For years European manufacturers have relied on adding Öhlins suspension to an existing model 2011to create a higher spec version, generally without updating any other components. Ducati use this technique to make its S models, Aprilia has created the ‘Factory’ version of its RSV4 and the older RSV-R and now Triumph has joined in the game with the Daytona 675R. A hotted up Daytona 675 that Triumph claim is ‘the ultimate trackday tool.’
For $11,999 (that’s $1,500 more than the stock bike) the R comes with Öhlins’ NIX30 forks, a TTX36 shock (as used by most of the World Supersport grid) and an upgraded 18mm Brembo radial master cylinder with new Brembo monoblock calipers to match. And it doesn’t stop there, as well as a quickshifter the 675R gets an array of carbon parts including a hugger, heat shield and fairing infill panels as well as a unique paint scheme with a red sub-frame and a funky new ‘Triumph’ logo on the tank and even re-styled engine covers. The styling is spot on, as is the price, but does it live up to its ‘ultimate trackday tool’ claim?
As you would expect, Triumph chose to launch the R on track and Super Streetbike joined them at the Portimao Circuit in Portugal, a track notorious for its swoops and dips and corners that require serious front end confidence, for a quick blast.
With the bikes up on tyre warmers and the overnight rain cleared from the track I was really looking forward to riding the R. The Daytona 675 is a great track bike and with the addition of Öhlins suspension the R promised much. The only problem was I had only been to Portimao once before, and on that occasion it rained for most of the day so I didn’t really get much of a chance to learn the track. Never mind, the red lights were out and off we went (well, having removed the tyre warmers!). First session underway and with the Pirelli Supercorsa SP tyres still holding some heat I start to try and fathom out which direction the circuit goes. Portimao is full of blind entry corners as well as several tight hairpins, the perfect combination to test out the Triumph’s front end security as well as my own bravery levels.
Steaming into the bends my first impressions are that the level of feedback and assurance delivered by the forks and Pirelli tyres is impressive but a bit harsh and solid. So much so in fact that after a few laps the ride feels unforgiving on the wrists. The addition of the Öhlins suspension hasn’t altered the bike’s geometry, however on returning to the pits it transpires that the Triumph test riders have firmed up the suspension from the stock road settings. Just about everyone who has ridden the first session asks for them to be put back to standard…