[ST] Re: New Daytona

["barry.croft" <barry.croft@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Form? I guess looks are a matter of taste. The early hints were that Triumph
had learnt their lesson and would make the new bike more 'European' looking,
but to me it looks just like any other Japanese offering. I was hoping for
something more distinctive, perhaps designed by one brilliant person (like
Ducati), not one that looks as if it was designed by a Japanese-focussed
committee. The old one does looks dated now, but still looks better in my
eyes. Perhaps it's just the blue that looks too Yamaha though - the silver
version looks a lot better. I've had it as wallpaper all day ... and it's
growing on me. I still prefer the older headlights though. I'm surprised
they've stuck with the old tubular frame. Maybe the NEW new Daytona (four
cylinders, next year?) will get the alloy frame.

Function? I like the double swingarm (having owned two single-siders I can
confirm they're for style and nothing else). I like the move to a more
nimble 180 rear. And I really like the specs of that engine! I'm very
pleased they've kept the triple, and that they've kept it torquey.

So, 10/10 for effort, but about 8/10 for achievement. I think Triumph are
still getting it wrong. If they make Japanese clones then they're pitting
themselves head on against R1s and GSXRs and such, where specs really
matter, and where you really have to be the best (for at least a few weeks)
to sell - and it just isn't that good. I'd guess most buyers will be people
who've had Triumphs before, not the new customers the company needs to pull
in. If they'd gone for a Ducati or BMW look they'd have appealed to the many
dissatisfied Japanese riders who don't mind sacrificing a little on specs to
ride something with a different feel to it, and to stand out from the pack.
Harder but better still, find and make a unique Triumph look, one that
begins to be recognised and sought-after and emulated. If Bloor must gamble
then I think it should be on a young unknown new designer.

Never mind. I think they got it more nearly right with the RS, but most
testers and showroom sales say I'm wrong, so what do I know? It'll be
interesting to see what the mags say after they've seen it in the flesh at
the London launch later today.

Hmmmm, now, I wonder if that new engine would fit in the RS frame .... ;-)

Barry
00 RS


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