Highlights
- Genuine 10,581 miles from new
- On static display in a private collection since 2018
- Sold with a very large history file
The Appeal
It was through the 1980s and 1990s that the modern sports bike really started to take shape, assuming a very close resemblance to their racing counterparts.
The idea of having a motorbike which looked like a racer, and accelerated, braked and handled like a racer, was enormously appealing to many riders, and the sports bike concept suddenly became very popular.
As the Triumph company was being overhauled during the 1980s, it was somewhat late to the party, but it more than made up for it when it launched the Daytona T595 in 1997.
The idea of having a motorbike which looked like a racer, and accelerated, braked and handled like a racer, was enormously appealing to many riders, and the sports bike concept suddenly became very popular.
As the Triumph company was being overhauled during the 1980s, it was somewhat late to the party, but it more than made up for it when it launched the Daytona T595 in 1997.
Prior to the launch of the Daytona, Hinckley-built Triumphs shared the same basic frame and engine design, which made for good bikes but not necessarily exciting ones.
The Daytona was one of the first to break away from the mould, with an all-new aluminium-tube frame which would become a distinctive feature of sports Triumphs for many years.
The 955cc inline-triple was an evolution of older triples, although Lotus had a hand in its development and the internals were extensively updated and improved; it even featured electronic fuel injection derived from automobile technology.
The Daytona was one of the first to break away from the mould, with an all-new aluminium-tube frame which would become a distinctive feature of sports Triumphs for many years.
The 955cc inline-triple was an evolution of older triples, although Lotus had a hand in its development and the internals were extensively updated and improved; it even featured electronic fuel injection derived from automobile technology.
Producing 128bhp, Britain at last had a sports bike to compete with all the Japanese and Italian offerings, and motorcyclists were attracted to the Daytona’s racy styling and excellent performance characteristics which meant that, while it wasn’t a track bike, it would be a joy to ride quickly on the road.
This example has survived exceptionally well, having only covered a shade over 10,000 miles in its 24-year life. Light use and sound storage has evidently done it the world of good, and it’s had a very easy life over the past four years in a private collection.
While it hasn’t been on the road for a while, it does start and run nicely.
It really isn’t often that you see a bike in such excellent original condition as this.
While it hasn’t been on the road for a while, it does start and run nicely.
It really isn’t often that you see a bike in such excellent original condition as this.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered in Brighton and sold new through Alf’s, a Triumph agent in Worthing
- Understood to have spent most of its life in Goring-by-Sea
- Acquired by the vendor, a prominent motorcycle collector, in 2018, since when it has been mainly on static display
- Paperwork includes the current and historic V5s, the original Triumph literature including the owner’s manual, various invoices and a large collection of MoT certificates and tax discs
The Condition
- Outstanding, almost unblemished original finish
- Decals in excellent condition
- Includes an optional pillion seat
For a 24-year-old bike, the condition of this Triumph is almost beyond belief.
Understood to be entirely original, the state of its paintwork is remarkable, but since it has only covered 10,500 miles, we can hardly expect it to have suffered much.
Understood to be entirely original, the state of its paintwork is remarkable, but since it has only covered 10,500 miles, we can hardly expect it to have suffered much.
The vibrant red paint is extremely difficult to find fault with, and any small marks which may be present are probably light enough to eliminate with a good polish.
There is a slight patina apparent on some of the bare metal and mechanical parts, such as the forks, but it is only superficial and does not impair the function of anything.
There is a slight patina apparent on some of the bare metal and mechanical parts, such as the forks, but it is only superficial and does not impair the function of anything.
A few superficial marks are apparent in the plastic parts, i.e. the rear-view mirrors and indicator housings. Some of these have some very light scratches on them and the nearside indicator glass has been lightly scraped, but they still present in generally very good condition.
The only instance of damage which is really of note concerns the ‘Daytona Triple Fuel Injection’ decal on the nearside, which has possibly been scraped and shows just some light damage on the surface.
It really is minor and is not at all easy to notice unless you look very closely, but these decals are very cheap and easy to replace, anyhow.
It really is minor and is not at all easy to notice unless you look very closely, but these decals are very cheap and easy to replace, anyhow.
The seat is truly wonderful, and if it weren’t for the mileage reading we could well believe it had never been sat on.
Although photographed in its single-seater guise, the panel behind the rider’s seat is removable and included with the sale is a pillion seat, which has obviously been very rarely used, to go in its place.
Although photographed in its single-seater guise, the panel behind the rider’s seat is removable and included with the sale is a pillion seat, which has obviously been very rarely used, to go in its place.
The Mechanics
- Powerful three-cylinder engine partly designed by Lotus
- Said by the vendor to be in good running order
- Last MoTed in 2018 with no advisories
- Sold with a spare exhaust silencer
While it’s true that a vehicle’s cosmetic condition does not necessarily reflect its mechanical condition, the fact that this Daytona is all-original goes to show that it has been very well cared-for across its life, and that suggests to us that it must be in fine mechanical fettle.
We know that it has seen extremely limited use in the 24 years it’s been around, and there are some invoices to show that money has been spent when necessary.
While most of the engine is covered, what we can see of the frame, suspension and brakes looks very good and the bike’s MoT history would suggest that they are.
MoTed every year between 2006 and 2018 without failure and with only very few advisories, it seems probable that it would sail straight through the next test for which it is presented.
While most of the engine is covered, what we can see of the frame, suspension and brakes looks very good and the bike’s MoT history would suggest that they are.
MoTed every year between 2006 and 2018 without failure and with only very few advisories, it seems probable that it would sail straight through the next test for which it is presented.
While lack of use can sometimes cause problems of its own, we are assured by the vendor that this bike starts and runs well, and based on what we have seen of it we can see no reason why it should not be ready to take to the road all over again.
Since the bike has been largely static for four years, there is the possibility that it will need some recommissioning, but we would be very surprised if it requires anything more than a straightforward service.
Bidders will be pleased to note that the sale includes a spare exhaust silencer.
Summary
Sports bikes have always been popular with motorcycling enthusiasts and, although many of them are cherished from new, they do tend to be ridden quite hard.
Not this one, though. It’s had an extremely easy life, and its condition reflects that. We think you’ll be hard-pressed to find one that’s as original as this, let alone as well-preserved.
Not this one, though. It’s had an extremely easy life, and its condition reflects that. We think you’ll be hard-pressed to find one that’s as original as this, let alone as well-preserved.
The Daytona T595 represented an important chapter in Triumph’s history, but they remain affordable for the time being.
We’d recommend placing some bids on this one before that starts to change.
Notice to bidders
We’d recommend placing some bids on this one before that starts to change.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
