2004 Triumph Daytona Review

For the 2004 model year, British automaker Triumph Motorcycles had two versions of its Daytona supersport bike in the market: the Daytona 600 and Daytona 955i. In retrospect, both were facing the end of their respective production cycles; 2004 would mark the last model year of the former, and the latter will be discontinued two years later. Nevertheless, up to that point in Daytona production history, the 2004 model year was the most advanced version of the nameplate yet.

Powering each model of the 2004 Triumph Daytona is a liquid-cooled, horizontal in-line engine, with a four-intake-valve-per-cylinder configuration. The specifications, however, differ according to model. The engine on the Daytona 600 is a four-cylinder unit that displaces at 599 cubic centimeters (cc) and generates 110 horsepower at 12,750 revolutions per minute and 51 lb-ft of torque at 11,000 rpm. Although the engine on the Daytona 955i has one less cylinder than the one on the Daytona 600, it is the larger and more powerful unit: displacing 955 cubic centimeters and pumping out 147 horsepower at 10,700 rpm and 74 lb-ft at 8200 rpm.

Paired with a six-speed manual transmission, the engine on the 2004 Triumph Daytona uses fuel injection and is accompanied by an electric starter. Bore and stroke and compression ratio measurements are 2.68 by 1.63 inches (68 by 41.3 millimeters) and 12.5 to 1 for the Daytona 600, and 3.11 by 2.56 inches (79 by 65 mm) for the 995i. The peak fuel capacity of the gas tank also differs by model: 4.7 gallons (18 liters) for the Daytona 600 and 5.5 gallons (21 liters) on the Daytona 955i.

Available in Aluminum Silver, Racing Yellow, and Tornado Red, the 2004 Triumph Daytona sports a bulging and sharp-edged plastic covering over a weight-reducing yet solid aluminum frame. The aggressive and sporty styling of the bike is only enhanced by a spoiler, and mounts at the front are in place for installing a windshield for warding off wind and flying debris. Digital instrumentation on the 2004 Daytona comprise a tachometer, trip odometer, speedometer, and fuel level warning light. Customers can also expect to see exterior halogen lighting, rearview mirrors, and ample storage space on the bike.

The length, width, height, and wheelbase of the 2004 Triumph Daytona 600 are 80.6 inches (2048.2 mm), 26 inches (660 mm), 44.7 inches (1135 mm), and 54.7 inches (1390 mm), respectively. The dry weight for the model is 363 pounds (165 kilograms). By comparison, the 2004 Daytona 955i is a larger and heavier bike: with a length of 81.6 inches (2072.6 mm), width of 28.5 inches (725 mm), height of 45.9 inches (1165 mm), wheelbase of 56.1 inches (1426 mm), and dry weight of 420 pounds (191 kg).

Considering other supersport bikes of the 2004 model year, the 2004 Triumph Daytona is far from being the best in terms of power, handling, or fuel economy. Thus it’s no surprise that Triumph eventually organized a major overhaul of the brand. The 2004 Daytona does win points, though, for being more than adequate in each of the aforementioned categories.