It's 6.30am Saturday morning and there's a knock at the door; it's Chris Biggs as we had arranged an early start for the drive up to Birmingham. So after a quick coffee we hit the road. We stopped at some services for a coffee break halfway up the M1, and by 9:30 we had arrived at the N.E.C. Unfortunately the show didn't open until 10am so after yet another coffee waiting for the gaff to open, Chris and I were buzzing. Once the show opened we made the traditional beeline for the Triumph stand. And there it was, Triumph's all new 675 Daytona minimoto. Chris had a sit on, and then I had a go. It really is the slimmest race style bike I've ever seen - it's tiny! It makes Hondas CBR600 look decidedly lardy. After the cramp subsided I was able to get off. It has of course the usual nose down arse up riding position and won't be everyone's cup of coffee, sorry tea. But it is however one of the nicest looking super sport bikes about to hit the market in 2006 and the stats are favourable too:-
Power... 126bhp @ 12,200 rpm (crank) - Nice!
Torque... 53lb.ft @ 11,750rpm (crank) - Nice!!
Top speed... 162mph - Nice!!!
It'll be available in three colours, Graphite, Tornado Red or Scorched Yellow.
The development of this stunning machine is a huge leap forward for Triumph, but the trouble is the competition have also been developing their own 600cc machines as a quick look at Yamahas new-for-2006 R6 proved.
The new 675 may also see some race action in next years British Super Sport season after the FIM tweaked the rule slightly to allow it to race against 600 fours and 750 twins, although it may not have any official factory backing (why?). Look out for the new Daytona 675 coming to a roundabout near you soon.
Some of the special builds this year were particularly good, these included a green Tribsa using Speed Triple front forks, wheels and rear tail section. The show also had a scattering of Orange County-style chopper art.
The rest of the show was filled with the usual mix of bikes, bits and bargains. I managed to find a new lid for about £100 off the list price and we both got some new winter gloves for only £20, so the trip up to Birmingham was well worth it, although the show did seem smaller than in previous years.
And guess what I had waiting in the boot of my car for us when we left the show? Yes! A flask of bloody coffee.