Triumph torques up storm

Daring to be different has given Triumph a unique supersports machine and a swag of national and international awards.

The triple-cylinder engine that powers the Triumph Daytona 675 is a gem, packaged in some of the most functional wrapping that inthusiasts can hope to swing their leg over.

The Triumph isn't ground-breaking. It just does everything with a precision that until recently was the domain of Japanese machinery.

The extra 75cc gives it a power-play over the 600cc screamers it lines up against in class and price (Suzuki's GSX-R is the only player in the 750cc market these days).

I wouldn't want to be on the 675 against the middleweight Gixxer at the track, but everywhere else the usability of the 675makes it marginally more user-friendly.

And marginal improvements are enough to give it the nod in this savagely contested bike segment. That's why Australian Motorcycle News and Two Wheels both rated it the 2006 'bike of the year.'

The narrow, aggressive lines and quality of finish are first-rate and ensure the Triumph looks the business. That's vital in a market where style is every bit as important as substance.

The riding position puts slightly more stress on the wrists than many of its rivals, barely an issue for lightweights such as myself, but something to consider if you're looking to use the bike for long hauls.

The pillion position is actually better than most sportsbikes, though we wouldn't recommend a two-up run to Adelaide without a few rest breaks.

Fire up the Daytona and head for your favourite bit of blacktop, the immediate impression is how precisely and quickly it turns in. Nose it into a corner and it lies down faster than a well-trained dog.

It stays down, too, even with increasingly severe braking and throttle inputs. Self-preservation intrudes before we find the bike's limit, we'll save that for a track.

The suspension is well sorted and generally unfazed by potholes and corrugations.

When you need them, the four-spot radial brakes are what you'd expect of a supersports bike, like twisting the throttle in reverse. It's a worthy alternative for riders looking to stand out in the supersports crowd.

Inside view

Triumph Daytona

Engine: 675 engine 675cc in-line three-cylinder

Power: 91kW torque 72Nm

Transmission: close-ratio six-speed

Tank: 17 litres weight 165kg (dry)

Price: $14,890 +ORC