All the attention is on Triumph’s new Tiger, but we’ve also poached this leaked picture of an upgraded Daytona 675 variant called the 675R. As reported by Spain’s Solo Moto magazine, the new model is based on the 407-pound, 124-horsepower Daytona, but improved with Öhlins suspension, race-spec Brembo monobloc brake calipers, carbon-fiber fenders and some cosmetic touches. There’s scant information in the story, but lighter wheels and premium tires would be logical add-ons as well. We don’t expect the motor to be different, but you never know.
We also don’t know if this is really a production model or if it’s just a showpiece for a line of accessories, but if it is a stand-alone model, it will be significant. Usually, only the Italian manufacturers offer higher-spec versions of their sportbikes. This package, with premium brakes and suspension, shows Triumph has matured enough to offer a credible high-end product to trackday enthusiasts and club racers. The Japanese factories generally offer but one spec level for their sportbikes.
Triumph is taking a lesson from the Ducati playbook—if you’re going to be a low-volume manufacturer, make as many models as you can to satisfy as many small niches as possible. A modular design, like the 675 Triple, can be offered in a myriad of motor/chassis combinations—think how many Ducati models have used the venerable air-cooled two-valve 90-degree L-Twin since the early 1980s—satisfying multiple communities of enthusiasts with minimal tooling and development costs. It seems the key to being successful with this formula is to have a really good motor, and the Triple is it.
Contrast that to the Japanese business model where a new motor/frame combo is developed for most new models (with some notable exceptions—the three-valve liquid-cooled V-Twin mill first seen in the early-’80s Honda VT500 lives on, zombie-like, in the “new” NT700V sport-tourer) as the limited differentiation of Japanese products requires massive innovation every few years. How long will Triumph be able to milk its sexy-sounding, free-revving middleweight Triple? A long time, we hope.
If the 675R is a production model (rumored to be officially revealed at the Milan EICMA motorcycle show in early November), we’re likely to see it in the USA, at a $3000-5000 premium over the $10,499 standard Daytona 675.
I like the bike and understand the appeal of the 675. Hell, I love the idea of the bike.
But dress up a $10,495 bike with a 50% premium and you are knocking on the door of Ducati 1198 territory and well past the entry point for a BMW S1000RR.
The economics don’t make sense. A $2,000 premium? Maybe. But any more than that and they will sit on dealer lots for a year or two until their prices are down into the regular Daytona 675 range. And then I will considering buying one.
I know this is just TOO obvious, but here goes: Why oh why doesn’t Triumph sell a ‘graphics’ version of this with the fairing covered in a draped Union Jack, ala the Cathcart helmet? Rule Britannia !
if it’s “just” a chassis/brake upgrade, this model is clearly designed to give the WSS team a competitive boost since engine tuning in that series will be stratospheric regardless of how it comes from the factory. with a hp upgrade i can see this model being an even greater option to the 848 EVO, without a power hike for the “R” i’d still buy the stock version and do selective mods myself while still saving money.
I’ll never be able to handle the ergos on a Daytona but damn, that’s a good looking bike. Better than an 848/1198. But if I’m paying cash for a Triumph it would have to be the Street Triple…
nice, it’s finally here. although some of it’s been of questionable benefit, triumph does offer race parts for the 675. perhaps some of that will be incorporated into the engine…? either way some nice suspension kit being homologated for world supersport.
As far as full fairing sport bikes go, the Daytona is still high on my list.. I like that it is a little more subtle looking in comparison to the Japanese bikes.. But, a Speed or Street Triple wold probably be my choice before the Daytona..
Same HOT CHICK, MORE MAKE UP & ACCESORIES…evolution not revolution, how long been out & around now ?
Don’t get me WRONG, still looking HOT but getting progressively DULL LOOKING.
Maybe it will be heavely overhauled after they see what MV Agusta have under it’s sleeve ? And now, just cause i like to sound like an annoying scratched CD:
Where’s The FULL SIZE BLOWN Daytona for regular sized humans? I don’t care if the 1.0L+ Superbike category/sector is drying,dying,downsizing, W/E…i want one. All manufacturers but H-D and Polaris should have one. Think of it as the ManHood of the Company. LMAO.
I too would like to see an 1100cc version.
The 675 seems to be on a 3 year refresh/redesign schedule. It was new in 2006 and had some updates in 2009. So, 2012 seems likely for more changes.
It’s on my wish list. Still torn between, Street Triple, Speed Triple, or Daytona. I’ll have to try and sit one next time I’m at a Triumph, full day drive away. Main Reason I don’t own one now.
Very cool. A little more power would be icing on the cake, but suspension, brakes, and maybe wheels are great factory upgrades.