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Head to head

Yamaha YZF-R1 vs Triumph Daytona 660

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

The Yamaha YZF-R1 and Triumph Daytona 660 are among the most cross-shopped sport bikes of 2026. The Triumph Daytona 660 undercuts the Yamaha YZF-R1 by about $9,604, so value is squarely on the table. On paper the Yamaha YZF-R1 leads on power with 200 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.

Yamaha YZF-R1
Our pick
8.7

Yamaha

Yamaha YZF-R1
Triumph Daytona 660
8.3

Triumph

Triumph Daytona 660

The verdict

The Yamaha YZF-R1 edges it overall at 8.7/10, but the Triumph Daytona 660 wins on best for new riders, so let how you ride decide.

Best for new riders

Triumph Daytona 660

A2-legal, 94 hp.

Most exciting

Yamaha YZF-R1

200 hp and 1.00 hp/kg, the strongest here.

Best value

Triumph Daytona 660

Our 8.3/10 at $9,395, the most bike per dollar.

Easiest to manage

Triumph Daytona 660

201 kg with an 810 mm seat, the easiest to throw around.

Highest rated

Yamaha YZF-R1

Our top score in this matchup at 8.7/10.

Price & rating
Price$18,999$9,395
KickTheStand score8.7 / 108.3 / 10
Performance
Engine998cc four660cc triple
Power200 hp94 hp
Torque113 Nm69 Nm
Power-to-weight1.00 hp/kg0.47 hp/kg
Chassis & brakes
Front suspension43mm KYB USD fork41mm Showa USD fork, adjustable
Rear suspensionMonoshockShowa monoshock, adjustable preload
Front brakesDual 320mm discs, radial 4-pistonDual 310mm discs, radial 4-piston
Rear brakesSingle 220mm discSingle 220mm disc
Dimensions & practicality
Weight201 kg201 kg
Seat height855 mm810 mm
Fuel capacity17 L14 L
Suitability
ClassSportSport
A2 licenceNoYes
Good for beginnersNoNo
Best forsport, tracksport, commuting, touring

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

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Yamaha YZF-R1 vs Triumph Daytona 660: your questions answered

Which is faster, the Yamaha YZF-R1 or the Triumph Daytona 660?

The Yamaha YZF-R1 makes the most power at 200 hp and 113 Nm, giving it the edge on outright performance.

Which is cheaper, the Yamaha YZF-R1 or the Triumph Daytona 660?

The Triumph Daytona 660 is the most affordable here with an MSRP around $9,395.

Which is lighter, the Yamaha YZF-R1 or the Triumph Daytona 660?

The Yamaha YZF-R1 is the lightest at 201 kg, which makes it the easiest to manage at low speed and in the bends.

Which is better for a beginner, the Yamaha YZF-R1 or the Triumph Daytona 660?

For a new rider we'd point to the Triumph Daytona 660: A2-legal, 94 hp and 201 kg make it the most approachable of the group.

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