You would be hard pushed to tell the difference from the successful but outgoing Triumph Daytona 675 model and the latest 2009 model. But stand closer and the differences jump out at you i.e. the new angular top fairing, Nissin monoblock calipers, revised suspension and so on. The engine and performance changes you can’t see, but combined with the great handling chassis the Triumph Daytona 675 is a very viable alternative to the Japanese supersport mass

Race team feedback has led to many internal changes to net an extra 3bhp, 1ftlb of torque and an extra 400rpm (now 13,900rpm rev range) to play with. Forget about peak power, though. It’s the legendary flat but fat torque curve coupled with a midrange horsepower increase that makes the Triumph Daytona 675 a breeze to ride day-in, day out without working up a sweat. If you want to rip it up then the Triumph 675 will easily pump your adrenaline – especially on a trackday – simply by working the throttle harder. Gearbox mods have banished the sticky-shift feel.

Pure supersport seating stance of high seat and clip-ons but isn’t uncomfortable, more intimidating at first and the screen is typically low for hard speed riding. The ride is exemplary thanks to new suspension that features high and low speed compression damping front and rear, which makes the gap between road and track use easier to cross. Although quick steering the Triumph Daytona 675 is a stable beast but comes with a steering damper to keep back road scratchers out of trouble. Ground clearance is not an issue on the Daytona 675, which is good because it can carry big corner speed with ease.

Although modern running gear features throughout, the Triumph Daytona 675 doesn’t wear anything majorly different to the rest of the supersport class. No, you will have to scan the list of official accessories to make the Triumph Daytona 675 stand out – and with the plug-in quick shifter, computer adjustable ECU, Arrow exhausts and rearsets you will stand out.

Chassis components are no different to Japanese counterparts. This leaves the powertrain open to discussion, of which there are few web-based grumbles about the previous model. But like every other manufacturer Triumph is quick to remedy any complaints so this latest Daytona 675 should figure a thoroughly sorted mill.

Price aside, Triumph’s Daytona 675 is perfectly poised to run with the Japanese pack, if not up front because of the way the engine doesn’t need to be worked so hard on the road. Back to the price: at its present £7589 list price, it is extremely competitive e.g. £200 cheaper than the R6.

Top speed  156mph
1/4-mile acceleration  11.38 secs
Power 126bhp
Torque 54ftlb
Weight 162kg
Seat height 825mm
Fuel capacity 17.4 litres
Average fuel consumption mpg
Tank range  miles
Insurance group 16
Engine size 675cc
Engine specification Liquid-cooled, 12v, inline-triple, four-stroke. Six gears
Frame Aluminium twin spar
Front suspension adjustment Rebound and high/low compression damping, spring preload
Rear suspension adjustment Rebound and high/low compression damping, spring preload
Front brakes 2 x 308 discs with 4-piston monoblock calipers
Rear brake 220mm disc with single-piston caliper
Front tyre size 120/70 x 17
Rear tyre size 180/55 x 17