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2004 Triumph Daytona 600 – Bob Pickett finds a bike that is perhaps more relevant now than when it was in production

With thanks to Johns of Romford, Rush Green branch for the loan of the bike

2004 Triumph Daytona 600 - is it me, or does it look like a Pokemon? If ever there was a bike that appeared at the wrong moment, it was the Daytona 600. Brought in to replace the widely slated TT600, Triumph’s revamped middleweight sportsbike appeared, to a lot of praise. Unfortunately, shortly afterwards, Honda released the CBR600RR – a bike so good it won the next SIX World Supersport championships!

So the 600 was killed off, replaced by 650 version that also bit the bullet not long after.

So in 2004, the Daytona 600 was beaten by a quantum leap forwards. Half a dozen or so years later, do we care? We borrowed a 2004 model from John’s of Romford, Rush Green branch, for sale at £3,799 with just 7,600 miles under it’s belt – effectively (in terms of miles) two years old for a spot under four grand? Looking at it in those terms, well worth checking out.

In cosmetic terms, the Daytona looks more up to date now than perhaps it did when it was still in production. The single-colour paint job gives the Daytona a contemporary look (consider the plain black schemes on a lot of sportsbikes).

On first sitting on the Triumph and wrapping myself round the tank, I thought “Oh no, not another sportsbike made for no-one larger than Danny Pedrosa”. But the Daytona is a deceptive beast and in fact gives a lot more space than looks and initial feel suggest. After a couple of hours in the saddle, I was able to get off the bike and walk about – in strict contrast to the CBR600RR I rode, where I was barely able to move after the same time riding.

Talking riding, time to get to the important part of the review. The Daytona carries weight high on the bike, meaning it tips into corners with the slightest pressure on the bars. The balance of this is that it is not a stable bike. Add this to the engine being very much of it’s time – so wanting a lot of revs (all about the top end, with nothing much happening under 6K) and the Triumph is not a good down bike.

2004 Triumph Daytona 600 - Get it on the road and any perceptions go out the window But get it out on the open road and things change. This engine wants to be worked hard, rewarding being revved aggressively (8K and up please, best into 5 figures) with a harsh snarl as the Triumph comes to life, driving forward with purpose.

Push the bike hard, and the handling comes into it’s own. The taught frame and firm suspension let you throw the bike about with ease, not having to back off but just enjoy the experience. Backroads are great fun, the Daytona allows you to pick your spot accurately and rapidly. Though the perception of ‘rapid’ is an odd one on the Daytona 600, as somehow it gave the impression of going faster than I really was – perhaps handy as it might just save your licence!

Riding at speed isn’t an issue for the rider. Triumph spent significant time in the wind tunnel to develop the fairing – and it shows. The wind passes round the rider, making even extended periods at pace comfortable and enjoyable.

But when you do need to scrub off the speed, the brakes do not let you down. They’re just about powerful enough to match the performance, but with a decent level of feel; firm squeezing on the lever provides firm but controlled braking.

2004 Triumph Daytona 600 - don't expect instant feedback from the clocks, tucked away as they are Downsides? The gearbox is not precise – finding neutral can be an onerous task. The mirrors are, frankly, hopeless – unless you like looking at your shoulders. The sidestand was a constant exercise in nerves, as I was convinced it was going to spring up as soon as I looked away. And the clocks are not the easiest to read and are buried underneath the screen. Feedback from the clocks should be quick and easy… and it isn’t on this bike.

Verdict: But that detracts from all that is good and enjoyable about this bike. If you are looking for a sporty bike that corners like a dream, but actually wants it’s rider to be in a state of comfort while they go about the business of cornering and riding, then the Daytona is well worth a look. It would be an ideal trackday bike, or perhaps a weekend warrior allowing you to ride to your favourite set of roads, but still be in a fit state to enjoy them when you get there. As an everyday bike, it wouldn’t be ideal (town work is hard work), but in the right conditions mentioned above, six or seven years after they stopped making them, the Daytona 600 is perhaps more of a valid choice now than it was then.

Thanks again to Johns of Romford, Rush Green branch for the initial loan of the bike

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