The Triumph Daytona 600/650 is lighter, smoother, faster and infinitely prettier than the TT600. What’s more, Bruce Anstey won the Junior TT on one in 2003 which goes to show what improvements Triumph made to their 600cc sports middleweight contender. The Triumph Daytona 600/650 is a beauty: an involved ride with excellent handling, amazing brakes and it’s good value.

After the injection problems that let the TT600 down, the Triumph Daytona 600/650′s Keihin system’s brand new. And it’s much better. There’s still a bit of a flat spot in the midrange, but it’s not dire, and the bulk of the Triumph Daytona 600/650′s power is still very much up top but, in all, the power band’s wide, accessible for most riders and comes with smooth delivery.

Taking the excellent handling and brakes from its predecessor, the Triumph Daytona 600/650’s road manners are hard to fault. Suspension’s a treat too: sharp enough for the track yet smooth enough to deal with any potholes. The gearbox is a bit snatchy, though. Comfort’s better than you’d expect given the Triumph Daytona 600/650′s bigger (for a sports 600) dimensions.

The Triumph Daytona 600/650 dash includes a digital speedo, clock and trips, analogue rev counter and a fuel light. Head lamp and mirrors are good but pillions will suffer on a high perch with no grabrail. A seat cowl’s included with the bike. The Triumph Daytona 600/650 screen’s pretty low and won’t provide much protection on the motorway.

With a selection of decent components, the Triumph Daytona 600/650’s beautifully put together. Show it some bad weather and it’ll suffer a bit, however, with extremities suffering early corrosion. The paint’s not great either. Triumph Daytona 600/650 mechanical parts are sound though.

When new, the Triumph Daytona 600 was sensibly priced against its rivals, coming in at nearly a grand under Yamaha’s R6. Triumph Daytona 600/650s keep their value pretty well, too, and aren’t quite as ubiquitous as the Japanese fours. Some owners pay a premium for buying British.

Top speed  160mph
1/4-mile acceleration  11.58 secs
Power 110bhp
Torque 51ftlb
Weight 165kg
Seat height 815mm
Fuel capacity 18 litres
Average fuel consumption 35mpg
Tank range  140 miles
Insurance group 15
Engine size 599cc
Engine specification 16v inline four, 6 gears
Frame Aluminium twin spar
Front suspension adjustment Preload, rebound, compression
Rear suspension adjustment Preload, rebound, compression
Front brakes Twin 308mm discs
Rear brake 220mm disc
Front tyre size 120/70 x 17
Rear tyre size 180/55 x 17