Triumph Daytona name returns as a 660cc middleweight triple

Teased in December, the Daytona 660 will use an updated version of the Hinckley brand’s 660cc triple found in the Trident and Tiger Sport, and will be made for comfort, aiming to prove that a middleweight can be used on a daily basis. This will provide Triumph with a competitor alongside the likes of the Yamaha R7 and Honda CBR650R and marks a departure from the out-and-out speed focus of previous Daytonas, including 2020’s limited edition 765 Moto2.

Although featuring the same engine as found in the Trident and Tiger Sport, the Daytona 660 now boasts a peak power output of 95PS (70kW) and 69Nm (94lb ft) of torque, 17% and 9% more than the Trident respectively, as a result of a series of upgrades including a new crankshaft, camshaft, cylinder head and pistons. The Daytona also features a new exhaust system, which Triumph claims creates an “unmistakable sports soundtrack”.

As well as changes to the engine, the frame has also seen alterations. Pegs have been placed higher and further back than found on the Trident, whilst the handlebars have been brought forward by 95mm and moved down by 110mm. These clip-on bars are positioned above the top yoke and pegs for improved comfort and cornering clearance. The seat, which is split for rider and pillion, sits at 810mm high, although this can be brought down 25mm with an accessory low seat.

Big-piston Showa 41mm front forks and a Showa rear suspension unit provide agility, with more responsive handling provided by the lightweight five-spoked cast aluminium wheels. Twin four-piston radial calipers with lightweight 310mm discs provide the stopping power, with Michelin’s new Power 6 tyres fitted as standard.

There will be three riding modes on offer for Daytona 660 owners: Sport, Road and Rain, which optimises throttle response and traction control depending on the conditions you’re riding through. Sport mode, as usual, is the most reactive of throttle modes for those trackday sessions, while the traction control system can also be disabled by using the instrument menu for those wanting no electronic intervention.

For those wanting to personalise their Daytona, there are over 30 optional extras that can be chosen, including a colour-coded seat cowl, a quickshifter and autoblipper, heated grips, an under-seat USB socket and a tyre pressure monitoring system. It has also been reported that a race kit is in development with Isle of Man TT winner Peter Hickman, to be eligible for the upcoming National Sportsbike Championship.

Orders for the Triumph Daytona 660 are now open, with models beginning to arrive in UK dealerships in March 2024 and are available from a starting price of £8,595.