Triumph Daytona 660: The New Benchmark for Street Supersports?

The Triumph Daytona 660 is a sporty bike with a powerful triple engine that delivers 95 hp at 11,250 rpm. With a sporty yet comfortable ergonomics, it is suitable for both daily use and spirited riding. The high-quality craftsmanship and the appropriate electronics package ensure a modern riding experience. However, a standard quickshifter is missing and is only available at an additional cost.

The HJC helmets in superhero design, which our editors wore for the Supersport motorcycle test, are not only real eye-catchers but also technically advanced. The RPHA 1 and RPHA 12 models offer a perfect combination of safety, comfort, and stylish design. The RPHA 1 is particularly designed for aerodynamics and stability at high speeds, providing excellent protection through its premium materials. The RPHA 12, on the other hand, impresses with its versatile range of use and excellent ventilation, ensuring pleasant freshness even on longer rides. Both helmets are adorned with striking superhero graphics, making them a special highlight for all comic fans and motorcycle enthusiasts.

For more information, visit: HJC Helmets.

Our editors not only wore the striking HJC helmets during this Supersport motorcycle test, but they were also dressed in high-quality motorcycle gear from Segura. Segura is known for its combination of classic design and top-notch protection. The tested outfits included sturdy leather jackets, which provide the highest safety with their abrasion-resistant properties and integrated protectors on the shoulders, elbows, and back. Additionally, breathable and weatherproof pants, as well as gloves that offer optimal grip and protection, were part of the gear. Segura's motorcycle clothing combines stylish looks with functional details, ensuring our editors were not only well-protected but also comfortable and fashionable on the go.

For more information, visit: Segura Motorcycle Gear.

The three-cylinder engine, despite its small displacement of 660 cubic centimeters, offers impressive performance with a broad rev range. The engine's power is grunty from the bottom and increases at higher revs, giving the bike a sporty character. The Daytona's gearbox generally works well, but the lack of a quickshifter is seen as a downside. Additionally, the shift linkage gives way significantly when operated, resulting in a mushy and squishy feel. This issue could be resolved by adjusting the linkages.

The seating position is less radical and therefore more comfortable for longer rides, with a less forward-leaning upper body and a relaxed knee angle. A minor criticism is the slight vibrations at the handlebar ends, which are noticeable across the entire rev range but are not disturbing. The acoustic backdrop of the three-cylinder is described as very pleasant. The braking system of the Daytona 660 works very well, and the ABS system allows for strong deceleration and short braking distances. A particular highlight is the suspension, which responds very smoothly and filters out almost all bumps without creating too much movement. This setup provides both good feedback and high riding comfort, making the bike particularly pleasant to ride on country roads.

Horvath particularly highlights the engine. The triple engine delivers a lot of grunt already in the lower rev range and revs nicely up to the redline. However, he regrets that a quickshifter is not standard. The throttle response convinces him, and the clutch is pleasantly light, making downshifting easier even without a quickshifter. He finds the suspension of the Daytona 660 relatively soft and geared towards comfort, although the seating position is sporty yet comfortable. In the saddle, he gets the impression that you don't need a sportier bike for the road. The controls are, as usual with Triumph, high-quality and easy to understand, further enhancing the overall comfort.

The first thing Alessio notices is the comfortable and relaxed seating position, which lies between that of a naked bike and a supersport seating position. This posture offers less feedback from the front wheel, which is compensated by the excellently tuned chassis that provides maximum security in the twisties. He finds the engine particularly powerful in the lower and mid-range RPMs. However, in the upper RPM range, it lacks some power, which might be noticeable for riders of more potent bikes, but is sufficient for less experienced riders. The brakes are good for this class of bikes, although the rear brake lacks some feedback.

Visually, the Daytona is appealing and the sound of the engine is excellent, making an aftermarket exhaust seem unnecessary. Overall, Alessio describes the Triumph Daytona 660 as a very attractive bike that impresses both aesthetically and in performance.

Amelie finds the Daytona 660 not as a full-blooded supersports bike like other motorcycles, but significantly more comfortable. She sees this as a major advantage, even though the sporty feeling is somewhat reduced. While riding, she feels very secure, as the handling is easy and the weight is well manageable. She has no issues, and the mirrors offer a good view. The bike's performance is adequate, but the fun factor is somewhat lower compared to full-blooded supersports motorcycles. Amelie can imagine that the Daytona 660 is an excellent choice for longer tours, as it is neither boring nor uncomfortable. Overall, she rates the Daytona 660 as a successful motorcycle, as long as one keeps in mind that it is not an extremely sporty model.

As part of the Supersport motorcycle test, a standard tire was used: the Bridgestone S23. This tire is known for its balanced performance and versatility on different road surfaces. The Bridgestone S23 offers reliable traction and stability, both at high speeds and in corners. Its rubber compound and tread design are engineered to ensure even wear and good longevity. This allowed the editors to ride the motorcycles safely and controlled under various conditions, making the Bridgestone S23 a suitable choice for the test.

Here you can find more information: Bridgestone S23 Tire.

Here are the positive experiences with the Triumph Daytona 660 summarized:

Engine Performance: The triple engine offers plenty of grunt even at low RPMs and revs smoothly up to the redline.

Throttle Response and Clutch: The throttle response is impressive, and the clutch is smooth, making downshifting a pleasure.

Chassis: The relatively soft chassis is designed for comfort and absorbs bumps well, providing a pleasant riding experience.

Riding Position: The riding position is sporty but also comfortable enough for longer rides.

Comfort: Overall, the comfort of the Daytona 660 is considered high, making it a good choice for long tours.

Controls: The controls are high-quality and intuitive.

Handling: The bike offers easy handling and is well-mannered, contributing to a safe riding feel.

Aesthetics and Sound: The design is described as appealing and the engine sound is excellent.

Missing Quickshifter: The quickshifter is not standard and must be purchased as an option.

Front Wheel Feedback: The slightly raised handlebar position results in less feedback from the front wheel, which might bother some riders.

Top-End Power: There is a lack of power in the top-end range, especially for riders accustomed to more potent bikes.

Rear Brake: The rear brake is described as somewhat opaque, with less feedback than desired.

Soft Gear Linkage: The gear linkage gives way significantly, resulting in a doughy and squishy feeling when shifting.

Vibrations: There are slight vibrations at the handlebar ends that are noticeable throughout the entire rev range.