Triumphrat

SDlexus · 08-02-2008, 12:24 AM

Hi everyone. I'm new to this forum and just want a few opinions from some Daytona owners. Here is my history:

I have ridden about 2000 miles on an old cruiser (500cc) about 5 years ago. I now have a 2008 Kawi Ninja 250. I have about 2500 miles on the little 250 and want to upgrade to a better bike. I took the advise of many memebers of other forums about learning again on a small bike then move up later if needed. I have about 4500 miles total. I normally ride on the weekends, but might commute on some beautiful San Diego days.

So with this info, do you guys think that a 675 would be somewhat OK for me. I am Not a squid and always ride with gear and never ride over my head.

Any opinions would be great. Lastly I found an 06 for sale, but have heard a few bad things about that year???

Thanks

Gary M · 08-02-2008, 04:53 PM

SDLEXUS
Welcome to RAT.

Last year I bought ST Sprint in red for touring with my wife, and having loads of fun on the twisties on my own. This bike is great fun, but in November I bought a red Daytona, and hell is this bike remarkable. 100% fun on the twisites all you do is lean and the bike does the rest.
My opinion is how much riding will you do on your own? and for just commuting the daytona is probably not the bike. To have one bike and get the most out of it, commute and the weekend runs, ST is the way to go.

Good luck

Gary

SDlexus · 08-02-2008, 07:04 PM

Thanks Gary. This bike would mostly be for the twisties and fun weekend rides. Comutting will not happen too often. I just hope this bike is not to advanced for my riding style. I'm going to test ride one in a few hours. Wish me luck.

becks66 · 08-03-2008, 12:22 AM

It's a great bike... if you want it go out and get it. The only reason I say this to you is that it seems like you have taken a path to getting some experience before you dive into a committed sportbike. I am in San Diego as well and have owned my Daytona 675 since the first year that they were available. If you have any specific questions about the bike and its capabilities get in touch we me and I would be happy to give you more info.

TripleThreat · 08-03-2008, 08:20 AM

I havea pair of '06's and haven't had any issues with either except for a failed front wheel bearing at about 10,000 miles on one. Pretty sure it was a bad bearing to begin with as 10,000 miles is not enough to have one fail.

Welcome...

TripleThreat

Will · 08-03-2008, 11:12 AM

My '06 has been bulletproof except for problems caused by a trackday crash. It uses no oil, even when flogged hard. Some early '06 bikes use a bit of oil, but as long as you know you need to check regularly, it isn't an issue. If you are one of those people who don't check the oil until the engine seizes, you probably shouldn't be riding a motorcycle anyway.

SDlexus · 08-03-2008, 08:39 PM

Thanks guys. It sounds like the 06 arent bad at all. I'm now in the market, but these things are hard to find. Only found 1 that was not at a dealership (i hate dealerships).

I can't wait!!! Is there anything specific to look for when buying a used bike from a pirvate party, other than the usual damage from being dropped???

And if anyone knows where to buy one in the san diego area please let me know.

TripleThreat · 08-04-2008, 12:12 AM

Once you find one, the first thing you will want to do is raplce the coolant overflow bottle plastic elbows with some brass ones, as the plastic ones get brittle and break. It's a cheap, but essential mod.

Nothing to really look for, but if you test ride one, pay close attention to the sound the engine makes at around 7000 RPM. There have been a few issues with the stock cam chain tensioner seizing up and allowing the cam chain to have too much free play. It then slaps up against the inside of the engine case. Replacing it with the Race Cam Chain Tensioner solves the issue, but if left unchecked or unresolved, it can result in terminal engine failure.

Neither of my bikes have had this issue.

Good luck in your search...

TripleThreat

Brooksie · 08-12-2008, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SDlexus

Hi everyone. I'm new to this forum and just want a few opinions from some Daytona owners. Here is my history:

I have ridden about 2000 miles on an old cruiser (500cc) about 5 years ago. I now have a 2008 Kawi Ninja 250. I have about 2500 miles on the little 250 and want to upgrade to a better bike. I took the advise of many memebers of other forums about learning again on a small bike then move up later if needed. I have about 4500 miles total. I normally ride on the weekends, but might commute on some beautiful San Diego days.

So with this info, do you guys think that a 675 would be somewhat OK for me. I am Not a squid and always ride with gear and never ride over my head.

Any opinions would be great. Lastly I found an 06 for sale, but have heard a few bad things about that year???

Thanks

You can handle it. Just respect it and use its power and handling to your advantage. Buy it new unless you know the owner.

karlInSanDiego · 08-13-2008, 03:17 AM

North County Yamaha in San Marcos sells them new, though I'm not sure if you're in the market for new. In the 3 weeks I've had it I've ridden Ortega twice (slowly, I'm also not a squid) and commuted/ridden nearly 1000 miles. This is my first bike in 8 years and replaces a stolen Katana 600 (different league). I'd say the Daytona is a handful. I remember test riding a worked GSXR 750 years ago and when I realized it could do power wheelies without trying I decided I needed more miles with a fast but not stupid fast bike. I ended up logging 33000 miles of daily driving on that Katana before it was nicked, and I don't regret that choice. Once already on the Daytona, I had left hand off bar for a moment at very slow speed and a bump jolted my body, twisting my wrist ever so slightly and it nearly launched me off the bike. Please respect its power if you're still a newer rider. You have enough to learn as you continue to adapt to roads full of cagers.

Certainly a 600 is not too big for you, but keep in mind a Daytona 675 (and the other Race Replicas) are 120 hp light machines so you'll need to really be extra responsible while you learn a lot more about riding. I know I'm back in that boat, but wanted a brand new bike and thought this bike's triple's got the torque to be a relaxing bike to ride mildly and not just be a weekend bike. I may even try to gear it up to try to obtain 60mpg on my mixed rural/highway commute. Currently I'm getting aroung 48mpg when I try hard. At the same time, this is my answer to "will I ever be able to own a Ducati 916". IMO, this is better. Most of us could never responsibly buy a Ferrari, but a supersport is something anybody person can eventually afford.

Now for the line that will horrify track rats, I did the clipon handlebar swap (free mod side to side) for a slightly more upright position this weekend and now the bike's not punishing my wrists and hands. Riding from Fallbrook to Cars & Coffee in Irvine, down to Laguna, up 133 and down Ortega and back to Fallbrook convinced me I bought the right bike, but I'm 39 and my body was not adapting to that racer prone position. Now I can scoot my ass back and still get that position, but it's by choice.

Sounds like Daytona club of San Diego isn't out of the possibility. Anyone else here from San Diego doing rides with other Triumphs?