By David Swarts
Triumph is re-entering the middleweight sportbike market with the introduction of its all-new 2024 Daytona 660.
At a glance, Triumph fans might think the Daytona 660 is simply a fully-faired version of the popular Trident 660 naked bike introduced in 2021, but they would be very wrong. While the new machine is based on the old machine, very few parts are shared by the two models, but the mission to provide performance and style with a low cost of ownership was retained.
For starters, the liquid-cooled, fuel-injected 660cc inline three-cylinder engine in the Daytona 660 is claimed to produce 94 horsepower at 11,250 rpm and 51 lbs.-ft. of torque at 8,250 rpm, which are about 17% and 9% more than a Trident 660, respectively. Even better, the Daytona 660 matches the power curve of the Trident 660 though the middle of its rev range before continuing to its peak outputs and then revving all the way out to 12,650 rpm. The Trident 660 only revs to 10,500 rpm.
Triumph accomplished this increase in performance by adding new throttle bodies, a new cylinder head with new intake ports, new camshafts with more lift and greater duration, new pistons with an anti-friction coating on the skirts, a new ram air intake and airbox, a new exhaust system, and a new crankshaft. And the internal gear ratios in the six-speed gearbox have been tightened up to take full advantage of all that new power.
“The 660 has all the attitude and agility you’d expect from the Daytona name, and brings with it the thrilling, useable, real-world performance, and all-day comfort that riders today are looking for,” said Triumph Chief Product Officer Steve Sargent. “We are excited by the impact the Daytona 660 is going to have on the growing middleweight sports world.”
Electronic systems on the Daytona 660 include Ride-by-Wire (RbW) throttle control, three riding modes (Sport, Road, and Rain), Continental ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), adjustable (and defeatable) Traction Control that is integrated into the different riding modes, an Emergency Deceleration Warning system, and smart phone connectivity via the TFT (Thin-Film Transistor) color dashboard. An electronic quickshifter is available as an option.
While the double-sided steel swingarm is the same for both machines, the Daytona’s tubular steel main frame has been altered to accommodate the new airbox and wider throttle bodies. The new Supersport machine rolls on cast aluminum wheels measuring 17.0 x 3.50 inches front and 17.0 x 5.50 inches rear wearing Michelin Power 6 sport radials. The front braking system includes dual 310mm (12.2 inches) floating discs, radial-mount four-piston calipers, and braided brake lines.
Showa supplies the suspension components – non-adjustable 41mm inverted SFF-BP (Separate Function Fork – Big Piston) forks and a rear shock that is adjustable only for spring preload. Wheelbase is 56.1 inches (1,426mm), rake is 23.8°, trail is 3.24 inches (82.3mm), seat height is 31.9 inches (810mm), and claimed weight with the 3.7-gallon (14.0-liter) fuel tank at 90% capacity is 443 pounds (201 kg).
The all-new 2024 Triumph Daytona 660 will be supported by a two-year unlimited mileage factory warranty, over 30 genuine accessories, and an official race kit.
Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) is $9,195 in the United States and $11,295 in Canada. Units should be available at dealerships beginning in March.
