Triumph, building on the triumphs of their successful middleweight models like the Trident 660 roadster and the Tiger Sport 660 adventure sport-tourer, has unveiled their latest addition for 2024—the Triumph Daytona 660.
This middleweight sportbike pays homage to Buddy Elmore’s historic 1966 Daytona 200 victory, where he clinched the win from the 46th spot on the grid.
Boasting a liquid-cooled 660cc inline-Triple with DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, and a 240-degree firing order, the Daytona 660 packs a punch. The engine claims 94 hp at 11,250 rpm, a notable 17% increase compared to the Trident 660, and 51 lb-ft of torque at 8,250 rpm.
Designed for real-world use, it features a 6-speed gearbox, throttle-by-wire, a slip/assist clutch, and a 3-into-1 exhaust with a low stainless-steel silencer. Optional Triumph Shift Assist allows for clutchless up- and downshifts.
Triumph’s Chief Engineer of Concept and Electrical, Stuart Wood, emphasizes the Daytona 660’s focus on practicality. He notes the company’s dedication to continuous improvement, seeking better economy, cleanliness, and enhanced performance.
The Daytona 660 introduces three ride modes—Sport, Road, and Rain—each offering distinct throttle responses and traction control levels. Stuart Wood emphasizes that the Sport mode is tailored for aggressive road riding or track sessions.
The traction control system can be disengaged for riders preferring a more hands-on experience. Additionally, a new Emergency Deceleration Warning system activates hazard lights during heavy braking to alert other drivers.
Braking power is supplied by twin 4-piston radial calipers up front and a single-piston sliding caliper in the rear, both supported by ABS. The front suspension features an inverted nonadjustable Showa SFF-BP fork, while the rear is equipped with a Showa monoshock with preload adjustability.
Triumph addresses the balance between specification and price, with Chief Product Officer Steve Sargent explaining how the Daytona 660 fills the void left by track-focused supersport bikes that became excessively priced, making the middleweight class disappear.
Ergonomics also prioritize real-world usage, with clip-on bars positioned above the top yoke and footpegs adjusted for a balance of comfort and cornering clearance.
The Daytona 660 offers separate rider and passenger seats, accommodating riders of all sizes with a rider seat height of 31.9 inches. An optional low seat is available, reducing the seat height to 30.9 inches.
The bike features twin LED headlights with a central air intake, a contoured LED taillight, and a color TFT screen compatible with the My Triumph Connectivity System.
Priced at $9,195, the 2024 Triumph Daytona 660 will be available in Carnival Red, Satin Granite, and Snowdonia White, hitting dealerships in March 2024.
