Used buyers guide..........................
Short-lived but super cool, Triumph’s first R model sportsbike is well worth the money.
There are many reasons why manufacturers build homologation specials. In the case of Ducati, their SP/ SPS/R models exist to bend the WSB rules to ensure they can win on track, and the same could be said for the latest Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10RR and Honda Fireblade SP2.
Then there are the purely commercial high-spec variants such as the Yamaha YZF-R1M and Suzuki GSX-R1000R, which add a bit of bling and a degree of exclusivity to justify a higher price tag yet have no real race advantages. Oddly, Triumph’s Daytona 675R doesn’t really follow either of these patterns. Yes, it certainly helped supersport racers to have access to a bike with Öhlins suspension as standard, but in reality all were already running aftermarket shocks and fork kits.
So why did Triumph unveil an R version of the Daytona in 2012? To be brutally honest, they needed to shift as many of the old 675’s components as possible as a new model was set to emerge a year later. However, while its release may have been somewhat of a cynical move by Triumph, the resulting bike is so good we are more than prepared to let this slide!
The same, but better
The Daytona 675R is basically a pimped-up standard Daytona 675 model. The R’s engine, frame, swingarm, fairing etc. are all identical to the stocker’s, however instead of the standard bike’s Kayaba suspension and Nissin brakes, the R gets Öhlins loveliness with Brembo’s finest monoblock stoppers and a radial master cylinder.
Then, just to highlight the fact you are riding an R model, the subframe is painted a natty red, there is a dash of carbon here and there and the wheels get some rim tape. Oh, and Triumph’s aftermarket quickshifter comes as standard equipment too.
So, as you can see, on the face of it the R is basically just a tarted up Daytona rather than a proper homologation special in the purest sense of the word. But who really cares when it rides this well?
From the outset Triumph’s triple has dominated the supersport class, bringing a much-needed boost in midrange thanks to its unique engine configuration and extra capacity. However far from just being all about its motor, the 675’s chassis backed up its engine’s performance, delivering track-focused handling that was more than a match for the best Japan could offer. Thanks to its Öhlins suspension and Brembo brakes, in 2012 the R model took this ability to another stratospheric level.
Proper pogos
Far from just bling bolt-ons, the Öhlins suspension really enhances the Daytona’s handling – both on the road and track. And that’s the thing about quality suspension, when done right it is far more than just some eye candy.
What the Öhlins units on the 675R bring is a level of damping that although firmer than that of the stocker’s Kayaba units, is never harsh or jolting, instead it is plush and seems to allow the
bike to gently flow over bumps. The NIX30 cartridges in the forks are absolutely top-draw components and so is the TTX36 shock, which goes a long way to justifying the extra price of a used Daytona 675R as you know you are getting a quality product. And the same is true of its brakes with the Brembo set-up more than delivering in terms of power and performance and proving a cut above the stocker’s Nissins. What’s not to like? In the case of the Daytona 675R, very little and when Fast Bikes tested it in 2012 itt scoredscoed a veryey impressivepesse 100 out of 10 in a group test and easily topped the supersport tree. And in the current used market it remains a very tempting prospect.
Splash that cash
While prices for used Daytona 675Rs are fairly high at between £6,500 and £7,500, that is only about £1,000 more than a stock 675 and you are getting so much more bike for your money.
Okay, the R lacks any engine upgrades, but the triple motor is pretty faultless as standard. However there is one slight cloud on the 675R’s horizon – the updated model…
The 2013 Daytona 675 took the alreadya fantastic 675 base and made it even better, adding ABS as well as a new chassis and engine to the party. In terms of p erformance and handling it is,
nsurprisingly a step ahead of th he older generation. Does this mean it is the model to go for in n the used market? There is so omething really cool about the ol lder Daytona’s styling with it ts underseat pipe and narrow
hysique and this, added to a sa aving in the region of £1,000 for
ot getting the latest generation, st till makes the 2012 Daytona 75R the one Fast Bikes would go o for. Not only this, its short li fespan gives it a degree of addedad exclusivity – what more justification for buying one do you need?