The middleweight sport tourer segment in India has a new contender – the Triumph Daytona 660. Currently, its only rival in the market is the Kawasaki Ninja 650. Let’s compare these two bikes on paper in various aspects.
Design-wise, both the Daytona 660 and the Ninja 650 feature a split LED headlight setup with a transparent visor. The overall design and bodywork of both bikes are sharp and youthful. However, the Daytona 660 appears sleeker than its Japanese counterpart, with the Ninja 650’s fuel tank giving it a slightly bulkier look. Triumph offers the Daytona 660 in three paint schemes, while the Ninja 650 is available in a single Lime Green option.
When it comes to features, the Daytona 660 takes the lead. It comes equipped with LED illumination, a TFT display with optional smartphone connectivity for turn-by-turn navigation, call, music, and SMS control, ride modes (Road, Rain, and Sport), traction control, and dual-channel ABS. On the other hand, the Ninja 650 offers LED illumination, a TFT display with smartphone connectivity for call and SMS access, traction control, and ABS, but it lacks ride modes.
In terms of performance, the Daytona 660 boasts an inline three-cylinder 660cc liquid-cooled engine, producing 95bhp at 11,250rpm and 69Nm at 8,250rpm. It is paired with a six-speed gearbox and offers an optional quickshifter. The Ninja 650, on the other hand, is powered by a 649cc parallel-twin motor, delivering 68bhp and 64Nm. Both bikes feature a six-speed gearbox, but the Daytona 660 clearly offers more power than the Ninja 650.
When it comes to hardware, the Daytona 660 features Showa 41mm Separate Function Big Piston front forks and a preload-adjustable monoshock. It comes with twin 310mm front discs and a single 220mm rear disc with ABS. The bike rides on 17-inch wheels wrapped in 120/70 front and 180/55 rear tires. The Ninja 650, on the other hand, comes with 41mm telescopic front forks, an offset linked rear shock, twin 300mm front discs, and a single 220mm rear disc mounted on 17-inch wheels. It rides on 120/70 front and 160/60 rear tires. The Daytona 660 weighs 201kg and has a 14-litre fuel tank, while the Ninja 650 weighs 196kg and has a 15-litre fuel tank.
As for the price, Triumph is yet to launch the Daytona 660 in India, but it is expected to be priced around Rs. 9 lakh (ex-showroom). The Kawasaki Ninja 650 is currently priced at Rs. 7.16 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).
In conclusion, the Triumph Daytona 660 and the Kawasaki Ninja 650 are both impressive middleweight sport tourers, each with its own strengths. The Daytona 660 offers more power, advanced features, and a sleek design, while the Ninja 650 comes at a slightly lower price point. It will be interesting to see how these two bikes fare in the Indian market.
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