The Bottom Line
Pros
- Unwavering focus on performance
- Torquey triple feels far larger than 675cc
- Sharp and super responsive handling
Cons
- Unwavering focus on performance means its ergonomics might leave you with sore wrists
- Underseat exhaust produces some heat in warm weather
- 32.5 inch seat height might be tall for some
Description
- MSRP: $9,399 (black & gold SE trim), $8,999 (standard)
- Liquid-cooled, DOHC inline 3-cylinder 675cc engine
- 123 horsepower at 12,500 rpm, 53 ft-lb of torque @ 11,750 rpm
- Aluminum beam twin spar frame
- 41mm inverted forks with adjustable preload, rebound and compression damping
- Rear monoshock with preload, rebound and compression damping
- Twin front 308 mm floating discs with 4-piston radial calipers
- Single rear 220 mm disc with single piston caliper
- Seat height: 32.5 inch
- Dry weight: 363 lbs
Guide Review - 2008 Triumph Daytona 675 SE
Most 600cc crotch rockets are street bikes that happen to be track-ready, but the 2008 Triumph Daytona 675 SE takes an even more focused approach to performance. It's got ergonomics that stretch you far over its humped tank, aggressive steering geometry, and a sensitive throttle that produces sharp acceleration-- all satisfying characteristics for certified speed freaks.Whether or not those qualities excite you is entirely subjective, but the Daytona 675 succeeds brilliantly for those seeking a hardcore sportbike that doesn't have a 1,000cc powerplant. Not that the 675 is lacking-- it pulls surprisingly strongly from low rpms, thanks to its torquey triple engine-- and acceleration is wheelie inducing.
If the 675's powerful engine and ear-splitting exhaust note aren't enough, this bike gets even better on canyon roads. Its low dry weight (without fluids) of 363 lbs makes it manageable while parking, but that weight really counts when it comes to handling. Steering is sharp, turn-in is quick, and the Daytona 675's biggest limitation will most likely be its operator, as it's capable of tremendous acceleration and cornering.
But there are a few downsides. That unrelenting posture can get a bit tiring on the wrists, and its cool looking underseat exhaust sometimes heats up the saddle when ambient temperature rises. The seat height of 32.5 inches helps cornering clearance, but can make mounting and dismounting a bit of a challenge for averaged-sized riders.
However, if you're looking for a sporty middleweight, it doesn't get much better than the Triumph Daytona 675; it's got light weight, incredible performance, and a personality that keeps drawing you in for more. But you might want to make sure your driving record (and your wrists) can handle this much bike.
>>Click here for a 2008 Triumph Daytona 675 SE Photo Gallery<<
