TRIUMPH DAYTONA 955I (1997 - 2006) Review

Year: 2003

Annual servicing cost: £180

Weight when moving around a parking space

Buying experience: Private purchase from an enthusiast

Year: 2002

Awesome bike very happy with her

Buying experience: Great but minor problems just put down to her age and needs tlc

Year: 1999

These bikes are bad as$. Ever sense i got mine "used a year ago,never a break down very dependable. I have always rode 4cycl.bikes and if you added a passenger ,say your wife you know there is a drag on them. More so going up a grade. But not much holding back the triple there like riding a 20inch bike. And if you like to wheelie,this is the bike.

Year: 1999

Beautiful sound great to look at especially in the metallic yellow . This is my first super bike and I love it so user friendly

Version: T595

Year: 1998

Great finish quality, my 23 year old bike looks less the 3 years old. Still looks modern (Triumph hi rise carbon can fitted), useable power and handling to match any new bike for everyday riding and future class which is making not loosing money, what’s not to like. Owned for 6 yrs along with a GSXR1000 and still have to think which bike i am taking out.

Buying experience: Private sale a few years ago now

Year: 1999

Yrs ago I’d always wanted a fireblade as my dream bike as I thought the old Daytona was quite top heavy and didn’t like corners unless you were hanging off it but when the new one came out I thought wow that’s nice and it sounds amazing new dream bike may not be the fastest super bike but who cares when you have a triple to listen to not a screaming 4pot I finally bought a 1999 Daytona a few yrs ago in the yellow beautiful colour never going to sell it

Version: SS

Year: 2006

Great bike for British roads. Great looking and getting better with age. Had from new and will never sell.

Buying experience: Purchased from main dealer, great service

Version: Speed to a

Year: 2001

Annual servicing cost: £50

Changed into a Speed to a! Outstanding bike. GSXR gold forks, R1 gold spot callipers, straight bars and loads more 👍

Buying experience: OK.

Year: 1997

The T595 and early 955i's are fantastic bike with so much personality. I personally love the look of the T595 with a unique and different style compared to its rivals at the time. The engine is fantastic and if looked after is reliable. I have had three of these bike, my first I took on a European tour visiting 25 countries on one trip. I loaded it with panniers and laid a large sports bag on the top, she took me to mainland European and Baltic counties, as far as Istanbul and Ukraine, took it off-roading up a Montenegro mountain and the engine never let me down. A wonderful bike.

Buying experience: You can find very good examples in the private market but be patient. I found that many owners think there bike is in better condition than it actually is.

Version: Daytona

Year: 2005

I absolutely love my 955i! I have been riding since I was 7 years old and I was scared at first at the size and power! Once I got used to it, it is like stepping into a glove. The cool thing about it is that you can keep up with Ducati and what ever but they are not as cool as you because you have a Triumph! I live in Indianapolis and we obviously have the 500 race here. People assume I am an Indycar driver to have something so unique! I give 2 thumbs up and would recommend to anyone.

Buying experience: I bought from a friend from work who I knew took meticulous care of the bike and always garaged. I do the same. It is a beast and I always get looks and questions about it!

Version: T595

Year: 1997

Annual servicing cost: £200

It was outclassed by the best bikes of the time when it was launched, but Triumph kept improving it, and anyway it's not meant to be a copy of a Japanese or European superbike, it's very definitely a BRITISH superbike, and distinctly different. It's outclassed now by quite modest machines, even some adventure bikes, but they're so expensive, and don't have its character. You feel special riding it. It has huge personality and bags of soul, from the styling (like something from Thunderbirds) to the exhaust note (like an unholy marriage between a 2-stroke and a diesel V8). The rawness is endearing, but it's not at all clumsy. It's smooth and suave, easily ridden but ready to push on (and on) when needed. I don't find the riding position uncomfortable although it's definitely sporty, but not cramped like a track bike. It's just the most satisfying weekend road bike you can get for the money, in my opinion. And my legs are too short for modern sports bikes. It won't be a classic (too many around and not universally loved), but it could be a cult classic (loved by those who appreciate what it's about).

Buying experience: Bought privately from an owner who'd brought it back to excellent condition.

Year: 2002

With the single seat option this Brit creation is as sexy and confidence building as an evening in a Hot tub with the Minogue girls. Does it all and does it well. If you really need more power then you should consider track day instruction or a career in US local politics . Amazingly stable up to 150mph where even the mirrors stand firm. On the minus side at 6'2 I find it all a tad cramped after half an hours riding but endured it all for the sake of enjoyment. Can you tell I loved this bike even if it's a tiny bit impractical.

Buying experience: Bought second hand from Triumph . No complaints. Has 34k on the clock now and only dodgy knees have made me consider selling for a more upright bike ...maybe a VStrom thousand as whilst ugly those things sing and dance like sirens by most accounts.

I have an '05 model in racing yellow fitted with off-road carbon can, polished rims and tinted visor. No dings, stone scratches or been thrown down the road, so it's in good nick. First up, all the (good) reviews are spot-on - very fast, razor-sharp handling and more ponies than you can possibly use on the road. However, with a brick disguised as a seat, comfort is average, as is wind protection, and the head lights are good up to 50mph, however that's a small trade-off for the awesome, soul-stirring sound and their nimble agility in the curves. At 100mph, their bark arouses the senses every time! I have owned and ridden several Japanese land-based missiles, which around town can be like driving a 200Hp school bus. Sure they go hard and come with the 'must-have' toys, but until I owned the eye-catching 'Tony, these garden-variety behemoths, devoid of any soul or character, never once drew a second look or provoked a comment (even from the bride!) The cops even make endearing remarks when I'm lucky to be chosen to make a donation towards their revenue-raising targets! With some power and revs left, and running out of road (and nerve), 242kph (150mph) is when I decided to back off. In Oz, for old and young alike, the '05 Daytona, with it's upswept carbon can and single swing arm is still a head-turning icon in looks and sound. Yes, on cold start-up they sound like a Maytag full of bolts, there's no gimmicks, no bling or accessories and no real creature comforts, like a fuel gauge! What you see it is what you get - there's no dumbing down or anything forgiving about the raw, unbridled power, frightful acceleration and one of the best handling platforms around. The 2005 955i engine is simply a peach; unlike the smaller screaming rice-burners, the 955 throttle is a tap that produce crisp, linear and unfettered horse-power, there are no flat spots, no manic power bands, just 150 willing ponies. This relatively small, but high performance engine will, without any hesitation, continue to pull, making real power up to the red line. The bike is light and can quickly flick through the curves with great stability and control. Life behind the windshield becomes interesting after 6000rpm, while this mill is just entering their comfort zone! They are not for the faint-hearted if ridden the way they were designed. The specifications of equipment fitted, such as brakes, forks and damper match the performance and provide a very capable and safe ride at speed. I have also seen several Daytonas with up to 100,000km and still going strong - a clear testament to their quality of build, reliability and enduring appeal.

Bought my 2003 Daytona in Dec. It was love at first sight. Realativly cheap to insure with stunning good looks it was a must. Yes I could have gone for a slightly newer jap rocket but the Union Jack on the front of this bright yellow bike together with a single sided swinging arm won on looks alone. At big bike meets she still draws a crowd. On a practical level I ride this bike every day to work and she has only let me down once with a blown reg/rec. It has more than enough power for my liking and delivers it in a very user friendly way. For those Sunday rides it more than delivers what British roads can cope with (or me) I've never taken it round a track but again I'm sure it would deliver with some to spare. 2 up with the wife and some luggage it rides well and still has plenty of grunt. All things considered itis a great all round bike and I look forward to many happy years together.

I bought my Triumph Daytona 955i on October 1st 2006, the last year this bike was manufactured. I love it. The best bike I have owned. I used to ride Kawasaki GPZs and though great machines I wanted something different here when I move to San Francisco. The Daytona was the bike for me. I have completed 60,000 miles in all weather (yes it rains here in the winter!) It is fast, reliable and cheap to maintain and gives me all the power I want from a big sport bike. I like the new 675s, but as a big dude 6'2 and 220lbs I need the bigger engine! Hopefully Triumph begin to make a 1075 version or something similar. I like the speed triple too, but still like a full faring sport bike. Off to Demo day here in Concord California so looking forward to some wild rides!

Just bought 2005 in jet black.. Superb bike.. i have tried the big 3..Yes they are quicker ( not by much ) but they are very much the same and lack the character of the triumph ..pure and simple..I do think Triumph should bring out another big super bike just look at the success of the 675..In short BUY ONE!!!

It's not got 200hp, traction control, gear indicators, lap timers, ABS, multiple engine modes or electronic suspension. It won't climb Everest or cross deep rivers. But is has got character, bags of it. It goes like stink, handles like a dream and if you want a bike with soul, it's got loads of sooooooul.

I've owned my 55 plate 955i for 5 months now and riden in all weathers and has not missed a beat. Build quality is stunning, for a 5 year old bike it looks brand new. No need to rev the nuts off t it makes power from tickover to the red line. Pillion comfort is amaizing. My wife hasn't ridden pillion for years and has been out loads on this one. There really is little that will keep up with it on British roads and even a quick ride is effortless as the spread of power and engine braking means you can stick it in 3rd or 4th on the twisties and just play the throttle. Awsome.

I've owned this bike for three years now, from new. It's used mainly for ride outs on sunny days and I have absolutely no complaints about it. I've had a few Jap bikes before but this was my first British bike and my experience with this lead me to buy a Sprint RS as an every day workhorse (the immediate predecessor being a Honda). The Daytona is a more capable bike than I'll ever need, has a lovely engine (I'm a convert to Hinckley triples now) and lets me keep up with my fireblade & blackbird riding mates. Since owning the Daytona I still find myself looking appreciatively at the odd ZXR, GSXR750, Ducati or blade but have no desire or temptation to change. I think that somes up my view of the Daytona and maybe the best praise I could give my bike.

replaced my bandit 6s with an 8year old 955i ce in racing green, a brilliant bike, hard to fault, not as quick as the jap bikes but loads of power at the bottom and the top, a bit diffren so always gets a second look and has more performance then u could ever use on the road, it would benifit from a fuel gauge, single sided swing arm looks awsome and the race can makes an awsome howl.

I just sold my 2004 (54) 955i in yellow. Was so sad to see it go. It was my first big bike and I took it across France and commuted on it for a couple of years. Pillion comfort was great and it never broke down. The first insurance payment of 2400 pounds was worth it (I was 24 in central London)! After 7k miles on the 955i I recommend the following: - Two Bros slip-on (I have one for sale if you want it) - the sport ECU mapping (20 quid from Triumph) - touring screen - steering damper if going on the track. So what are the cons? The gearbox is weak. No real feedback and I managed to get it to pop out of 2nd once. The bike is a little heavy and slow (!). But with the sport exhaust it makes you smile all the way. Man I miss it...

I just sold my 2004 (54) 955i in yellow. Was so sad to see it go. It was my first big bike and I took it across France and commuted on it for a couple of years. Pillion confirt was great and it never broke down. The first insurance payment of 2400 pounds was worth it (I was 24 in central London)! After 7k miles on the 955i I recommend the following: - Two Bros slip-on (I have one for sale if you want it) - the sport mapping (20 quid from Triumph) - touring screen - steering damper if going on the track. So what are the cons? None really... it's just a little heavy and slow (!). But with the sport exhaust it makes you smile all the way. Man I miss it...

handling on road hard to fault good on feul. reliable.different from a jap bike, fly the british flag not much left now. im getting 48.9 mpg and off to south of france soon only thing is tyres think better rubber needed to push hard, this bike is about fun

simple shit hot bike only thing now is please triumph make a 1075 light weight like the 675 hehehe and make a 1400 tourer with a shaft light weight and your there stunning

well she goes for hes first service 20th june 2009 550 miles lovely bike for UK crap roads handles well goes well nice gear box and with the triumph race can fitted one of the best sounds this side of a Duke! if not better than. really love this bike its my second one and this is the last brand new one around roll on sunshie and dry roads thank you triumph for making this bike nwo build a light weight race version and a new tourer too

Me and 'She Who Must Be Obeyed' caught the ferry from Sydney to Tasmania a few Christmases ago and toured the island for over two weeks. We camped for most of the holiday and the Daytona never missed a beat. We were two up and loaded with saddlebags, tank bag and even carrying rucksacks...the bike lapped it up and was reasonably comfortable. The only mishap was running into a swarm of bees over the brow of a hill - but I could hardly blame the bike for that!

Me and 'She Who Must Be Obeyed' caught the ferry from Sydney to Tasmania a few Christmases ago and toured the island for over two weeks. We camped for most of the holiday and the Daytona never missed a beat. We were two up and loaded with saddlebags, tank bag and even carrying rucksacks...the bike lapped it up and was reasonably comfortable. The only mishap was running into a swarm of bees over the brow of a hill - but I could hardly blame the bike for that!

having bought a new one in 07 i then sold her after a few thousand miles and since have regreted it. what a fantasic real world bike i now am selling my braand new Honda cb1300as 4 weeks old for the last new 955i. I will run her in to 600 miles and then to a thou then let her sing. I caint wait to pick her up and enjoy that sweet handling and soundgod if i keep going ill have to go knock one out lol. Triumph 955i I love you

fitted it with a trident / wolf high level carbon can now, and its actually more fun going up and down town high streets, rolling on and off the throttle than thrashing the zx7r!! and its pretty quick when i want it to be....keeps me smiling like noother bike has before!!

after my 97 zx7r, this is fun. bought it without even hearing it, or riding it. when you want something, its worth a risk. gave my zx7 away bit too cheap as p.x, but riding the 955 home, i knew i made correct decision. it feels loads lighter, sounds superb even with standard can, high level race can next! parking at the shops, people admire it. love the later 955i graphics...when i was sat on it two young uns were discussing if it was a ducati, or , erm , ferrari bike! well its 8 yr old, the t595 shape, and ride mag voted it the coolest bike to ride a yr or two ago. makes my old green white purple zx7 seem bit naff. dont think i will ever sell it, just join it with a 749s ducati sometime. these bikes are both ace!

Bought this as a pre-reg bargain 2 years ago to have something different from the Fazer I had. Best move I ever made! Looks great, sounds fantastic and has plenty of scary performance for real world use. Have also had it on a track day and saw off the youngsters on Milles and Blades. Bragging rights on speed and agility is one thing, being able to ride to the same level is another!

I've been riding bikes for over 25 years,All makes,Jap & Italian,This bike still makes you laugh out loud and guarantees a massive grin factor that other bikes cant do,Great for touring,playing or just enjoying the scenery,Stonking engine sounds great through race can,Wouldn't swap it for anything else !

I was looking for a 'different' bike and saw this '04 black 955i with a union flag on the front. Got s/h for just under £5k in June '05 it had 2500 miles on it, with Triumph carbon low rise race can, hugger, carbon infills, black wheels and black frame, carbon tank protector, seat hump and high screen, all triumph accessories. It now has 31,000 miles and I never want to sell it. I have to get the suspension set up right with the best tyre pressures or it can under steer through corners to much and want to stand if the brakes are applied. Am going to try 185 on rear instead of the 190 to see if this helps the cornering. It sounds great when you ring its ear especially when you get the exit of a corner right. I love just carving through B roads in 4th and 5th gear just so easy.

After owning this bike for 3 years I have not been dissappointed. I was after something new and decided that the Triupmh was the best option for me. I haven't had any serious issues with it except for a slight fuel stuttering at 3.5K rpm, but this hasn't been a cause for concern, just slightly annoying is all. Fuel consumption is very good at 45-50 mpg. I've kept the bike as stock except for a double bubble screen, which I found improved things on the motorways I unfortunately have to use to get to any decent biking roads. The suspension seems to work very well, even on the poor Greek roads, and touring 2 up for a week was no problem comfort wise for me, my girlfriend or the bike. The lights are terrible, especially when taking left hand bends as the road just dissappears. If I did more night rding I would have to consider adjusting / upgrading somehow. The mirrors work OK if you spend a bit of time to adjust them to how you want. Overall I am very satisfied with the bike. I don't do a huge mileage, about 6K a year, and this bike gives me the stress relief and fun that I need.

after R1 front end poor GSXR MAD good at the track and ZX10R just to nervous i went for a new TRIUMPH 955I 2007 AND ITS GREAT, Fast for real world,Very stable,ACE brakes,induction soound is awsome just makes you smile thank you Triumph for making a great bike something different REAL WORLD BIKE I LOVE IT

Having ridden (and thoroughly enjoyed) a '98 GSX-R750 for three and a half years and 30k miles, I was ready for a change. I was looking for an SV1000 but found the '05 Triumph by accident and fell in love there and then. The chunky looking forks and SSSA did it for me, with the physical presence and jet black paint being the clincher. £5800 for a new one with an excellent trade-in price couldn’t be sniffed at. I bought it without even trying one out but was not disappointed at all. The engine is grunty and plenty quick enough for the road whilst the brakes seem better than the Suzuki's six-pots ever were. The contrast between the two bikes was an eye opener as the Triumph is so much easier to ride 'progressively'. Just stick it in a gear and get on with it. I still can’t decide which is the quicker as they deliver in different ways. For me the pro’s are: torque, physical size, range, cost and looks Con’s are: Discontinued model, expensive servicing and old technology

Had w reg vfr800 before which I loved. Toured Norway on it in the Summer and was going to keep it. Saw Daytona at local dealer in Leeds and just had to change. Total bargain (these things were over eight grand a few years ago). First 1000 miles were a bit of pain running it in but well worth it. Now 8 weeks old with nearly 1500 miles on clock and engine gets sweater each time out. Found it a bit uncomfortable at first after been used to vfr for last 6 years but am now use to it and have no aches and pains. Dont know when new model comes out but I suggest you buy one of these at "giveaway" prices as it will probably be over £8000 and be more track oreintated. just a superb British bike was totally "Honda" prior to this but have fallen in love with the sweat sounding triple engine. Strengths: Price. engine. handling. good looks and price again !! Weaknesses: Gets hot in traffic (they all do this apparently). Poor dealer pdi but thats not the bikes fault !

Loads of character, great engine, performance wise and sound track with aftermarket can. Great fun powering out of corners. British bike for British roads. Confidence inspiring but never scary (well sometimes). Relatively easy to work on. Strengths: Engine. Stability. Weaknesses: Poor finish of some of the fastenings.

I think I bagged the bargain of the year. These end of line bikes have all the good bits as standard - carbon fibre, seat cover etc. It has simple graphics and is reasonably comfortable. It is a hybrid though - mine has black wheels from Jet Black Special edition 05 and Racing Yellow bodywork (05 Spec) but has the 06 motor identified by gearbox linkage. Could be a bitsa but I don't care coz the bits are great!! Strengths: Sheer presence. Its a big bike by modern standards which suits me as I'm 6ft and 100kg. Other bikes look like toys under me! Relatively rare and utterly beautiful. Real power delivered well with no vices. Weaknesses: Needs the hi level carbon exhaust to complete the look and its expensive - £399. Screen is too low to be effective but does look great! Not enough low down torque (after having a V Raptor last).

Bought mine in 05 for £7500 then just 6 mths later could of had it for £6000 or less, well worth the new price tag, loads of grins, lots of fun and quick enough to lose your licence on. Strengths: Cost (now), made in england (for now), reliability. Weaknesses: Performance, comfort, after sales service.

Love the looks and sound of this bike-black is the only colour that looks good. Previous owner only had for 3 months and fitted high level race can, alarm, hugger, carbon in-fills and mini-indicators. The sound it makes is pure pleasure, and very unique. Handling is steady rather than quick. Strengths: Looks - in black with high level can - and the sound. Weaknesses: Standard screen gives me a bit of buffeting on motorways.

I was sold on the reliability, good reviews and "Made in England". A bit lardy (the bike not me) it has the class missing from other makes but goes like a train. Perferctly ridable all year round (as I do - not many sports bikes out in February). Strengths: Usuable power, safe handling and robust finish (not great to begin with) but doesnt fade or wear easily. Great bike when its not broken down. Weaknesses: Reliability and spares backup. In 18 months oil filter split, electrics packed in and the oil cooler split (2 weeks to get a new one).

I bought my Daytona a few weeks ago and have been grinning ever since> its was a steal at the Price the dealers were selling it for, I traded in my Honda firestorm and to be honset its a much better bike. Strengths: Torque, and road holding, its the thinkng mans sportsbike and I think better than the track biast Hondas and Suzukis. Weaknesses: Nothing yet.

I bought a T595 because I wanted something sporty, but not quite as focused as some of the Japanese offerings. After going for my first long ride I wondered if I had done the right thing as my wrists were aching badly after about 50 miles. I searched t595.net for possible remedies and had resigned myself to forking out over £200 on a set of risers when I found a thread which suggested swapping the clip-on clamps over. This is a simple mod which makes the bars almost flat. To say it has transformed my enjoyment of the bike is a massive understatement!! I would say the comfort is now on a par with my VFR750 and it is easier to muscle the bike around. My bike came with the factory race can and nothing sounds as good (except maybe that TSSH noise when a can of cold lager is opened) The look of the bike has stood the test of time much better than its 1997 contemporaries and I think it will become a classic as it was a milestone model in the success of the Hinckley factory. Strengths: Sound, Looks, Build, Quality and its British. Weaknesses: Rear brake is weak and the Stock clip ons uncomfortably low (see above).

Bought a 2000 955i in silver with all the Triumph carbon & a hi level race can, never owned a British bike before but this was love. Its slightly on the heavy side but this is a small niggle, the bike is so well engineered that you have total confidence in anything you do. The whole package oozes class & you ride with a smile knowing you stand out (looks & sound) from the crowd. Strengths: Styling,ENGINE,British. Grin Factor of 200%. Weaknesses: Being picky really, tad heavy, the seat (but it is a sports bike) not the easiest clocks to read.

Felt like I jumped in at the deep end when I bought this after relearning the ropes on a 600 bandit, but it really wasnt a problem, smooth linear power. If you are a fast rider (I arent!!) even I can tell it will please, but if you want to swan, then it will do that too had a year now, 5500 miles without a hiccup, beautiful yellow beast!! buy one. Strengths: Robust, top handling, timeless elegant curves, sweet motor, good range and mpg , best of all it makes you proud of buying something british that deserves to be bought and cherished.  Weaknesses: To me just minor things.... an ugly plastic chain guard, no centre stand.

Fitted gel seats and aftermarket pipe, remapped it and cant fault it, 1200 miles in 2 days no problem even when going nearly flat out for 100 miles at a time, pretty good on fuel, pillion doesn't complain even after 400 miles in a day,well built, nothing has broken/ fallen off in 17000 miles, just love it. Strengths: The Engine, The exhaust note esp at hi revs with aftermarket pipe, the handling, serious long distance tool. Weaknesses: Standard seating, rear shock spring too hard, not enough damping control.

I own 2 of the 2004 all black special edition Daytona 955i's and they are just brilliant. Going to swap one for a new 2005 speed triple (but thats another story - awesome!!!) I have owned all sort of sports bikes (R1, Gixer 1000 etc...) but when it comes to all round ability i.e handling, power, image, sound and comfort then in my view this is the bike to have. You are never left feeling disappointed. There are faster lighter bikes for sure but what a sense of satisfaction when you pass them when ridden by less experienced riders and if you don't then there is no shame because they are expected to be quicker!!! The best thing about the bike really is that it is unique, stands out from the crowd and sounds better than pretty much anything on the road. Handling is sure footed but not perfect. A slight weave from that gorgeous but heavy single sided swingarm but it's only noticeable on fast turns @ over 110mph and maybe due to me being light <11 stones. So go on u know u want to.  Strengths: Sound, unique styling, looks wicked in all black, smooth but exciting motor, comfort above 50mph. Weaknesses: A little bit too heavy. Needs new 1050 motor!!!

My first litre bike, had an R6 before, wouldn't go back. Great bike with a fantastic sound, handling confidence inspiring. Have no problem riding through to Switzerland / Austria for alpine pass fun in 8 hrs non-stop dash, though the seat sucks. Strengths: Great engine, styling that won't be dated next season - flames on overrun a bonus :). Weaknesses: The seat is torture after 6 hrs, put in a gel seat, better...marginally. My dealer's service pretty poor - avoid. I hear Carl Rosner are recommended for South London, will try them from now on.

Bought the bike 4 months ago after 3 years with a Fazer. What a difference! First weekend went on a tour of France, Belgium and Holland with it. Did 1500 miles in 3 days. Nothing went wrong, nothing fell off, was reasonably comfortable, even with a Torquay - Dover - Charlerio trip in one day in the pouring rain it didn't miss a beat. And every one loved it -even the French! Brilliant bike. Strengths: Engine, Engine and Engine!! Weaknesses: Can get hot in traffic and does make your wrists ache after 3 or four hours riding.

Just read the review from 2003 with the litany of faults. Dunno if mine warrants a "high mileage" tag at 23K, but my experiences couldn't be more different. At 3,000 miles my chain snapped. Replaced without a quibble at Triumph's expense. Dead electrics at 3.00 am in deepest Tuscany. RAC shipped the bike to Numero Tre 200 miles away and again, Triumph footed the bill. And that, dear reader, has been the sum total of problems in a 3 year and 23K mile relationship. Reliability? no problems really. (Better than many Jap bikes I've owned...). Strengths: Engine - performance and noise! Weaknesses: OE Seat. Oh the agony after 200 mile stints.

I bought this in July last year having owned a TT600 before that. I saw it in the showroom, gleaming in it's red coat and wanted it...wanted it badly. So what is it like? Well it is not a Japanese litre eater, but that wasn't really what appealed to me. The tubular frame, the single sided swing arm, and the truly British quality of looking distinctive. And the ride? Well the TT600 had a fantastic chassis (and the engine on mine was well sorted), but the instant I got onto the Daytona, I felt comfortable and confident, initial euphoria only marred slightly by the rigid running in proceedure. Once I had passed the magic 1000 miles, I finally opened it up...and WOW! Strong pull in all gears with a smooth power delivery, and no sign of any electronic ignition glitches. Heavier to flick than the TT, but satisfying nonetheless. Total ease and confidence on cornering, and quite able to pull away from lighter and more responsive 600's. Add a race can and I am more than well pleased!!! Strengths: Looks, individuality, performance, sound and total fullfillment! Weaknesses: Poor headlights! Brakes get spongy quickly and need bleeding regularly.

Just fantasic! Great bike with excellent build quailty far better than Honda! This bike is vastly underated and is quick enough for most people. Whenever it's parked get lots of people asking questions and it sounds superb! When you go to a bike meet there are not hundreds of others like R1 GIXERS etc and it British-go for it!

Couldn't get on with odd handling to start with, but now prefer it to previous bikes. Had few initial problems which were quickly sorted. BT010s and suspension setup made a big difference. Fastest bike I've owned, rock solid when leant over to the peg, loads of torque. Vibration spot between 6-7k, clocks are very dated. Gets hot between the legs after half an hour or so. Occasionally feels heavy and reluctant when late breaking. Never taken on a track.

To my mind the 955i is the best looking and most usable supersport bike on the market. The engine is excellent and sounds superb. The brakes and handling are spot on. The riding position is aggressive without being 916 uncomfortable.

Likes - front brakes really good, fairly grunty engine, beautiful looks, awesome wheels, good grip from tyres, excellent ground clearance. Don't likes - least confidence inspiring front-end handling since 1970's bike (anything other than really firm suspension settings just doesn't work), finish on paintwork is thin (ditto for many metallic parts), incredibley uncomfortable (GSXR 750 is an armchair by comparison). Also runs rough from cold, clutch span is for orang-utans and gearchange reminds me of a tractor, many vibes from handlebars. Conclusion - looks like a sports bike, drives like a really uncomfortable tourer and spontaneously corrodes faster than you'd believe (have informed Triumph - no reponse yet!).

Well impressed with the bike so far having ridden a few bikes in my time.