daytona name with a new, more accessible model that shares its underpinnings with the 660cc triple-cylinder platform that currently powers the Trident 660 and the Tiger Sport 660. This new Daytona 660 has been spotted testing and while a lot is similar to the other 660s, there are a few key differences.
- Riding position is sporty but not very committed
- Engine, main frame appear similar to other 660cc Triumphs
- Display, switchgear, rider aids likely to be shared with Trident
Triumph Daytona 660 underpinnings, electronics
The engine, main frame and swingarm on the Daytona 660 appear to be shared with the Trident 660 and output figures here shouldn’t stray too far from the 81hp/64Nm both the 660 models make. Since the Tiger Sport 660 uses the same gearing as the Trident 660, it remains to be seen if Triumph go down a different path with the Daytona 660. The one visible difference is the extra-long pipe emerging from the exhaust muffler, probably to account for some countries’ super-strict noise regulations.
Daytona 660 uses radial calipers unlike the other 660s.
Suspension is courtesy of a non-adjustable front fork (discerned by the fork caps not featuring any knobs or screws) and a monoshock that will likely only feature preload adjustability like the Trident 660 and Tiger Sport 660. The Daytona is also running on the same grippy Michelin Road 5 tyres as the other two. One mechanical difference that can be spotted is the presence of non-branded radial calipers on the Daytona as opposed to the axially mounted Nissin units on the other 660s.
The display also looks similar to the other two Triumph 660s and the features it packs in should also be the same. Switchgear and levers also appear to be carried forward, and only the brake lever is adjustable for reach here, not the clutch lever. Expect the Daytona 660 to pack in the same electronic rider aids consisting of two riding modes (Rain, Road), a bidirectional quickshifter and a simple traction control system, as the other two bikes. It remains to be seen if Triumph adds a more aggressive riding mode, considering the sporty positioning of this bike.
Triumph Daytona 660: design, riding position, fit and finish
The Daytona 660 has a very pleasing, fully-faired design which is sure to draw in a lot of people. At the front, a new headlight setup is present with split LED units, the design of which is loosely similar to the Honda VFR 800. While the taillight is similar to the other Trident 660, the Daytona doesn’t get a low-mount number plate and uses a traditional stalk like the Tiger Sport 660.
The riding position isn’t as committed as the earlier Daytona 675.
The Trident and Tiger Sport 660 both use single-piece seat units but the Daytona uses a split-seat layout. Unlike the earlier 675’s crotch rocket riding position, this new 660 appears to have a more all-day amenable riding position that doesn’t sacrifice sportiness entirely due to the clip-on handlebars that rise above the triple clamp. The footpegs also don’t look to be overly rearset and seat-to-peg distance also doesn’t seem to be too cramped. Overall, this is a more sport-touring rider triangle like the Honda CBR650R.
Considering that this test mule has very few stray cables or rough surfaces and resembles a production-spec model quite closely, an official global unveil shouldn’t be too far away.
Triumph Daytona 660 price, India launch
Currently, the Trident costs Rs 8.25 lakh while the Tiger Sport 660 costs between Rs 9.34 lakh – Rs 9.47 lakh. This represents a price hike of between Rs 39,000 – Rs 52,000 in the year and a half since the road-biased ADV was launched in India. Expect the Daytona 660 to be positioned somewhere around the Tiger Sport’s price ballpark when it is launched in India.
All prices ex-showroom, India.
