Best of British: Triumph Daytona 675

WORDS: Bertie Simmonds
PICS: Bertie Simmonds Archive

Amazing to think that this beauty is 20 years old this year and therefore well into our age range as a true ‘classic’.

It’s also perhaps one of the best British bikes ever built and certainly the bike that helped change Triumph’s direction in the design of some of their range, especially their more sporting machines. Also, it could be argued that without this machine, we wouldn’t be seeing the Triumph-powered Moto2 prototype race machines out in MotoGP today.

Before the 675, Triumph were always a bit behind the big Japanese factories. They copied; they made inline-four cylinder bikes in the major classes and some triples, some twins. They were close to revealing their own litre-plus inline four hyperbike with which to take on the likes of the Honda Blackbird and Suzuki Hayabusa. They even had inline four supersports 600s in the shape of the TT600, Daytona 600 and then the 650. It was all a bit ‘samey’ if we’re honest.

Then, Triumph decided to ‘go their own way’, as the marketing blurb now states. The big hyperbike was canned and for 2006 the Daytona 675 was unleashed. Here was a stunning-looking, slim, three-cylinder machine weighing 165 kilos dry (185 with fluids) and pumping out a claimed 123bhp – probably a more realistic 110 at the rear wheel.

The reaction to this new machine was huge. Sales were so big, dealers had waiting lists. Magazine group tests hailed the triple as a winner – even against the likes of the mighty Japanese. Yes, there were some issues and some bikes had a thirst for oil, but these problems were overcome. The bike would be in Triumph’s range for just over a decade.

We think it ranks up there as one of the most influential British motorcycles of all time. And we can’t wait to test one for you in 2026.

The original article appeared in Classic Motorcycle Mechanics. To subscribe to the magazine rammed with hints, tips and nostalgia please click HERE