Triumph has revealed a unique Daytona 765 machine that’s the basis of the firm’s Moto2 engine test program. But it’s unlikely to become a production road bike.
Our sources say that Triumph will not replace the Daytona 675 with a Euro4-legal Daytona 765 version. The current 675cc bike doesn’t meet Euro4 and is sold under derogation rules. These allow small numbers to be sold in Europe even though they don’t meet the type-approval regulations. Derogation gives eligible bikes until the end of 2018, after which they must comply or be taken off sale. While the Street Triple now has the 765cc Euro4 engine, it’s not been carried over to the Daytona.
However, the Moto2 test machine shows how a more powerful Daytona 765 would perform. It’s been under test by former 125cc champion Julian Simon as Triumph works on its race-spec engine. Triumph intends to hand over the final spec Moto2 engines to teams in June 2018. That gives them time to develop their frames for the 2019 season.
How is the Moto2 development going?
Steve Sargent, Chief Product Officer for Triumph Motorcycles, said: “At this stage of the development programme we are in a good place. We are very pleased with the pace that Julian is showing with the latest engine and his feedback has been very positive. We have confidence that we will deliver an engine that the teams will enjoy racing with and a spectacle and sound that will excite the fans.”
Julian Simon said “I am really happy to be here in Aragón testing the development of the 2019 Moto2 engines with Triumph. I can see there has been a big improvement with the latest engine, giving a great feeling. There’s a lot of power and the gearing is fantastic, and for the sound, this is also fantastic. To me, it’s fun.”
The Moto2 deal is a clever move by Triumph. It will allow the firm to lay a serious claim to having a race-proven track record without having to develop a small-selling, road-going supersports or superbike. As the sole engine supplier, it also can’t suffer a defeat. Provided the engine is powerful and reliable, there’s no chance of embarrassment. However the Moto2 project is unlikely to lead to a production sports bike unless the road bike market shows a distinct swing towards increased sports bike sales and profit margins.
