Triumph Daytona 675

TRIUMPH DAYTONA 675

Second year, triple threat

Triumph's Daytona 675 enters its sophomore season unchanged and understandably so, having taken top honors in every major magazine comparison test last year, as well as being voted Best Middleweight Streetbike in the Cycle World Ten Best Bikes of 2006.

The 675cc Triple's convincing performance at the latest edition of MasterBike was backed by the quickest quarter-mile run in its class, all while offering an extremely street-friendly power delivery. This provides a trio of compelling reasons the 675 is recognized as one of the most versatile sportbikes money can buy.

I headed out for a road ride aboard our 675 with its suspension settings unaltered from July’s 2x2 track test and promptly gained an appreciation for the Daytona’s broad range of suspension adjustability. While the initial ride was far too firm for general street use, a minute spent backing front and rear damping all the way out freed suspension movement for a substantial improvement in bu compliance and overall comfort. Aside from its fairly firm saddle the Daytona’s roomy ergonomics, ample wind protection and mil degree of engine vibration make for a relatively comfortable distance machine.

On the street, the bike’s greatest attribute is its robust and li power output spanning the entire range from idle all the way to 13,000-rpm rev-limiter. At freeway speed in top gear, the engine

is spinning roughly 1000 rpm slower than those of the Japanese Fours, resulting in a notably more relaxed cruise. Silky-smooth shift action is another area in which the Daytona excels, allowing near seamless acceleration when running up through the gears.

Because the 675 has the tallest seat height in the class, shorter riders may find it a bit daunting at stops; but once the bike is under way, its light steering and sense of stability will bolster any rider’s confidence. With a year’s worth of street cred, a proven “track” record and solid reliability under its belt, the 675 is a true winner for Triumph. Don Canet

TRIUMPH

DAYTONA 675

$8999

A Very broad spread of power A Unique sounds and sensa tions A Exit-row leg room Downs v Tall seat height v No storage space or helmet lock v Gentleman's graphics the only choice