2009 Triumph Daytona 675 Review

Introduction

The 2009 model year undergoes a series of natural and anticipated upgrades that aim a better power to weight ratio, sweeter handling and overall feel. As supposed, the engine remains the same 675cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC, inline three-cylinder unit getting fed through an advanced multipoint sequential electronic fuel injection system with forced air induction. Fine tuning allowed engineers to squeeze 3bhp more compared to the previous generation model, being now capable of delivering a maximum of 126bhp at 12,600 rpm while torque figures – 53ft.lbf at 11,750 don’t fall too far behind.

Overall, the weight was reduced with 7 lbs so the bike now weighs 356 lbs dry. Seeing how little a new model was improved shows how good the previous was, but I guess we already knew that, didn’t we?

2009 Triumph Daytona 675

The front and rear suspensions are new and fully adjustable, apparently, in a fancy kind of way because the rider is allowed to adjust high and low speed compression damping regarding to the way that it plans to exploit his two-wheeled machinery. So riders will soften the suspensions to suit their tastes and preferences during daily exploiting or regular, low speed riding and harden them before going to spend some quality time on the track. That’s nice!

But performance riding also implies some serious braking rounds and the 2009 Triumph Daytona provides the best of it thanks to a new front monobloc radial caliper and radial master cylinder applying each on a 308mm floating disc. The rear end also backs the bike up with a single 220mm disc and a single piston caliper.

Despite being powered by a three-cylinder engine instead of a four-cylinder one like the majority of middleweight supersport bikes, especially the Japanese ones, the Daytona 675 is up for the challenge with great performance figures as well as chassis capabilities and marvelous design. An additional great feature of this bike is the recalibrated engine management system now accepting Triumph’s new quick-shifter, one of those cool accessories that riders simply can’t help getting for their bikes.

2008 Triumph Daytona 675 History

Competition

2009 Honda CBR600RR

Honda is pretty confident about their 2009 CBR600RR’s abilities to rule the 600cc supersport class and they have plenty of reasons to as they provide a 599cc, liquid-cooled, inline four-cylinder, dual-stage fuel-injected with 40mm throttle bodies and Denso 12-hole injectors engine with DOHC and four valves per cylinder powered motorcycle. Of course you get a six-speed gearbox and goodies such as the 41mm inverted HMAS cartridge fork and unit Pro-Link HMAS single shock, but what the 2009 model year is best known for is the Combined ABS system which can be optionally fitted on the bike. Wet weight is 410 pounds or 432 pounds in the case of the C-ABS model. CBR’s MSRP starts at $9,799, just like Daytona’s.

2009 Yamaha YZF-R6

Like the previous mentioned Triumph and Honda motorcycles, the 2009 Yamaha YZF-R6 was created for the track, but can do as well on the streets too. It’s all about the 599cc, liquid-cooled, inline four-cylinder; DOHC, 16 titanium valves powerplant that is fuel injected and gets all the benefits of Yamaha’s Chip Controlled Throttle and Chip Controlled Intake. Wet weight is 414 lbs and the lowest MSRP starts at $9,990.

2009 Suzuki GSX-R 600

The 2009 Suzuki GSX-R600 isn’t out of the question just because it starts at $10,399. This motorcycle weighs 432 lbs with all fluids in it and the power source is a high-revving and fuel-injected 599cc, liquid-cooled, four-stroke, DOHC motor which time proved as being both reliable and competitive.

2009 Kawasaki ZX-6R

Just like Honda and Triumph, Kawasaki sells the 2009 ZX-6R at a $9,799 starting price and, although visually the bike isn’t that impressive, technically it is up for the challenge. There is a 599cc, liquid-cooled, four-stroke, DOHC, four-valves per cylinder engine as well fuel-injected and curb weight is 421.2 lbs, significantly less than Suzuki’s.

Exterior

2009 Triumph Daytona 675

Daytona’s engine may “run in three pistons” and still keep up with the competition, but when it comes to appearance it’s easy to spot the difference. It is long been said that Italian styling is the sweetest, but getting a glimpse at the 2009 Triumph Daytona 675 we reckon that the British aren’t bad with the crayon either.

The bike features an extremely aggressive design that doesn’t imply sharp lines. This stands for complexity and finesse, but what’s really important is that seat being positioned at 32.5 inches from the ground and the very low handlebars and screen. The riding position practically invites the rider to tuck itself under the small fairing and screen while keeping the knees and elbows as close to the narrow and also low positioned gas tank.

2009 Triumph Daytona 675

At front, the headlights blend in with the fairing beautifully while the centrally positioned air intake adds another aggressive note to the racing look of this bike. The mirrors are actually very well positioned so that the rider can actually see the traffic behind and not his elbows.

The black frame and swingarm give a clue of the bike’s cornering abilities while the underseat exhaust stands for symmetry. This bike rides on a pair of alloy five-spoke 17-inch wheels positioned 54.9 inches apart, which also enhances the sporty look.

No doubt about it, the Triumph Daytona 675 stands out from the crowd and the 2009 color schemes contribute significantly. Either Tornado Red or Jet Black painted, it stands as a sublime contribution to a continuously developing industry.

2008 Triumph Daytona 675 Test Ride

Price

Triumph keeps their supersport model competitive not only in what respects performances and appearance, but the starting price too. So at a base MSRP of $9,799, the British bike ends up costing as much as a 2009 Honda CBR600RR or a Kawasaki ZX-6R, just like above mentioned. Is that bad or good? Only the sales charts will decide.

Conclusion

2009 Triumph Daytona 675

Given the preponderance of Japanese bikes in this class and the fact that the Triumph Daytona still manages to stay among the favorites, we have to give this bike credit. It’s something about the combination of a refined aspect and an enormously capable engine, riding position and handling, all under a more than decent price tag.

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