Suzuki GSX-8R vs Triumph Daytona 660: Competition Check

Suzuki recently launched its middle-weight sportbike, the GSX-8R in India. With a price tag of Rs. 9.25 lakh, it seems like an attractive package, especially when you consider the Triumph Dayton 660, which boasts a smaller displacement but is slightly more expensive. However, there’s much more to this comparison than just displacement and we shed light on all the aspects in detail.

Design

The Daytona 660 harks back to its 675cc forefather on the design front with a pair of wide LED headlamps flanking a central air intake. The GSX-8R, on the other hand, looks inspired by the GSX-R1000 with a compact, vertically-stacked headlamp with air intakes on both sides. Both bikes get angular side fairings, a muscular fuel tank, and a stubby and upswept tail section.

Features

Both bikes are quite similar on the feature front. The Daytona 660’s instrumentation setup comprises an LCD-TFT combination with Bluetooth connectivity. Whereas, the GSX gets a colour LCD console with connectivity. What’s common is the presence of ride-by-wire, multi-level traction control, multiple riding modes, and dual-channel ABS. However, the Suzuki gets bi-directional quick as standard while Triumph offers it as an option for the Daytona.

Engine

This is where both bikes majorly differ and offer varying traits in terms of cylinder configuration, power and torque output. The GSX-8R is powered by a 776cc, twin-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine with a 270-degree crank that produces 81.8bhp at 8,500rpm and 78Nm of peak torque at 6,800rpm. On the other hand, the Daytona runs on a 660cc, inline triple-cylinder engine that makes less torque at 69Nm but substantially more power at 94bhp. Both engine come mated to a six-speed gearbox along with an assist and slipper clutch.

Cycleparts

The Daytona is underpinned by a steel perimeter frame that is suspended by non-adjustable 41mm Showa SFF-BP USD front forks and a Showa monoshock with preload adjustment. The braking hardware comprises twin 310mm front discs and a 220mm disc at the rear with Triumph-branded callipers. Meanwhile, the GSX-8R is based on a steel diamond frame that adjoins Showa suspension at both ends with no adjustability, barring the provision to tweak the rear preload. The stopping power comes from a dual 310mm front and a single 240mm rear disc.

Price

Suzuki has priced the GSX-8R at Rs. 9.25 lakh making it marginally more affordable than the Triumph Dayton 660 which is pegged at Rs. 9.72 lakh (both prices are ex-showroom).