2006-2009
After more than...
2006-2009
After more than six years in the making the Triumph hit with serious intent. The 675cc three-cylinder motor was good for 110 HP and 50 LB-FT at the rear tire, 10.50's at 133 mph in the quarter-mile and almost 160 MPH flat out. The motor was paired with a stout chassis and strong brakes that helped the lightweight 417-pound machine earn a world-class rep.
Triumph released a knockout hit in 2006. This success arrived in the shape of the Daytona 675, a middleweight rocket with, you guessed it, a 675cc three cylinder motor. The Daytona wasn't the only bike in its class over 600cc, as Kawasaki's punched-out ZX-6R sported a 636cc four-cylinder motor as well.
But Triumph had been sculpting this triple since as early as 2000 so it was ready to take on the 600cc four cylinders, even the punched out Kawi. And perhaps the most defining feature of the British bike was its engine. Sporting an over-square design with a lofty 12.65:1 compression ratio, this triple was built to fly. When strapped to the dyno it was good for almost 110 HP and 50 LB-FT on the ground. But more than just numbers, the triple spun to 13,500 RPM and had a flat torque curve that its four-cylinder competition could only dream of. And the sonorous exhaust note is one of the best in the biz.
Harnessing all that power was an equally stout chassis with fully adjustable suspension and commendable brakes. The Daytona 675 proved to be a fighter in the ring and a great streetbike for the weekend warrior who wanted something different from the norm. Little changed for three years until '09 brought the second generation 675. Although aesthetically the only significant changes were to the front of the bike (it was sculpted for more aerodynamic efficiency) the real changes were under the skin. A claimed 6.5 pounds was shaved and power was bumped by 3 HP and 1 LB-FT while the rev-limit was increased another 400 RPM. The transmission was also tweaked with a taller first gear from Triumph's in-house race parts, and a more sophisticated ECU was also fitted to accommodate such things as a quickshifter.
2009-Present
More than 50...
2009-Present
More than 50 tweaks found their way onto the freshened Daytona. A sculpted leading edge with angular headlights, a shaped air intake and smoothed lines started the changes. Power was up 3 HP and 1 LB-FT, as was a 400 RPM higher rev ceiling. Weight was down some 6.5 pounds and a more sophisticated ECU helped harness the new hauler.
As with any niche bike, the Triumph Daytona 675 has a devout following, and rightfully so. Owners praise the strong motor and quick handling characteristics as their favorite features. It seems most bikes are destined for the blacktop, but a fair share of 675 owners also take to the track on their triples.
Most owners have logged well over 10,000 trouble free miles with a handful notching well into the 40,000-mile range without major problems. However, it is interesting to note that odd electrical gremlins like faulty regulator/rectifiers and occasional check-engine lights can plague some Daytonas. But fear not, other than a few gripes the Daytona 675 is a great alternative to your typical Japanese sportbike and quite possibly one of the best kept sub 750cc secrets.