Triumph triumphs with the all new Daytona 675 and 675R in Milan

Triumph have had a banner year, actually it's had a couple of them. In a global market that is considerably smaller than it was in 2008, Triumph has not only grown it's product line from 13 to 23 motorcycles, it has also grown its sales volume, its manufacturing capacity, its market share and it has added 30 countries to its list of international markets. It now has 5 manufacturing facilities, including a brand new factory in Brazil which brings to total production capacity to 165,000 motorcycles per year.

The highlight of the Triumph stand in Milan was undoubtably the debut of the all new Daytona 675. The 3 cylinder sport bike has been considered the mid- size sport bike class leader by many since its introduction in 2006. A mild refresh in 2009 kept the bike on top of the performance charts, however the 2013 model was designed from a clean sheet of paper and is new from the ground up. The design is clearly evolutionary, keeping the clean Daytona lines, but it has a new frame, a new engine and a new aerodynamic package.

In redesigning the Daytona, the Triumph engineers had 3 goals; to improve performance, to improve the style and to add an advanced ABS system to the equation, and it seems like they were successful on all fronts.

The new engine sticks with the 3 cylinder layout, boosting the power to 128PS (+3PS) and increasing the torque 75Nm (+2Nm) with a higher 14,400rpm red line, up from 13,900rpm. The engine now boasts 2 fuel injectors per cylinder, improving both the power and torque as well as improving fuel efficiency. Titanium valves have been added to allow the engine to attain the higher rev limit. There is also an improved transmission with a slipper clutch that works with the engine management system to improve rear wheel control under hard breaking.

Handling has been improved by revising both the front and read suspension, adding lighter wheels and using a redesigned exhaust system that improves mass centralization.

Triumph has also added optional ABS to the Daytona. Although most riders will likely choose to leave the ABS system fully engaged, the Daytona rider can also turn the ABS off of so desired. The ABS on the Daytona 675 also has an innovative track setting which allows riders to maximize breaking on track without having the the ABS cutting, while keeping the ABS safety net if they end up off line or on the grass.

As in the past, the 2013 Daytona 675 will also be offered in higher performance version, the 675R. The R improves upon the standard 675 by adding an Ohlins high performance suspension, Brembo monobloc brake callipers and a sprinkling of carbon fibre parts. The switchable ABS system is standard equipment own the Daytona 675R.