The 2024 Triumph Daytona 660 is a new middleweight sportbike powered by a liquid-cooled 660cc inline-Triple that makes a claimed 94 hp at 11,250 rpm, with redline at 12,650 rpm, and 51 lb-ft of torque at 8,250 rpm, with more than 80% of the torque available from 3,125 rpm. Its MSRP is $9,195.
To test the Daytona 660, we rode the bike on a variety of roads in Alicante, Spain, and we found it to be a versatile, exciting motorcycle that is affordable enough for entry-level riders but capable enough for those with more experience and buying power.
In the mid-1990s, when I cut my teeth as a motorcyclist, the Big Four Japanese manufacturers were engaged in a middleweight sportbike arms race. Every other year, each brand unveiled an updated platform, squeezing a few more ponies out of their 599cc inline-Four engine and tweaking frame geometry, suspension systems, and brakes.
As a result of this one-upmanship, middleweight sportbikes went from entry-level all-arounders to racebikes with lights and license plates. Which is great, except for the fact that only a small percentage of riders spend weekends wearing down knee pucks at the track. Add to this that a tricked-out middleweight now costs nearly what a liter-class machine does, and we arrive at something of an evolutionary dead end.
And yet here we are with a new Triumph Daytona 660. The storied British manufacturer enters the highly competitive middleweight class by hitting the reset button, aiming to produce an affordable, attractive sportbike that can handle commuting and light touring, as well as footpeg-scraping backroads and the occasional trackday. To see if they pulled it off, Triumph invited us to Alicante, Spain, for a full day of riding in everything from city traffic to mountain passes.
Inline-Triple | Triumph Daytona 660
The Daytona 660 is powered by an updated version of the engine that powers Triumph’s Trident 660 and Tiger Sport 660, and it’s a callback to the Daytona 675 that Triumph produced from 2006-2018, which was the first inline-Triple in the middleweight sportbike class. The Triple provides the best of both worlds: torque in the lower rev ranges like a Twin and ample mid- and top-end power like a Four.
The Daytona 660’s 3-cylinder mill gets a trio of new 44mm throttle bodies and larger exhaust valves, and its airflow was increased with a front-mounted intake and a larger airbox. A new crankshaft with increased gear width provides smoother revving, the pistons now feature a low-friction coating, and the radiator and fan are both larger and have been repositioned for more efficient cooling. Exhaust gasses flow through a 3-into-1 header and into an underslung silencer that produces a satisfying growl that becomes a bark with a twist of the throttle.
These upgrades result in a claimed 95 hp at 11,250 rpm, a 17% increase over the Trident 660, and the Daytona’s 12,650-rpm redline is 20% higher than the Trident’s too. The engine cranks out 51 lb-ft of torque at 8,250 rpm (9% more than the Trident), with 80% of that power on tap at only 3,125 rpm. Triumph says the Daytona 660 will get you from 0-60 in just 3.6 seconds.
At the tech briefing the night before our test ride, I got my first close look at the Daytona 660 in Satin Granite/Satin Jet Black, a color scheme that, combined with the “660” in neon green on the lower fairing, says “badass” without rubbing your nose in it. (Other colorways include Snowdonia White/Sapphire Black and Carnival Red/Sapphire Black.) The bike’s fit and finish make it look pricier than its $9,195 base price, and its styling is aggressive but exudes a bespoke elegance that stands out from its competition. Take a close look at how the fairing flows into the distinctive molding of the gas tank, or how the silencer nestles near the rear tire, and you’ll see that Triumph’s design team sweated the details. With minimal bodywork highlighting the powerplant and frame, the Daytona 660 looks impressive just leaning on its kickstand. I couldn’t wait to put some miles on it.
Capable commuter? | Triumph Daytona 660
We started our ride in morning traffic, threading through congested urban roundabouts – the first test of Triumph’s middleweight reset. Is the Daytona 660 a comfortable, capable, and intuitive commuter? It only took a few minutes on Spanish city streets to make me appreciate the availability of useful torque from low revs. Urban stop-and-go traffic is easier to navigate on a machine with a wide powerband, so you can squirt between vehicles without fiddling with the gearbox.
At low city speeds, even after shifting into a higher gear than necessary, the Daytona’s engine delivered smooth, confidence-inspiring power without the need to wind up to high rpm. The 6-speed gearbox, which has updated input/output shafts and revised gear ratios, is well-sorted. There are no annoying searches for neutral, each shift accompanied by a satisfying “snick,” and the slip/assist clutch feels light at the lever (Triumph offers an optional quickshifter for those who want to bypass the clutch).
The cockpit design is well-suited for city riding. The instrument panel, which is a hybrid LCD/TFT display, was easy to see through my tinted visor, even in bright light, and the tachometer, fuel gauge, gear indicator, and digital speedometer are clustered thoughtfully, giving me a lot of information with a quick glance down. The clip-on bars were easy on my wrists and didn’t force me to reach or crouch. Footpeg positioning was comfortable for my 6-foot frame. Likewise, the stock seat height of 31.9 inches was in the Goldilocks zone (Triumph offers a lower seat option that drops the saddle about an inch).
The Daytona 660’s engine, drivetrain, and ergonomics come together in an impressively intuitive commuter that I felt confident flinging around unfamiliar city streets on our way to the mountains to see if Triumph kept the “sport” in their new sportbike.
Into the mountains | Triumph Daytona 660
It was no accident that we were invited to ride the Daytona 660 through the mountains outside of Alicante. As we gained elevation, the beautifully engineered Spanish roads became downright exciting, with hairpins, sweepers, and significant elevation changes that put the bike’s chassis to the test. The radial 4-piston calipers, twin 310mm discs, and braided lines provided progressive, powerful braking without fading, even after miles of serpentine road.
Response from the throttle-by-wire throttle was precise and predictable. The three riding modes – Sport, Road, and Rain – each offer a different throttle response and level of traction control. Traction control can also be shut off, and a few of my fellow riders who did so had their rear tires step out on them under hard acceleration out of turns on dusty sections of road. I kept it engaged and didn’t have any such issues. In addition to traction control, the Daytona 660 is equipped with ABS, which adds to peace of mind when pushing the bike hard in the bends.
The Daytona 660’s steering geometry and stock Michelin Power 6 tires made it easy to flick through chicane-like mountain sections, and the Showa suspension – a nonadjustable 41mm inverted fork and a single rear shock with preload adjustability – kept things composed on hard braking into turns and over less-than-perfect bits of tarmac. The suspension package is not top-shelf, but it is up to the task for what most riders will ask the Daytona 660 to do: keep a big grin plastered on your face as you carve up your favorite backroads.
A great first impression | Triumph Daytona 660
The Daytona 660 won me over almost immediately. The folks at Triumph clearly spent a lot of time refining this machine, as it felt sorted out in a way that not all first-generation models do. And, as I spent more time on the bike and got a chance to uncork it on beautiful mountain roads, things just got better.
This is a powerful, agile, attractive motorcycle that ticks most of the important boxes for less than $10,000. Although our test ride kept me in the saddle for nearly eight hours, I was comfortable enough on the Daytona that I would readily sign up for touring duty, especially considering optional upgrades such as a tankbag and tailbag, heated grips, tire pressure monitoring, and the My Triumph Connectivity System that adds navigation as well as phone and music interactivity.
The Daytona 660 accomplishes what Triumph set out to do: reset the middleweight sportbike segment by offering a versatile, exciting motorcycle that is affordable enough for entry-level riders but capable enough for those with more experience and buying power. And, regardless of your moto skillset, this is a beautiful machine that outclasses the competition with design details usually reserved for pricier bikes. While this may not be the bike for riders who spend lots of time at their local track, that isn’t Triumph’s target audience. I hope Rider gets a Daytona 660 for a longer-term test, because the taste of this bike that I got in Spain left me wanting more.
Celebrating Triumph’s rich racing history is the new 2025 Triumph Trident 660 Tribute Special Edition, which features a race-inspired graphic scheme, Triumph Shift Assist, and a flyscreen.
The modern Triumph Trident 660 debuted for model year 2021 with a name brought back to commemorate Triumph’s first triple-cylinder motorcycle launched in 1968. A racing Trident called “Slippery Sam” claimed five consecutive Isle of Mann Production TT wins from 1971-1975, and this Tribute version for 2025 pays special homage to the Trident’s racing history.
“Since its launch in 2020, this middleweight roadster has reinvigorated this highly competitive category, selling more than 35,600 units worldwide,” said Paul Stroud, chief commercial officer for Triumph Motorcycles. “Its triple engine and premium detailing at a great price has been successful in bringing younger and new riders to Triumph, and just as ‘Slippery Sam’ once inspired a generation, we believe this special edition has the iconic style, extra technology, and dynamic performance to appeal to today’s Triumph fans.”
The Trident 660 is powered by a liquid-cooled 660cc Triple that makes a claimed 80 hp at 10,250 rpm and 47 lb-ft of torque at 6,250 rpm. It has a seat height of 31.7 inches and a weight of 416 lb. Throttle-by-wire allows two ride modes (Road and Rain), and it comes with ABS, switchable traction control, and a combined TFT and LCD display.
Suspension is supplied by Showa, with a 41mm inverted separate-function fork delivering 4.7 inches of travel and a preload-adjustable monoshock with 5.3 inches of travel. Nissin brake calipers grip 310mm discs in the front and a 255mm disc in the rear, and the bike rides on 17-inch cast-aluminum wheels wrapped in Michelin Road 5 tires.
The 2025 Triumph Trident 660 Tribute Special Edition adds a white, blue, and red graphic scheme inspired by “Slippery Sam,” as well as a Number 67 race graphic, a flyscreen, and Triumph Shift Assist, which enables clutchless up and down gear changes with an autoblipper on downshifts for smoother changes.
The 2025 Triumph Trident 660 Tribute Special Edition will be available for one year only with an MSRP of $8,595. It will arrive in dealerships starting April 2024. Visit the Triumph website for more information.
To celebrate 20 years of the Rocket 3, a muscle bike with the largest engine in a production motorcycle, Triumph has unveiled the 2025 Triumph Rocket 3 Storm R and Rocket 3 Storm GT. Their 2,458cc in-line Triple cranks out even more power – up 15 ponies to a massive 180 hp and 166 lb-ft of torque (up 3). They also feature lighter wheels, blacked-out styling, and dark color schemes.
When we tested a 2023 Triumph Rocket 3 R, we said it is “all about heart-pumping stimulation. It’s the sort of bike you lie awake at night and think about, triangulating a plan to get one into your garage. Just as Sméagol was corrupted by the Ring, the Rocket 3 will take over your thoughts and make you do naughty things. If you want to be King of the Road, there’s nothing else like it.”
The two versions of the Rocket 3 Storm, R and GT, share many similarities, with most differences between the two lying in the ergonomics and paint. The R is the roadster option with a seat height of 30.4 inches and mid-position foot controls with two settings that offer 0.6 inch of vertical adjustment.
The GT version is more touring-focused with the handlebar grips 5 inches back compared to the R, a more upright riding position, a sculpted touring rider seat set at 29.5 inches and a more generously padded passenger seat compared to the R’s, with an adjustable passenger backrest. The GT also features forward foot controls with 2 inches of adjustment over three horizontal settings.
The Rocket 3’s 16-inch rear and 17-inch front wheels have been updated with a 10-spoke cast-aluminum design to reduce unsprung mass for better steering response. These two models keep their lightweight aluminum frame that uses cast and forged elements. The bikes have 4.75-gallon fuel tanks (now with the Storm name on it), and they weigh in at 705 lb for the Rocket 3 Storm R and 699 lb for the Rocket 3 Storm GT.
Slowing down these massively powered motorcycles are Brembo Stylema calipers biting two 320mm discs up front and a Brembo M4.32 4-piston radial monoblock rear caliper pinching a 300mm disc in the rear. Suspension comes from a Showa monoshock with piggyback reservoir that’s fully adjustable and 47mm Showa forks that are adjustable for rebound and compression damping.
Completing the package is a suite of rider aids and technology as standard. The Rocket 3 Storm R and GT come with lean-sensitive cornering ABS, traction control, Ride-by-Wire, a Torque Assist clutch, Hill Hold, four ride modes (Road, Rain, Sport, Rider-configurable), cruise control, a keyless ignition and steering lock, and a USB charging socket. Instrumentation comes in the form of a color TFT operated by a five-way back-lit joystick and with two information layout design themes.
Riders can choose to outfit their Rocket 3 Storm R or GT with the optional Quickshifter or any of the 50 Genuine Triumph Accessories, including foot controls, seats, plug-and-play tech, styling parts, and others.
The 2025 Rocket 3 Storm R will be available in Carnival Red with Sapphire Black, Satin Pacific Blue with Matte Sapphire Black, or Sapphire Black with Granite for $24,995. The 2025 Rocket 3 Storm GT will be available in the same colors but with the color split of the tank reversed, retailing for $29,795.
Triumph’s new entry-level machines – the 2024 Triumph Speed 400 and Scrambler 400X – are powered by a liquid-cooled 398cc Single with a 4-valve DOHC cylinder head and have claimed wet weights below 400 lb, making them the smallest and least expensive Triumphs we’ve seen in decades. Similarities between these two Modern Classics are the swingarm, switchgear, display, and 3.4-gallon fuel tank; however, beyond that, the Speed 400 follows in the footsteps of the Speed Twin 900 and 1200 with a roadster aesthetic, while the Scrambler offers the potential for light off-roading with longer suspension, off-road-capable tires, a wider and taller handlebar, and other extras.
To test the bikes, we headed to Spain to attend Triumph’s press launch, swapping between the bikes throughout the day as we rode through city traffic and up into the mountains north of Valencia, even tackling a short gravel section. Watch the video below to see the 2024 Triumph Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 X in action, and read our full review here.
Triumph Motorcycles has announced its 2024 Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Explorer and Tiger 1200 Rally Explorer models, which include further refinements to the engine, enhanced comfort and ergonomics, improved cornering clearance, reduced seat height with Active Preload Reduction as standard, and new colors. The GT Pro and Rally Pro models will not be available in the U.S. market for 2024.
At the unveiling of the new bikes, Triumph’s Global Product Marketing Manager James Wood said that, similar to the recent changes made to the Tiger 900 line, when it came to the 2024 Triumph Tiger 1200, the company is “constantly looking for ways to improve and refine our bikes and always looking to make them better for our riders.”
The Tiger 1200 line still features the liquid-cooled, transverse inline-Triple with DOHC and 4 valves per cylinder and a T-plane crankshaft with a 1-3-2 firing order. The irregular firing sequence gives the engine the feel and tractable response of a Twin down low and the sporty character of a Triple from the midrange to redline. In our 2023 Tiger 1200 GT Pro review, the Jett Tuning dyno showed 130.2 hp at 9,100 rpm and 81.8 lb-ft of torque at 7,000 rpm to the rear wheel through the bike’s shaft final drive.
When asked at the unveiling if Triumph had considered changing the engine configuration, Wood said the T-plane was a “very conscientious decision … because of the extra character it gives you and because of the extra tractability it gives you at low rpm.”
“That is absolutely something that we love about this bike and something we know that customers love about this bike too,” he said. “So it was never an option to be changed to anything else. It’s a really nice engine, especially for adventure-style riding.”
For the 2024 model, Triumph has made further changes to the crankshaft, alternator rotor, and balancer to increase engine inertia, plus some associated engine calibration changes, all with the goal of a smoother and more precise low-rev torque delivery. Triumph says customers will be able to feel the increased smoothness while accelerating or decelerating, especially at low speeds, and that an updated clutch design will create smoother engagement when changing into first gear.
Both Triumph Tiger 1200 Explorer models still feature Brembo Stylema braking components, with dual 4-piston monoblock radial front calipers clamping down on 320mm floating discs and a 1-piston rear caliper and 298mm disc. Cornering ABS is standard, as is cornering traction control. The Showa semi-active suspension system has On-Road and Off-Road damping modes, with nine settings ranging from Sport to Comfort within each mode, as well as automatic rear preload adjustment. Travel is 7.9 inches front and rear. The Tiger 1200 Rally Explorer rides on tubeless spoked wheels (21-inch front, 18-inch rear), and the GT Explorer features cast aluminum wheels (19-inch front, 18-inch rear).
The seat on both bikes has been redesigned with a flatter profile, providing more space for the rider, and the accessory low seat reduces the seat height by 0.8 inch from 33.5 inches to 32.7 inches on the GT Explorer and from 34.5 inches to 33.7 inches on the Rally Explorer. Seat height is reduced an additional 0.78 inch by the new Active Preload Reduction feature, which was revealed in August 2023 and offers the rider greater confidence by reducing the rear suspension preload as the Tiger 1200 slows to a stopsimply by pressing the ‘Home’ button on the switch cube for one second.
The cornering clearance of the Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Explorer model has been increased by lifting the footpeg position and moving them closer to the bike, and a longer clutch lever has also been introduced, providing increased space for riders’ fingers, adding further comfort especially on longer journeys.
The Tiger 1200 Explorer technology package includes the Triumph Blind Spot Radar System, 7-inch TFT instrumentation with integrated My Triumph Connectivity System, Shift Assist, heated grips and seats, tire pressure monitoring, Hill Hold, and a keyless system that includes ignition, steering lock, and fuel cap.
Both variants of the Triumph Tiger 1200 Explorer models will be available with new colors for 2024. The GT Explorer will be available in Carnival Red, as well as the previous options of Snowdonia White and Sapphire Black. Pricing starts at $23,795. The Rally Explorer will be available in the new Matte Sandstorm and Jet Black options, as well as the popular Matte Khaki. Pricing starts at $24,895.
Prospective Triumph motorcycle owners need no longer pay their dues by wrestling large-displacement bikes until they build their riding skills. Instead, they can save their skin and wallets by honing their skills on Triumph’s new entry-level machines. Powered by 398cc Singles and with claimed wet weights below 400 lb, the new Triumph Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 X are the smallest and least expensive Triumphs we’ve seen in decades, paving the way for newer riders looking for an affordable and manageable first or second bike.
While these two Modern Classics share engines, they have different chassis and ergonomics and offer different riding experiences, giving riders two options to choose the bike that best fits their needs. The Speed 400 follows in the footsteps of the Speed Twin 900 and 1200 with a roadster aesthetic, while the Scrambler offers the potential for light off-roading with longer suspension, off-road-capable tires, a wider and taller handlebar, and other extras.
When crafting small-displacement machines meant to draw in new riders, Triumph assessed what new riders value most. Beginner-friendly models need to draw the eye with an attractive attitude, they need to feel forgiving and easy to ride, and they need to have a pricetag that isn’t out of reach for the target customer. Triumph has struck this balance, offering the Speed 400 for $4,495 and the Scrambler 400 X for $5,595.
The engine powering both models is the new TR-Series liquid-cooled 398cc Single with a 4-valve DOHC cylinder head. Triumph claims 39.5 hp at 8,000 rpm and 27.7 lb-ft of torque at 6,500 rpm. Other similarities between the Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 X are the swingarm, switchgear, display, and 3.4-gallon fuel tank.
The differences between the two models begin in the chassis. They both have a tubular-steel frame with a bolt-on rear subframe, but the Scrambler 400 X features a longer wheelbase of 55.8 inches (compared to the Speed’s 54.2 inches) thanks to a different headstock. Both feature a 43mm inverted fork and a preload-adjustable monoshock, but the 400 X has longer suspension travel, with 5.9 inches front and rear compared to the Speed’s 5.5 inches front and 5.1 inches in the rear.
The Speed gets 17-inch wheels while the Scrambler has a 19-inch front and a 17-inch rear. The Scrambler’s front brake disc is larger than the Speed’s at 320mm compared to 300mm, both pinched by a 4-piston caliper. Both bikes get a 230mm rear disc paired with a 1-piston caliper.
These differences between the Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 X are noticeable as soon as you swing a leg over them. The Speed 400’s 31.1-inch seat height is an easier reach for those of us with short inseams, and it also features an upright and comfortable riding position but allows the rider to more easily tuck into a sporty position when the speed picks up.
In contrast, the Scrambler uses a wider and taller handlebar, a taller seat height (32.9 inches), and lower pegs, resulting in an overall roomier feel. The Speed 400 has a claimed wet weight of 375 lb, while the Scrambler 400 X has a wet weight of 395 lb.
To get a taste for how the Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 X perform, and to be able to compare them back-to-back, we hopped on a flight to Spain to attend Triumph’s press launch. During the riding day, we swapped between the bikes as we rode through city traffic and up into the mountains north of Valencia, even tackling a short gravel section.
I started on the Speed 400, drawn to its shorter seat height and more classic appearance. As we rolled down Valencia’s streets, I found the Speed 400 to be an adept city bike. Short gearing allows for reasonably quick acceleration, and the brakes were capable of shedding speed quickly when approaching a stop. The Speed is also quite nimble, aiding in low-speed maneuverability.
We then headed north into the mountains. The 398cc Single ran like a champ, eating up miles of curvy roads. Power was available for a spirited ride, but the delivery was smooth and even, perhaps making things a little less thrilling for veteran journalists but allowing for a controllable ride for newer riders. The Speed 400 was easy to flick into curves, and tucking down delivered a more engaging experience.
After a quick stop for a cup of café con leche, we were ready to continue farther into the mountains. The Speed 400’s suspension was pleasantly plush for soaking up any inconsistencies in the road, although it allowed the front end to dive when braking at speed. If a curve turned out to be tighter than expected, smooth and even braking was called for to slow the bike without pitching too far into the curve. Past 75 mph or so, the engine gets a little buzzy, but the power is still there, and we didn’t reach max speed during the ride. The engine’s sweet spot is around 4,000-7,000 rpm, and the exhaust has a pleasing note.
Before we knew it, our stomachs were signaling lunch, and we parked the bikes in front of a family-owned restaurant in a small hillside town. We enjoyed some paella, had another cup of coffee, and then headed out on the Scrambler 400 X.
The first thing I noticed while mounting the Scrambler was that the 32.9-inch seat height was quite a stretch for my 5-foot-1 height. Newer riders who are closer to my size will struggle with this taller seat height, but it seemed to be quite manageable for the other journalists who were a few inches taller than I am. The Scrambler 400 X offers a roomier cockpit with its taller and wider handlebar and lower footpegs. Even though I had a long stretch to the ground, I found the seating position of the Scrambler more comfortable for all-day riding than its Speed sibling.
The engine hasn’t been changed for use in either model, although the X has slightly taller gearing. While the Speed encourages spirited riding, the Scrambler prioritizes comfort. The Scrambler’s larger front wheel meant it didn’t lean into curves quite as gracefully as the Speed, but the wider handlebar helped provide the needed leverage to keep pace with the riders aboard Speeds.
Both models feature ABS and switchable traction control, and the Scrambler adds an off-road mode and the ability to disable ABS. We only got a brief off-road experience with the Scrambler, but it proved capable of being up for some light off-roading. It wouldn’t be our first pick to tackle serious trails, but Scrambler owners need not worry about taking a dirt or gravel shortcut should the need arise.
Aside from the off-road riding mode, the Scrambler 400 X offers a few other upgrades not present on the Speed 400. Adding to the bike’s scrambler styling and capabilities are protection for the headlight and radiator, handguards, a handlebar brace with pad, and a longer rear fender, all of which provide a little more peace-of-mind for those looking to venture off the pavement.
Instrumentation is the same on both models and consists of a round analog speedometer with an integrated LCD screen that shows a tachometer, fuel level, and a gear indicator. On the right side of the instrumentation is a USB-C charging port, a convenient feature if you like to ride with your phone mounted on the handlebar. The display is also set up to show heated grip info for those who add that accessory. The instrumentation is simple yet intuitive.
Triumph has a reputation for quality and sophistication, so seeing models that are priced several thousand dollars below any other on-road model in the Triumph lineup led us to wonder if the lower price would reveal itself in lower quality components or poorer fit and finish. We’re happy to report that these two models look and feel like quality products that we’d expect from Triumph.
They were created in a partnership with Bajaj Auto in India, and Triumph told us that the bikes are selling well in India for those who want something more premium than the 125-150cc bikes often seen on Indian streets. The bikes are manufactured by Bajaj, as well as in Triumph factories in Thailand and Brazil.
It’s hard not to become dismayed when prices seem to be increasing everywhere you look, and motorcycles are no exception. Many bikes are becoming bigger with more technology and more features, which is exciting for customers with deep pockets, but they are receding farther out of reach for many buyers, especially younger riders.
On U.S. shores, these models will arrive in dealerships in early March. The Speed 400 has an MSRP of $4,995, and the Scrambler 400 X is priced at $5,595. Color options for the Speed 400 are Phantom Black, Carnival Red, or Caspian Blue. Colors for the Scrambler 400 X are Phantom Black and Silver Ice, Carnival Red and Phantom Black, or Matte Khaki Green and Fusion White.
It’s refreshing to see Triumph providing more accessible options that are affordable and inviting while still delivering the quality and riding experience of a premium brand. We’ll see how they catch on in the U.S. once they start arriving at dealers, but we expect them to draw serious attention and bring in a new customer base for Triumph.
We’re at the 2024 American International Motorcycle Exposition (AIMExpo) in Las Vegas, where nearly 200 vendors from around the world are displaying the latest motorcycles and products to dealers, media, and other industry insiders. Here are 21 cool new motorcycles we’ve seen at the show.
Triumph has mastered the art of efficient motorcycle design. One engine – a liquid-cooled 1,200cc parallel-Twin with SOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, and a 270-degree crankshaft – powers a diverse range of retro-styled models in the company’s lineup, including the Bonneville T120 retro standard, Speed Twin 1200 roadster, Bonneville Bobber, Bonneville Speedmaster cruiser, Thruxton RS cafe racer, and Triumph Scrambler 1200 X and XE. Different engine tuning and unique styling, chassis, exhausts, and features give each model a distinctive sound, character, and feel.
We’ve reviewed all of them over the years (most recently the Bonneville Bobber), and Triumph kicked off the first week of 2024 by hosting a launch for the updated Scrambler 1200 XE and new Scrambler 1200 X in Borrego Springs, California, a small town surrounded by the 1,000-square-mile Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.
Triumph introduced the Scrambler 1200 platform for 2019, and it offered something few production scramblers did: genuine off-road capability. Whereas many scramblers are often styling exercises, the two Scrambler 1200 models – the base XC and the up-spec XE – were equipped with an Off-Road riding mode, tubeless spoked wheels with a 21-inch front, and ample suspension travel: 7.9 inches on the XC and 9.8 inches on the XE. Such tall suspension resulted in tall seat heights: 33.1 inches on the XC and 34.25 inches on the XE. While the XE had more bells and whistles than the XC, both models were more alike than different in terms of specification and price.
For 2024, Triumph has broadened the appeal of the platform by replacing the XC with the Scrambler 1200 X, which has a more accessible seat and a different specification that allowed Triumph to hit a lower price point: $13,595, which is $1,150 less than the 2023 XC. Although the XE has been updated and retains a high level of specification, its $15,295 MSRP is $900 cheaper than last year’s model.
On the X, a lower 32.3-inch seat height was achieved by reducing suspension travel from 7.9 to 6.7 inches, and an accessory low seat can drop it to 31.3 inches. The X’s lower price point is mostly the result of changes in suspension and brakes. Whereas the previous XC and XE both had fully adjustable suspension front and rear, with a Showa fork and Öhlins dual rear shocks, the 2024 models are equipped with Marzocchi suspension that offers full adjustability on the XE but only rear preload adjustability on the X. The former XC and XE both had Brembo M50 radial monoblock front calipers, while the new X has Nissin axial calipers and the XE now has Brembo Stylema calipers.
Previously, the XC and XE were both equipped with ABS and traction control, but only on the XE were both riding aids lean-angle-sensitive. For 2024, both the X and XE have cornering-optimized ABS and traction control, with a dedicated Off-Road ABS mode that turns anti-lock braking off at the rear and adds the ability to switch traction control off.
As before, both models have throttle-by-wire and multiple ride modes – Sport, Road, Rain, Off-Road, and Rider (customizable) – that adjust throttle response, ABS, and traction control settings. The XE also has an Off-Road Pro mode that disables ABS and TC completely. All modes are selectable on the fly except Off-Road and Off-Road Pro, which require the bike to be stationary.
Let’s Go Riding! | Triumph Scrambler 1200
In late 2018, I flew to Portugal for the press launch of the first-gen Scrambler 1200, which included two days of on- and off-road riding. I spent most of my time on the XE, and I was impressed with how capable and versatile the bike was. Triumph loves to host press launches on the Iberian Peninsula because Portugal and Spain have fantastic riding and generally mild weather during the late fall and winter months. Contributing editor Kevin Duke flew to Spain last December for the Tiger 900 launch, and other Rider staffers and contributors will be heading to Spain in the coming weeks for other Triumph launches.
Because North America got the Scrambler 1200 X and XE later than Europe (bikes are arriving in dealerships now), Triumph America hosted a launch on domestic soil, and it couldn’t have picked a better location than Borrego Springs. The town sits in a desert valley that’s surrounded by high mountains on three sides, and just a few miles to the west is the Ocotillo Wells off-highway riding area (and beyond it is the Salton Sea, California’s largest lake).
On the third day of 2024, still fat and happy from the holidaze, I saddled on up a Scrambler 1200 X for the street ride. The long, flat bench seat accepted my bulk without complaint, and the handlebar, which is 2.6 inches narrower than the one on the XE, was at an agreeable height. Perched atop the bar is a single round instrument that combines a monochrome digital display at the top and a color TFT at the bottom. It was a cool morning, in the upper 50s, and the X was equipped with accessory handguards but not accessory heated grips. Luckily, I was wearing Fly Racing Ignitor Pro battery-powered heated gloves.
Firing up the bike, the parallel-Twin’s 270-degree crank produced a lively, rumbling exhaust note. The 1,200cc mill has a unique “high power” scrambler tune that makes a claimed 89 hp at 7,000 rpm and 81 lb-ft of torque at 4,250 rpm. For 2024, Triumph switched from dual 45mm throttle bodies to a single 50mm throttle body and revised the exhaust header for improved flow, which broadens the spread of torque in the upper rev range.
We hustled our way up San Diego County Road S22, a dramatic, winding byway that climbs from 600 feet to more than 4,000 feet in 10 miles. Because we’d be riding off-road during the launch, all the test bikes were fitted with Michelin Anakee Wild 50/50 adventure tires, which are OE-approved for both the X and XE (standard fitment are Michelin Karoo Street tires on the X and Metzeler Tourance on the XE). Riding at a spirited pace, the Scrambler 1200 X comported itself with reassuring stability and reasonable agility, but in tight corners I found myself dragging the footpegs sooner than expected.
Reaching the mountain pass, we were greeted by dark clouds and steady winds, and soon we were riding in cold rain. Damn. The same thing happened during the Scrambler 1200 street ride in Portugal, but at least this time I was wearing waterproof apparel. Our planned ride to the top of Mount Palomar was scrubbed because it was socked in with fog and getting covered in snow. After an extended coffee break to dry out and warm up, we retreated to Borrego Springs for a hot shower and lunch.
In the afternoon, we charged back up S22 for photos, which gave me an opportunity to ride the XE. Its wider handlebar opens the cockpit, a configuration that better suits my simian arms, and the taller suspension adds valuable cornering clearance. The additional suspension stroke results in more squat under acceleration and more dive under hard braking, but the chassis pitch is smooth and predictable. The Brembo Stylema calipers – some of the best binders in the biz – ratcheted up power and feedback at the front lever.
Dry, warmer roads allowed us to push the Scramblers harder in the afternoon than we did in the morning. The pleasantly lumpy Twin provided reliable grunt at nearly any rpm, and gear changes felt as light and smooth as buttercream thanks to the slip/assist clutch.
Let’s Scramble! | Triumph Scrambler 1200
After dinner at Carlee’s, an old-school dive bar and grill in the heart of Borrego Springs, we awoke the next morning to bluebird skies. The ride leader for my group on both days was none other than Jeff “Six Time” Stanton, who won six AMA 250cc motocross and supercross championships between 1989-1992. He now runs Jeff Stanton Adventures, a Michigan-based ADV training and touring company that uses Triumph Tigers and Scramblers. During the pre-ride briefing before our off-road ride on Day 2, he assured us that the route would be a walk in the park, which for a middling off-road rider like me meant it would be challenging. We were in the desert, which meant sand. Lots and lots of sand.
Within a few minutes of leaving the hotel, we turned off the pavement and onto a sandy track. We paused briefly to switch over to off-road riding modes. I was on the XE and selected Off-Road, which turns off rear ABS and reduces traction control intervention. In the soft stuff, the TC light kept flashing and killing my drive. After struggling for about a mile, I stopped and realized I was still in Road mode. On the Scrambler 1200s, the mode button must be cycled to select the desired mode, and then the menu joystick must be pressed to confirm the change. I had overlooked that second step. Frustrated as I was by the TC intervention, I selected (and confirmed) Off-Road Pro mode (all nannies off, game on) and pinned it.
In no time, I was up on the pegs, elbows out, gassing my way down sandy two-track and wide-open washes doing my best impression of Malcolm Smith, and having the time of my life. Sand is one of those surfaces that, if you can accept it rather than fight it and embrace the “gas on, brain off” riding style, brings special rewards. Keeping a light grip on the handlebar and bodyweight to the rear, letting the front tire float and find its way, and steering by weighting the pegs allows the bike to glide over the sand. At just over 500 lb wet, the Scrambler 1200 XE is more than twice the weight of dirtbikes that typically ply sandy trails, but with enough speed, it becomes a true desert sled.
After the sandy washes of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, we entered the Ocotillo Wells OHV area and chased each other across sandy plains through Devil’s Slide, up and down steep hills and ridges near Shell Reef, and north through a rocky, hilly landscape to the Badlands. After working our way through the Arroyo Salado sand wash, we entered the tight, narrow, winding Tierra Del Sol canyon, which wasn’t much wider than the deeply rutted two-track trail at the bottom. We carved our way along the ruts like following a narrow bobsled chute, keeping our speed up to avoid getting bogged down in the sand.
By that time, we’d been riding for a few hours, and I was getting fatigued. A last-second twitch of the bars to dodge a big, embedded stone put me on a collision course with another one. I took a low-speed digger into the sand, which was a relief because it gave me a chance to catch my breath. Right behind me was Fred Britton, lead instructor at Jeff Stanton Adventures, who had been on my six riding a 650-lb Triumph Tiger 1200 Rally Explorer, making it look easy. He helped me pick up the fallen XE and encouraged me by saying “You’re doing great!”
After climbing back on the XE and climbing out of the canyon, we did photo passes on a jeep hill with sandy approaches. During all photo stops, we did passes on both the X and the XE, which provided an opportunity for quick back-to-back comparisons. Launching them off a jump gave me more appreciation for the additional suspension on the XE to absorb big hits and landings, but I also liked the extra steering leverage of its wider handlebar.
Which is Better? | Triumph Scrambler 1200
After the morning’s off-road ride, our big group crowded around a long table in a dark, dingy back room at Alamo Mexican Restaurant in Salton City for lunch. Over stale chips and watery salsa, everyone talked loudly and excitedly about the ride, the route, the challenges, the fun, and how well the Scrambler 1200s performed. While most preferred the XE for the off-road portion of the ride, some appreciated its more compact feel and lower center of gravity.
Based purely on the riding experience, I’d pick the XE over the X. Its larger size better suits my large frame, and its additional cornering clearance on the street and extra suspension stroke in the dirt are big bonuses. Its top-shelf brakes, Off-Road Pro mode, and up-spec full TFT display also make it more desirable. But for those who spend most of their time on pavement and wants or needs the lower seat height, then the X will better fit their needs – and they’ll save $1,700.
Regardless of model, what I’ve loved about the Scrambler 1200 platform since it was first unveiled in 2018 is its drop-dead gorgeous styling. With its high pipes, round headlight, sculpted tank, bench seat, and spoked wheels, it has the undeniable magnetism of a classic. But hidden beneath the surface is a full-on adventure bike equipped with the latest tech. Without the physical and visual bulk of the bodywork that most Transformer-like ADVs have, the Scrambler 1200 looks and feels lighter while also conveying a carefree spirit.
Following up on the success of Triumph’s other middleweights, including the Trident 660 roadster and the Tiger Sport 660 adventure sport-tourer, Triumph has revealed a new Triple-powered middleweight sportbike for 2024, the Triumph Daytona 660.
At the unveiling of the Daytona 660, Alastair Fairgrieve, Triumph’s global product marketing manager, said the name was originally chosen to honor Buddy Elmore’s victory on a Triumph in the 1966 Daytona 200, where Elmore came from the 46th on the grid to win the race.
The name has appeared in various iterations of Triumph motorcycles over the subsequent years and returns in 2024 with the Daytona 660, which features a liquid-cooled 660cc inline-Triple with DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, and a 240-degree firing order. It makes a claimed 94 hp at 11,250 rpm (17% higher than the Trident 660), with redline at 12,650 rpm, and 51 lb-ft of torque at 8,250 rpm (9% more than the Trident), with more than 80% of the torque available from 3,125 rpm.
The bike has a 6-speed gearbox, throttle-by-wire, a slip/assist clutch, and 3-into-1 exhaust with a low stainless-steel silencer. Triumph’s Shift Assist is available as an accessory fit for clutchless up- and downshifts.
Stuart Wood, chief engineer of concept and electrical at Triumph, said the Dayton 660 is focused for “real-world use.”
“Everything we do inspires us,” Wood said. “(With) everything we do at the highest level … we’re learning, and we’re getting more into the engine. We’re looking for better economy, cleaner, and more performance all the time. And I think we’ve delivered fairly well on this one.”
The Triumph Daytona 660 has three ride modes – Sport, Road and Rain – each offering a different throttle response and level of traction control intervention, with Sport mode geared toward more aggressive road riding or track sessions. The traction control system can be turned off for riders who prefer complete freedom from electronic intervention, and a new Emergency Deceleration Warning system activates the hazard lights to alert other drivers during heavy braking.
Stopping power comes from twin 4-piston radial calipers biting 310mm floating discs up front and a single-piston sliding caliper and 220 fixed disc in the rear. ABS is standard. An inverted nonadjustable Showa SFF-BP (Separate Function Fork-Big Piston) fork provides 4.3 inches of travel, and a Showa rear monoshock offers 5.1 inches of travel and preload adjustability. When asked about the lack of adjustment on the front fork, Triumph Chief Product Officer Steve Sargent said that when supersport bikes evolved to become more track-focused, they became more tech- and spec-laden.
“The price point moved up to a point where the (middleweight) class really kind of disappeared because they got to a price point where they were not that far away from the cost of going to a larger capacity machine,” he said. “But they weren’t delivering the same kind of performance.”
Sargent said it became a question of delivering the balance between the specification and the price that a customer really wants.
“So that’s the way we’ve ended up with this bike,” he said. “We think this really hits the mark.”
Ergonomics also reflect the idea of “real-world use.” Clip-on bars are positioned above the top yoke, and footpegs have been moved slightly up and back for a balance of comfort and cornering clearance. Separate rider and passenger seats, with a rider seat height of 31.9 inches and a narrow stand-over make the Daytona 660 manageable for riders of all sizes, and an accessory low seat is also available, lowering the seat height almost an inch to 30.9 inches. The bike rides on five-spoke cast aluminum wheels wrapped in Michelin’s new Power 6 tires.
The Daytona 660 has twin LED headlights that incorporate a central air intake, as well as a contoured LED taillight. The bike has a color TFT screen integrated into a white-on-black LCD display that is compatible with the accessory fit My Triumph Connectivity System, which enables turn-by-turn navigation plus phone and music interaction.
The 2024 Triumph Daytona 660 will come in Carnival Red, Satin Granite, and Snowdonia White starting at $9,195, available in dealers in March 2024.