2013 Triumph Daytona 675 and 675R – First Look Review

After failing to find success with its TT600, a sportbike with a 600cc in-line four-cylinder engine that competed head-to-head with well-developed offerings from Japan’s Big Four, Triumph launched the Daytona 675 in 2006, powered by a 675cc in-line triple, an engine configuration that has largely come to define the British manufacturer. The Daytona was updated in 2008, but it has remained unchanged since as Triumph improved and expanded the rest of its model line.

2013 Triumph Daytona 675
2013 Triumph Daytona 675

For 2013, Triumph has given the Daytona 675, and its track-focused Daytona 675R stable mate, a thorough going-over. The all-new engine has a wider bore and shorter stroke to allow a higher 14,400 redline, with a claimed increase of 2 horsepower (to 126) and 2 lb-ft of torque (to 55 lb-ft). A new engine block is separate from the upper crankcase and now has ceramic-coated aluminum bores. There are new twin fuel injectors for each cylinder and titanium valves that have been reshaped for better flow. A larger, higher-flow intake system brings air straight in through the headstock, helping the engine breathe better. The exhaust pipe has been moved from below the seat to the right side of the bike to help centralize mass.

The 6-speed transmission has a new slipper clutch to reduce rear wheel hop during aggressive downshifts, aided further by an engine management system that opens the throttle butterflies to minimize the effect of engine braking. In addition to the new air duct, the frame now uses fewer sections for added strength and it incorporates sportier steering geometry and a shorter wheelbase. A high-pressure die-cast aluminum subframe contributes to a slimmer rear profile.

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2013 Triumph Daytona 675R
2013 Triumph Daytona 675R

New suspension is by KYB, and lighter wheels are shod with sticky Pirelli Supercorsa tires. The new optional switchable ABS system weighs just 3 pounds and includes a late-intervention track setting that allows some rear-wheel drift. Ergonomics have been revised, with a 10mm lower seat height and less weight on the rider’s wrists, and the bodywork is all-new, giving the Daytona an even sleeker, more aggressive look than before. Overall, the new Daytona 675 is said to be 3 pounds lighter than the previous model.

The Daytona 675R features Öhlins suspension—NIX30 male-slider fork and TTX rear shock—with a wider range of adjustability, Brembo Monobloc calipers, switchable ABS as standard, a quick-shifter and carbon fiber extras, plus a red subframe and red pinstripes on the wheels.

The 2013 Triumph Daytona 675 ($11,599) and Daytona 675R ($13,499) should be in dealerships by February.

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