2024 Triumph Daytona Is The Supersport Comeback We’ve Been Waiting For

Summary

• The new Triumph Daytona 660 is a logical next step for Triumph’s middleweight entry bikes, following the success of the Trident and Tiger Sport 660 models.
• The Daytona 660 will feature a re-tuned and updated Daytona 675 triple engine, producing 93.8 horsepower and 50.9 lb-ft of torque.
• The Daytona 660 is equipped with premium components, such as Showa suspension and Triumph-branded brakes, making it suitable for both track riding and everyday use.

By 2021, Triumph has been out of the sports bike game for a few years, with only the exclusive, Daytona Moto2 being available in a limited run of just 765 units. Outside that rare model, Triumph was happy enough to produce various Street and Speed Triples to fill the sports bike void.

But those models, as fun and exciting as they are, are not sports bikes. They’re street machines that you can take to the track. Even the Speed Triple RR, with its gorgeous, retro front fairing, though close, wasn’t really the real deal. Triumph fans were beginning to get restless, with the memory of the most recent Daytona still fresh in their minds.

Then came Triumph’s surprising reveal of a new model called the Trident. Yes, the name may not have been new, recalling the original Tridents of years gone by, but the rest of it was unlike anything else that was in Triumph’s showrooms. A compact, mischievous little triple, the Trident held a small secret, deep in its chassis.

The engine that was at the center of this new model was a re-tuned and updated Daytona 675 triple. And that got everyone thinking. Was this a hidden message from Triumph? Was a new Daytona on its way? Three years later, we finally have the answer.

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from Triumph Motorcycles and other authoritative sources, including Bikebound.com, MotorCycle New, and Cycle World.

Daytona’s Rich History

There’s been a slew of Daytona models throughout Triumph’s history as a motorcycle manufacturer. Most notably, and the main reason for the name, was the historic win by Buddy Elmore at the 1966 Florida Daytona 200 race. Buddy, riding a custom T100 Tiger, overcame an atrocious start from 46th position, to come in first. This incredible victory was all Triumph needed. And much like how the Bonneville modern classic is forever associated with the Utah salt flats of the same name, Daytona became synonymous with Triumph sports bikes from that day on.

In the 1990s it was reborn once again, with striking victories at the Isle of Man TT and various Super Sport races throughout the world. The 995I also enjoyed a period of high-profile success, being featured, along with its triple sibling, in a memorable Mission Impossible 2 scene. The first two decades of the 21st century brought us the 650, 675, and the Moto2 765 Daytonas, outputting 110, 123, and 126 horsepower. And though the new 660 version spools up fewer ponies than its predecessors, from everything we’ve seen so far, it looks like it’s no less fun to ride.

A Deeper Dive Into 660 Performance

The Trident was a huge success for Triumph, as a middleweight, entry bike. Using the same triple infrastructure, the British brand’s next step was to introduce the Tiger Sport 660. A light, zippy sports tourer, this new Tiger again signaled to the world that Triumph may have something even sportier up its sleeve. And though it seemingly came out of nowhere, and surprised absolutely no one at the same time, the Daytona 660 seems like the logical final step for this engine.

If the Trident and the Tiger Sport 660 are anything to go by, the Daytona 660 is going to be a real hoot to ride. There are some changes from the two other models, however. It will rev up much higher (12,650rpm) while seemingly losing none of the torque. According to Triumph, it will produce 93.8 horsepower at 11,250rpm and 80 percent of its 50.9 LB-FT of torque from 3,125rpm on up.

Unlike the Tiger, the Daytona will feature not two, but three ride modes, with Sport being the obvious addition to the standard Road and Rain options. The Sport mode, working hand-in-hand with Michelin Power 6 tires, allows for a snappier throttle response and better handling, when called upon on the track or in the twisties.

Engine And Transmission Specifications

Premium Components, Features, And Options

This may be Triumph’s bid to attract riders looking to level up and upgrade from their beginner bikes, but it is no budget bike by any means. Featuring Showa front and rear suspension, Triumph-branded, 4-piston, radial-mounted brakes, and torque assist clutch, the Daytona 660 is tailor-made for hitting the track.

Triumph also developed at least thirty accessories at the same time as the bike itself. If you’re not going to bother with a passenger, you can get yourself a color-coded rear seat cowl. There’s the typical package of billet-machined accessory parts, like oil filter caps and paddock stand bobbins. Other options include heated grips, a USB socket, and a tire pressure monitoring system.

If you want to tour on your Daytona, you can get an official Triumph tank bag and tail pack. There are also market-specific security additions like the Triumph Protect+ alarm system and Triumph Track+ tracker with a 24-hour, 7 days a week monitoring service.

Chassis Specifications

Attacking The Rest Of The Middleweights

It’s getting quite crowded in the middleweight sports bike market, but if you’re a fan of mid-capacity motorcycles, there’s no better time to be a rider. Triumph is trying to woo you away from the likes of Honda CBR650R, Yamaha YZF-R7, Kawasaki Ninja 650, Suzuki GSX-8R, and Aprilia RS660. All but one, the GSX-8R, have been around long enough to have their own fans, and it may be tough for Triumph to get back into it, at least in the beginning.

It certainly helps that there is plenty of brand recognition when it comes to the Daytona, with plenty of people still remembering how great they were in the past few decades. And that, along with Trident and Tiger Sport 660’s popularity, may be enough to generate at least some curiosity. We can also appreciate the clean, minimalist, and mature look that Triumph developed for the new Daytona. Gone are the garish, sharp angles of modern sports bikes, in favor of smooth aerodynamics, reserved colors, and premium components.