NEW: Best Beginner Motorcycles of 2026, our top picks for your first ride.
Head to head

Triumph Daytona 660 vs Yamaha YZF-R3

Specs side by side, plus our verdict on which one is the smarter buy for the way you ride.

The Triumph Daytona 660 and Yamaha YZF-R3 are among the most cross-shopped sport bikes of 2026. The Yamaha YZF-R3 undercuts the Triumph Daytona 660 by about $3,896, so value is squarely on the table. On paper the Triumph Daytona 660 leads on power with 94 hp. Below we put them head to head on price, performance, weight and seat height, then give our verdict on which one is the smarter buy for the way you ride.

Triumph Daytona 660
Our pick
8.3

Triumph

Triumph Daytona 660
Yamaha YZF-R3
8.0

Yamaha

Yamaha YZF-R3

The verdict

The Triumph Daytona 660 edges it overall at 8.3/10, but the Yamaha YZF-R3 wins on best for new riders, so let how you ride decide.

Best for new riders

Yamaha YZF-R3

A2-legal, 42 hp, forgiving to learn on.

Most exciting

Triumph Daytona 660

94 hp and 0.47 hp/kg, the strongest here.

Best value

Yamaha YZF-R3

Our 8/10 at $5,499, the most bike per dollar.

Easiest to manage

Yamaha YZF-R3

169 kg with an 780 mm seat, the easiest to throw around.

Highest rated

Triumph Daytona 660

Our top score in this matchup at 8.3/10.

Price & rating
Price$9,395$5,499
KickTheStand score8.3 / 108 / 10
Performance
Engine660cc triple321cc twin
Power94 hp42 hp
Torque69 Nm29.5 Nm
Power-to-weight0.47 hp/kg0.25 hp/kg
Chassis & brakes
Front suspension41mm Showa USD fork, adjustable37mm USD fork
Rear suspensionShowa monoshock, adjustable preloadMonoshock
Front brakesDual 310mm discs, radial 4-pistonSingle 298mm disc
Rear brakesSingle 220mm discSingle 220mm disc
Dimensions & practicality
Weight201 kg169 kg
Seat height810 mm780 mm
Fuel capacity14 L14 L
Suitability
ClassSportSport
A2 licenceYesYes
Good for beginnersNoYes
Best forsport, commuting, touringcommuting, sport, track, learning

Cyan marks the best figure in each row. Specs are the most-cited for the current model; verify before relying on them.

Still torn between them?

Answer a few questions and we'll rank every bike by how well it fits you.

Open the bike finder

Triumph Daytona 660 vs Yamaha YZF-R3: your questions answered

Which is faster, the Triumph Daytona 660 or the Yamaha YZF-R3?

The Triumph Daytona 660 makes the most power at 94 hp and 69 Nm, giving it the edge on outright performance.

Which is cheaper, the Triumph Daytona 660 or the Yamaha YZF-R3?

The Yamaha YZF-R3 is the most affordable here with an MSRP around $5,499.

Which is lighter, the Triumph Daytona 660 or the Yamaha YZF-R3?

The Yamaha YZF-R3 is the lightest at 169 kg, which makes it the easiest to manage at low speed and in the bends.

Which is better for a beginner, the Triumph Daytona 660 or the Yamaha YZF-R3?

For a new rider we'd point to the Yamaha YZF-R3: A2-legal, 42 hp and 169 kg make it the most approachable of the group.

More comparisons