Motorcycle specifications Triumph955i DAYTONA 2002 ''A little sushi, my lord?''

The Daytona (T 595) had its own personality, a blend of charm and uniqueness, in the circle of big sports cars. A velvety design combined with an intoxicating 3-cylinder engine. But there was still some way to go before teasing the R1 and CBR. Not one to hold a grudge, the British engineers worked Japanese-style. They added horsepower and removed weight. First target: the fairing. All new, it saves over 1 kg and now looks strangely like... an old 900 CBR. Not a copy-paste, but "disturbing". In terms of power, the cylinder head and intake have been extensively reworked, resulting in a 19hp gain. At 149 hp for 188 kgs, the Daytona is very respectable. This makes it the most powerful European model on the market. On closer inspection, the Daytona alternates between tradition and astonishment. Tubular perimeter frame, little English flag; it's pleasant. R1-style speedometer block, Fireblade look, disappearance of the single-arm; we're a little sulky. But the soul of the Daytona, its 3 legs, has no intention of leaving its tongue in its pocket.
In addition to its typical, captivating sound, you'll be exhilarated by the sound of the airbox's inverted intake ducts. Before unleashing the watts, we get our bearings on the machine. The firm seat has been moved up a notch on the new bike, and the repositioned half-guidelines provide more pronounced support. On the attack, the work done on the geometry pays off immediately: the machine is much more agile than the old one. It's still not the best in its class, but with a refined fuel tank and a more racing riding position, it's immediately easier to corner. Excellent on the road, the bike hasn't yet lost enough weight to take on the track stars.

but once again, the magic of the 955 block is at work. Its 3-cylinder architecture gives it a wide range of use, offering more flexibility than a twin, as well as substantial torque at low revs - slightly less present than before. Powerful and lively at the revs, you can feel that the boiler is packed with watts. To calm it down, the Daytona uses the same recipes that have become its destiny: a front brake that is full of qualities, and a rear that is catastrophic. The combination of good damping and a rigorous chassis provides good stability. But if you're too generous on the throttle, you'll need to hold the reins firmly, as you'll soon find yourself widening your trajectory.
All in all, the Daytona has come a long way. Its aesthetics may upset those who favor cultural exceptionalism. Is Triumph right to draw inspiration from "sake bottles", knowing that its sports car doesn't taste like one, and that the intoxication is "briefly" different? For the nostalgic, the Centenary version is adorned in an English green to great effect, but above all features the superb single-arm of the T 595.

M.B
(inspired by T. Baujard's article - Moto-journal n° 1 472
manufacturer's photos)